Stuck to a Boulder: The GRABO HighFlow Cordless Vacuum Lifter in Action

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• On the Boulder
• On the Sidewalk
• Specs and Kit from GRABO
• Who It’s For
• Final Thoughts
• FAQ

Introduction

Guys, check this out. They call it the GRABO. In this clip our editors take the GRABO HighFlow, a cordless electric vacuum lifter, outside and stick it to a big rock in the yard and then to a concrete sidewalk. Neither one is a smooth, flat surface, and that’s the point.

On the Boulder

Dan sets the suction plate on top of the boulder, turns it on, and lets the pump pull a vacuum. Then he pulls on the T-bar handle from different angles. Look at that. It’s on there, and it’s not going anywhere. He’s not trying to lift the rock, which he guesses is around 3,000 pounds. It’s just a quick way to show how well the plate seals on a rough, uneven surface.

On the Sidewalk

Next it goes on the sidewalk, where Dan grabs the handle and walks it around. In the clip he says that on a flat surface you can lift up to about 150 pounds, and that on a very flat surface you’ll get even more grip. He also points out the gauge on the front, which tells you how much pressure (in bar) you’ve got.

Specs and Kit from GRABO

GRABO describes the HighFlow as its most powerful vacuum lifter, built for extremely porous materials like dry cast pavers, rough concrete, raw timber and untreated stone. GRABO lists a rated air flow of 1,500 L/min (1.5 m³/min) and a maximum vacuum of 0.19 bar (2.7 psi). The tool shows real-time PSI or bar pressure on its display, and the pump cycles automatically to keep the seal.

GRABO rates the HighFlow to lift up to 150 lbs (68 kg) with the included 300 mm suction plate, and up to 242 lbs (110 kg) with the optional 400 mm (16 in. x 16 in.) suction plate. It runs on GRABO’s 20V (18V in the EU) 5.0 Ah battery, with a listed working time of about 30 minutes per full charge, and weighs 6.4 lbs with the 300 mm plate and battery.

GRABO says the kit includes the HighFlow tool, the 300 mm suction plate with a SMART CUT foam seal, two batteries, a charger, a T-bar handle attachment with a wired remote ON/OFF cable, a spare 300 mm foam seal, an extra filter, the manual and a canvas carrying case. Full details are on the official GRABO HighFlow page, and the larger plate is on GRABO’s Suction Plate 400 page. You can also find the GRABO HighFlow on Amazon (affiliate, we may earn a commission).

Who It’s For

Hardscapers and paver installers are the obvious fit, since GRABO built the HighFlow and its T-bar handle around laying outdoor pavers. In the clip Dan also mentions tile, sheetrock, plywood and drywall. Browse more specialty tool reviews, landscaping tools and concrete and masonry tools, or see the hardscaping tools from Equip Exposition.

Final Thoughts

Sticking a vacuum lifter to a boulder is a good way to show what a high-flow pump can do on rough, porous surfaces. Always stay within GRABO’s rated loads for the plate you’re using, and follow the operator’s manual.

FAQ

What is the GRABO HighFlow?

A cordless electric vacuum lifter from GRABO, designed to grip extremely porous materials like dry cast pavers, rough concrete and stone.

How much can the GRABO HighFlow lift?

GRABO rates it at up to 150 lbs (68 kg) with the included 300 mm suction plate and up to 242 lbs (110 kg) with the optional 400 mm plate.

Did they lift the boulder in the video?

No. Dan sticks the HighFlow to the boulder to show the seal, but he doesn’t try to lift the rock, which he estimates at around 3,000 pounds.

What battery does it use?

GRABO’s 20V (18V in the EU) 5.0 Ah battery. GRABO lists about 30 minutes of working time per full charge, and the kit comes with two batteries.

What comes in the kit?

The HighFlow tool, a 300 mm suction plate with SMART CUT foam seal, two batteries, a charger, a T-bar handle with wired remote ON/OFF cable, a spare seal, an extra filter, the manual and a carrying case.