Material lifts help businesses manage the safe loading and transportation of items. This can serve to increase operational efficiency and streamline workflows. Material handling lifts, also known as vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs), help to streamline the movement of materials from one floor to another, usually within a commercial or industrial location.
These lifts, designed exclusively for transporting goods — not people — are essential for companies such as manufacturers, distributors, and warehouses seeking to optimize workflows.
Learn more about vertical reciprocating conveyors, including the different types of material handling lifts available, standard product specifications, and loading configuration options.
Types of Material Handling Lifts (VRCs)
Arrow Lift offers four types of material handling lifts to meet your organization's unique requirements.
Shaftway
Shaftway VRCs are built so the material handling solution is housed within an enclosed shaftway. Walls and floors completely surround these vertical passages. The enclosed shaft at the lower landing also prevents people or items from getting under the VRC when the platform is at the upper landing. The shaft for this type of VRC material lift is built prior to delivery and installation of the lift itself.
Enclosure
The structure of an enclosure VRC includes a permanent metal enclosure on all four sides of the top landing. Door options include metal grate swing doors (as pictured) or fire-rated swing doors. The VRC must also be enclosed at the lower landing to prevent anyone or anything from getting underneath it when the platform is at the upper landing. The metal enclosure is shipped with the VRC lift materials and assembled as part of the lift installation.
Hatch Door
A hatch door VRC allows the upper landing of the material handling lift to be guarded by sealing up the opening in the floor with a trap door called a “hatch door,” which ensures safe usage. When the lift is on a lower landing, the upper access is covered by a hinged hatch door. As the VRC rises, the hatch rises from the arms attached to the lift's carriage. The VRC is controlled at the upper landing so the operator can ensure no safety concerns are present as the VRC rises. The hatch door must be designed to comply with all applicable floor loading codes.
Hatch Cover
With a hatch cover VRC, when the lift is at the lower landing, the upper access is automatically covered by a hatch. The hatch moves up and down vertically in sync with the lift as it raises and lowers. The VRC is operated from the upper landing to ensure safety as the lift ascends. Additionally, the hatch cover must comply with all relevant floor loading codes. This is commonly used in funeral home applications for casket lifts.
Specifications
Vertical reciprocating conveyors are available with a wide range of features and capabilities to meet your organization's unique functional and aesthetic needs.
Typical Features
Typical VRC features include the following:
- Power Supply: from 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 1 phase to 480 VAC, 60 Hz, 3 phase
- Rated Capacity: From 750 lbs. up to over 10,000 lbs.
- Speed: 10-25 fpm
- Stops: two to six
- Drive: 2:1 Chain Hydraulic or Geared Electric Chain Drive
- Platform size: up to 120” W x 144” L
- Travel: up to 36’
- Warranty: Depends on model selected
- Finishes: Powder Coated Enamel on Steel; Stainless Steel, Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel, and Custom Colors are Optional
- Not rated for passengers or riders
VRCs are typically designed to serve the needs of each application. If the typical specs above do not meet your requirements, reach out to our Sales Team for design support so that we can work with you to configure a lift that will meet your needs!
Loading Configurations
Four loading configuration options are available to ensure optimal space utilization.
Pass-Through
Also known as a straight-through loading configuration. Materials enter on one side of the VRC lift and then exit on the opposite side.
90-degree
A 90-degree loading configuration means that items will be unloaded from a side at a right angle to the side they were loaded from.
Same Side Entry/Exit
For a VRC with a same-side entry/exit, materials will enter and exit the material handling lift from the same side on every floor.
3-way Exit
A 3-way exit VRC applies to material handling lifts that travel at least three stops, with each stop opening for loading and unloading in a different direction.
Find the Right Material Lift for Your Business
VRC material lifts can be a game-changer for your company's operational efficiency and ability to transport materials safely and productively. From expected cargo size to machine space and configuration preferences, there is much to consider when selecting the optimal VRC.
To find the ideal lift solution for your operation, it's essential to work with a professional and knowledgeable company with strong project management and operational capabilities. Arrow Lift's trained professionals have many years of experience with material handling solutions. Let our BBB A+-rated company assist with all of your VRC needs.
Contact us to learn more!
