The following types of elevators are typically distinguished:

Passenger elevators

Passenger elevators are likely the most well-known type of elevator. They can be found in residential buildings as well as office buildings or hotels. It comes as no surprise that the main purpose of this elevator variant is the transportation of people.
For this reason, the control panel is located inside the cabin, and various safety devices for self-rescue and assisted rescue are integrated.

Just like traditional passenger elevators, freight elevators without passenger transport are available in various construction types. Here, we would like to briefly discuss the most common construction types and their suitable applications.
A small note beforehand: We exclusively produce freight elevators based on column lifts or scissor lifts.

Drum-driven elevator

The drum-driven elevator can be considered a classic in elevator technology. In this construction type, the cabin is suspended by multiple wire ropes. By winding and unwinding these wire ropes around a drum, the cabin is raised or lowered. The guidance of the cabin is achieved through lateral rails in this design.

Since the wire ropes of the drum-driven elevator are always under tension, there is no risk of bending, making this construction particularly suitable for achieving greater lifting heights.

Column lift

Now we come to the first construction type that is manufactured by our company. Similar to drum-driven elevators, the cabin in this case is also suspended by multiple wire ropes. However, the upward and downward movement is achieved through the extension and retraction of hydraulic cylinders.
The guidance is again provided by lateral rails, similar to the drum-driven elevator.

Since the hydraulic cylinder in this construction type is subjected to pressure, the issue of buckling needs to be considered. For this reason, the column lift is well-suited for achieving up to three stops.

Scissor lift

Unsurprisingly, in this construction type, a scissor lift is used as the basis for the freight elevator. This means that the cabin is placed on the platform of the scissor lift, and the lifting and lowering process is achieved by extending and retracting the scissor mechanism.
The guidance of the cabin in this construction type is provided by the scissor mechanism itself, eliminating the need for lateral guide rails.

Whether this construction type is suitable depends largely on the desired lifting height and cabin size. Especially at high lifting heights, the weight of the lifting mechanism can quickly exceed the load capacity, making this construction type more suitable for achieving two to three stops.

Sheave-driven elevator

This construction type was developed to improve the energy efficiency of electromechanical elevator systems. A counterweight is moved within the shaft, always in the opposite direction of the cabin's travel.

The height of this weight is adjusted to match the weight of the cabin itself, as well as the expected average load. By utilizing the counterbalancing movement of the weight, a smaller drive can be used, reducing the energy consumption of the elevator system.

The overall structure resembles that of a drum-driven elevator, with guidance provided by side-mounted guiding elements.

Due to its higher energy efficiency, this construction type has largely displaced the classic drum-driven elevator.

Plunger elevator (direct hydraulic elevator)

In this construction type, the cabin of the freight elevator is directly mounted on a hydraulic cylinder. Accordingly, the lifting and lowering movement of the cabin is achieved by extending and retracting the cylinder. To accommodate higher lifting heights without the need for a deep pit, telescopic cylinders are typically used.

Like other hydraulic elevator types, the hydraulic cylinder in this design is subjected to pressure, requiring consideration of the risk of buckling. In practice, this issue often leads to hydraulic cylinders with large diameters, corresponding high oil volume, and resulting in poor energy efficiency.

With so many different construction types, the question naturally arises: which one is the best freight elevator? Unfortunately, the answer is quite unsatisfying: it depends. So, the question now is, what does it depend on?

Selection criteria for the appropriate elevator type include:

• the desired lifting height or the number of floors to be reached;
• the ratio of lifting height to platform dimensions;
• the placement of access doors at the landing;
• and the frequency of elevator usage.

For example, while freight elevators based on scissor lifts or column lifts may still be an interesting alternative to drum-driven elevators for two to three floors, the drum-driven elevator is almost irreplaceable for ten floors. However, even if only two to three floors need to be reached, the drum-driven elevator may still be the better choice. The lower maintenance requirements and lower acquisition costs of hydraulic freight elevators are offset by the higher energy consumption at higher usage frequencies (around 150 cycles per hour) (see the article Hydraulic Elevator vs. Traction Elevator).

