Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about Gradin Group’s industrial automation solutions, manufacturing capabilities, customization services, and global projects.

Gradin Group is a comprehensive industrial automation enterprise specializing in intelligent lifting, logistics transportation, and automation solutions. Founded in 2013, the Group is headquartered in Jinan High-tech Zone, Shandong Province, China, with a 30,000㎡ production facility. We provide customized equipment and system solutions for global industries, including logistics, automotive, food, heavy industry, aerospace, and smart manufacturing.

Gradin Group provides a wide range of industrial automation products and solutions, including:

  • Hydraulic lifting platforms and scissor lifts
  • Vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs) and cargo lifts
  • Industrial upenders and tilting equipment
  • AGV/AMR intelligent mobile robots
  • Conveyor and material handling systems
  • Customized automation integration solutions

We focus on providing complete solutions from equipment design and manufacturing to system integration.

Yes. Customization is one of our core advantages.

Every industry has different requirements for load capacity, lifting height, platform size, working environment, and automation level. Our engineering team provides tailor-made solutions based on customers' application scenarios, including mechanical design, electrical control systems, safety configuration, and automation integration.

Gradin Group has extensive experience serving customers across multiple industries, including:

  • Logistics and warehousing
  • Automotive manufacturing
  • Food and beverage industry
  • Heavy machinery and steel industry
  • Aerospace and aviation
  • Ports and terminals
  • Non-standard automation industries

Since establishment, we have delivered equipment and solutions to more than 5,000 customers worldwide.

radin Group combines professional manufacturing capabilities, engineering expertise, and automation experience to deliver reliable solutions.

Our advantages include:

  • Over 10 years of industry experience
  • 30,000㎡ modern production facility
  • Professional R&D and engineering team
  • Complete manufacturing and testing capabilities
  • Experience with thousands of industrial projects
  • International certifications and quality management systems

Yes. Gradin Group serves customers worldwide and has experience in international project delivery.

We provide comprehensive support including:

  • Technical consultation
  • Customized engineering design
  • Manufacturing and inspection
  • Export packaging
  • Installation guidance
  • After-sales service support

Our professional team ensures smooth cooperation from initial inquiry to final operation.

You can contact our sales and engineering team directly via email, phone, or our website inquiry form. Provide us with your project specifications (load capacity, lifting height, spatial dimensions, and industry application), and our engineering team will provide a customized proposal within 24–48 hours.

All orders are generally processed on a Payment Before Dispatch (Advance Payment) basis. For qualified clients with established credit ratings, Gradin may grant a credit period of up to 30 days from the shipment date. Approved payment methods include Wire Transfer (T/T), Letter of Credit (L/C), and Credit Cards. Please note that an overdue fee of 1.5% per month applies to payments made past the grace period.

For non-standard or bespoke automation products, customers are required to pay a down payment (deposit) upon signing the contract. The remaining balance must be cleared prior to product dispatch. Gradin reserves the right to cancel the order or claim damages if the deposit or balance is not paid as agreed.

Unless explicitly agreed otherwise, Gradin selects the freight carrier and manages transport to your designated delivery point, with shipping costs borne by the customer. All shipping arrangements adhere to Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF), and the exact terms will be clearly specified in your Order Confirmation.

Risk of loss or damage transfers to the customer as soon as Gradin delivers the products to the carrier and completes the relevant shipping documentation. While products remain the property of Gradin until fully paid for, any damage during transit is the customer's responsibility. Gradin will assist you in filing claims with the carrier.

Customers must inspect all products immediately upon arrival.

  • Damaged Packaging: Take photos before opening the package and notify Gradin immediately for confirmation. Minor surface scratches incurred during transit are considered normal acceptance criteria.

  • Defects: Written notice must be submitted to Gradin within 7 days of delivery. Gradin is not liable for defect claims made after this 7-day period.

Order cancellations require prior written approval from Gradin. If approved, cancellation may be subject to restocking fees and other associated administrative costs.

