WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
A goods lift is a goods lift right? Well not exactly, such lifts actually fall into two categories, cage lifts and goods lifts. While they both facilitate the moving of goods from one floor to another, there are some fundamental differences between the two. So in this blog, we are going to explain the differences so you know which one is right for you.
What is a cage lift?
The cage lift is a self-supporting lift that is usually installed in an open cage-like structure. They are designed to transport goods from one floor to another and are most commonly found in warehouses, industrial spaces or workshops. Cage lifts typically have a closed car design with an inner gate to protect the load from falling into the shaft.
Cage lifts can only be used to carry goods, persons are only allowed in the lift car for loading and unloading purposes. To prevent persons from using the lift, there are no controls in the lift car itself. All controls are located outside the lift car and require constant pressure from the attendant.
Because cage lifts are often found in warehousing and workshops several sizes and specifications are available including; small goods lifts, service lifts, kitchen lifts and heavy-duty cage lifts. This makes them suitable for almost any type of industrial, workshop or factory unit.
Cage lift specifications
- Load up to 1000kg
- Travel up to 6.5m
- Constant pressure control buttons
- Suitable for goods only
- Self-supporting structure
- Meets Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
What are goods lifts?
Goods lifts are also designed to move goods from one floor to another, but there are important differences to consider. First of all, goods lifts are installed in an enclosed shaft which makes them fireproof and suitable for use in conventional buildings such as hotels and offices.
Another important difference is that goods lifts can also be certified for use with an attendant. Such lifts are called goods/attendant lifts and can be certified to carry up to two attendants. This type of lift is fitted with fully automatic call/send buttons at each entrance. But they are mounted outside the lift car so a second/third person will be needed for operation.
This type of lift also has an increased maximum travel distance of up to 15m. This makes them suitable for larger buildings such as hotels where they are often used to transport food and attendants from the kitchen to the dining room. To facilitate this they also have an increased weight capacity being able to accommodate loads of up 2000kg.
Goods lift specifications
- Load up to 2000kg
- Travel up to 15m
- Fully automatic call & send buttons
- Goods only or goods attendant option available
- Installed in a fully enclosed frame
- Standard specification meets Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Additional safety measures are required if the lift is to be used to carry persons.
Which lift is right for you?
As you can see there are some fundamental differences between the two. In summary, cage lifts can be used to transport goods only up to three floors. Goods lifts on the other hand are more heavy-duty and can be certified to transport goods and people up to four floors. They are also fully enclosed so can be installed in conventional buildings.
The right lift for you will depend on the type of building it is to be installed in, how much weight will need to be carried and whether or not an attendant is needed to travel with the goods. Cage lifts are most suitable for warehouses and workshops which need to transfer goods to an upper level. While goods lifts are suitable for almost every other application.