Lifts for Self-Storage Facilities
Goods lifts and goods and passenger lifts that move trolleys, stock and customers between storage floors.
Lifts that keep storage floors moving
Self-storage buildings depend on customers being able to move their belongings between floors quickly and safely. We supply, install and maintain goods lifts, goods and passenger lifts and platform lifts for new storage buildings, mezzanine conversions and multi-storey units.


Goods lifts for trolleys and heavy loads
Our goods lifts carry loaded trolleys, pallets and boxes between floors, with capacities of up to 10,000kg across our range. The platform can be sized around your trolleys, and landing doors can be specified to suit busy loading areas.
Lifts for self-storage facilities
The APL products we install most often in these buildings.
- CapacityUp to 1,500kg
- Max travel18,000mm
- Max cabin size1,700mm x 2,500mm
- CapacityUp to 5,000kg
- Max travelUp to 16,000mm
- Speed0.10–0.15m/s
- CapacityUp to 2,000kg
- Max travelUp to 9,000mm
- Speed0.15m/s
- Capacity1,000kg
- Max travelUp to 13,000mm
- LocationInternal
Goods lift or goods and passenger lift?
The right choice depends on who travels with the load. A goods lift moves stock and trolleys on their own; a goods and passenger lift lets customers ride with their belongings.
| Goods liftAPL Traction Goods Lift | Goods and passengersAPL Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Moving stock, trolleys and pallets between floors, sent by staff | Customers travelling with their belongings |
| Carries | Goods, or goods with a trained attendant | Passengers and goods |
| Capacity | 500kg to 2,000kg | 750kg to 1,500kg |
| Platform or car size | 1,000mm to 2,000mm wide and deep, in 100mm steps | Up to 1,700 x 2,500mm internal |
| Pit | 100mm, built into the structure | 350mm standard (270mm on some specifications) |
| Minimum headroom | Car internal height + 700mm (from 2,500mm) | 2,700mm |
| Maximum travel | 9m, up to 4 levels | 18m |
| Doors | Manual hinged landing doors or folding shutter gates | Automatic sliding or swing doors, on up to 3 sides |
| Structure | Freestanding modular steel structure, no machine room | Available with a self-supporting structure |
| Location | Internal | Internal, or within an external tower |
| View the goods lift | View the cabin lift |
Functionality and access control come first
In a self-storage facility the lift is a working tool, used all day by customers moving heavy, awkward loads. We specify lifts for function first: platforms sized around your trolleys, hard-wearing finishes, robust doors and simple controls that customers can use without staff on hand.
Access control can be built in, from key switches and keypads to card or fob readers, so the lift only runs for customers with access to your site. We will match the controls to how your facility manages entry.
Talk to us about your facilityLifts customers can use themselves
Where customers travel with their belongings, a goods and passenger lift lets them ride with the load. Simple controls and an emergency communication device linked to our 24/7 support make the lift straightforward to use without staff on hand.
Why choose Alliance Platform Lifts
One team looks after your lift from the first site survey to long-term servicing.
Good Sound Advice
From your first enquiry, our sales team advises on the right lift and prepares your quotation. Once you order, a dedicated Project Manager guides you through design, installation and handover.
Full turnkey service
In London and the South East, we can manage the whole project, from design and associated building and electrical works to installation and aftercare.
Service and Support for life
Our aftercare and service packages provide complete peace of mind - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Concise and clear costs
Clear cost estimates on every project, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Mezzanines and building conversions
Many storage businesses operate from converted warehouses and industrial units. In many cases a self-supporting lift structure can be installed alongside a new mezzanine or an existing floor with limited building work. A site survey confirms what is possible in your building.


Service that keeps your site open
A lift out of action can stop customers reaching their units. Our service plans include planned maintenance, and our nationwide service network provides a 24/7 emergency call-out service.
What we check before recommending a lift
Every storage building is different. At your site survey we look at how the lift will be used day to day, so the platform, capacity and doors suit your customers and your layout.
Book a site survey- The size of the trolleys, cages and pallets your customers use
- The heaviest loads the lift will need to carry
- How many floors the lift will serve and the total travel
- The pit depth and headroom available in your building
- Where customers load and unload on each floor
- The power supply available on site
We have used Alliance Platform Lifts on various projects over the last 3-4 years and we find them to be professional, punctual and very forward thinking. No problem is too great and the communication at both tender and post installation stage is second to none. We will continue to use APL’s services on any future platform or cabin lift projects we have.Daniel Griffin · Google review
I am so pleased with the service from everyone at alliance platform lifts, they have been so professional and helpful throughout the whole process, would highly recommend!Max Ball · Google review
outstanding service, very pleased with the product and the process from quoting to after sales care. Highly recommended!Kenton Mitchell · Google review
Polite, quick, good service. Quick installation. Helpful staff.Jerry Peters · Google review
Outstanding service from Alliance would 100% recommendAG Detail · Google review
10/10 experience. Highly recommend!Josh · Google review
Frequently asked questions about lifts for self-storage facilities
Answers to the questions we are asked most often. Can’t find what you need? Call 01206 803 132.
What size of goods lift do I need for a self-storage building?
It depends on the trolleys, pallets and items your customers move. We survey the building, look at how the lift will be used and recommend a platform size and capacity to suit.
Can customers ride in the lift with their belongings?
Yes, with a goods and passenger lift. Goods-only lifts carry loads and cannot carry passengers, so we will recommend the right type for how your site operates.
Can a lift be added to an existing warehouse or mezzanine?
In many cases, yes. Self-supporting lift structures can be installed in existing buildings with limited building work. A site survey confirms what is possible.
Do you service lifts in self-storage buildings?
Yes. We offer planned maintenance and a 24/7 emergency call-out service through our nationwide service network.
What is the difference between a goods lift and a goods and passenger lift?
A goods lift carries loads only and cannot carry passengers. A goods and passenger lift, such as our Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift, lets people travel with their load. For self-storage, a goods and passenger lift lets customers ride with their belongings.
What pit and headroom does a self-storage lift need?
Our Hydraulic Goods Lift needs a pit from 120mm and headroom of 2,150 to 2,400mm, depending on capacity. Our Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift needs a 350mm pit as standard (270mm on some specifications) and 2,700mm headroom.
Can a self-storage lift have access control?
Yes. Access control can be built in, from key switches and keypads to card or fob readers, so the lift only runs for customers with access to your site.
Talk to our team about your building
For more information please call us on 01206 803 132 or email sales@aplifts.co.uk.