Safely Conveying Heavy Materials to Upper Levels

What is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor?

Vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs) are material handling equipment for transporting goods between different building levels. They provide a safe and efficient way to move heavy or bulky items.

VRCs are also called mezzanine lifts, vertical material lifts, vertical conveyors, freight lifts, cargo lifts, and freight elevators, among other names. However, VRCs are not classified as elevators since they transport materials only, not people. VRCs fall under the national code ASME B20.1 safety standards and are exempt from the national elevator code. Since they are not subject to the rigid safety standards of elevators, VRCs are less expensive to install and maintain.

Vertical Lift Applications

VRCs can be customized to fit the requirements of many different applications, including:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Automotive dealerships
• Loading docks
• Airports
• Retail stores
• Restaurants and breweries
• Self-storage centers
• Government and military facilities
• Construction of multi-story buildings

Factors to Consider when Choosing a VRC

Load Capacity and Size

When choosing a VRC, consider the loads you need to transport. VRCs come in various models designed to carry loads of various sizes, from the light-duty 3’x3′ box lift with a lifting capacity of 500 pounds to the heavy-duty 30’x30′ four-post lift with a lifting capacity of 30,000 pounds.

Lifting Height

How many levels does your VRC need to travel? The smallest vertical lift is limited to two levels, with a travel height as low as eight feet. Larger lifts can travel up to six levels with a travel height of up to 60 feet.

Loading Configuration

When choosing a VRC, consider how you will load and unload materials from the lift. The two most common VRC configurations are “C” (loading and unloading from the same side) and “Z” (loading from one side and unloading from the opposite side). Specific models also allow 90-degree and pass-through configurations.

Learn about the five models of mechanical mezzanine lifts we offer here.

Benefits of VRCs

Safety

VRCs improve the safety of workers and materials during transportation. The vertical lifts eliminate the need to transport heavy and bulky materials up and down stairs or by forklift, reducing the risk of injury to workers or damage to materials. The VRC also has several safety features, including security enclosures and emergency stops.

Efficiency

VRCs can help your facility operate more efficiently by reducing the time and labor required to move materials and equipment between levels. Efficient time management increases productivity, reduces labor costs, and provides a high return on investment.

Cost Effectiveness

VRCs are much more affordable than alternatives such as elevators. Because they don’t have to adhere to the same strict safety standards, VRCs can be four to five times less expensive than elevators. Moreover, they install easily in existing buildings with minimal modifications needed, and they require low maintenance.

So how much does a VRC lift cost? A vertical material lift’s price varies widely depending on the lift model and optional equipment add-ons. Visit our store to view estimated prices for the industrial mezzanine lifts we offer.

Customizability

VRCs are highly customizable and can be tailored to fit specific application requirements. They are available in various sizes, capacities, and configurations and can handle various materials, from small parts to heavy machinery.

Contact Us for Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors

Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for vertical reciprocating conveyor lifts. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your needs and specifications before the design begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.