Montolit gripsters

Montolit is a long-established Italian manufacturer of tile installation tools. The brand from Italy is represented in the comparison with 3 models, which according to the data sheet are also made in Italy. The range extends from a manual vacuum gripper to a cordless unit.

Model range

2 models are round, 1 is oval. The 300-76 hand pump vacuum gripper with a 20 cm (8-inch) suction plate costs €81. Its safety gauge shows when adhesion is weakening, and it is sold for large-format tiles. The Geco with a 220 mm suction plate costs €195 and is rated at 125 kg. It has a red rubber seal that, according to the data sheet, leaves no marks, and comes with a bag and a case.

The only electric model is the oval GECONE cordless vacuum lifter for €278 with two swappable batteries, a charger and a carrying case.

Prices and load capacity

Prices range from €81 to €278. The median is €195, well above the €68 median across all 519 offers. The data list a load capacity only for the Geco: 125 kg.

Features

2 of the 3 models are manual vacuum lifters with a hand pump, 1 uses a removable battery. No offer mentions USB-C charging. There is no digital display, and the 300-76 hand pump model relies on a gauge. All seals are rubber, and none of the units offers a vibration function.

Who are these lifters for?

The manual models are aimed at tile setters who prefer a vacuum lifter, often called a gripster in the trade, without batteries and charging cycles. The comparison Electric vs. manual shows the pros and cons of both drive types. The Geco's mark-free seal is an advantage on delicate surfaces. If you lay large formats, you will find tips in the guide Laying large-format tiles with vacuum lifters. With hand pump units, the rule applies: check the gauge or display before every lift and pump again if the vacuum weakens.