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Surface Mount
Floor anchors should be suitable for the floor condition and thickness and meet the manufacturer’s requirements for pull strength.
If loading is by other than a counterbalanced fork lift truck, conveyor or by hand, then a ramp may be necessary. Typically the ramp is mounted to the floor on the loading side of the platform. Note: The rule of thumb for length of the incline is 12” of length for each 1” of rise.
For fork truck loading a curb on the landing should be considered for the loading side in order to protect the VRC platform from damage by the fork truck.
Pit Mount
VRC’s may be pit mounted with the entire structure including the mast or guide beams and the platform in the pit. However, straddle and four post designs allow pit mounting of the platform only with the mast or guide beams mounted to the floor surface and only the platform in the pit in the lowered position. The advantage of this style is the thickness of the floor will carry the load and will normally not require additional footings. Note: Consult your architect before making this assumption
If the entire unit including the mast and platform will reside in the pit, the pit should be sized to accept those components with adequate clearances provided. The manufacturer will normally supply a recommended pit drawing. A normal platform running clearance on the loading side(s) would be 1” ”maximum and ½” minimum.
The pit floor should have proper drainage and sufficient strength.
The pit depth should be such that it will allow shimming of the VRC to bring the platform top surface flush with the floor.
Mast or Guide Beam Support
Most cantilever style VRCs will require the masts to be tied in to the building structure at the upper level and/or at intermediate levels to prevent platform sway caused by the reaction forces of loading and unloading operations at the upper levels. Most VRCs require some support or stabilization from the building structure; the VRC manufacturer will provide the requirements for their particular VRC model.
Note: In some areas seismic calculations may also be required prior to the installation of a VRC. Check your local and state requirements for criteria regarding the extent of these calculations and the qualifications required by the engineer who performs them.
Floor Opening and Mezzanines
Floor hole sizes and edge of mezzanine clearance should be per manufacturer’s recommendations.
Where it is not possible to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended clearances a threshold plate may need to be added to the edge of the landing to ensure safe loading and unloading. If large openings exist it may be necessary to provide additional guarding for personnel safety.
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