• Cargo Lifts are built for heavy-duty material handling, featuring high load capacity (500–20,000+ kg), rugged construction, and wide doors for forklift access. Ideal for warehouses, factories, and industrial sites.

• Passenger Lifts prioritize safety, comfort, and speed (1–10 m/s), designed for human transport in offices, hotels, and residential buildings.

This guide compares their design, capacity, speed, safety features, and costs to help you select the right lift for your needs—whether moving goods or people efficiently.

I. Fundamental Concepts

1. Cargo Lift Definition and Key Features

A cargo lift (also called a freight elevator or goods lift) is a heavy-duty elevator specifically designed for transporting goods, materials, or equipment—not passengers. Unlike passenger elevators, cargo lifts prioritize durability, load capacity, and functionality over aesthetics or comfort.

Cargo lifts are vertical transportation devices specifically designed for goods movement, characterized by:

Robust construction: Uses thickened steel plates (typically 3-5mm) and reinforced frames

High load capacity: Standard capacity ranges from 500kg to 5000kg

Spacious interior: Cabin height generally ≥2.2m for forklift access

Simple operation: Primarily mechanical button controls, with some models featuring RFID systems

2. Passenger Lift Definition and Key Features

A passenger lift (or passenger elevator) is a type of elevator specifically designed to transport people between floors in buildings. Unlike cargo lifts, passenger elevators prioritize safety, comfort, and efficiency for human use.

1. Passenger lifts are elevator systems designed for human transportation, featuring:

2. Safety and comfort: Acceleration controlled within 0.8-1.2m/s² range

3. Aesthetic design: Cabins use fire-resistant, eco-friendly materials

4. Smart controls: Modern versions typically include destination dispatch systems

5. Moderate capacity: Common specifications range from 630kg-1600kg (8-21 persons)

II. Functional and Application Differences

1. Design Specification Comparison

2. Application Scenarios

Cargo Lift Applications:

• Raw material transport in industrial plants

• Goods circulation in warehouses/logistics centers

• Merchandise replenishment in supermarkets/malls

• Dedicated waste removal channels

• Large equipment installation/maintenance

Passenger Lift Services:

• Daily commutes in office buildings

• Residential complex transportation

• Hotel guest transfers

• Patient movement in hospitals (requires medical elevator configurations)

• Public transit hubs like subway stations

• Usage Scenario Comparison

• Application Scenario	Cargo Lift Suitability	Passenger Lift Suitability
  Commercial Office Buildings	★★★☆☆	★★★★★
  Residential Buildings	★☆☆☆☆	★★★★★
  Factory Warehouses	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆
  Supermarkets/Shopping Malls	★★★★☆	★★★★★
  Hospitals	★★★☆☆	★★★★★
  Construction Sites	★★★★★	★☆☆☆☆

• 
  

III. Pricing Structure Analysis

1. Initial Purchase Cost Comparison

Cargo Lift Price Factors:

1. Load capacity: 15-20% price increase per 500kg increment

2. Protection grade: Food-grade stainless steel cabins cost 30% more than standard steel

3. Special features: Hydraulic shock absorbers add ≈$6,940

4. Standard 5-stop/2000kg model:$ 34,700−55,600

Passenger Lift Price Determinants:

1. Speed: 2.5m/s models cost 25% more than 1.75m/s versions

2. Finishes: Luxury interiors can double base prices

3. Smart systems: Facial recognition adds $11,100−16,700

4. Standard 20-stop/1000kg model: $ 48,600−111,100

2. Operational Cost Comparison

IV. After-Sales Service Differences

1. Cargo Lift Service Features

Response time: 4-hour onsite guarantee in industrial areas

Maintenance focus: Quarterly rail wear inspection (mandatory)

Parts inventory: Door locks, contactors as standard stocked items

Special services: Annual load calibration (legal requirement)

2. Passenger Lift Service Requirements

Emergency standard: 30-minute trapped passenger response

Service frequency: Minimum twice-monthly routine maintenance

Sanitation management: Cabin disinfection (especially medical elevators)

Upgrade services: Regular control system software updates

V. Selection Decision Guide

1. Mixed-Use Considerations

For combined passenger/cargo use, select lifts meeting:

EN81-20/50 certification standards

Dual control panels (car/hall)

Impact guards (below 1.2m height)

Anti-slip patterned steel flooring

2. Smart Technology Trends

Cargo Lift Innovations:

• Automatic weight recognition

• RFID goods tracking

• Remote diagnostic alerts

Passenger Lift Advancements:

• Destination group control

• Biometric security

• Air quality management

VI. Regulatory Standard Differences

1. Cargo Lift Standards

GB/T 10058-2009 "Elevator Technical Requirements"

JG/T 5072.1-2016 "Dumbwaiter Lifts"

Requires Special Equipment Manufacturing License (TSG)

2. Passenger Lift Regulations

GB 7588-2003 "Safety Rules for Construction and Installation of Lifts"

GB/T 24477-2009 "EMC for Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks"

Mandatory type testing certification

VII. Typical Problem Solutions

1. Common Cargo Lift Issues

Problem: Frequent door jamming

Cause: Dirty or deformed tracks

Solution: Weekly cleaning + quarterly alignment

2. Typical Passenger Lift Complaints

Problem: Noticeable vibration

Cause: Excessive rail joint gaps

Solution: Laser alignment + guide shoe replacement

Conclusion

As two major categories of vertical transportation systems, cargo and passenger lifts demonstrate systematic differences in design philosophy, application scenarios, and service requirements. Proper selection impacts not only operational efficiency but also safety and cost-effectiveness. Users should conduct detailed load analysis, traffic calculations, and lifecycle cost assessments before procurement. Consulting professional elevator engineers ensures solutions meet current needs while allowing for future development. With IoT technology advancement, modern elevators are evolving toward intelligent, specialized solutions - understanding these differences enables wiser decision-making.