The decision between a column lift and a scissor lift as the basis for your non-passenger freight elevator depends on factors such as the ratio of platform length to lifting height or the desire for a diagonal arrangement of landing doors.

As you can see, the decision for or against a specific construction type is influenced by multiple factors, but there are no clear boundaries for making these decisions. Therefore, if you have any doubts, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to advise you on the suitable elevator type.

Undoubtedly, the cost is a crucial question when deciding whether to opt for a simplified freight elevator. However, when it comes to custom-made freight elevators, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
Nevertheless, let's try to delve into this matter by examining the features that significantly impact the acquisition costs and discussing the approximate cost of a "standard" freight elevator.

What influences the acquisition costs?

Let's start with the influencing factors. Key factors that affect the acquisition cost of a simplified freight elevator without passenger transport include:

• The size of the cabin
• The desired load capacity
• The number of floors to be reached and the associated lifting height
• The installation location of the elevator system
• The number of required extras (such as ramps, enclosures, etc.)
• Whether the freight elevator is located indoors or outdoors

A concrete example

Let's get more specific: Often, a simplified freight elevator is used to transport Euro pallets between floors. So, let's assume a platform size of 1m x 1.5m, a load capacity of 1,500kg, and a lifting height of 3m. If this elevator operates within an existing shaft and only requires two safety interlocks to be provided by us in addition to the actual freight elevator, the cost can roughly range from €20,000 to €30,000.

Ongoing operating costs

Besides the acquisition costs, ongoing operating costs of the elevator system also play a significant role. Our simplified freight elevators have a notable advantage in this regard: they do not require annual inspections by an external expert.

Therefore, apart from the energy costs for operating the system, there are only maintenance and repair costs to consider. If you would like to get an idea of the magnitude of these cost items, I recommend reading the following article: What are the costs of a scissor lift? In this article, we discuss the cost components associated with a hydraulic scissor lift.

Besides the general advantages that a freight elevator offers, such as safe and faster transportation of goods compared to using a forklift, the absence of passenger transport provides additional benefits. These advantages can essentially be summarized into one point: this type of elevator is more cost-effective compared to other elevator types.

The business model of most elevator manufacturers focuses less on the production of elevators and more on selling services after their installation. For example, most passenger elevators have manufacturer-specific components that are not available on the open market. The combination of this business model and the production of standardized passenger elevators in large quantities results in minimal differences in acquisition costs between freight elevators without passenger transport and traditional passenger elevators.

The cost savings are particularly noticeable in ongoing expenses. A freight elevator without passenger transport is not subject to mandatory inspections like regulated installations; it is considered a normal machine. Therefore, there is no need to engage an authorized inspection body (such as TÜV, Dekra, etc.) for the necessary inspections of the freight elevator. Instead, you can rely on a simple elevator service provider, the elevator manufacturer, or assign the task to a qualified employee.

In terms of manufacturing, freight elevators without passenger transport also offer some advantages. For example, there is no need for self-rescue and emergency devices inside the cabin. More significantly, freight elevators without passenger transport do not require type approval, allowing for flexible customization of dimensions to suit your specific installation situation without the need for an elaborate approval process for a single elevator system.

Oh, and did we mention that freight elevators without passenger transport are considered normal machines? Therefore, there is no requirement to register with the regulatory authority.

After discussing what simplified freight elevators are and the different types that exist, the question naturally arises: What can I use a simplified freight elevator for? Where are simplified freight elevators used?

To answer these questions, in short and simple terms: Freight elevators are found wherever goods and loads need to be transported across multiple floors.

This general answer shows that there is no single specific application. Our freight elevators without passenger transport can be found both inside buildings and as external elevators directly attached to the building or staircase.

The industries where these elevators are used are as diverse as the configurations of our elevators themselves. They are used to transport items ranging from pallets to dental prosthetics. You can find them in laundries, swimming pools, car factories, and nursing homes. However, if we were to describe a typical application, it would be within an industrial company with production or storage areas spread across two floors.

