Probst VH-1/25 Vacuum Handy Lifter – Up to 25KG

The Probst VH-1/25 Vacuum Handy Lifter is one of the best manual vacuum lifters on the market for porcelain and smooth stone paving — an excellent example of simple, practical German engineering that just works on site. It’s a product our customers consistently come back to tell us they’re delighted with: fast to use, no power source needed, and genuinely makes slab installation cleaner and more accurate.

Rated to lift up to 25 kg, compatible with non-porous smooth or slightly textured slabs, with a 280mm suction plate and fingertip release valve — the VH-1/25 is a professional-strength vacuum lifter that’s equally at home on a domestic driveway or a large commercial porcelain terrace.

We’re a small, family-run business — I’m Cleo, the owner, with over 25 years in the construction industry working with businesses including Tarmac and Instarmac. I work alongside a team of incredibly knowledgeable and caring individuals, and between us we’ve seen a lot of lifting equipment come and go. The Probst VH-1/25 is one we recommend without hesitation for anyone regularly installing porcelain paving.

For one-person handling of slabs up to 25 kg, the VH-1/25 is all you need. If you’re working with larger or heavier formats, the optional VH2-HG Two Person Handle attaches to the VH-1/25 and doubles the working load limit to 50 kg for two-person carrying — available separately on our website.

Important: The VH-1/25 is designed for non-porous materials only. Highly porous, heavily textured, dirty or damaged surfaces may not provide a reliable vacuum seal. Not suitable for use above ground level.

How the VH-1/25 Works

The VH-1/25 uses a vacuum seal between the lifting device and the surface of the slab. Once pressed flat onto a suitable non-porous surface, the vacuum is established and the operator can lift and move the material using the handle. To release, the fingertip valve cancels the vacuum once the slab is safely supported in its final position. Never release the vacuum while the load is unsupported.

How to Use the VH-1/25

1. Check the sealing surface is clean and in good condition before use.
2. Place the VH-1/25 suction seal flat onto the surface of the non-porous slab.
3. Press the unit down firmly to generate the vacuum — no power source is required.
4. Confirm a reliable vacuum has been established before lifting.
5. Use the handle to lift and carry the slab into position.
6. Operate the fingertip release valve only once the slab is fully supported.

Key Features

• Manual vacuum suction — no power source required
• One-person handling up to 25 kg
• Optional VH2-HG Two Person Handle available separately — increases WLL to 50 kg
• Accurate installation with minimal joint gaps
• Previously laid slabs can be lifted and repositioned
• Ergonomic working position for safer handling
• Fingertip release valve for controlled slab placement
• Replaceable seal ring — quick change without glue
• Durable galvanised surface protection
• Ground level use only

Technical Specifications

• WLL (one person): 25 kg / 55 lbs
• WLL with VH2-HG (two person): 50 kg / 110 lbs
• Dead Weight: 5 kg / 11 lbs
• Suction Plate Diameter: 280 mm / 11 inches
• Vacuum generation: Manual, by surface pressure
• Suitable for: Non-porous slabs only (e.g. porcelain paving, smooth concrete)
• Not suitable for: Porous, riven or heavily textured slabs
• Designed for ground level use only

Usage & Care Guidance

• Use only on clean, dry, non-porous surfaces
• Always place the lifter flat on the slab surface — never on edges
• Never release the vacuum while the load is unsupported
• Store the unit laid sideways to protect the seal
• Regularly inspect the sealing surface, handles and fixings for damage or wear
• The seal ring is replaceable without glue
• Follow Probst’s maintenance and inspection requirements

Probst VH-1/25 FAQ

I’m Cleo, owner of The Paving Experts, with over 25 years in the construction industry working with businesses including Tarmac and Instarmac. I work alongside a small team of incredibly knowledgeable and caring individuals who share the same passion for getting it right. The answers below come from questions we’re asked every day about the Probst VH-1/25 and VH2-HG.

