How to Choose the Right Goods Lift: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you run a retail space, a warehouse, or an industrial operations unit, a goods lift can be a game-changer for your business. However, getting the most out of your goods lift means knowing exactly what you need from it and what type of lift will benefit you best. In this post, we look at everything you need to consider when choosing a type of goods lift for your business.

Table of Contents

Usage

The first question you will need to answer is, “What do I need a goods lift for?” While the business you run will dictate the lift size and functionality, you will need to consider the type of loads, frequency, capacity needs, building restrictions, and whether personnel will need to travel with the goods. A lift for a self-storage unit will typically have different requirements than one for an industrial space.

Capacity

It is best to err on the side of caution when choosing the capacity of your lift, as overloading a lift can be dangerous, lead to more wear and tear on the mechanisms, and reduce efficiency. Consider the largest weights and volumes you’re moving, and then add a buffer on top. It’s always best to have more capacity than you need than not enough.

Logistics

How far will you require the lift to transport your goods? For lifts only heading to a mezzanine, you may be able to get away with a relatively simple structure and mechanism. However, if you’re moving goods between many floors, it’s likely that you’ll need to consider a more complex model. Knowing how far and where you’ll be transporting goods will help dictate the placement of the lift, too.

Building Considerations

Retrofitting a goods lift is typically not difficult, particularly when installing a mezzanine lift in a warehouse, for example. However, before booking an installation, you will need to consider whether your building’s structure and foundations are limited. An experienced lift installer can assess your building to help determine whether there are any restrictions on the type of lift you can have.

Open or Closed?

If you are using lifts to travel short distances, typically moving only goods and not personnel, you may be able to opt for an open lift. Otherwise, a closed lift, which offers much more protection and can travel longer distances, may be your best bet.

Drive Systems

There are various drive systems that work for different types of facilities. Whether you opt for a hydraulic, screw drive, or guided chain lift will depend on your unique requirements. Again, this may be something you’d prefer to discuss with your supplier.

Maintenance

No matter how often it is used and the types of loads moved, you will need to know the maintenance requirements of your new goods lift before it is installed. It may be possible to purchase an aftercare maintenance plan, which will save you the headache of scheduling maintenance visits with an outside engineer.

Safety

No one wants to break the law, and it is vital to ensure you are compliant with health and safety regulations. Make sure to ask about safety features such as emergency stop buttons and whether there are any protections against overloading. This will not only ensure your lift’s lifespan is maximised but also help to avoid accidents.

Warranty

Finally, no matter how great the lift is, if something goes wrong, you will not want to pay over the odds for a replacement or repair. Choose a goods lift that comes with a comprehensive warranty, and you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll be covered. Additionally, it’s important to carefully review the warranty terms to understand what is covered, including parts, labor, and any exclusions. Some warranties may also offer extended coverage options, which can be particularly valuable if you anticipate heavy usage or if your business operates in a demanding environment. A robust warranty can save you significant costs in the long run and ensure that your operations remain uninterrupted.