Goods Lift Installation & System Design for Multi-Floor Access
Goods lifts provide dedicated vertical transport for stock, equipment and materials between floors in commercial and industrial buildings. Different systems are available according to the type and weight of goods being moved, the frequency of use and whether an attendant needs to travel with the load.
Service lifts provide a smaller-scale solution for moving items such as catering supplies, stock and other goods where passenger transport is not required. For smaller loads, dumbwaiters provide a compact alternative for applications such as kitchens and hospitality premises.
The lift specification is determined by the load requirements, travel, access arrangements and available installation space. Systems can be considered for new developments and existing buildings, subject to the requirements of the individual installation.
Goods Lift Specification
Goods lift specification depends on what needs to be transported and how the lift will operate within the building. Load capacity, platform or car dimensions, travel, access arrangements, door configuration and frequency of use all need to be considered when selecting the system.
Where an attendant needs to accompany the goods, the lift must be specifically designed and specified for that purpose. The requirements differ from a goods-only lift, so intended use needs to be established at the outset.
Installation & Project Planning
A site assessment establishes the available installation space, travel requirements, access points and any structural or builder’s work associated with the installation. This also allows the proposed lift to be considered alongside the day-to-day operation of the building.
Following specification, the installation is completed and the lift tested and commissioned before handover.
Goods & Service Lift Types
Goods Lifts
Goods lifts are designed for transporting stock, equipment and materials between floors in commercial and industrial buildings. They can be specified for warehouses, manufacturing premises, retail buildings and other properties where goods need to be moved regularly between levels.
The required load capacity, lift dimensions, access arrangements and frequency of use will determine the appropriate system for the building.
Goods Lifts with Attendant
Where an attendant needs to travel with the load, a lift specifically designed for accompanied goods transport is required. These systems can be specified for commercial and industrial buildings where the movement of goods requires an authorised attendant to travel with them.
The intended use needs to be established during specification so that the appropriate lift system is selected for the loads being transported and the way the lift will operate within the building.
Service Lifts
Service lifts are used to transport goods and supplies between floors in buildings such as hotels, restaurants, retail premises and other commercial properties. Depending on the application, they can be used for items including catering supplies, stock and linen.
The appropriate system depends on the size and weight of the loads, travel required, frequency of use and available installation space.
Dumbwaiters
Dumbwaiters are designed to transport smaller goods between floors and are commonly used for items such as food, catering supplies, and other light goods. They are particularly suited to commercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels and other buildings where smaller items need to be moved regularly between levels.
For further information on the available systems, see our dumbwaiter lifts.
Goods & Service Lift Systems
Explore the range of goods and service lift systems available for different applications and building requirements.
Edmolift
Compact platform lift solution designed for low-rise access and light goods transport.
Rhino PRO
Heavy-duty goods lift system designed for frequent use and higher load capacities.
NLS Magna
High-capacity goods and service lift designed for demanding commercial and industrial environments.
Dumbwaiters
High-capacity goods and service lifts designed for demanding commercial and industrial environments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goods Lifts
Goods lifts are designed to transport stock, equipment and materials between floors in industrial, commercial and retail environments, helping improve operational efficiency.
Goods lifts are typically used for heavier loads in industrial settings, while service lifts are smaller systems used in hospitality, retail and commercial environments for transporting lighter items such as stock or supplies.
Standard goods lifts are not designed for passenger use. However, goods lifts with an attendant can be configured to safely carry both goods and a trained operator.
A dumbwaiter is a small lift used to transport lightweight items such as food, documents or supplies between floors, commonly used in kitchens, offices and hospitality settings.
Yes, goods and service lifts can be installed in existing buildings, with options available for limited space, including low pit and reduced headroom configurations.
Goods lifts are available in a wide range of load capacities, from smaller service applications to heavy-duty industrial systems designed for large or palletised loads.
In most cases, internal lift installations do not require planning permission, but requirements can vary depending on the building type and project scope.
Regular servicing and maintenance are required to ensure safe and reliable operation, with scheduled inspections typically carried out in line with safety regulations and usage levels.
Have something specific in mind?
Discuss Your Goods Lift Project
Contact our team to discuss the goods to be transported, load requirements, travel and building layout. We can assess the installation requirements and recommend a suitable goods or service lift for the project.