Goods Lift Installation
Request a free consultation for expert goods lift installation in the UK today.At Lift Services, we provide specialist goods lift installation for commercial, industrial, and retail premises across the UK.
Our solutions range from small service lifts for light loads to heavy-duty freight lifts capable of transporting several tonnes of goods safely between floors.
We design each system to suit the specific operational requirements of your site, ensuring compliance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), and BS EN 81 safety standards where applicable.
Whether you need to move stock in a warehouse, supplies in a hotel, or heavy equipment in a factory, we can provide a lift that enhances efficiency, minimises manual handling risks, and integrates seamlessly into your workflow.
Request a free consultation for expert goods lift installation in the UK today.
What Is A Goods Lift?
A goods lift is a mechanical lifting system designed to transport goods or materials between floors in a building.
Unlike passenger lifts, goods lifts are engineered with robust platforms, reinforced car structures, and durable doors to withstand heavier loads and more frequent use.
Some goods lifts are strictly goods-only (no passengers), while others - known as goods with attendant lifts - are designed to safely carry an operator alongside the load.
The choice depends on your operational needs, building layout, and health & safety requirements.
How Much Does Goods Lift Installation Cost?
The cost of a goods lift is from £3,000 to £100,000+.
Costs depend on capacity, size, travel height, and any custom features:
Dumbwaiters are from £3,000 to £7,000.
Trolley lifts are from £7,000 to £15,000.
Goods-only lifts are from £15,000–£40,000.
Goods with attendant/freight lifts are from £25,000 to £100,000+.
We provide fixed-price, itemised quotations and can offer value-engineered alternatives to meet your budget.
What Are The Benefits Of Goods Lift Installation?
The benefits of goods lift installation include increased efficiency, enhanced safety, and improved operational capacity.
Reduced manual handling risks for staff
Faster goods movement between floors
Improved workflow in busy commercial and industrial settings
Increased productivity by reducing loading/unloading times
Compliance with health & safety regulations
Custom-built to suit your specific load and space requirements
What Types Of Goods Lifts Do You Install?
We install a wide range of goods lift types, including:
Service lifts (dumbwaiters)– Small lifts for light loads such as food, documents, or supplies in restaurants, offices, or hotels
Trolley lifts – Medium-capacity lifts for moving wheeled trolleys or roll cages in retail, healthcare, or commercial settings
Goods-only lifts – Large platform lifts for palletised goods or bulky items, strictly without passengers
Goods with attendant lifts – Heavy-duty lifts allowing an operator to travel with the goods for loading/unloading efficiency
Pallet lifts – Designed for direct forklift or pallet truck loading
Heavy-duty freight lifts – Industrial-scale lifts capable of carrying several tonnes for factories or distribution centres
What Load Capacities Are Available?
Load capacities vary depending on the model and application:
Dumbwaiters: 50–100 kg
Trolley lifts: 100–500 kg
Goods-only lifts: 500–2,000 kg
Goods with attendant lifts: 500–3,000 kg
Freight lifts: 1,000–5,000+ kg
We work with you to determine the ideal capacity, platform size, and door configuration based on the type and volume of goods you handle.
What Regulations Apply To Goods Lifts?
All goods lifts must comply with LOLER and PUWER regulations, ensuring they are safe to operate and maintained at suitable intervals.
If a lift is designed to carry a person (e.g., goods with attendant), it must also comply with the Lifts Regulations 2016 and relevant parts of BS EN 81.
Our installations include full documentation, UKCA certification, and a planned maintenance schedule to ensure ongoing compliance.
What Does The Installation Process Involve?
The process begins with a site survey to assess load requirements, travel height, pit and headroom availability, and loading access.
We then design or select a lift that meets these specifications, prepare detailed drawings, and liaise with your contractors on any building works.
Installation includes fitting the lift structure, drive system, car, landing doors, and controls, followed by wiring, safety checks, and commissioning.
We carry out full operational testing before handing over the lift with its compliance documentation.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Dumbwaiters can take 1 to 3 days.
Trolley lifts can take 3 to 5 days.
Large goods or freight lifts can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Installation times vary depending on the lift type and site conditions.
Lead times from order to installation typically range from 4 to 10 weeks, depending on the specification and manufacturing schedules.
Can People Ride in a Goods Lift?
Only goods lifts with attendants are legally permitted to carry people alongside goods.
These must be specifically designed and equipped with appropriate safety features, such as emergency communication systems, internal lighting, secure enclosures, and compliance with BS EN 81-3 or BS EN 81-20/50, depending on the classification.
Using a goods-only lift to carry people is a breach of LOLER 1998 and poses a serious safety risk.
Do Goods Lifts Need Regular Maintenance?
Goods-only lifts must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 12 months. If the lift carries attendants, this interval reduces to every 6 months.
Goods lifts require regular maintenance and inspection to remain legally compliant and operationally safe under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER.
Routine servicing, recommended every 3 months for high-use environments, includes mechanical checks, lubrication, safety system testing, and diagnostics to prevent breakdowns and prolong equipment lifespan.
Are Goods Lifts Energy Efficient?
Modern goods lifts are designed to be energy efficient.
Energy consumption depends on lift type, usage, and load capacity, but modern systems often include low-energy motors and variable frequency drives (VFDs), standby power-saving modes, LED lighting with motion sensors and efficient door operation systems.
These features reduce running costs and environmental impact, making goods lifts suitable for energy-conscious retail and logistics operations. Upgrading older lifts can further improve energy efficiency and performance.
Do You Install Lifts In Existing Buildings?
We frequently retrofit goods lifts into existing buildings, including historic and operational sites.
For older properties or space-restricted areas, we can supply modular self-supporting structures and shallow-pit or ramp-access solutions to avoid significant structural alterations.
What Safety Features Are Included?
Safety features include overload protection, door interlocks, emergency stop buttons, anti-crush sensors, non-slip flooring, manual lowering, fire alarm integration, and clear operational signage.
Goods lifts used in retail settings are equipped with a range of safety features designed to protect staff, equipment, and inventory during the movement of stock between floors.
These features ensure safe operation in compliance with UK health and safety regulations, particularly in environments where goods are transported frequently and time pressures are high.
Why Choose Lift Services?
At Lift Services, we combine technical expertise with industry-leading equipment, ensuring every goods lift is safe, reliable, and built to last.
We offer expert coverage, competitive pricing, and full compliance with UK safety laws.
Our service doesn’t end at installation; we provide maintenance contracts, 24/7 breakdown support, and fast access to spare parts to minimise downtime.
Get A Free Goods Lift Installation Quote
If you need a goods lift for your premises, contact Lift Services today for a free, no-obligation site survey and quotation.
We’ll design and install a lift system that meets your operational needs, budget, and compliance requirements.
Contact us today to schedule a site survey and get started with your goods lift installation today.