A vacuum lifter for a moving load having an adhesion surface comprising at least one suction head having several annular seals projecting from its suction side and forming vacuum spaces enclosed by the seals. The vacuum spaces communicate with a vacuum source. The vacuum source communicates through valves with the outer vacuum space. The valves are controlled by sensors detecting the magnitude of the adhesion surface of the load. In order to prevent impulsive detachment and especially unwanted renewed lifting of the load after it has been deposited, a compressed-air system associated with at least one of the vacuum spaces and a control system turns ON and OFF the compressed-air system in order to initially raise the pressure to atmospheric and to thereafter generate a positive pressure air cushion separating the lifter from the load.