Our standard warranty period is 12 months starting from the date of product delivery (which may be extended up to 24 months for specialized equipment, subject to contract terms).

The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. To claim warranty service, customers must provide proof of purchase and the product serial number.

Exclusions: Damages caused by improper operation, unauthorized modifications or repairs, failure to follow maintenance guidelines, operating beyond specified load capacities, or natural disasters are not covered.

We offer 7×24 English remote technical support:

  • Emergency Failures: Remote support or engineer dispatch within 48 hours.

  • Non-Emergency Inquiries: Solution provided within 5 business days.

  • On-Site Service: Provided by Gradin or authorized service providers within designated target regions.

  • Return-to-Factory Repair: The customer pays for round-trip freight and import duties/taxes. Repairs are completed and shipped back within 30 days.

  • During Warranty: Necessary replacement parts are provided free of charge for covered defects.

  • Discontinued Models: Gradin guarantees a minimum 5-year notification period and spare parts support for discontinued products.

Standard technical documentation (Operating Manuals, Maintenance Guides, and Safety Warnings) is provided in English, Spanish, Russian. If additional language translations are required, associated costs will be borne by the customer.

  • Data Privacy: Remote diagnostics and maintenance data are used strictly for technical service purposes, in full compliance with EU GDPR and global data protection standards.

  • E-Waste Compliance: Disposal of end-of-life products must comply with local regulations (e.g., EU WEEE Directive), with disposal costs borne by the buyer.

A stationary scissor lift is a heavy-duty material handling system that utilizes a pantograph (X-shaped) linkage to raise or lower cargo vertically. Unlike mobile lifts, it is permanently installed either inside a pit or directly on the factory floor.

Key Applications:

  • Logistics & Warehousing: Loading/unloading cargo between trucks and loading docks.

  • Production Lines: Connecting different work heights for manual or automated feeding/discharging.

  • Automotive & Heavy Industry: Handling multi-ton stampings, heavy dies, molds, and large machinery.

Gradin can engineer scissor lifts with extreme load capacities up to 400 Metric Tons (400,000 kg). Every system is 100% customizable:

  • Load Capacity: From 500 kg up to 400 tons for ultra-heavy industrial handling.

  • Lifting Height: From 0.5 m up to 12 m (utilizing single, double, or multi-stage scissor mechanisms).

  • Platform Dimensions: Tailored precisely to your cargo, pallet dimensions, or site footprint.

  • Optional Attachments: Roller conveyors, turntable platforms, safety handrails, hydraulic lip bridges, and PLC automation integration.

Gradin offers three primary drive systems based on your operational requirements:

  1. Hydraulic Drive (Most Common & Cost-Effective): Powered by an electro-hydraulic unit and cylinders.

    • Pros: Ideal for heavy-to-ultra-heavy loads (up to 400 tons), highly reliable, cost-effective, and smooth acceleration.

  2. Rigid Chain Drive (Serapid / Rigid Chain - Mechanical): Pushed by interlocking articulated mechanical chain links.

    • Pros: High-frequency duty cycles, extreme positioning accuracy (±1mm), zero hydraulic fluid leakage (cleanroom compliant), and no drift over long holding times.

  3. Screw Drive / Ball Screw (Mechanical): Driven by electric motors connected to precision lead/ball screws.

    • Pros: Smooth and constant speed control, highly rigid locking at any height without hydraulic creep, ideal for precise assembly automation.

  • Pit Installation (Recommended): Installing the lift inside a pit allows the platform surface to sit completely flush with the surrounding floor at its lowest position, allowing forklifts and manual pallet jacks to drive straight onto the platform.

  • Floor Surface Installation (Alternative): If excavating a pit is not feasible, the lift can be mounted directly on a flat concrete floor. In this case, an access ramp is required to bridge the ground level and the platform’s collapsed height (typically 250–500 mm).