What is the Probst VH-1/25?

The Probst VH-1/25 is a compact manual vacuum lifting device designed for handling suitable non-porous paving slabs and other compatible materials. We recommend it as a practical, cost-effective solution for making the handling of porcelain and smooth stone paving easier and more efficient on site.

Can one person use the Probst VH-1/25?

Yes. The VH-1/25 is designed for single-person operation within its working load limit of 25 kg. If you need to handle heavier slabs, the optional VH2-HG Two Person Handle — sold separately — converts it to a two-person configuration with a 50 kg working load limit.

What is the lifting capacity of the Probst VH-1/25?

The VH-1/25 has a working load limit of 25 kg in single-person configuration. When used with the VH2-HG Two Person Handle in the appropriate two-person configuration, the working load limit increases to 50 kg. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and ensure the material being lifted is suitable for vacuum handling before use.

What materials can the Probst VH-1/25 lift?

The VH-1/25 is designed for suitable non-porous materials where the vacuum seal can form correctly — this includes porcelain paving slabs, smooth concrete products and other compatible non-porous materials. Always check the surface condition and porosity before lifting. Highly porous, heavily textured, dirty or damaged surfaces may not provide a reliable vacuum seal.

Can the Probst VH-1/25 lift paving slabs?

Yes — the VH-1/25 is designed for handling suitable paving slabs and other compatible non-porous materials. Choosing the right handling equipment makes moving and laying larger or heavier paving products considerably easier and safer.

Is the Probst VH-1/25 suitable for porous paving?

No. Vacuum lifters require a suitable non-porous surface to create and maintain a reliable seal. Highly porous or heavily textured paving — such as riven sandstone — is not suitable for the VH-1/25. If you’re unsure whether a particular slab can be vacuum lifted, give us a call and we’ll help you work it out.

Is the Probst VH-1/25 suitable for two-person lifting?

Yes — the VH-1/25 can be configured for two-person operation using the Probst VH2-HG Two Person Handle, sold separately. This allows two operators to share the handling of suitable loads up to 50 kg within the manufacturer’s specified working load limit.

What is the difference between the Probst VH-1/25 and the VH2-HG?

The VH-1/25 is the vacuum lifting device itself — it creates the suction and does the lifting. The VH2-HG is a separate add-on carrying handle that attaches to the VH-1/25 to provide a second carrying position for two-person operation. The VH2-HG cannot be used without the VH-1/25 — it is an accessory only, sold separately.

Can the Probst VH-1/25 be used to lift paving above head height?

No. The VH-1/25 is intended for handling applications close to ground level only and should not be used outside the manufacturer’s specified operating conditions. If you’re unsure whether your application is suitable, check the Probst operating instructions before use.

What should I check before using a Probst vacuum lifter?

Before every lifting operation, check the following:

• The equipment shows no visible damage or excessive wear
• The sealing surface is clean and in good condition
• The slab is suitable for vacuum lifting (non-porous, clean, undamaged surface)
• The load is within the specified working load limit
• The handle and fixing points are secure
• A reliable vacuum has been established before lifting
• The equipment is being used in accordance with Probst’s operating instructions

How do I maintain the Probst VH-1/25?

Regularly inspect the VH-1/25 and keep it clean. Pay particular attention to the sealing surface, handles, fixings and other components for signs of damage or wear. The seal ring is replaceable without glue. Follow Probst’s maintenance and inspection requirements to keep the equipment operating correctly.

Can I use the VH2-HG on another Probst vacuum lifter?

The VH2-HG should only be used with equipment and configurations approved by Probst. Compatibility should never be assumed based on the appearance of the mounting points. If you’re unsure, speak to us before purchasing or using additional components.

Still have questions? Get in touch or call us on ☎️ 0330 122 1025 — we’re always happy to help.

• Brand: Probst
• SKU: TPE-PRBSTVPH1/25
• Weight: 51.0 kg / 112.44 lb