VersaLift Testimonial | 24,000 Lift Cycles in a Non-Profit Use Case
Testimonial: VersaLift in a Non-Profit Environment
(Reprinted with permission)
VERSALIFT ATTIC LIFT
Real-World Longevity: 2013–Today
In the summer of 2013, the Portage Resale Shop purchased a VersaLift Model 32 (corded, 8–11 ft.) to use in a non-traditional way.
About Portage Resale Shop
Portage Resale Shop is an all-volunteer, small 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that takes donated clothing items, sorts and processes them, and stores them to be given away or sold for $1.00 in the appropriate season. Proceeds benefit local homeless shelters and food pantries.
- Over 40,000 coats given away
- Over 1,000,000 clothing items distributed
- Several hundred thousand dollars donated to help individuals in need
- Donated land to support sustainable housing for 48 families near their facility
The Challenge: Safe Storage Without Stairs
In 2013, the organization was given a building that was originally a YMCA. A unique feature of the building is a racquetball court/gymnasium in the basement that extends in height into the main floor. This area was perfect to store off-season clothing, but carrying boxes up and down stairs was not feasible for senior citizen volunteers.
Traditional elevator options were not financially feasible, and Indiana has strict limits and policies over elevators and even dumbwaiters.
The Solution: A Framed “Box Lift” System
Portage Resale Shop designed and built an upright frame system that the lift sits in—accessible from one side on the main floor, and from the opposite side in the basement gym. They opened the wall on the main floor just enough to access the usable height of the VersaLift, and to ensure no one would be tempted to ride the lift. Safety chains and sliding doors were added to keep the area secure.
When the state came to inspect the setup, they demonstrated that VersaLift was a commercially available “box lift” designed to move boxes up and down. After deliberation, the state decided they did not need an annual inspection nor traditional insurance, and allowed them to use it.
Usage Over Time: High-Cycle Use
Since 2013, the lift has been used on average 5 days a week, with approximately 6–8 trips up and down each day—about 3,032 days and an estimated 24,000 lift cycles. They primarily use uniform boxes and always try to balance the load.
Maintenance Notes (Over 10+ Years)
- Replaced the switch on the corded controller 4 times
- Shortened the cord once to eliminate a short near the anti-fatigue fitting
The organization notes this was likely never the intended duty cycle for the unit, and they assume all responsibility for their unique use. They understand VersaLift is not a commercial product.
“We are so thankful for the use of this lift to help us complete our mission. Thank you for making an amazing product. Your design and the favor we encountered to be able to use this lift has helped thousands of people.”
Brandon J. Miller, Executive Director
Portage Resale Shop
219-764-3375
www.portageresaleshop.com
Join Us in Supporting Their Mission
Many of our customers tell us they love supporting non-profits. Portage Resale Shop is doing incredible work, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting their efforts to help others.
Thank you,
Steve Davidson
CYNERGY CORPORATION / VersaLift Attic Lifts
(405) 516-2412
www.versaliftsystems.com