Vetter S.TEC and C.TEC pneumatic rescue airbags use compressed air to generate powerful, controlled lifting force — raising collapsed structures, overturned vehicles, heavy machinery, and industrial loads with precision and safety. Certified to EN 13204, the international standard for pneumatic lifting bags used in rescue operations. Africa for Import and Export LLC-FZ is the authorised distributor for Africa, the Middle East and Gulf.
Vetter High-Pressure Lifting Bags
Kevlar-reinforced rubber airbags for structural rescue, vehicle extrication, and industrial lifting. Stackable for increased height. Operating temperature: -40°C to +80°C.
| Lifting capacity | 8 to 148 tonnes (range of sizes) |
| Working pressure | 8 bar |
| Construction | Kevlar-reinforced rubber |
| Stackable | Yes — dual-bag kits available |
| Temperature range | -40°C to +80°C |
Lifting Bags
Vetter Low-Pressure Lifting Bags
For large surface area lifting and fragile structures where high pressure would cause damage. Ideal for aircraft recovery, concrete slab lifting, and stabilising collapsed structures without secondary damage.
| Working pressure | 0.5 bar |
| Lifting capacity | Up to 100 tonnes |
| Ideal for | Aircraft, slab lifting, fragile structures |
Key Applications
- Vehicle extrication — cars, trucks, buses, trains
- Industrial machinery rescue
- Building collapse and urban search & rescue (USAR)
- Lifting and stabilization of heavy loads
- Mine rescue operations in Africa
- Aircraft recovery and slab lifting (low-pressure)
S.TEC High-Pressure Lifting Bags — Model Range
The Vetter S.TEC series are Kevlar-reinforced rubber pneumatic rescue airbags rated to EN 13204, operating at 8 bar. Minimum entry gap is just 14 mm deflated, making them ideal for confined-space rescue where access is severely restricted. All models are stackable (max 2 bags) for increased lift height.
| Model | Lifting Capacity | Working Pressure | Deflated Height | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S.TEC HP 2 | 2 tonnes (20 kN) | 8 bar | 14 mm | EN 13204, CE |
| S.TEC HP 5 | 5 tonnes (50 kN) | 8 bar | 14 mm | EN 13204, CE |
| S.TEC HP 10 | 10 tonnes (100 kN) | 8 bar | 14 mm | EN 13204, CE |
| S.TEC HP 20 | 20 tonnes (200 kN) | 8 bar | 14 mm | EN 13204, CE |
| S.TEC HP 30 | 30 tonnes (300 kN) | 8 bar | 14 mm | EN 13204, CE |
| S.TEC HP 50 | 50 tonnes (500 kN) | 8 bar | 14 mm | EN 13204, CE |
| S.TEC HP 60 | 60 tonnes (600 kN) | 8 bar | 14 mm | EN 13204, CE |
When two S.TEC bags are stacked, effective lifting capacity is approximately 50% of the smaller bag. Contact us for full stacking performance data.
C.TEC Low-Pressure Lifting Bags
The Vetter C.TEC series are 1-bar low-pressure pneumatic airbags designed for large surface-area lifting where high pressure would risk damaging fragile structures or unevenly distributed loads. Ideal for aircraft recovery, collapsed concrete slab lifting, and stabilising overturned heavy machinery without secondary structural damage.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Working pressure | 1 bar (low-pressure series) |
| Lifting capacity | Up to 100 tonnes |
| Air source | Centrifugal blower / low-pressure compressor |
| Best for | Aircraft recovery, slab lifting, fragile structures |
| Stackable | Yes — max 2 bags |
| Certification | EN 13204, CE |
Control Units & Accessories
- Dual-control units for simultaneous multi-bag operation
- Pressure gauges and safety relief valves
- Carrying cases and transport systems
- Air supply adapters for SCBA and breathing air systems
Why Vetter Lifting Bags for Africa & the Gulf?
Egypt's Civil Defense, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) fire departments, Nigerian oil and gas sector rescue teams, and African mining operations all operate in extreme heat and demanding conditions. Vetter S.TEC pneumatic rescue airbags are designed for exactly this — an operating temperature range of -40°C to +80°C, CE certified to EN 13204, and in active use by fire brigades and civil defense forces across more than 50 countries.
As the authorised distributor for Africa, the Middle East and Gulf, Africa for Import and Export supplies Vetter lifting bags with full documentation, CE certificates of conformity, and after-sales technical support. We handle import customs clearance into Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa — contact us for country-specific pricing and delivery lead times.
High-Pressure vs Low-Pressure Bags
Vetter manufactures two fundamental lifting bag types with complementary applications. High-pressure bags (8 bar) are the workhorse of vehicle extrication and confined space rescue — compact, precise, and compatible with standard BA air supply. Low-pressure bags (0.5 bar) have a larger contact surface and provide gentler, more stable lifting of heavy loads including structural members, heavy machinery, and large commercial vehicles. Many rescue teams operate both types as part of a complete pneumatic lifting kit.
| Feature | High-Pressure | Low-Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Working pressure | 8 bar | 0.5 bar |
| Lifting capacity | 8–148 tonnes | Up to 100 tonnes |
| Inflation height | To 35 cm (size dependent) | To 60 cm (size dependent) |
| Air source | BA cylinder / compressor | Blower / low-pressure compressor |
| Best application | Vehicle extrication, narrow space rescue | Structural collapse, heavy machinery |
| Stackable | Yes — dual-bag kits (max 2) | Yes — dual-bag kits (max 2) |
Vetter Control Units
The Vetter duo control unit is the standard control system for high-pressure lifting operations, allowing two bags to be inflated and controlled simultaneously from a single air source. Precision pressure gauges on each circuit allow the operator to monitor and adjust bag pressure independently — essential for balanced lifting of vehicles or structural members. We supply complete Vetter lifting bag kits including control unit, hoses, bags, and carrying case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Vetter lifting bags do you supply for Africa?
We supply Vetter high-pressure bags (8 bar, 8–148 tonnes), low-pressure bags (0.5 bar, up to 100 tonnes), and complete kits with duo control units and hoses. Both Kevlar-reinforced rubber and ultra-flat series are available. CE certified and supplied with full documentation.
What is the difference between Vetter high-pressure and low-pressure bags?
High-pressure bags (8 bar) are compact and precise — ideal for vehicle extrication and confined space rescue using standard BA air supply. Low-pressure bags (0.5 bar) have a larger contact surface and provide stable lifting of structural members, heavy machinery, and large vehicles. Many teams operate both types.
Can Vetter bags be used with standard BA air?
Yes. High-pressure bags at 8 bar are compatible with regulated BA cylinder air, compressors, and HP hose reel trolleys. The Vetter duo control unit regulates supply and controls two bags simultaneously. Low-pressure bags require a separate blower or low-pressure compressor.
What safety precautions apply to pneumatic lifting bags?
Never stack more than two high-pressure bags. Always support the load on cribbing as lifting progresses. Never place personnel under an unsupported load. Use the duo control to maintain equal pressure in stacked bags. Inspect before each use. Never exceed rated working pressure. We supply Vetter safe use guides.