Do you own a commercial building? Confused about the difference between a service elevator and a freight elevator? Whether you need a freight or service elevator depends on the intended use and the amount of weight transported within that elevator. Here, Vanguard Elevator discusses the difference between the two types of elevators and which to choose for your building.
What’s The Difference?
Freight Elevator
Freight elevators are designed for heavy weight. They are intended to accommodate a much heavier load than a typical passenger or service elevator. Freight elevators are designed to move larger goods and materials throughout a building. They also travel at a slower speed. These elevators are designed to withstand tougher working conditions due to the heavier loads.
Freight elevators are also designed for maximum safety. This can include steel wall panels, a heavy steel floor and a reinforced gate. They will usually include vertically opening doors.
Service Elevator
Service elevators are sometimes referred to as freight elevators, but they are not the same. They are intended to transport employees and light duty equipment throughout a building. These elevators typically can’t handle the same weight as a freight elevator. Most service elevators have horizontally opening doors just like a traditional passenger elevator.
Where Will You See A Freight Elevator?
Potential Freight Elevator Locations:
- Automobile dealerships
- Warehouses
- Retail spaces
- Residential areas
Classes of Freight Elevators
If you need a freight elevator, there are different classifications that define the maximum capacity and permitted loading/unloading processes.
- Class A: General Freight Loading – This freight class is ideal for distributed loads where the weight of a single item is not more than 1/4 of the elevator’s capacity. The load is handled on and off the car platform with hand trucks or manually.
- Class B: Motor Vehicle Loading – A Class B freight elevator is used to transport cars, trucks and other types of vehicles.
- Class C1: Industrial Truck Loading – With a Class C1 freight elevator, you can use a four-wheeled vehicle to load and unload the elevator. However, the combined weight of the vehicle and the load cannot exceed the rated capacity. The vehicle used to load and unload items can remain in the elevator while it’s in use.
- Class C2: Industrial Truck Loading – Class C2 freight elevators allow a maximum load on the platform of up to 150% of the rated capacity. With this type of elevator, you’re able to use a forklift to load a car with freight weighing up to the rated capacity. The lift truck or forklift must be removed from the elevator before using it.
- Class C3: Other Forms of Industrial Truck Loading – These freight elevators are most commonly used to transport loads that have a similar weight to the elevator’s maximum capacity.
Need Elevator Maintenance or Repairs?
Vanguard Elevator is committed to providing the highest level of service for all of your vertical transportation needs. On every job, we strive to deliver quality service at an exceptional value. Whether you need maintenance, modernization, or new construction, we will provide the same high-quality service that our organization is founded on. Schedule a free survey today and discover how we’re taking you to new levels in the elevator industry. Give us a call today for service!