Multi-floor Handling Solutions

With over 28 years experience, we pride ourselves on delivering successful installations for leading organisations. Our commitment to excellence fosters strong relationships, allowing us to provide tailored automation solutions and ongoing support.

For more information, contact us at 01283 55 22 55.

Our Clients

Moving products between floors

Moving products efficiently between different mezzanine floor levels is critical for many warehouses, factories, and eCommerce fulfilment centres.

CSL offers various options to suit the application, required throughputs, products, footprint, and budget. Between all the options, they can handle any product, packets, poly bags, cartons, tote bins, pallets, etc.

Types of Multi-Floor Solutions

These can be designed as part of a complete conveyor system or as a standalone solution. Speak to our applications design team for more information or to see how CSL can significantly improve your multi-floor product movements.

Benefits of automation

All of the CSL Multi-floor handling options can be added retrospectively to an existing mezzanine floor or included at the mezzanine design stage.

Improved Throughputs – More products moved per hour
Reductions in labour requirements and MHE costs
Constant movement of products between sectors
Reduction in health and safety risks
Quickly and safely move products between floor levels

Frequently Asked Questions

What are vertical lift conveyors?

Vertical lift conveyors are automated systems designed to transport products, cartons, or pallets between different elevations within a facility. They are commonly used in warehouses, distribution centres, and manufacturing plants to optimise space, improve efficiency, and reduce manual handling. These systems come in various types, including reciprocating (lift-and-lower) and continuous vertical conveyors, to suit different operational needs.

How is a continuous vertical lift conveyor different from standard vertical lifts?

A continuous vertical lift conveyor operates in a loop, allowing for a steady, uninterrupted flow of products between levels. It typically consists of multiple platforms attached to a rotating chain or belt, enabling continuous movement. This design is ideal for high-throughput operations.

In contrast, standard vertical lifts (or reciprocating lifts) move items in a stop-and-go manner, where a platform lifts a load to the required height, stops for unloading, and then returns for the next load. These are better suited for lower-throughput applications where controlled movement is needed.

Can I customise my vertical conveyor elevator based on my application needs?

Yes, vertical lift conveyors can be customised to meet specific application needs. Customisation options include:

Load capacity – Adjusting the system to handle different product weights and sizes.
Speed and throughput – Configuring for continuous or intermittent movement.
Integration – Seamless connection with existing conveyor systems or warehouse management software.
Safety features – Adding guards, sensors, or emergency stops to enhance operator safety.
Environmental considerations – Special coatings or materials for harsh or cleanroom environments.

How high can a vertical lift conveyor elevate products?

The maximum height of a vertical lift conveyor depends on the specific system and manufacturer. Generally:

Reciprocating vertical lifts can typically reach heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) or more.
Continuous vertical conveyors are often designed for lower heights but can still handle 10-15 meters (30-50 feet) efficiently.

What products can be transported on each type of elevator?

Spirals – Irregular items such as cartons, boxes, tote bins, bags and more
Vertical Lift – Cartons, boxes and tote bins, more
Pallet Elevator – Pallets, pallet boxes, cases and IBC’s (Intermediate Bulk Container)
Goods Lift – All product types plus, trolleys and people

What types of goods lifts are there?

The key difference between attended and unattended goods lifts is whether a person can travel in the lift with the goods.

Attended Goods Lifts

Designed for both goods and authorised personnel to travel together.
Usually have safety features like emergency stop buttons, interlocks, and enclosed cabins.
Typically require additional compliance with lift safety regulations to ensure passenger protection.
Used in scenarios where manual handling or monitoring of goods during transport is necessary, such as factories, warehouses, and retail stockrooms.

Unattended Goods Lifts

Strictly for transporting goods only—no passengers are allowed inside.
Often referred to as dumbwaiters (for small loads) or goods-only lifts for larger loads.
Usually have gated or shuttered enclosures to prevent access during operation.
Safer and more cost-effective for businesses that don’t need staff to travel with the load.

What are the weight limitations for goods lifts?

Goods lifts can carry up to 4500kg safely depending on requirements.

Sprial Elevators Vs. Incline Belts

Spiral conveyors and incline belt conveyors both move items between different levels, but they have distinct designs and uses.

Spiral Conveyors

Move goods up or down in a continuous spiral path.
Use a slat that curves around a central column.
Compact footprint—ideal for spaces where a long incline belt won’t fit.
Offer high throughput and smooth product flow without abrupt transitions.
Common in eCommerce, parcel and tote handling as well as high-speed production lines.

Incline Belt Conveyors

Move goods between levels using a straight, sloped belt.
Require more floor space than spirals due to their gradual incline.
Often have textured surfaces to prevent products from slipping.
Suitable for simple elevation changes in warehouses, manufacturing, and food processing.

More Information

Goods Lifts

Goods lifts are an effective way to move materials and/or personnel between floors. Our range of mezzanine lifts offers seamless vertical transportation to suit a range of applications:

Benefits of CSL’s Mezzanine Goods Lifts:

Pallet Lifts (Goods Only): Capable of transporting goods from 250kg to 3000kg, these mezzanine lifts streamline the movement of products
Attended pallet lifts (Goods and Personnel): With a maximum capacity of approximately 3000kg, these lifts ensure the safe transport of goods and personnel.
Flexible installation: Our goods lifts can be installed onto an existing floor level or within a specially constructed pit, offering easy and level access.
Impressive height reach: Most lift types can effortlessly reach heights of up to 18 meters, accommodating multi-floor operations efficiently.
Enhanced safety and efficiency: By eliminating the need for manual lifting and carrying between floors, our mezzanine lifts reduce health and safety risks while saving valuable time and resources.
Cost-effective: Investing in goods lifts or multi-floor conveyor systems leads to significant time and cost savings, ultimately boosting your bottom line.

CSL’s range of goods lifts caters to a broad spectrum of warehouses and production facilities. Whether you have a new or existing mezzanine or multi-floor application, our goods lifts are designed to integrate seamlessly, providing a hassle-free vertical transportation solution.