How should you pack and ship Vertical Lift Modules?
Are you planning to move a Vertical Lift Module? If so, there are a few things to plan and consider to ensure the actual transport goes smoothly and that you don’t damage the equipment. Your equipment supplier may offer packaging and shipping services, but if that’s not the case—or if you’d prefer to handle it yourself—you’ll find all the information you need right here!
Parts for shipping
When it comes to packing and shipping Vertical Lift Modules, there are generally five to six main components:
- The Vertical Lift Module door opening
- Sheets / panels
- The extractor (the lift itself)
- Posts/gables
- Tray
- Miscellaneous
If you just want to know roughly how much space a dismantled Vertical Lift Module takes up in square meters or cubic meters, you can scroll down to the summary.
The Vertical Lift Module opening
When the opening of a Vertical Lift Module is removed, the result is either long pallets of metal sheets or panels, or the opening is incorporated into the structure.
When relocating a Kardex Vertical Lift Module, the module’s opening is usually kept intact. This is done to reduce disassembly and reassembly work, but above all because, for Kardex products, it is a safer way to transport the opening, which contains many critical components. If the Vertical Lift Module’s opening is transported intact, it should be both strapped (using heavy-duty Strapex or steel strapping) and screwed to the pallet on which it is being transported.
Pallet for the opening
For the opening of a Vertical Lift Module, we recommend a special pallet with a width equal to the module’s width plus 1,200 mm. The pallet’s gross weight should not exceed 400 kg, but it is important that the pallet is reinforced and can withstand being lifted from the short side with long forks without bending or breaking.
If the Vertical Lift Module’s opening is mounted down to the metal plates, a pallet measuring 0.5 times the module’s width by 800 mm is sufficient.
Regardless of whether the Vertical Lift Module door operator is shipped assembled or disassembled, one package is required per Vertical Lift Module.
Sheets / panels
The exterior of the Vertical Lift Module is very similar regardless of the supplier—it consists of a cladding made of metal sheets or panels. The metal sheets or panels protect the machine and the cargo inside; furthermore, as components, the panels are not particularly fragile—they are simply metal sheets. The metal sheets or panels can be secured to the pallet using heavy-duty Strapex straps or steel strapping.
Pallet for Vertical Lift Module panels
To transport Vertical Lift Module panels, we recommend using a standard pallet measuring, for example, 2,400 mm x 800 mm—it doesn’t matter if the panels are longer than the pallet. In addition to the pallet itself, it may be a good idea to attach vertical supports to the pallet so that the sheets can be stored upright—this reduces the risk of scratches on the visible side of the sheets. If you prefer to lay the sheets flat on the pallet, we recommend placing soft plastic between each sheet.
The panels for a Vertical Lift Module require 1 package if the Vertical Lift Module is 8 meters or shorter, 2 packages if the Vertical Lift Module is longer than 8 meters, and 3 packages if the Vertical Lift Module is longer than 12 meters.
The Extractor
The hoist or the lift car itself is, of course, a critical component that must be handled with care during transport. However, the hoist itself is relatively simple and lightweight in design, so unlike a complete opening or various metal panels, it is easy to move and handle.
Pallet for the machine’s extractor
To transport a Vertical Lift Module’s extractor, we recommend using a special pallet sized to match the module’s width and the extractor’s depth. If you are unable to measure the extractor’s width, you can assume it is between 1,200 and 1,300 mm. The extractor should then be wrapped in thick plastic sheeting as protective packaging.
The extra charge for a Vertical Lift Module requires 1 package.
Posts / Gables
The posts or end panels of a Vertical Lift Module can be likened to its skeleton—in other words, they form the very structure that holds the module together. Depending on the supplier, the design varies—either there are standard steel posts erected at each corner of the module, or there are end panels resembling pallet racks. The posts/ends are generally heavy and durable.
Pallet for the endplates
Whether a Vertical Lift Module is designed with uprights or end panels, its sturdy construction allows it to be shipped on standard EU pallets.
Poles require 1 EU pallet if the Vertical Lift Module is 8 meters or less, and 2 EU pallets if the Vertical Lift Module is over 8 meters. A pallet of poles measures approx. 3,000 mm x 800 mm. The poles are secured with heavy-duty Strapex straps or steel straps.
End pieces require 4 EU pallets if the Vertical Lift Module is 8 meters or less, and 8 EU pallets if the Vertical Lift Module is over 8 meters. One package with end pieces requires 2 EU pallets; the package dimensions are the Width of the Vertical Lift Module x 800 mm. The posts are secured with thicker Strapex straps or steel straps.
Trays
The trays in a vertical lift module are the components that take up the most space during shipping. Each tray weighs between 30 and 80 kilograms, depending on its width and reinforcement. A vertical lift module typically contains 30 to 60 trays, but taller lift modules can have up to 100 trays. It is recommended to place shavings, battens, or blocks between each tray—this prevents the trays from bending or becoming damaged.
Pallet for the Vertical Lift Module's tray
Depending on the configuration of the trays, you can expect to load 10–20 trays onto an EU pallet. As a general rule, if the trays are over 3,500 mm wide, you can load 10–15 trays per EU pallet. If the trays are less than 3,500 mm wide, you can load 15–20 trays per EU pallet.
Each package will then measure the machine’s shelf width multiplied by approx. 900 mm. For example, for a vertical lift module with 60 trays, each 3,000 mm wide, this results in 3 packages measuring 3,000 x 900 mm.
Other
What is classified as “other” when a Vertical Lift Module has been dismantled and palletized can vary, but not all “other” components require special packaging. Cables, electronics, metal brackets, and plexiglass are parts for which you can expect to need 2–4 EU pallets per Vertical Lift Module.
Summary
Below is a rough estimate of how many boxes you can expect a disassembled Vertical Lift Module to require, the size of the boxes, and the shipping and storage requirements.
This example refers to a Vertical Lift Module measuring 3,500 mm x 7,950 mm x 3,400 mm (width x height x depth) with 60 trays.
Component | Number of packages | Size / package | Approx. weight per package |
|---|---|---|---|
Opening the Vertical Lift Module button | 1 | 3,500 mm x 1,250 mm | 500 kg |
Sheets | 1 | 3,400 mm x 800 mm | 1,500 kg |
Extractor | 1 | 3,100 mm x 1,200 mm | 500 kg |
Posts / Gables | 1 | 3,100 mm x 800 mm | 1,000 kg |
Tray | 3 | 3,100 mm x 900 mm | 1,200 kg |
Other | 4 | 1,200 mm x 800 mm | 300 kg |
If the Vertical Lift Module described above is packed efficiently, it can be transported in an export trailer (13.6 m long), or, to be on the safe side, in a truck with a trailer (7.2 m + 12 m)
If, despite this guide, you feel you need help with shipping, packing, buying, or selling your Vertical Lift Module If so, please feel free to contact us using the form at the bottom of the site.
