15 Frequently Asked Questions

1. WHY PFLOW?

The reason for choosing Pflow can be summed up easily in one word: COMMITMENT. Pflow is committed to the customer and the VRC industry.

2. WHAT TYPE OF VERTICAL CONVEYING SYSTEMS DOES PFLOW OFFER?

Hydraulic and mechanical. Both straddle and cantilever designs are available, as well as a 4 post lift for large applications.

3. WHERE WOULD A HYDRAULIC OR MECHANICAL LIFT BE USED?

A hydraulic lift is the least expensive of the two to purchase and install. It can be used with loads from 1000 to 6000 lbs. It has a maximum carriage size of 10 ft. x 10 ft. or maximum vertical lift of 22 ft. and the capacity to stop at two levels. A mechanical lift is used where larger carriages are needed, where a vertical rise greater than 22 ft. is required, or where the capacity to stop at three or more levels is required.

4. HOW IS THE LIFT SUPPORTED?

The carriage is raised between two columns. The columns need to be lagged to the ground. The columns are also attached to the sill of the opening on the upper level.

5. WHAT IS THE LOWERED HEIGHT OF THE CARRIAGE?

If no pit is dug, the profile of the standard carriage is usually 4-1/4".

6. WHAT SIZE LIFT CAN BE FIT INTO AN OPENING?

This varies by model. Please refer to CAD DRAWINGS on this site for for exact dimensions.

7. HOW MUCH ROOM DOES THE POWER UNIT TAKE UP?

The motor pump for a hydraulic lift is 30" long x 20" wide x 20" high. It can be mounted anywhere within 15' of the lift. On a mechanical lift, the power unit is located at the top of the two guide beams. It requires approximately 3' of space above the carriage load height.

8. WHAT IS A MEZZANINE BACKSTOP SAFETY PANEL?

A mezzanine backstop safety panel is used on applications where there is a snap chain but no railing on the backside of the carriage at the upper level. The panel attaches to the support beams of the lift at the upper level. Its purpose is to enclose the back of the carriage so that there is no possibility of someone walking onto the lift and falling off and to help prevent product from falling while loading at the upper level.

9. ARE SAFETY GATES AND ENCLOSURES REQUIRED?

In order to meet OSHA, ANSI and common sense standards, anywhere a person can come in contact with the lift, an 8' high enclosure is required. Where the lift is to be loaded, a gate with an interlock is required.

10. WHAT IS AN INTERLOCK?

An interlock prevents a gate from being opened unless the lift is at that level. The interlock also prevents the lift from running should the gate not be closed.

11. ARE CONTROLS PROVIDED?

All electrical components needed to make the lift work are included with the lift. The standard controls with a hydraulic unit are self-maintained contact controls. Constant pressure or dead-man controls are also available on hydraulic units.

12. WHAT IS THE LEAD TIME FOR A LIFT?

Approval drawings are prepared and sent out within two weeks after the receipt of an order. The lift is shipped six to eight weeks after a signed approval drawing is returned to Pflow.

13. HOW IS THE LIFT SHIPPED?

The lift is shipped via common carrier. The components in the shipment are as follows:

a. Carriage.
b. Two guide columns approximately 20' long (depending on vertical rise).
c. 4' x 4' x 3' parts crate; for mechanical units, a drive base.

14. HOW DIFFICULT IS INSTALLATION?

The basic steps for installing a lift are as follows:

a. The columns are set in place.
b. The carriage is put between the columns.
c. For a mechanical lift, the drive base must be raised to the top of the beams.
d. Gates and enxlosures are assembled and set in place.

15. WHAT MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED?

To maintain peak performance of the lift:

a. Keep all moving components greased.
b. Keep all bolts tightened.

Maintenance of the lift is well within the capabilities of a plant maintenance person.