Lifting equipment for the safe, damage-free lifting of metal and plastic flat sheets/plates, etc. The operating and control components (the slide valve and gauge) are mounted near the handgrip for reasons of safety, so that after the vacuum beam has been switched on the operator can immediately check the system for efficient vacuum. An electronic monitoring unit is mounted according to safety requirements. The unit consists of a hanging suspension with main beam to which the adjustable cross beams are fixed. The suction cups, with ball and socket joints, are suspended from the beams with spring adjustment. The main and cross beams are hot galvanised. The hanging suspension is painted to RAL 1007 (Yellow). The unit will be delivered fully operational and complete with an electrical cable and 16A-CEE plug. The power supply can be offered to the Vacuum unit from an optional cable drum attached to the lifting unit.