Just like our simplified freight elevators, the space requirements can vary depending on your specific needs. The occupied footprint will depend on factors such as the desired platform size and the type of elevator. Let's focus on the desired platform size first:

What should be the size of the platform for transporting a standard pallet?

From a logistical perspective, the Euro pallet is an essential standardized load carrier. Therefore, it's not surprising that we often get the following question: What should be the minimum size of the platform in a goods elevator if we want to transport a Euro pallet between floors?

The size of a Euro pallet provides some guidance: It has a width of 800mm and a length of 1,200mm. For a single Euro pallet, a platform size of 1,000mm x 1,400mm would be sufficient. This allows some room for maneuvering and accommodates slightly unevenly stacked pallets.

However, if you also want to transport a manual pallet jack along with the Euro pallet, the platform length needs to be increased. In this case, we recommend increasing the cabin length to at least 1,500mm, or preferably 1,600mm.

If the simplified goods elevator is designed as a through-loader, where the manual pallet jack is positioned on the opposite side, the platform dimensions need to be increased further. The platform width should be at least 1,500mm, and a platform length of at least 1,700mm would allow for proper movement of the manual pallet jack.

Here are the recommended minimum platform sizes for different situations:

Situation Recommended minimum platform size
Transporting a Euro pallet 1,000mm x 1,400mm
Transporting a Euro pallet + a manual pallet jack 1,000mm x 1,500mm
Transporting a Euro pallet + a manual pallet jack in a through-loader configuration 1,500mm x 1,700mm

These are the recommended minimum dimensions, but we can certainly design larger goods elevators to meet your specific requirements.

What size is added to the actual platform size?

We can provide you with some approximate values for initial space planning purposes, but the definitive answer to this question can only be determined during the design phase.

If you are considering a two-column lift, you should add approximately 800mm to the platform width to account for the space required by the two lifting columns.

On the other hand, if a scissor lift table is used as the base for the simplified goods elevator without passenger transport, there is no strict requirement for additional space, as the entire mechanism is located beneath the lift table platform. However, it may be advisable to provide a slightly longer platform to potentially save on the cost of certain scissor packages.

Furthermore, the necessary floor area for the elevator shaft should be taken into account. If the enclosure of the elevator is provided by us, an additional 100mm should be added for each side that requires enclosure.

For a typical simplified goods elevator with a platform size of 1m x 1.5m, the resulting floor area would be approximately 1.8m x 1.7m when enclosed on all four sides using one of our shafts.

And how big is the underpass?

In addition to the actual footprint, the required pit depth is also an important consideration. Unfortunately, we cannot provide specific dimensions as the required pit depth depends on several factors such as platform size, travel height, elevator type, and load capacity.

In our previous installations of simplified goods elevators, we have encountered pit depths ranging from 0mm up to 2,000mm.

Wait, did you say 0mm pit depth? Yes, that is not a typo. When a column lift is used as the base for the simplified goods elevator, the pit at the lower landing can be replaced with a small ramp upon request. This eliminates the need for an actual pit depth.

It's important to consult with the elevator manufacturer or supplier to determine the specific pit depth requirements for your chosen elevator model, as it can vary depending on the specific design and configuration of the elevator system.

Is a separate engine room needed?

A separate machine room is not required for our simplified goods elevators. However, we recommend placing the power unit and control system externally rather than integrating them into the shaft. Suitable spaces for this purpose could include areas that would otherwise be unused, such as below a staircase or directly adjacent to or behind the shaft.

What is the maximum cabin size that can be implemented?

The largest platform length we have implemented so far is just under 9,500mm, and the largest platform width is just under 3,500mm. As you can see, there is a wide range of design possibilities, and we look forward to receiving your inquiry to provide and manufacture a custom platform size that suits your needs.

If you have read our article "Does every elevator need to be inspected by TÜV?" you won't learn anything new. Our simplified goods lifts do not require inspection by an approved inspection authority (ZÜS), such as TÜV or Dekra.

