If you own or operate a funeral home, you know there are multiple options for transporting caskets from one level to another, like rolling devices or simple manpower. But did you know casket lifts are often the safest and most efficient method? Using a casket lift means easier transportation of caskets and mortuary equipment.
Casket lifts, also known as vertical reciprocating conveyors, are not rated for passengers or riders. They’re remotely controlled, have a high weight capacity, and have safety features like interlocking door guards to prevent movement if the lift entry or exit isn’t secured. Casket lifts offered by Arrow Lift feature modular designs, meaning efficient installation with no welding required.
Follow along while we outline casket lift configurations, enclosure options, and key features. And, if you'd like to speak with one of our experts, click here to learn more about how a casket lift can improve the safety and efficiency of your operation.
Casket Lifts Offer a Variety of Configuration Options
Casket lifts are available in four configurations: straight-through, 90°, enter/exit same side, and 3-opening. The configuration you choose will depend on your existing space and where you plan to transport caskets.
Straight-Through Casket Lifts
Straight-through configuration allows for entry on one side and exit through the opposite side after moving from the lower to the upper landing.
90° Casket Lifts
Entry and exit will be adjacent to each other at a 90° angle. After entering through the front on the lower landing, the exit may be to either the immediate right or left on the upper landing.
Enter/Exit Same Side Casket Lifts
Like most traditional elevators, this configuration allows for entry on one side and exit on the same side after reaching the upper or lower landing. For example, this may be a front, left, or right entry and exit from the shaftway or enclosure.
3-Opening Casket Lifts
The 3-opening configuration is ideal if you’re likely to require casket transport to different locations. After loading at the front, the exit can be to either the right or the left on the upper landing.
What are Some Enclosure Requirements and Options?
Casket lifts typically require a permanent enclosure, either an external section installed with the casket lift or one built on-site in a shaftway. It is an essential safety consideration to have a full enclosure at the lower landing to prevent anything or anyone from getting underneath the platform while it is raised. In addition, the upper landing must also be enclosed.
A shaftway or enclosure single mast model has a few door options to achieve entry, exit, and full enclosure. For standard mast shaftway lifts, door options for top and bottom landings include:
- Double-swing metal gates
- Single-swing metal gate
- Lift-up gate
- Double-swing fire-rated doors
- Single-swing fire-rated door
Inside the enclosure, snap chains, drop bars, or a combination can further guard the platform.
Telescopic mast lifts require a hatch-style door or cover built into the floor of the upper landing. These hatches allow the lift to reach the upper landing through an opening in the floor and return to the lower landing without leaving a void in the upper landing floor. Lower landing access door options for telescopic models are the same as listed above, including double- and single-style metal gates or fire-rated doors.
With hatch door and cover lift styles, the lift is controlled from the upper landing. This allows the operator to be sure that there are no safety hazards before raising the lift.
How Does a Hatch Cover Entrance Work?
Hatch covers are used with single mast lifts. The hatch cover is attached to columns that rise as the platform rises, lifting the cover from the upper landing floor. When the lift is lowered, the cover also lowers and returns to its position on the upper landing floor.
How Does a Hatch Door Entrance Work?
Hatch doors are used with telescoping mast lifts. As the lift rises up through the shaftway or enclosure, arms attached to the carriage push open a door that is built into the upper landing floor. When the lift returns to the lower landing, the door will close behind it.
Other Considerations for Installing a Casket Lift
Aside from entry and exit configurations, door styles, and enclosure types, a couple of additional factors are worth considering.
Loading
A pit is ideal for loading a casket into and out of the lift at the lower landing. This pit is essentially a cutout in the lift enclosure's floor. The casket-loading process is more accessible and safer when the platform is lowered to a point where it is flush with the floor. If the desired casket lift location cannot support a pit, a ramp can be installed to guide caskets easily onto the platform. Without a pit or ramp, caskets and equipment will need to be lifted over the platform lip into the lift.
Location
The desired location of the lift will determine the entry and exit configuration, but the site can also determine elements such as the finish on the enclosure and platform. Points to consider include whether the lift will be indoors or outdoors and whether it will be exposed to any corrosive or caustic materials.
Key Features of Casket Lifts
Casket lifts are designed to meet your funeral home's specific needs and requirements and assist your employees in performing their jobs efficiently and effectively. Key features of casket lifts that help to accomplish these goals include:
- Customizable enter and exit configurations
- A variety of landing door options to fit your usage needs
- Several color options, such as: ivory, black, white, grey, and RAL color-matching colors
Casket Lift Standard Specifications
Arrow Lift offers the following casket lift product specifications:
- Power Supply: 240 VAC, 60 Hz, 1 phase
- Rated Capacity: 750-1000 lbs.
- Speed: 10-25 fpm
- Stops: two (standard)
- Drive: 2:1 Chain Hydraulic
- Platform size: 36”-48” w x 96”
- Travel up to 36’
- Warranty: Five-year limited parts, one-year operational parts
- Not rated for passengers or riders
Optional Casket Lift Features
You can further customize your casket lift with these optional features:
- Up to five stops
- Platform lighting
- Stationary entry/exit ramp
- Non-skid platform surface
- Weight capacity up to 6,000 lbs.
Casket Lift FAQs
Do Arrow Lift casket lifts meet applicable safety codes?
Yes, they conform to ASME B20.1, which is the industry standard safety code for vertical reciprocating conveyors.
Are your casket lifts made overseas?
No, they are made in the USA.
Do you service as well as install casket lifts?
Yes, we service every type of equipment that we install.
A Casket Lift May Be a Great Option for Your Funeral Home
Transporting caskets between floors in a building or facility is a task that can be much easier with a vertical reciprocating conveyor casket lift. The multiple entry and exit configurations, platform width options, and door styles make it simple to customize a lift to your building design and functional needs. In addition, casket lifts improve safety and efficiency by removing the logistical roadblocks involved in bringing a casket from one floor to another.
Arrow Lift makes the process of selecting and purchasing a casket lift easy as well. As a family-owned company since 1985, we pride ourselves on providing excellent service and quality products. Our team of industry experts has earned an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, and we are committed to offering you a stress-free experience.
Request a Free Consultation from Arrow Lift to see if a casket lift can benefit your space and working needs.