To ensure maximum operator and equipment safety, our lifts come equipped with multi-layered safety mechanisms:

  1. Safety Anti-Pinch Perimeter (Safety Trip Bar): Located under the aluminum edges of the platform, it instantly halts descent upon contacting any obstacle.

  2. Pipe Burst Safety Valves: Automatically locks the hydraulic fluid circuit in the event of a hose failure to prevent platform free-fall (for hydraulic models).

  3. Maintenance Safety Bars (Prop Rods): Mechanical supports that hold the platform securely in place during inspection and maintenance.

  4. Limit Switches & Overload Sensors: Precision sensors that prevent over-travel and overload operation.

  • Standard Power: Powered by industrial 3-phase electricity (customizable to 380V/50Hz, 220V, 460V, etc.).

  • Emergency Power Outage:

    • Hydraulic Models: Equipped with an Emergency Manual Lowering Valve that uses gravity to lower the platform safely.

    • Mechanical Models (Screw/Rigid Chain): Equipped with a manual hand-crank input or auxiliary UPS backup to safely return the platform to ground level.

  • Scissor Lifts: Supported by pantograph arms underneath. They do not block overhead space and sit flush with the floor when collapsed. Best for low-to-medium heights (under 6 meters), extreme load capacities (up to 400 tons), and large platform requirements.

  • Guide-Rail Freight Lifts: Pulley/chain-driven along vertical structural guide rails. They offer higher travel distances (up to 20+ meters) and a very low collapsed profile, making them ideal for multi-story floor-to-floor transfer in narrow vertical shafts.

  • Floor Strength: Must be installed on a solid reinforced concrete pad (C25 rating or higher). For heavy-duty models (especially over 10–50+ tons), custom reinforced foundation engineering specs will be provided by Gradin.

  • Floor Levelness: The foundation error should be within ±5 mm.

  • Electrical Wiring: Main power supply lines must be routed near the designated control cabinet location prior to installation.

Yes, absolutely. The electrical control box can be equipped with PLC interfaces (such as Modbus, Profinet, or dry contact signals). This allows seamless communication with automated conveyor lines, AGV/AMR mobile robots, and factory WMS/WCS systems for automated call signals, precise positioning, photoelectric detection, and interlocked lifting.

To receive an accurate technical proposal and quotation, please provide the following 5 parameters:

  1. Rated Load Capacity (kg / Tons): Up to 400 tons.

  2. Preferred Drive Type: Hydraulic, Rigid Chain, or Screw Drive (or describe your precision/cleanliness requirements).

  3. Effective Lifting Height (mm): Vertical distance from collapsed to fully raised position.

  4. Platform Size (Length × Width in mm): Based on your cargo dimensions.

  5. Power Supply & Environment: Voltage, frequency, indoor vs. outdoor, pit-mounted or surface-mounted.

A guide-rail hydraulic freight elevator is a non-scissor vertical cargo lift. An electric motor powers a hydraulic pump unit, which drives hydraulic cylinders and high-strength leaf chains to move the cargo platform vertically along steel guide rails.

Primary Applications:

  • Factories & Warehouses: Vertical transportation of heavy goods between 2 to 6 floors.

  • Restricted Spaces: Buildings without headroom for a machine room or where deep pit excavation is impossible.

  • Automated Production: Inter-floor cargo transfer integrated with roller conveyors or AGVs/AMRs.

Gradin offers extreme heavy-duty customization up to 50 Metric Tons (50,000 kg).

  • Load Capacity: From 500 kg up to 50 tons (standard models range from 1 to 10 tons; heavy-industrial models reach up to hundreds of tons).

  • Lifting Height: From 1 meter up to 25 meters (covering 2 to 7 floors).

  • Platform/Cabin Dimensions: Fully customized from 1000×1000 mm up to 10000×8000 mm to fit your specific shaft or floor space.

It is exceptionally safe. Gradin hydraulic lifts incorporate multiple mechanical and hydraulic safety layers:

  1. Emergency Power-Off Lowering: Equipped with a manual lowering valve. If power fails, opening this valve safely lowers the platform back to the nearest floor using gravity.