An inspection by an external expert is only necessary if the simplified goods lift falls under the category of monitored systems. This would be the case, for example, if it were used to transport not only goods but also people.
For this reason, we offer our simplified goods lifts exclusively for goods transport without the carriage of passengers, and the maximum travel speed of our lifts is reduced. By implementing these measures, the elevator operator can avoid the annual inspection by an external expert and the associated fees.
However, if you still wish to have an expert inspection at the commissioning of the lift, we can gladly arrange it for you.

The fact that inspection by an approved inspection authority is not required does not mean that no inspections are necessary. If the simplified goods lift is used in a commercial environment, it must be treated as a regular work equipment. Accordingly, an annual inspection is required in accordance with accident prevention regulations and occupational health and safety regulations. These inspections can be carried out by a competent person.
Therefore, it is possible to have the inspection conducted by qualified in-house personnel, or you can have us perform these tasks as part of the annual maintenance.

With the purchase of a simplified goods lift, the smooth transportation of goods between two floors should not only be ensured, but also the safety of the operating personnel and the surrounding individuals. For this reason, our goods lifts without passenger transportation are equipped with a range of safety devices:

Enclosure of the danger zone

One of the most effective safety measures is to keep people out of the danger zone. Therefore, apart from so-called deadman's switches and underfloor lifts, all simplified goods lifts are equipped with enclosures at the stops.

Each stop has a door that can only be opened when the platform of the goods lift is at that level. This eliminates the risk of falling from the upper stop and prevents uninvolved individuals from entering the danger zone beneath the raised platform.

If you would like to learn more about different types of shaft enclosures, we recommend reading the article "Choosing the Right Enclosure for Your Lift". Here, we would like to briefly mention that there are various construction options available, ranging from simple concrete shafts and masonry shafts to wooden frame shafts, steel structures, or enclosures made of sandwich panels.

Special attention is given to the doors at the stops. We use either our own production of simple steel frame doors or standard lift doors. In both cases, they are secured with an electromechanical safety interlock, which ensures that the door is not only closed but also securely locked. Opening the stop doors is only possible when the platform is in the correct position. In the event of a malfunction, the safety interlock can be manually released and the shaft can be entered. However, this release is registered by the lift control system, preventing any movement of the car.

Overload protection

Of course, it is essential to ensure that the goods elevator is not overloaded. For this reason, our hydraulic goods elevators are equipped with two safety devices: the pressure relief valve and a pressure switch.
The pressure switch measures the current system pressure and sends this information to the elevator control system. The control system then checks whether the system pressure is within the permissible range or if an overload warning needs to be issued.
On the other hand, a pressure relief valve operates without electronic components. A spring mechanism ensures that if the system pressure becomes too high, oil is released into the tank, preventing the platform from being raised.

Speed limitation

Of course, we not only want to protect individuals from the danger zone and the mechanics from excessive load, but also ensure that the simplified goods lift does not reach an unacceptably high speed.
Securing against excessive lifting speed is straightforward for a hydraulic scissor lift table: The maximum flow rate of the hydraulic power unit determines the maximum travel speed during the lifting process. Proper dimensioning of the drive ensures that the maximum allowable speed is not exceeded.

During the lowering process, the volume flow in the hydraulic system also needs to be limited. In this case, it is the amount of oil flowing back into the tank. This safeguard is also relatively simple to implement in a hydraulic lift. A suitable descent flow control valve is used to ensure that the desired speed is not exceeded during the lowering process.

Protection against a fall of the cabin

The protection against cabin descent can be seen as a continuation of the point regarding speed limitation. Here, we also aim to prevent the maximum speed from being exceeded.

To eliminate the risk of cabin descent, we employ a two-stage safety system. Firstly, we use unlockable check valves directly on the hydraulic cylinders of the goods lift. These check valves close the hydraulic lines at the cylinders, ensuring that even a hose failure does not result in uncontrolled cabin descent. The opening of the valves requires all access doors to be closed and locked, and a descent command to be given to the control system.

But what if a hydraulic hose ruptures while the cabin is already descending? In this case, we also want to prevent any impact at the lower landing. To achieve this, we employ additional descent brake valves that are separate from the normal speed control valves. These safety valves are installed directly on the hydraulic cylinders before the check valves.

