Freight Lift-Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC's). Ohio

Freight Lifts and Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRC’s)

We are often asked for a safe and efficient method of to transporting parts or materials from one elevation of a building to another. Many times this request is made for transporting parts from the upper level of a Mezzanine to the ground level. They are ideally suited for the safe and efficient movement of materials to a mezzanine, rack storage system with catwalks, or any new or existing upper floor level.

VRCs are safer than using a forklift truck or manpower to move materials between levels and are easier and less costly to operate and maintain than elevators or forklift trucks. They can safely transfer pallet loads, as well as carts and boxes that many not fit on a forklift.

VRCs are classified as a material conveyor and operators are not require to complete OSHA forklift training. One important distinction between a freight lift and elevator; these devices are classified as a material conveyor (not an elevator), no personnel is ever allowed to travel on one of these!

VRC’s are exempt from elevator safety regulations and have their own national code, ASME B20.1 (Safety Requirements for Conveyors and Related Equipment). This is because VRC’s are designed to move materials, not people.

Though it may have a somewhat complicated name, what might seem like a complicated piece of equipment, quite simply is not! Freight Lifts, also known as vertical reciprocating conveyors, provide an exceptional solution for transferring high-capacity freight between mezzanine levels. Our vertical reciprocating conveyor manufacturing solutions provide a safe, economical, and reliable solution for your vertical lifting challenges all within a very small footprint.

VRC’s are made in two basic designs, mechanical and hydraulic. Let’s start with the hydraulic style first…

Hydraulic Cantilever VRC

No Limits to Overhead Space

With no limits to overhead space, the carriage of the 2-post cantilevered hydraulic freight lift is cantilevered off the guide beams which means there are no overhead restrictions that can limit the amount of load height. More travel is achieved by a 4:1 cable reeving system that minimizes stress in the lifting cables which maximizes the amount of travel produced per inch of cylinder stroke. Standard models are designed to travel up to 360 inches with capacity up to 6,000 pounds.

Hydraulic VRC (Lighter Loads)

Top Choice for Lightweight Material Handling, Inventory and Storage

This unit is made to smoothly and economically move lightweight loads weighing up to 3,000 lbs. from one level to another – typically to and from a mezzanine. Direct acting cylinders support the lift carriage and load for a consistently steady travel. This light duty VRC is one of the best values in the industry. There is no pre-installation required and set-up is quick and easy!

Hydraulic Straddle VRC (Larger Loads)

More Carriage Space for Larger Loads

The carriage on the 2-post hydraulic straddle freight lift is straddled between two beams allowing carriage sizes to be bigger for your material loading and transfer.  More travel is achieved by a 4:1 cable reeving system that minimizes stress in the lifting cables which maximizes the amount of travel produced per inch of cylinder stroke. Our standard models are designed to travel up to 360 inches with capacities from 3,000 to 6,000 pounds.

Mechanical 4-Post VRC

High Capacity Load Transfer Between Multiple Levels

These popular, Mechanical 4 Post Lifts are designed to stop at multiple positions with more precise control of their stop-start movements. They are mechanically operated by means of a brake motor and gear reducer with a common drive shaft. Raising and lowering of the carriage platform is accomplished with heavy-duty roller chain. Our standard models range from 120″ to 240″ with load capacities from 6,000 to 20,000 lbs. and up to 100′ high!

Mechanical Cantilever VRC

Faster Speed With No Overhead Restriction

The 2-post cantilevered mechanical freight lift is a great choice for mezzanine applications requiring consistent, repeatable stopping and holding of the suspended carriage during loading and unloading.  In addition, there is no overhead restriction due to the carriage cantilevered off the guide beams which accommodates most facilities. Our standard models range from capacities of 1,000 to 6,000 pounds with 144″ of travel.

Mechanical Straddle VRC

Ideal for High Speed/High Through-Put Applications

The 2-post mechanical straddle freight lift is ideal for applications that require a larger carriage size in an environment that will have consistent and repeatable operations. Our standard models range from capacities of 1,000 to 6,000 pounds with 144 inches of travel.

Package Lift VRC

Simple Transfer of Light Duty Loads of Boxes, Crates and Cartons

The mechanical package lifts utilize a heavy duty gear motor drive with instantaneous braking capability, enabling consistent and repeatable stopping and holding of the suspended carriage during loading and unloading. These vertical lifts travel up to 22 ft. and have a capacity of 300 lbs. A wide variety of lift configurations are available from one basic design.

All of our Freight Lifts and Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors are proudly manufactured in the USA.