A freight elevator is a large-scale electromechanical system that integrates mechanical and electrical components. It is primarily designed for transporting goods and is widely used to meet the cargo transport demands in industrial production and warehousing logistics.
Based on usage environments and functional requirements, freight elevators are generally categorized into two types: standard freight elevators and special-purpose freight elevators.
Standard freight elevators are used for general cargo transport.
Special-purpose freight elevators are designed for specific environments or applications, such as explosion-proof freight elevators, cleanroom freight elevators, cold-chain freight elevators, livestock elevators , non-commercial vehicle elevators, and oversized among others types of freight elevators.
Freight elevators are mainly used in industrial manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, commercial buildings , and agriculture. They are suitable for transporting heavy or bulky materials, as well as components or finished products on production lines.
A freight elevator typically comprises the following components:
Traction system
Guiding system
Car system
Door system
Counterweight system
Drive system
Electrical control system
Safety protection system
Key specifications of a freight elevator include:
Rated load capacity
Rated speed
Number of stops and doors
Car dimensions
Door type and opening dimensions
Traction type
Control mode
Key Safety Devices:
To ensure operational safety, freight elevators are equipped with:
Overspeed governor
Safety gear
Buffer
Car upward overspeed protection device
Door interlocks devices
Unintended car movement protection device
Final limit switches
Overload protection
Freight elevators are typically labeled with their load and occupancy limits. These regulations must be strictly followed—do not overload or exceed the maximum number of persons. If cargo is excessively large or heavy, it should be divided into smaller loads to prevent overloading.
Always check the door status before entering or exiting the elevator. Ensure the doors are fully open before passing through to avoid injury from closing doors.
Cargo should be evenly distributed and well-balanced. Avoid overstacking or placing items in an unstable manner. During elevator operation, cargo must remain stable to prevent tipping or shifting.
Freight elevators must be equipped with essential emergency features, such as emergency lighting and alarm systems. For freight elevators with car dimensions exceeding standard specifications, signage indicating the
rated load capacity must be clearly visible from the loading/unloading area at each floor. These elevators must be dedicated to transporting specific lightweight goods, and even when fully loaded by volume, the total weight must not exceed the rated capacity. Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to operate these elevators, and access for passengers must be strictly prohibited.
Additionally, non-commercial vehicle elevators are strictly limited to transporting small passenger vehicles. They are to be used exclusively by trained personnel approved by the user organization, and must not be used for carrying passengers, general cargo, or for any other unauthorized purposes.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of freight elevators. Maintenance tasks include cleaning, lubrication, inspection and adjustment, and replacement of worn parts. Maintenance and servicing must be carried out by the elevator manufacturer or a licensed for elevator installation, modification, or repair company as stipulated by law.
All maintenance procedures must strictly comply with relevant technical safety standards and regulations. The responsible party shall implement proper on-site safety protection measures to ensure the safety of personnel during maintenance operations.