Therefore, even during descent with a complete hose failure, it is ensured that the cabin reaches the lower landing at a maximum controlled speed (or not at all if the emergency stop has been activated, closing the check valves). These safety measures provide an extra layer of protection against cabin descent and help maintain a safe operating environment for the goods lift.

Maintenance supports

In normal operation, no one is allowed to be present beneath the platform (which is why we enclose this area). However, there are certain maintenance or repair tasks where it may be necessary to enter the area beneath the raised platform.

For this reason, each of our goods lifts is equipped with maintenance supports. When the area beneath the platform needs to be accessed, the appropriate maintenance supports are placed beforehand, ensuring that there is always sufficient space in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

To use the maintenance supports, simply insert them over the corresponding pins, lower the platform onto the supports, and then proceed with the necessary work calmly and safely.

If required: storey locks/hydraulic locking bolts

An unconventional safety feature for upper landings is the use of hydraulic locking bolts. In a typical configuration, a simplified goods lift without passenger transportation is designed to handle the desired rated load (including appropriate safety factors). However, what if you need to transport a weight of 1,000kg and use an electric high-lift pallet truck that also weighs 1,000kg for loading?

Solution option #1: You can oversize the goods lift to handle a weight of 2,000kg. This means the entire lifting mechanism is over-engineered for the lifting operation.

Solution option #2: The platform is locked at the respective landings using hydraulic locking bolts. In this case, the additional load is no longer supported by the lifting mechanism but is instead directly transferred to the shaft walls.

By utilizing hydraulic locking bolts, the load capacity of the lifting mechanism can be optimized specifically for the desired load, while the additional weight of the electric pallet truck is borne by the locking bolts and the shaft structure. This allows for a more efficient and tailored design of the goods lift, ensuring safe and reliable operation.

Any questions?

Is there any other question left unanswered? If so, we look forward to receiving your message or having a personal conversation with you. You can reach us at info@j-lifte.com or 05939/967 96 90.

Folding elevator doors

How can a large access opening be combined with a small vestibule in a goods lift? One possible solution: Folding elevator doors. With the additional hinges, the door panels can be folded compactly, creating a large opening for loading and unloading.

Freestanding column lift

For pure goods transportation, our column lifts are the right choice. One advantage is their adaptability to the building's conditions. For more information, click on the following Link.

Triple Scissors - All good things come in threes!

What solution is available when the platform length severely limits the scissor length of the lift table and the desired lifting height cannot be achieved? In this case, one option is to use one of our column lifts, or alternatively, one can start stacking scissor lifts. For this particular project, the customer chose the latter option. The desired lifting height was achieved by placing three sets of scissors on top of each other.
P.S.: For those who want to learn more about achievable lifting heights, further information can be found in the article How high can a lift table lift?

True size pillar lifter

If a deep pit is not feasible despite a large platform and lifting height, our column lift is the right choice. In the following video, you will find an example of a column lift as a simplified goods lift. For more information, click on the following link Column Lift with True Size.

Simplified goods lift at Lohmann in Haren

In this video, we present one of our simplified goods lifts. It is used at Lohmann GmbH in Haren and can transport a load of 1,000 kg across two floors. For more information about this project, please refer to the following article Goods Lift for Lohmann GmbH.

• The Basics: Scissor Lifts and Column Lifts
• Using Lift Tables in Extreme Temperatures
• Sealing an Underfloor Lift
• Forget Error Codes!
• Hydraulic Lift vs. Traction Lift: Which Lift Drive is Suitable?
• Using a Lift Table as a Goods Lift
• Does Every Lift Need to Be Inspected by the TÜV?
• Safety Devices on Lift Tables: Hydraulic Valves
• When Can Enclosures Be Omitted for Lifts?
• The Right Enclosure for Your Lift!
• Avoidable Mistakes in Project Execution
• How High Can a Lift Table Lift?
• What Requirements Must an Elevator Shaft Meet?
• What Hydraulic Oils Are Used in Scissor Lifts?
• The Key Guidelines & Standards for Scissor Lifts
• How a Scissor Lift is Built...