When considering equipment options for moving materials from one floor level to another, there are many to choose from – forklifts, scissor lifts, freight elevators, overhead cranes, and even stairs. But one of the most safe, efficient, cost-effective, and versatile ways to move materials between floor levels is a vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC).
Because VRCs are typically constructed for your specific application versus being off the shelf solutions, providing an estimated cost per unit is difficult without knowing the details of the specific application. However, if you are considering purchasing a VRC, below are a list of cost considerations to take into account. The answers to these questions can help ensure that the VRC solution developed is the perfect fit for your application and your short- and long-term material lifting needs:
- What do you need the VRC to do and how often?
- How far do you need to lift the material(s)?
- How much space?
- How much space do you have around where the VRC will be placed?
- How will materials be loaded onto the VRC?
- Manual loading (via hand-truck, pallet jack, forklift, etc.)
- How Heavy and How big? Typically, the cost of a VRC increases as the size of the carriage and the payload lifting capacity increases.
- What is the total load weight / heaviest load?
- What are the dimensions of the largest load?
- Will there be multiple loads put on the carriage at one time?
- How are the materials lifted now?
- What are your loading / unloading requirements?
- How much flexibility do you need when loading and unloading at all floor levels?
Cost of Ownership
Compared to other material handling solutions, VRCs typically have a lower total cost of ownership. As VRCs are not governed by the same code requirements as people-moving elevators or human-driven forklifts, they do not require the same level or frequency of inspection.
While VRCs should be inspected on a regular basis to prevent equipment failures or accelerated wear and tear, initial purchase, installation, and maintenance costs are, on average, 70% lower than other vertical transportation solutions.
What to Expect Before, During, & After Your VRC Purchase
PFlow Industries and our network of material handling dealers are here to help you. From assessing your material lifting needs and providing a detailed VRC quote, to pre-installation and installation support, to after care and parts and service support, you’ll have what you need to keep your PFlow VRC operating at optimal performance. PFlow offers the following to help you get the most out of your VRC purchase:
- Lift installation supervision
- Start-up services
- Parts and service support
Designed For Your Specific Application
PFlow Industries manufactures VRC solutions that are engineered to meet the requirements of each end-user’s specific application. Incorporating a PFlow VRC into your facility adds a level of efficiency and safety that cannot be achieved with other vertical lifting equipment.
Want to learn more about how a VRC could optimize material movement for your specific application? Contact us today to speak to a PFlow VRC expert.