Data centres must run continuously, and every installation, replacement or maintenance operation has to be carried out quickly and without putting people or equipment at risk. Enterprise servers, storage systems and UPS battery modules can be considerably heavy, and installing them manually in an IT rack is difficult, especially at the upper levels or in the narrow aisles of a data centre. Hovmand Cloud Lifter provides a dedicated solution for lifting, transporting and precisely positioning this equipment.
Good to know
The Hovmand Cloud Lifter range handles IT equipment of up to 300 kg and can be operated by a single person, reducing the risk of injury and of damaging servers in the narrow aisles of the data centre.
Why is manual server handling difficult?
A server must be picked up, transported to the rack, lifted to the correct height and precisely aligned with the mounting rails. For heavy equipment, these operations frequently require two or more people. The awkward posture, the weight of the equipment and the limited space can lead to:
-
!
Physical strain — heavy load on the back, arms and shoulders. -
!
Injury to technical staff — high risk when repeatedly lifting heavy loads. -
!
Knocking or dropping the server — damaging the rack or neighbouring equipment. -
!
Longer intervention times — installation and maintenance that tie up several people. -
!
Lack of extra staff — a problem when the intervention is urgent.
“The high value of IT equipment turns even a minor error into a costly incident.”
— Imark Sistem
What is a Cloud Lifter?
A Cloud Lifter is a mobile lifting device designed specifically for data centres. It picks up the equipment on a platform, raises it electrically to the required position and allows precise alignment in front of the rack, with no sudden movements and without the technician having to support the full weight by hand. Hovmand solutions can be used to handle:
Servers and storage
Enterprise servers and storage systems mounted in racks.
Switches and networking
Network equipment and modular IT components.
Batteries and UPS modules
Heavy battery modules for UPS systems.
Other heavy equipment
Any heavy equipment installed in an IT rack.
Single-person server installation
One of the main advantages of the Hovmand Cloud Lifter range is that many operations can be performed by a single technician. The operator moves the device up to the rack, raises the platform to the desired height and aligns the server with the mounting rails. Fixed, front or side-shift platforms allow you to choose the right configuration for your data centre layout.
This approach reduces the dependence on a second person being available and helps the technical team carry out planned or urgent interventions more efficiently.
1
operator sufficient for most interventions
300 kg
maximum lifting capacity (E300 model)
60U
reach at height with the telescopic model
Capacities for different types of IT equipment
The Hovmand range includes several configurations, chosen according to the weight and dimensions of the equipment, the rack height, the aisle width and the direction in which servers are inserted into the rack.
| Model | Capacity | Rack reach | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go Cloud Lifter | up to 70 kg | up to ~38U | everyday tasks, compact model |
| 130 Cloud Lifter | up to 130 kg | 1U – 42U | standard data centres, versatile |
| 200 Cloud Lifter | up to 200 kg | 1U – 42U | enterprise servers, heavier equipment |
| E300 Cloud Lifter | up to 300 kg | demanding applications | modular systems, heavy batteries |
| Telescopic Cloud Lifter | up to 150 kg | up to 60U | reach at height, passing through standard doors |
The telescopic mast passes through standard doors and extends afterwards to reach installations of up to 60U.
Imark recommendation
Choosing the model is not just about weight. Also check the aisle width, the rack height and the direction in which servers are inserted. An application assessment ensures the device and platform are configured correctly.
All specifications in a single document
Download the Hovmand Cloud Lifter brochure with technical details for every model.
Benefits for data centre operators
-
✓
Increased safety — the weight of the server is supported by the device, reducing physical effort and the risk of injury. -
✓
Equipment protection — electric lifting and controlled positioning reduce the risk of knocks, tilting or dropping. -
✓
Precise installation — the equipment is brought to rail height and held stable during mounting. -
✓
Better productivity — more interventions can be carried out by a single operator, freeing up colleagues’ time. -
✓
Use in tight spaces — models and platforms selected for technical aisles and access through standard doors. -
✓
Operational availability — safer and faster handling reduces intervention time on critical infrastructure.
Where can a server lifting device be used?
The solution is aimed at data centre and colocation operators, telecommunications companies, cloud service providers, IT infrastructure integrators, financial institutions, hospitals and public institutions, companies with their own data centres and teams that install and maintain UPS systems. The Cloud Lifter can be used both in large data centres and in server rooms or edge infrastructure.
How to select the right configuration?
Before choosing a solution, it helps to review the following steps:
-
1
Maximum weight — of the servers or batteries being handled. -
2
Equipment dimensions — for compatibility with the platform. -
3
Maximum rack height — determines the reach needed in U. -
4
Aisle and door width — for manoeuvrability in technical spaces. -
5
Insertion direction — of the equipment into the rack (front or side). -
6
Platform type — fixed, front or side-shift. -
7
Frequency of operations — of installation and maintenance in the data centre.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How can Imark Sistem help?
Imark Sistem supplies Hovmand solutions in Romania for the ergonomic and safe handling of servers, UPS batteries and IT components. Alongside the lifting equipment, we can support you with transport and handling solutions tailored to technical spaces, as well as service and technical support throughout the equipment’s lifetime. Our team can help you with:
-
✓
Application assessment — evaluating the handling operations in your data centre. -
✓
Model and platform selection — suited to your equipment. -
✓
Compatibility check — with your existing racks and spaces. -
✓
Solution demonstration — at your site or in a test environment. -
✓
Quote and technical support — throughout the equipment’s lifetime.
Configure the Hovmand solution for your data centre
Contact Imark Sistem for an assessment of your handling operations and a Cloud Lifter model recommendation.
