Planning of goods lifts: What pit depth is required?

• 1. What does pit depth mean for goods lifts?
• 2. What pit depth is required?
  • 2.1 Column lift
  • 2.2 Scissor lift table
• 3. Column lift vs. scissor lift table: Which elevator is better suited?
• 4. How do I determine the exact pit depth for my project?

When planning a goods lift, both the purchase costs and the required structural measures should be considered. An important aspect is the construction of a pit.

Pit depth refers to the height difference between the finished floor level of the lowest stop and the top edge of the concrete base on which the goods lift is installed.

The pit depth of our goods lifts varies depending on the design, ranging from 0 to 2,500 mm. Below, we provide an overview of the general guidelines for the different types of construction:

For goods elevators based on a column lift, a pit depth of 120 to 170 mm is sufficient, depending on the model. In most cases, it is enough to remove the screed to enable flush loading and unloading of the platform.

If a pit is not to be constructed, a ramp provides a practical and cost-effective alternative.

In a scissor lift table, the lifting mechanism is located beneath the platform, requiring a deeper pit than column lifts. Typical pit depths for scissor lift tables used as simplified goods lifts range between 800 mm and 1,500 mm.

The required pit depth is primarily influenced by the following factors:

• Load capacity of the elevator
• Ratio of effective stroke to platform length

If the platform is relatively short, additional scissor packages (e.g. double, triple or quadruple scissors) are needed to overcome the height difference. This results in a correspondingly greater pit depth.

At first glance, the column lift appears to be the ideal choice due to its shallow pit depth. However, there are factors to consider:

• Additional space requirements: The lifting mechanism of a column lift requires additional space on the sides of the platform. If this space is unavailable, the scissor lift table is the better choice.
• Limited loading access: Column lifts cannot accommodate doors arranged at right angles. Instead, only through-loading or access from the same side is possible.

Would you like to learn more about this topic? Read our article The foundation of our products: Scissor lift tables and column lifts.

As part of the quotation process, we provide an initial estimate of the required pit depth. After placing the order, we create a customized technical plan for your goods lift, including a detailed pit drawing with exact dimensions to assist in further planning of your construction project.

Do you have any questions?
Our team is happy to assist and support you in planning your project!

📞 Phone: +49 5939 96796-90
📧 E-mail: info@j-lifte.com