  2. Pipe-Burst Safety Valves: If a hydraulic line ruptures, safety valves lock the oil circuit instantly to prevent platform free-fall.

  3. Anti-Fall Safety Catch (Chain Break Protection): In the unlikely event of chain failure, mechanical wedge safety catches instantly grip the guide rails to lock the platform.

  4. Interlocked Shaft Doors: The lift will not operate unless all floor doors are securely closed and locked.

  • Shallow Pit (Recommended): Requires only a 150 mm to 300 mm shallow pit so the platform sits completely flush with the ground for easy forklift access.

  • No-Pit Installation: If pit excavation is forbidden, the lift can be surface-mounted directly on a flat concrete floor. An access ramp is provided for manual pallet jacks to roll onto the platform.

Yes. For outdoor installations, we apply comprehensive weatherproofing:

  1. Anti-Corrosion Finish: Hot-dip galvanizing or heavy-duty epoxy anti-corrosion painting for steel structures.

  2. Electrical Protection: Hydraulic power pack and control cabinet sealed inside IP65 waterproof enclosures.

  3. Shaft Enclosures: Optional steel color sheets, polycarbonate sheets, or glass cladding to create a fully enclosed outdoor elevator tower.

  • Speed: Standard lifting speed is 4 to 9 meters per minute (approx. 0.08–0.15 m/s), optimized for stability and high payload capacity. Proportional valve speed control (up to 12–15 m/min) is available upon request.

  • High-Frequency Duty: Equipped with industrial oil coolers (air/water cooling options), the lift supports 24/7 continuous high-intensity operations.

  • Yes, absolutely. The electrical system can be built with Siemens/Mitsubishi PLCs with open protocols (Profinet, Modbus, or dry contact interfaces). This enables:

    • Automatic floor calling, entry/exit coordination, and door interlocking for AGV/AMR mobile robots.

    • Seamless linkage with automated roller conveyor lines for automatic loading and unloading.

  • Weekly: Inspect chain tension, safety catch mechanisms, and door limit switches.

  • Monthly: Lubricate guide rail guide shoes, chains, and bearings with grease; check hydraulic oil levels and hose fittings for leaks.

  • Annually: Replace hydraulic fluid (recommended every 12 to 24 months) and re-torque all guide-rail wall brackets and structural bolts.

Please provide the following 5 parameters to our engineering team:

  1. Rated Load Capacity (kg / Tons): (Up to 400 tons).

  2. Travel Height (mm): Net vertical distance from the bottom floor to the top floor level.

  3. Platform/Cabin Dimensions (W × D × H in mm): And available shaft dimensions.

  4. Number of Stops & Door Configuration: (e.g., 3 stops / 3 doors, same side or opposite side entry/exit).

  5. Site Environment & Power: Indoor vs. outdoor, pit status, and local voltage supply (e.g., 380V/50Hz/3Ph).

Both are dedicated vertical freight transportation systems. Per ASME B20.1 safety standards: No people may ever ride a VRC or CVC (Material Lifts Only).

  • VRC (Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor): Operates on a "point-to-point" reciprocating cycle. Cost-effective alternative to freight elevators, supporting heavy payloads and multi-level stops.

  • CVC (Continuous Vertical Conveyor): Operates on a continuous closed-loop chain with multiple platforms moving in a single direction. Offers extreme throughput for high-frequency 2-level elevation.

Selection is strictly governed by travel height, stopping levels, and platform size:

  • Choose Hydraulic VRC:

    • Ideal for lifts up to 28 feet (8.5 m) of vertical travel, requiring stops at only 2 levels, loads between 1,000 to 6,000 lbs, and platform sizes up to 8 ft. x 10 ft.

    • Lower purchasing/installation cost. The platform sits directly on the ground at the lowest level.

