This section provides an overview for pneumatic balancers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 18 pneumatic balancer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked pneumatic balancer companies as of November, 2024: 1.MANI-BO Manipolatori Industriali, 2.AirTechnology Srl, 3.ZASCHE handling.
Table of Contents
A Pneumatic Balancer is a device for handling heavy objects.
It is a device that assists the operator in lifting, turning, and moving heavy objects, and is sometimes called a balancer or hand crane.
Pneumatic Balancers are usually fixed to the floor or ceiling and do not operate unless external force is applied. Pneumatic Balancers can be moved within their range of motion by grasping the handle and applying light force in the desired direction.
Since the operator does not need to exert much force when lifting heavy objects, the operator can move heavy objects as if handling a lightweight object.
Pneumatic Balancers are often used at workplaces where handling heavy objects is difficult with large equipment such as cranes and inverters, or when automation with robot arms or other devices would be dangerous to workers.
They are used at sites with a lot of human traffic because they do not operate when no external force is applied, and they do not perform active movements other than those intended by the worker.
There is also a type of Pneumatic Balancer that can be mounted on a ceiling rail, which is useful for transporting heavy objects over long distances while they are being lifted.
Variable force, etc., can be set by air pressure for the air type and by electric power for the electric type.
In the air type, the air cylinder works to counteract the weight of the workpiece, allowing the operator to move the workpiece without being aware of its weight.
Balance is taken by the air cylinder and air control circuit. The pilot regulator adjusts the pressure in the air cylinder according to the load, no load, or vertical movement of the arm to maintain the necessary pressure for balancing.
Once balanced, the workpiece can be moved freely.
When a load is lifted, the balance is automatically switched from no-load to load by feeding back the cylinder internal pressure to the control circuit.
This makes it possible to handle loads of different weights at random.
By setting the pressure for load and no-load in advance, the pressure can be switched and balanced.
This control is effective for continuous transfer of the same weight.
Some models can be fitted with attachments. More advanced functions can be realized by interlocking the attachment operation with the main unit control.
Functions that enhance workability and safety can be implemented, such as automatically balancing the load when the attachment is held, or locking the attachment while the load is balanced.
Pneumatic Balancers are broadly classified into three categories: installation method, driving method, and degree of freedom, each of which is different from the others.
For installation, there are floor-mounted types, ceiling-fixed types, and types that are mounted on ceiling rails. The choice should be made in consideration of the installation range and the range of movement.
There are two types of drive methods: pneumatic and electric. The pneumatic type can be used simply by connecting high-pressure air, while the electric type has the advantages of support force setting and complex control.
Another advantage of the pneumatic type is that it is safe, as it does not generate motor heat or sparks.
Both drive methods are equipped with a function to hold a heavy object in the same position when the operator removes his/her hand from the supported object. There is also a drive method called hybrid barraman that combines air and electricity.
There are two types of freedom: 1-axis and 2-axis types. 1-axis type has a doughnut-shaped movable area because it simply swivels around the installation position, while 2-axis type has a circular movable area because its height can be adjusted by bending its arm.
Pneumatic Balancer also offers a variety of attachments for various applications, such as those with vacuum suction, fork-shaped attachments, and attachments with a reversing mechanism.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Festo Corp., originally established in 1925 in Germany, has offices worldwide and is a manufacturer and direct supplier of automation solutions for OEMs. The company produces and sells pneumatic and electrical control systems, drive technology for factories, and process automation. Examples include fittings, actuators, sensors, vacuum technology, pneumatic power modules, electrical control technology, integrated systems, and accessories. They have also expanded into robot control systems. Their custom services include the design, engineering, and production of partial and complete automation control process lines for OEM clients.
Columbus McKinnon Corporation, founded in 1875 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of intelligent motion products used for automation, conveyance, lifting, and linear motion. Its product range includes handheld transmitters, flexible chain conveyors, lever hoists, industrial linear actuators, and pallet systems used in several industries, including aerospace, entertainment, automotive, metals production, and pharmaceutical. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has manufacturing facilities across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. It has several brands, including STAHL Crane Systems, Dorner Conveyors, Duff-Norton, Magnetek, and Unified Industries.
Daiichi Jitsugyo America, Inc., established in 1972 in Wood Dale, Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer of machinery and equipment across various industries. The company offers advanced machinery and equipment for energy and plant facilities, industrial machinery, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and aviation sectors. It holds ISO 9001 certification for optimal product quality and stability. Its products provide numerous benefits, such as enhanced operational efficiency, productivity, and technological advancements, leading to reduced downtime and increased profitability for clients. These solutions find application in a wide array of industries, resulting in the growth and success of the energy, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and aerospace sectors.
Positech Corporation is based in Laurens, Iowa, USA, and is a manufacturer of material handling equipment for the industrial sector established in 1982 as a part of the ACT Group. The company’s product lineup includes ergonomic lift assists for positioning heavy loads with unique shapes, and industrial manipulators such as hydraulic and pneumatic models that are rated for loads of up to 1,000lbs. The company also provides a range of support services for its clients, including installation, maintenance, and personnel training.
Knight Global, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is an ergonomic material handling manufacturer established in 1984. The company's responsive handling solutions provide precision, speed, quality, and reliability, essential for efficient production. The company has grown with over 250 team members and a 227,000-square-foot facility, making it capable of designing, manufacturing, and building handling solutions entirely in-house. Its product line includes jib cranes, lift assists, servo systems, torque tubes, and pneumatic balancers. These ergonomic tools cater to brands including Hyundai, Ford, Tesla, Toyota, and more.
