DTU improves server lifting with Hovmand Cloud Lifter
When heavy servers meet narrow aisles, safe handling becomes critical.
The challange
Heavy server lifts at narrow aisles and high/low positions
The solution
Slim designed lifter that goes from 1U to 60U
The conclusion
A faster, and safe server positioning with zero back pain
The customer
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is one of Europe’s leading technical universities. Located north of Copenhagen, DTU is known for its cutting-edge research, advanced laboratories, and high-performance IT infrastructure supporting thousands of researchers, students, and scientific projects.
With multiple data centers supporting research computing, effective and reliable server management and maintenance are essential.
At the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), advanced research and digital infrastructure require reliable and efficient data center operations. Managing and maintaining servers in high-density rack environments can be physically demanding and time-consuming without the right equipment.
To improve both ergonomics and operational efficiency, DTU implemented Hovmand Cloud Lifters to handle server installation and replacement.
“With the Cloud Lifter, we can now place a server from the very low U’s and up to 42U, just one person. We think that's brilliant!”
– Peter Engskov, Data Center Specialist, DTU
The challenge – Handling heavy servers in tight spaces
Replacing or installing servers in data centers is not only technically demanding. It is also physically challenging. Servers can easily weigh up to 60 kg (or more), and they often need to be installed at heights in racks of up to 42U.
The consequence? Manual lifting quickly becomes unsafe and inefficient.
“I have tried lifting servers up to 60 kg and placing them in a 42U rack. You can do that once or twice, but you cannot do that for long, because you are ruining your back.”
– Peter Engskov, Data Center Specialist, DTU
Additionally, data center layouts often make teamwork difficult due to narrow aisles between racks.
“Often it is also not easy to fit that many people around the server with the narrow spaces between the racks and aisles.”
The solution – Cloud Lifters
To solve these challenges, DTU implemented the Hovmand Cloud Lifter, a mobile battery-operated lifting solution designed specifically for data center environments.
The Cloud Lifter enables technicians to lift, position, and install heavy servers safely and precisely, even at the highest rack positions.
“By having this Cloud Lifter, we can now change a server faster, even as a single person.”
The equipment allows a single technician to install or remove servers from the lowest rack units all the way up to 42U without manual strain. A task that often would have required more people.
To accommodate all heights, the Cloud Lifters are designed to reach even the lowest positions, with their service range from 1U to 60U.
The results
- One-person operation
No need to wait for additional colleagues. - Higher efficiency
Faster server replacement and installation. - Reduced physical strain
Eliminates heavy manual lifting and improves ergonomics.
- Fits narrow aisles
Well-suited for tight data center environments. -
Designed for data centres
ESD-protection, tools that serve positioning servers from all angles
(front- and side sliding and raiser boxes), securing features and holders for tools and laptops.
Looking to improve server handling in your data center?
Talk to Oliver – Data Centre Specialist