Choosing the Right Lift System for Your Warehouse Mezzanines

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Published: 04/10/2024

In their mission to maximize their existing space, many manufacturers have chosen to add mezzanine floors to their facilities. This decision serves as a practical strategy to tackle this common problem. These upper-level storage areas offer a clever way to maximize warehouse square footage, enabling businesses to claim overhead space when horizontal expansion isn’t feasible. By enabling vertical expansion, companies may be able to effectively double or triple their usable space within their existing footprint. This can result in significant cost savings when compared to remodeling or moving.

Autoquip is a strategic industry leader, and we are helping to facilitate this transition. We offer standard and customized lift solutions that cater to the unique needs of every warehouse. In this post, we’re taking a fresh look at the world of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs) and how selecting the right type—hydraulic or mechanical—can significantly enhance mezzanine operations.

Understanding the Role of VRCs in Warehouse Mezzanines

VRCs are engineered to move objects and materials efficiently to and from mezzanine levels, providing a safe, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional elevators or forklifts. These versatile workhorses are specifically designed for material handling (not passenger service), making them a perfect fit for warehouses and industrial environments.

Automating the movement of goods enables faster retrieval and storage times, which is vital in meeting the demands of high-volume or time-sensitive manufacturing and distribution operations.

Hydraulic vs. Mechanical

The choice between hydraulic and mechanical VRCs depends on several factors, including the type and weight of the materials, the number of floors being served, and the frequency of use. Let’s consider each type individually and learn more about what they offer.

Hydraulic VRCs: Ideal for Lighter Loads and Short Trips

Hydraulic lifts provide smooth and efficient transportation of goods to mezzanine levels, making them an excellent choice for operations with less demanding lifting requirements. If you’re moving lightweight loads (under 6,000 pounds), a hydraulic VRC like our Freightlite model is ideal for warehouse mezzanine service. This versatile VRC arrives fully assembled and provides years of reliable operation. Our standard hydraulic models offer travel heights up to 30 feet and can be customized to your specifications.

Mechanical VRCs: Designed for Longer Distances and Heavier Loads

When you need to move heavier loads to higher mezzanine floors and beyond, a mechanical VRC can get the job done. Mechanical VRCs are built for durability and heavy use. They’re designed to handle the relentless daily demands that have become the norm in today’s busy warehouses.

Autoquip mechanical VRCs like our standard 4-Post model can handle 6,000 – 20,000 pound loads, traveling from 10 – 20 feet. Need to travel further? No problem. Our extensive experience fabricating custom lifts for high travel applications allows our mechanical lifts to accommodate heights up to 100 feet.

VRC Customization: Creating the Perfect Solution

Every warehouse is different, and to maximize functionality and ROI, a custom approach is often the best way to go when choosing a VRC. The Autoquip team works closely with each customer to assess their requirements, ensuring that the selected lift system perfectly aligns with their operational needs and goals.

Whether it’s accommodating unique load sizes and unusual floor plans, integrating with legacy equipment, or meeting specific safety or industry requirements, we’re committed to delivering custom lift solutions that optimize warehouses. By selecting from various design options, controls, and safety features, we can help you create a lift as unique as your business!

Why Choose Autoquip?

We’ve been building and implementing innovative lifting solutions for over seven decades. Our customers rely on us because of our expertise and commitment to efficiency, safety, and productivity. When you work with Autoquip, you get more than a new lift; you gain a long-term partner dedicated to elevating your warehouse operations to the next level.

With our deep understanding of warehouse operations, extensive product offerings, unlimited customization options, and unrivaled customer service, you can’t go wrong. We invite you to explore our range of hydraulic and mechanical VRCs and discover how we can tailor the perfect lift system for your warehouse mezzanine.