  • Choose Mechanical VRC:

    • Mandatory for travel exceeding 28 feet (up to 100 feet / 30 m), applications requiring stops at 3 or more levels, or where larger carriage sizes/capacities are needed.

VRCs are engineered in three primary structural layouts:

  1. Cantilever: The platform is supported from one edge. Offers the greatest loading/unloading flexibility (3-sided access) but has lower relative capacity and higher platform deflection.

  2. Straddle: The platform is supported from the middle/sides. Offers higher capacity and less deflection, though loading options are restricted (typically straight-through).

  3. 4-Post: Supported at all four corners. Provides the highest capacity, travel height, structural rigidity, and loading options (most costly option; usually mechanical).

  • A CVC utilizes twin closed-loop drive chains carrying multiple fork/platform carriages moving continuously clockwise or counter-clockwise. Common Infeed/Outfeed Configurations:

    • Z-Type (Straight-Through): Cargo enters from one side and exits on the opposite side at the target level (same flow direction).

    • C-Type (Same-Side): Cargo enters from one side and exits from the same side at the target level.

    • E-Type / F-Type: Custom multi-infeed/multi-outfeed configurations with indexable forks for high-speed sorting.

  • Choose CVC: For high-speed, continuous 2-level elevation of uniform cartons or light pallets (5 kg to 2,000 kg) with throughput up to 600–2,000 units/hour.

  • Choose VRC: For heavy loads, large carriages, multi-level stops (3+ floors), or travel distances exceeding 28 ft (up to 100 ft).

The primary advantage is zero return-travel wait time and extreme throughput:

  • A VRC must lift a load, unload, and wait to return empty to the bottom before loading the next item.

  • A CVC continuously cycles multiple platforms. As soon as one item is loaded, the next empty platform is already queuing up. Throughput is 3x to 5x higher than a VRC, reaching up to 1,200–2,000 units/hour.

  • VRC Lifts: Yes. Requires reinforced platform options to handle rolling wheel impact.

  • CVC Conveyors: No. CVC platforms are designed for smooth conveyor/comb transfers; forklifts are strictly prohibited from driving onto CVC carriages.

Yes, as strictly mandated by ASME B20.1 code.

  • Interlocks: Prevent a gate/door from opening unless the lift platform is resting at that specific level. If any gate is open, the interlock prevents the lift from operating.

  • Custom Doors: You may integrate custom doors, provided they feature interlocks that strictly conform to ASME B20.1.

Please provide these 5 parameters:

  1. Cargo Type & Unit Weight: Cartons, totes, or pallets? Individual unit weight?

  2. Throughput Requirements (TPS): Units per hour (CVC) vs. Pallets per hour (VRC)?

  3. Lifting Height & Number of Stops: 2 levels vs. 3+ multi-levels? Above or below 28 ft?

  4. Flow Pattern: C-Type (same side), Z-Type (straight-through), or multi-directional?

  5. Environment & Voltage: Indoor/outdoor, cleanroom requirements, and local industrial voltage (e.g., 380V/50Hz/3Ph).

An industrial upender (also known as a tilter, mold turnover machine, or coil tilter) is heavy-duty equipment powered by hydraulics or electric motor drives to flip heavy loads through 90°, 180°, or 360°.

Primary Applications:

  • Die & Mold Handling: Opening, closing, inspecting, and 90°/180° flipping of heavy stamping and injection molds.

  • Coil Processing: Converting steel/aluminum coils, paper rolls, and wire spools between horizontal and vertical axes (Eye-to-Sky / Eye-to-Wall).

  • Heavy Assembly: Turning large wind turbine components, motor housings, castings, and structural weldments for two-sided processing.

  • Logistics: Tilting palletized goods or performing pallet exchange operations.

Gradin offers two main drive configurations tailored to your application:

  1. Hydraulic Drive: Powered by heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders.

    • Best For: Ultra-heavy load capacities (10 to 400 metric tons), offering smooth power output and high cost-efficiency.

