FIND US

Davenport, IA
4710 N Brady St
Davenport, IA 52806

Des Moines, IA
2276 NE 46th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317

Specialty Conveyors

Specialty conveyors are material-handling systems designed for applications that standard horizontal conveyors cannot perform, including vertical lifting between floor levels, mezzanine access, pallet transfer, and product-direction changes within production lines. The largest product group within this category is Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs), also known as material lifts or freight lifts, which move pallets, carts, boxes, and equipment between fixed elevations. Barron Equipment offers specialty conveyors from Wildeck, Autoquip, PFlow Industries, and Roach Conveyors.

What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)?

A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) is a material-only lifting system that raises and lowers loads between two or more levels using a guided carriage. VRCs are used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, mezzanine-storage applications, and automated conveyor systems where materials must move vertically rather than horizontally.

Unlike freight elevators, VRCs are designed exclusively for material handling and are governed by ASME B20.1, the Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment. They are not intended to transport people.

Types of Specialty Conveyors

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs) & Material Lifts

VRCs are the primary focus of this category and include hydraulic, mechanical, cantilever, straddle, modular, and automated systems from Wildeck, Autoquip, and PFlow Industries.

Common applications include:

Mezzanine material movement
Pallet transfer between floors
Inventory storage access
Manufacturing process integration
Conveyor-system elevation changes

Specialty Belt Transfer Conveyors

The category also includes multi-strand belt-transfer conveyors from Roach Conveyors that are designed for:

90-degree product transfers
Conveyor-line intersections
Product reorientation
Gap bridging

These systems help redirect products within automated conveyor layouts without manual intervention.

Automated VRC & Conveyor Integration

Some systems combine vertical lifting directly with powered conveyor equipment.

The FlexLoader™ Material Conveyor System is an example of a system designed to integrate vertical movement into an automated material-handling process.

Hydraulic vs. Mechanical VRC

One of the most important decisions buyers make is whether to choose a hydraulic VRC or a mechanical VRC.

Selection Criteria	Hydraulic VRC	Mechanical VRC
Actuation Method	Direct-acting hydraulic cylinders	Chain-driven motor and gearbox
Typical Application	Light-to-medium-duty transfer	High-cycle and automated transfer
Typical Levels	Two-level applications	Two or more levels
Initial Investment	Generally lower	Generally higher
Maintenance	Generally more frequent	Generally less frequent
Automation	Limited application dependent	Well suited for conveyor integration
Safety Standard	ASME B20.1	ASME B20.1

Hydraulic systems are commonly selected for standard two-level applications, while mechanical systems are often chosen for higher-throughput environments, greater vertical travel, and automated material-handling operations.

Hydraulic, Mechanical, Cantilever & Straddle Designs

Hydraulic VRCs

Hydraulic systems use direct-acting cylinders to move the carriage. These systems are often selected for mezzanine-access and moderate-duty material-transfer applications.

Mechanical VRCs

Mechanical VRCs use chain-driven motors and gearboxes and are typically selected for higher-cycle applications and conveyor integration.

Cantilever VRCs

Cantilever configurations use structural support on one side of the carriage, helping maintain unobstructed access on the remaining sides.

Straddle VRCs

Straddle configurations use structural columns on both sides of the carriage to support larger loads and create additional stability.

Modular VRCs

Modular VRCs provide a more standardized solution for facilities seeking a faster implementation approach compared to fully custom lift systems.

VRC vs. Freight Elevator

A common source of confusion is the difference between a VRC and a freight elevator.

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor

Designed for materials only
Cannot transport personnel
Governed by ASME B20.1
Commonly used in warehouses and manufacturing

Freight Elevator

Designed under a different code framework
Used in different personnel and freight applications
Often evaluated when passenger access may also be required

The correct solution depends on the facility, the material being moved, and the intended use of the system.

Manufacturers We Carry

Wildeck

Wildeck offers hydraulic, mechanical, modular, and automated VRC systems, including the Delta™ VRC, 4XLift™, and FlexLoader™ product families.

Autoquip

Autoquip manufactures hydraulic and mechanical freight lifts commonly used for mezzanine access, material handling, and multi-level transfer applications.

PFlow Industries

PFlow specializes in hydraulic VRC systems, including the 21 Series and D Series material lifts for fixed-level transfer applications.

Roach Conveyors

Roach supplies the specialty belt-transfer systems represented within this category, supporting product-direction changes and conveyor integration.

Applications & Industries Served

Specialty conveyors and material lifts are commonly used in:

Warehouses and distribution centers
Manufacturing facilities
Automotive operations
Food-processing plants
Retail back-room storage
Mezzanine-access applications
Automated conveyor systems
Material-staging operations

These systems are often selected when forklifts become inefficient, floor space is limited, or materials must move between levels safely and repeatedly.

ASME B20.1 Compliance

All Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors represented in this category are associated with ASME B20.1, the Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment. This standard addresses the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of conveyor equipment, including material-only vertical reciprocating conveyors.

Proper installation, guarding, maintenance, and operation remain important parts of a safe material-handling system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a specialty conveyor?

A specialty conveyor is a material-handling system designed for applications beyond standard horizontal transport, including vertical lifting, multi-level transfer, and specialized product movement.

What is a vertical reciprocating conveyor?

A VRC is a material-only lift that moves loads between fixed elevations using a guided carriage and hydraulic or mechanical actuation.

What is the difference between a hydraulic and mechanical VRC?

Hydraulic systems use cylinders for lifting, while mechanical systems use chain-driven motors and gearboxes. The best choice depends on cycle requirements, number of levels, and automation goals.

Can a VRC transport people?

No. Vertical reciprocating conveyors are designed exclusively for material handling.

What applications are VRCs used for?

Common applications include mezzanine access, pallet transfer, warehouse storage, manufacturing processes, and vertical conveyor integration.

What information is needed for a quote?

Most projects require load weight, platform size, vertical rise, number of levels, cycle frequency, and available installation space.