When you're building a multi-level construction project, freight elevators are a must, and finding freight elevator providers in your area may be a struggle. Locating a freight elevator in a tight space can be difficult, and you may need to rely on a specialty freight elevator provider to help you locate and manage your construction elevator.

There are different types of freight elevators that meet different needs, and each state has different regulations regarding construction freight elevators, but there are some common elements you should study when you're in the planning stages of construction:

1. Study your area's specific laws regarding construction freight elevators (most states won't allow passengers on a freight elevator, for example)

2. Determine what you'll be carrying on your freight elevator, including the weight, units, size, type and how it will be loaded

3. Decide whether a hydraulic or electric freight elevator is right to meet your needs

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the right freight elevator for your particular project

What type of freight elevator is right for your project? There are two basic types of freight elevators for construction purposes - electric and hydraulic. Each has benefits and drawbacks you should know about.

I recommend: If you're building a low-rise building with industrial tracks, then a hydraulic elevator will probably be more efficient and economical. Hydraulic elevators can haul heavy loads at slow speeds and use less energy. Contact a freight elevator provider like Delta Elevator to design a custom freight elevator for your specific needs. Or choose a company like Alimak Hek that specializes in construction freight elevator applications.

Find freight elevator vendors with many applications

A larger construction site with many stories requires a beefier elevator system. Electric freight elevators meet this need and they are quicker, too. They do use more energy, however, so they are most costly to operate.

I recommend: For international applications, the freight elevator list gets a little smaller. Check out the Hollister-Whitney Elevator Corporation, which offers electric elevators with documentation in English, French or German for foreign and domestic construction projects. Servicing your freight elevators is important too; find out about service options from ThyssenKrupp Elevator.

Know your freight elevator load classifications

Not sure how much your freight elevator will cost? You can find freight elevator quote requests online. Just fill out the request with your specifications, and you'll get an answer back that will give you an idea of how much your elevator will cost. If you need to know specifics, like load calculations and more, find them in handy guides.

I recommend: For online quotes on hydraulic freight elevators, look to Leistritz Corporation, with a comprehensive online form ready for your information.If you're not sure about load classifications or other details, information on that and more is found at Global Tardif Elevator Manufacturing Group's site.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  One vital aspect of freight elevator operation can't be overlooked. Safety is an all-important area of freight elevators that must constantly be monitored. Passengers shouldn't ride on a freight elevator; it isn't designed with passengers in mind. The freight elevator list of safety precautions also includes never overload your freight elevator. All elevators, no matter their size or shape, are designed to carry a maximum load weight efficiently. Know that weight and make sure your subs and employees don't go over that limit; you could have tragic results as a consequence.