Abaco opinions

[CTopSolutions]

New user here, and new fabrication shop. We're currently tooling up a fab shop, and looking around I can't help but notice a large price difference between different manufacturers of vacuum lifts. The Abaco SVL100 seems like it will do what we need it to at a fraction of the price of many others (even many used models). Is there anything wrong with Abaco? We're also looking at their clamp, which seems like an industry standard. What makes much more expensive vacuum lifts that much better than the Abaco?

[wkluender]

I'm unfamiliar with the abaco vacuum lifter, but most people recommend manzelli for the price point. We have had an anver for quite a while, but I've been less than thrilled with them. We knew we needed to get parts for it and couldn't get a return call after calling the service line 3 or 4 times. We finally got some parts through a local crane company. I believe Manzelli parts can be ordered through GranQuartz.

Since your new, I would suggest becoming a member. There's a lot more information in the members lounge that's not shared in the general forum.

[Andy Ross]

We use a manzelli. Love it.

[CTopSolutions]

So no opinions on the Abaco? Looks like they're half of the cost of a manzelli. Unless I'm missing something?

[Mark Smith]

Abaco is made in Vietnam, Manzelli is made in Italy. Country of origin has a part in the cost difference.

[Andy Ross]

Doesn't look like it spreads as far as the manzelli. That would be a huge concern for mean. Could just be the picture.

[j.d.seiler]

We have three of them in service (2 doubles and one quad) and like them. Wish they spread a bit further like Andy mentioned. The vacuum powered tilt is a plus. Pads are good they haven’t left any marks on anything either. We have been using them for about 8 years. Hope that helps.

[granitemworld]

We have the vacuum lifter and like it. But dealing with parts lately is being a nightmare i ordered some pads replacements and they sent the wrong parts twice it takes days for somebody to return a phone call or email and sale guy is rude trying to resolve their mistakes, 4 months past still not have the right parts. If you need reliable company look somewhere else.

[CTopSolutions]

Well, I didn't realize that the minimum slab size for this was much wider that most finished countertops (31 1/2"), so now I'm thinking this clamp is out of the running. Unless I'm missing something... is it possible to just have two of the clamps on the piece and still safely move it around? We need a clamp that can load whole slabs onto the bridgesaw, but then can also remove them from there and take them to the cnc. We'd really rather not have to get two clamps to accomplish this.

[j.d.seiler]

Each pad can be turned on or off depending on the size/shape of what you are lifting. Be diligent to check that any pad that is turned off is put back into the on position before picking your next piece. We use our quad to move full slabs but our table tilts so we usually don’t rotate a full slab. Some of the exotics we cut wouldn’t tolerate it.

[Mitch@ASW]

We've had an abaco lifter for years (SVL100). It has been ok for us. As mentioned, it can't span a 30" sink cutout on a piece unless you move the pods out beyond the last pin holes which can be... scary in some instances. It'll grab just about any sized piece, I've lifted raised bars down to 12.75" in height. It struggles with grabbing texture or mesh at times but usually wetting these surfaces helps.

[CTopSolutions]

Mitch: how do you pick up a small piece like that? I thought the pads were pretty large, so they couldn't grab anything under a certain size. Also thought that they couldn't be turned like you can on a Manzelli.

At any rate, I think I've decided on a Manzelli 500kg lifter. There is a used one near me for a decent deal, and I'm now thinking it will serve us much better in the long run.

[CalebCol]

Used A Manzeli years ago, since then gotten Abaco.. i believe granquartz bought manzeli or the rights to sell or something like that.. since then the reduced the two hydraulics that are used to tilt and replaced them with one, the guys i work with say Abaco is the way to go and they've used vacuum lifts for at least 7-8 years. no issues lifting although the arms won't span sinks in most cases theres only been a couple slabs that have folded laying down (136in camel swayed, garbage stone)

[ageless]

We have used Manzelli for several years now. Really want the 5 pad vacuum from Weha.

[Matt Kraft]

We've had an abaco lifter for years (SVL100). It has been ok for us. As mentioned, it can't span a 30" sink cutout on a piece unless you move the pods out beyond the last pin holes which can be... scary in some instances. It'll grab just about any sized piece, I've lifted raised bars down to 12.75" in height. It struggles with grabbing texture or mesh at times but usually wetting these surfaces helps.
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We drilled an extra set of holes out towards the end for spanning sink cutouts.

I have an Abaco 1000 for sale. Needs a couple pcs of tubing replaced. We replaced with a Manzelli.

OP, let me know if you want details on the item I'm selling.

[Dan R.]

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