The Upside of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor

Sometimes you need a big tool for a big job. When you need to move large equipment, bulky raw materials, or heavy pallet loads, vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs) offer a cost-effective and safe solution. Also referred to as freight lifts, VRCs are heavy-duty conveyor systems built to transport large, heavy items from one level to another. They are used mainly for transporting palletized inventory from the ground floor or lower level to and from mezzanine levels in your warehouse or manufacturing facility. Vertical reciprocating conveyors are built to elevate items as high as ten stories and lift objects as heavy as 200,000 pounds. With a lot riding on (or in) your VRC, it’s good that they come equipped for safety with several protection items and settings for safe travel speeds. VRC platforms can vary in size, starting at 2′ x 2′ and going beyond 20′ x 20′. 

How Do Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors Work?

VRC movements are regulated by hydraulic or mechanical actuators which move the platforms. They come in a variety of sizes to fit most areas in your facility. Goods or equipment are loaded onto the platform at ground level, and the cage-like enclosure is securely locked. Operators use controls to move the platform at safe speeds to the upper level. Once items are safely unloaded and perhaps reloaded, the platform is again locked and lowered back down to the ground level, where the operator unlocks the safety gate to open and retrieve the items.

Types of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor Systems 

The two primary types of vertical reciprocating conveyors include hydraulic and mechanical. Hydraulic systems are generally more affordable than mechanical and can accommodate weights from 1,000 to 4,000 pounds. Platform sizes vary but range from 10’ x 10’ to 8’ x 12’ with a maximum vertical lift of approximately 20′ and the ability to access two levels.

Mechanical conveyors are built for greater load-bearing capabilities and access to more levels and at greater heights, upwards of 150’ for some models. Some VRCs are customizable for height, lifting capacity, and lifting speed.

There are several design options for vertical reciprocating conveyors. These includes: 

• Straddle Design – Carriage straddles guidance beams to accommodate larger load sizes and platform sizes. 
• Cantilever Design – Carriage is affixed to the front side of the platform. 
• Four-Post Design – Conveyor platforms are attached to four guide beams within the carriage. 
• Double-Mast Design – Conveyor carriage is mounted between the four masts. 

It’s important to realize that vertical reciprocating conveyors are not approved to hold or transport humans and have their own established safety code. VRC’s have multiple safety features, which include safety interlocking gates to prevent entry when in operation. Lift platforms have safety systems to prevent the platforms from dropping or free-falling.

Benefits of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor Systems

 Vertical reciprocating conveyors offer a variety of long-term and everyday benefits, including: 

•  Safety and Efficiency – VRCs are safer than using a forklift truck or manpower to move between levels. They are easier and less costly to operate and maintain than freight elevators or forklift trucks. VRC’s are classified as material conveyors, and operators do not require OSHA forklift training or elevator inspections.
• Easier and More Flexible Storage – Make better use of your floor space by opening up easy access to multiple vertical storage levels to access upper levels safely.
• Easy and Hassle-Free Integration – VRCs are designed to fit within your existing infrastructure. Most installations take just one day. 
• Safe Transport of Large and Heavy Goods – Move large, bulky, and awkward items and those of increased tonnage like warehouse equipment or heavy or large palletized inventory. 
• Maximum Control – Build systems to your exact size and load-capacity specs and control the speed for safety. 

Vertical reciprocating conveyors are among the most cost-effective and safest means of moving large materials. 

Freight and Material Lift Applications

• Mezzanine or Work Platforms Storage  Areas – Transporting heavy materials or pallets to upper floor minimizing the risk of injury from stairway access.
• Production Lifts – Used for moving production parts from floor level to assembly and manufacturing areas on upper levels.
• Raw Material LIfts – Used for moving raw material from ground levels to upper production areas for raw materials, pallets, and containers.
• Rideable Material Lifts –allows authorized personnel to safely travel between levels with their material and pallets at a fraction of an elevator installation cost. 

VRC VIPs: Let WOI Help You Integrate your Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor 

When you’re ready to install your VRC, the experienced and knowledgeable team at Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI) is prepared to help. With our 5-Step Total Satisfaction Experience™, WOI guarantees that we will 1. Listen to your needs, 2. Execute your project with particular attention to your unique application, 3. Stick to project timelines, 4. Ensure a safe environment, and 5. Pay close attention to the appearance of the finished product. The WOI team will walk you through each stage of the process and provide expert customer service to deliver outstanding results and peace of mind. Contact a member of our team today, and let’s chat or Zoom. Call (865) 540-4004 for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, and throughout the Southeast.