  2. Mechanical Drive (Gear / Chain Drive): Driven by electric gearmotors connected to heavy-duty gears or chains.

    • Best For: Precise positioning, zero risk of hydraulic fluid leaks (cleanroom compliant), adjustable speeds, and mechanical self-locking at any angle.

Gradin can engineer upenders and turnover platforms with load capacities up to 400 Metric Tons (400,000 kg). Every platform is 100% custom-engineered:

  • Load Capacity: From 500 kg up to 400 tons.

  • Rotation Angles: 90° Upender, 180° Turnover, or 360° continuous rotation.

  • Platform Tops: Flat table, V-shaped bed (for cylindrical/coils), motorized roller conveyor table, or non-marking wood/nylon protective linings.

Safety is our highest engineering priority for heavy rotation:

  1. Self-Locking & Power-Off Protection: Hydraulic models feature counter-balance check valves, while mechanical models utilize self-locking gearboxes and electromagnetic brakes. If power fails, the platform instantly locks in place.

  2. Dual Limit Switches & Overload Sensors: Electrical and mechanical limits stop the machine automatically at travel boundaries, and sensors prevent overload operation.

  3. Safety Fencing & Light Curtains: Optional perimeter fencing and safety light curtains halt operation if an operator enters the danger zone.

  4. Surface Protection: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or rubber pads prevent damage to polished molds or sensitive coil surfaces.

  • 90° Upender: Rotates cargo from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation (e.g., flipping a steel coil from eye-to-sky to eye-to-wall, or tilting a mold upright).

  • 180° Turnover Machine: Completely flips the workpiece upside down (180°). Ideal for two-sided machining of heavy engine blocks/castings, or splitting and servicing complex molds.

  • Foundation Strength: Must be installed on a solid reinforced concrete foundation (C25 rating or higher). Gradin provides detailed foundation engineering drawings for custom orders, especially for models exceeding 50 tons.

  • Installation Mounting: Choose between surface-mounted (operated via crane/forklift) or pit-mounted (where the platform sits flush with the floor for seamless integration with floor conveyors or AGVs).

Standard rotation cycles range from 30 to 120 seconds per cycle (adjustable based on process requirements). Acceleration and deceleration are controlled via Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) or hydraulic proportional valves, delivering a "soft start/soft stop" to ensure zero vibration or shock during center-of-gravity shifts.

Yes, absolutely. The electrical control system can be integrated with Siemens/Mitsubishi PLCs supporting Profinet or Modbus protocols. This enables automated signaling with AGV/AMR mobile robots, roller conveyors, and factory WMS/MES systems for fully automated call-up, positioning, and rotation cycles.

  • Weekly: Check function of limit switches, emergency stop buttons, and safety light curtains.

  • Monthly: Lubricate drive gears, chains, and pivot pins with grease; check hydraulic oil levels and hose connections for leaks.

  • Annually: Replace hydraulic oil (for hydraulic models), inspect gearbox gear wear, and re-torque foundation anchor bolts.

To receive a tailored technical proposal and quotation, please share the following 5 parameters:

  1. Maximum Workpiece Weight (kg / Tons): (Up to 400 tons).

  2. Workpiece Dimensions (L × W × H in mm): And approximate center of gravity.

  3. Required Turnover Angle: 90°, 180°, or custom angle.

  4. Workpiece Type & Surface Protection: (e.g., steel coil, mold, casting; specify if non-marking pads are needed).

  5. Power Supply & Control Preference: Local voltage (e.g., 380V/50Hz/3Ph) and control method (pendant, remote, PLC).

Have a specific project requirement?

Our automation engineering team is ready to design a tailored solution for your facility.

Request a Custom Quote
Contact Our Engineers

    Get a Customized Solution

    Tell us your requirements. Our engineers will provide a customized solution and quotation.

      STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO DO?

      We are glad that you preferred to contact us. Please fill our short form and one of our friendly team members will contact you back.

        X