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PFlow Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs)
Efficient, safe vertical transport that fits your operation
Get QuoteVRCs from PFlow Industries boast industry-leading expertise and innovative designs. Cisco-Eagle and PFlow partner to offer a line of mechanical, hydraulic, package handling and fully automated vertical lift systems that are carefully engineered for each application. A sophisticated set of safety features includes gates and enclosures, specialized safety cams and the patented DeckLock system, which prevents unintended carriage drop. Contact us to get started designing a customized VRC that will make your operation safer, more efficient and more cost effective.
Hydraulic vs. Mechanical: which do you need?
Different construction, different needs
Hydraulic lifts use pressurized fluid to move the carriage, while mechanical lifts use a system of chains or cables and a gear reducer to achieve the same goal. They both offer safer, more efficient lifting compared with manual methods, but each shines in a different environment.
Hydraulic VRCs are usually a lower-cost option, at least initially. They move materials to a second level between 15' and 22' above the lower floor, like a balcony or mezzanine. Their cycle count is limited to about 10 per hour and 100 per day, and the payload capacity is lower than in mechanical lifts. But if you don't need to move heavy loads frequently, and if your application involves only two floors, their lower price point makes them a good option.
Mechanical lifts, on the other hand, have few restrictions on their height or payload capacity. They can deliver materials to an almost unlimited number of floors, with a wide variety of configurations. Their cycle count is limited only by travel time. They usually also offer a smoother ride than hydraulic lifts, which can help reduce damage to loads. Installation costs are usually higher, but on the flipside, their maintenance and operating costs are often lower.
| Type | Key Advantages | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic | Usually lower up-front cost | Not suitable for high-volume applications; often not permitted in cleanroom environments |
| Mechanical | Virtually unlimited cycle counts, lifting capacity and rise | Very few: versatile construction and suitable for high-speed, high-capacity applications |
Start with thorough knowledge
Any integrator needs to understand all the ins and outs of your business to specify a VRC to fit your needs. Our team asks a lot of questions to make sure we get it right, and our systems integrators have installed thousands of VRCs.
For specification help, just contact us. We're here to answer your questions.