Grab-type lifter with vacuum-assisted lift pads

A method for providing grab-type lifting with a vacuum material lifter (10), the method comprising:

• providing the vacuum material lifter including:
• a frame (20) containing a vacuum pump (70);
• an arm (30) located on each of two opposing sides (21) of the frame, each arm including an upper (31) and a lower end (39), the upper end pivotally connected to the frame;
• the method further comprising:
• in a first lifting application, pivotally connecting a vacuum pad to each of the arms at first predetermined location along each arm, the vacuum pads being in a first orientation after the pivotally connecting;
• in a second lifting application different than the first lifting application, fixedly connecting the vacuum pad to each of the arms at a second predetermined location along each arm, the vacuum pads being in a second orientation different than that of the first orientation;
• and
• wherein in the first and second lifting applications, the method further comprises:
• pivoting the arms toward and away from one another between a first position and a second position different from the first position to place the vacuum pads in contact with an object in first location;
• and
• after the contact, applying a vacuum to the vacuum pads and lifting the object;
• after the lifting, placing the object in a second location
• after the placing, removing the vacuum to the vacuum pads and releasing the object.