Free-Standing Mechanical Vertical Lift Installation

Frontiere Meats needed a high-capacity vertical lift to move freight and inventory between floors inside an existing concrete shaft. The key constraint was structural: the lift could not be attached to the surrounding walls or compromise the integrity of the shaft.

The Challenge: High-Capacity Vertical Transport Without Wall Anchoring

The facility required a vertical lift system that could fit precisely within an existing concrete shaft while remaining completely independent from the surrounding structure.

Key requirements included:

• Fit within an existing concrete shaft with tight dimensional constraints

• Operate as a free-standing structure without bolting to walls

• Support heavy freight movement between facility levels

• Meet OSHA safety and clearance requirements

• Include permitting and a complete mechanical and electrical installation scope

The Solution: Autoquip Free-Standing Mechanical Freight Lift

Western Storage and Handling engineered and installed a free-standing mechanical freight lift manufactured by Autoquip. The system was designed to be bolted only to the foundation, ensuring stability without relying on wall attachment.

A vertical gate was used to help minimize OSHA clearance requirements compared to a swinging or hinged gate, supporting safer operation in a constrained space.

Key Features of the Installation

• Autoquip mechanical freight lift (Model FM4-177-0120)

• 12′ x 8′ vertical lift configuration

• 12,000 lb capacity for heavy freight and inventory movement

• Completely free-standing, bolted only to the foundation

• Vertical safety gate to minimize clearance requirements

• Complete mechanical and electrical installation

• Complete permit package

• Single point of contact and project management

Results: Safe, Code-Compliant Freight Movement Between Floors

The completed lift system enabled Frontiere Meats to move heavy inventory between floors safely and efficiently without structural modifications to the existing shaft. The solution improved workflow, reduced manual handling risk, and met permitting and safety requirements for long-term operation.

Need a Vertical Lift for a Tight or Hard-to-Modify Space?

Western Storage and Handling designs and installs vertical lift systems engineered for your facility constraints, safety requirements, and workflow goals. Request a consultation to evaluate the right lift solution for your operation.