Hydraulic Lift vs. Mechanical Lift, Which is Better?

Historically, to elevate materials, companies either invested in a costly freight elevator or relied on staff to manually lift and move materials or goods. Unsure of the right choice? Feel free to request a free quote by clicking this link.

Key Takeaways:

• Compared:

  Mechanical lifts, which use cables or chains, are generally more efficient and environmentally friendly than hydraulic lifts, which use fluid pressure and are prone to leakage.

• Advantages of Mechanical Lifts:

  Mechanical lifts offer a 100% duty cycle with steady and smooth travel, are quieter, and require less maintenance compared to hydraulic lifts, which have limitations in cycle frequency and precision.

• Cost of Ownership:

  While hydraulic lifts may have a lower initial cost, mechanical lifts are more cost-effective in the long run due to lower maintenance requirements and better overall performance.

Then, about 25 or so years ago, another option came to market – vertical material lifts. These lifts, also known as material lifts or VRC (Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor) lifts, became the perfect in-between solution. There are two main types of vertical material lifts: the Hydraulic Lift and the mechanical lift.

For one, VRC lifts are much less expensive than freight elevators. What’s more, they provide a safer working environment, increase productivity, and save wear and tear on a worker’s body by reducing the manual labor needed to move materials.

In addition to less manual labor, and improved safety and productivity, material lifts offer a host of other benefits. To read about them in more detail, click here to read our article titled: Top 10 Benefits of a Vertical Material Lift.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. In this week’s article, we’re going to provide a side-by-side comparison of the two different types of vertical material lifts: hydraulic lift and mechanical lift.