Ergonomic Partners is a branch of Tri-State Overhead Crane, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Ergonomic Partners has a 50-year history as a turnkey solution manufacturer for material handling applications. Ergonomic Partners provides customer solutions for repetitive lifting application, precise product placement, and awkward load handling. Additionally, Ergonomic Partners provides off-the-shelf ergonomic material handling and workstation equipment with custom designed and engineered handling devices and special equipment solutions. Custom lifting devices include ergonomic lift assists, easy arms, manipulator arms, vacuum lifters, tool balancers and more
Materials Handling Systems Inc., founded in 1986 with headquarters in West Hartford, Connecticut, USA, is a full-service distributor of material handling equipment and tools. The company's products include a range of overhead cranes, conveyors, lift tables, pallet handling units, and loading dock gates, among numerous others. The company also offers custom equipment planning and engineered integration to provide clients with custom material handling solutions. The company serves various markets, including manufacturing, logistics and distribution, packaging, and agriculture.
San-ei Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., founded in 1925 and based in Fukushima, Japan is a manufacturer of rock drills, air motors, air winches, air balancers and other pneumatic machinery for heavy industries, petrochemical industries, and general industries. The manufactured products are designed through their pneumatic technologies such as general-purpose air motor, material handling equipment, labor-saving machine and custom-made specialized machines. The company has offices in Fukushima, Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, and they are in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD).
ENDO KOGYO CO.LTD, founded in Niigata, Japan, in 1931 is a manufacturer of Spring Balancers Air Hoist, and Air Balancers. The company's product portfolio includes Cable Reels, Slip rings, Crushers, self-locks and rail systems. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
AirTechnology Srl, established in 2004 and based in Reggiolo, Italy, is a manufacturer of pneumatic and electric tools for assembly. The company offers multiple ranges of products, including screwdrivers, nutrunners, impact wrenches, and electric assembly tools. It has ISO 9001 certification for the precision and stability of the products. Its tools provide benefits such as increased productivity, improved assembly accuracy, and reduced operator fatigue. These tools find applications across various industries, including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, and general manufacturing, where precise and efficient assembly processes are critical.
ZASCHE, founded in 1993 and based in Nordlingen, Germany, is a manufacturer of industrial handling and ergonomics equipment. The company manufactures a comprehensive range of products, including lifting systems, conveyor technology, and ergonomic workplace equipment. It holds ISO 9001 certification, and the equipment provides significant benefits such as increased workplace safety, enhanced ergonomics, and improved productivity by simplifying the handling of materials. These products find applications in various industries, including automotive manufacturing, logistics, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, where efficient material handling and ergonomic workstations are essential.
Manibo, established in 2008 and headquartered in Casalecchio di Reno, Italy, is a manufacturer of industrial manipulators. The company specializes in manufacturing pneumatic industrial manipulators, lifting cylinders, and rope balancers. It is ISO 9001 certified for meeting rigorous standards for stability and performance. Its pneumatic manipulators and rope balancers provide numerous benefits, including improved ergonomics, enhanced workplace safety, and increased productivity by assisting in lifting and handling heavy loads. These solutions find applications across various industries, such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and material handling, where efficient load manipulation is essential.
Absolute Handling Systems, established in 2007 and based in Dublin, Ireland, is a manufacturer of material handling and lifting equipment. The company specializes in the manufacturing of various lifting and handling equipment, including overhead cranes, jib cranes, hoists, and vacuum lifting systems. It holds ISO 9001 certification for stability and performance. The benefits of its equipment include increased productivity, optimal workplace safety, and efficient material handling. It serves a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction and building, aerospace, and logistics, where the equipment plays a vital role in material handling and process efficiency.
Headquartered in Qingdao, China, Dawson Group Limited is a well-known lifting and rigging company.They were founded in 1996 and manufacture cargo control products, cargo lashing systems, synthetic slings lifting sling products, and car trailer accessories. They are an ISO 9001-certified company and specialize in lifting and hoisting equipment, ratchet tie-down and lashing equipment, material handling, rigging hardware, and other products. All their products are produced under strict quality control standards and are generally CE, TUV, and GS certified.
Demag Cranes & Components Corp., founded in 1968 and based in Wetter, Germany, specializes in producing industrial cranes, hoists, and crane components. Its product lineup includes a range of offerings such as crane kits, enclosed rail crane systems, enclosed rail monorail systems, rope hoists, and chain hoists. The company's offerings cater to diverse industrial needs, providing efficient solutions for material handling, lifting, and transport, thereby enhancing operational productivity and safety across various sectors.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | MANI-BO Manipolatori Industriali |
10.8%
|
2 | AirTechnology Srl |
9.8%
|
3 | ZASCHE handling |
8.8%
|
4 | Daiichi Jitsugyo America, Inc. |
8.8%
|
5 | Positech Corporation |
6.9%
|
6 | Knight Global |
6.9%
|
7 | Ergonomic Partners |
6.9%
|
8 | Columbus McKinnon Corporation |
5.9%
|
9 | Festo |
5.9%
|
10 | Absolute Handling Systems |
4.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the pneumatic balancer page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 8 | 47.1% |
Japan | 2 | 11.8% |
Italy | 2 | 11.8% |
Germany | 2 | 11.8% |
Ireland | 1 | 5.9% |
China | 1 | 5.9% |
Canada | 1 | 5.9% |
9 products are listed.
Hachihachi House
・ Gauge that is hard to wear ・ Unique computer board ・ New body structure equipped with a tool storage unit ・ It is possible to balance the foil fo...
Miyake AB
30+ people viewing
A simple cylinder -shaped air balancer, the hooks at the tip of the piston rod are raised and exhausted by the supply and exhaust of compressed air...
UNITOOL
30+ people viewing
■ Features of air balancer Jinmerman's air balancer is a lift that lifts the work tools and the work at the time of assembling instead of the whist...