Gentle Handling
The pendulum motion and soft discharge carry even fragile products without damage.
SBS PenduLift · Z-Type Bucket Elevator
A Pendulum Bucket Elevator for gentle handling of bulk products in different directions
Simatek's SBS PenduLift uses non-overlapping buckets and a pendulum motion to handle even fragile products without damage — at low energy and high capacity. Engineered for your plant in vertical and horizontal, L- and Z-shaped layouts.
What is a pendulum bucket elevator?
A Z-type (pendulum) bucket elevator is conveying system in which the buckets hang freely from a chain and move without any mechanical contact with each other. At the loading and discharge points the buckets tip gently, minimising product breakage, attrition and dust.
Unlike conventional belt or chain bucket elevators, the SBS PenduLift combines horizontal and vertical sections on a single line. The product is picked up, lifted and discharged at the required point by one machine — with no intermediate transfers.
Simatek has been developing this technology for over 40 years, with installations worldwide across food, feed, grain, chemicals and plastics.
Key Advantages
The SBS PenduLift design combines conveying efficiency with product integrity.
Non-Overlapping Buckets
Buckets never touch each other; discharge losses are near zero and products do not mix.
Energy Efficient
High capacity at low speed means low energy consumption.
Easy to Clean
Drawer-type lower sections and service doors allow fast cleaning and product changeover.
Flexible Layout
Vertical, L- and Z-shaped routes with multiple inlet and outlet points on one line.
Low Maintenance
Robust mechanics, a pneumatic chain tensioner and a long service life.
How It Works — The Elevator Sections
The SBS PenduLift is built from modular sections, each designed for reliable operation and easy maintenance.
- Corner Section
- Carries the shaft and sprockets. Double-bearing construction on both driven and free-running sprockets.
- Drive & Emptying Section
- An electric overload control protects the elevator. Output monitoring of the elevator function is optional.
- Filling & Tensioning Section
- Controlled filling ensures optimum operation. A unique pneumatic chain tensioner provides correct, parallel tensioning.
- Vertical & Horizontal Sections
- A rail system guides the chains and buckets as standard. The lower horizontal sections feature a drawer system for easy cleaning.
- Intermediate Outlet
- Electro-pneumatic intermediate outlets can be mounted on the horizontal sections on request.
- Service Access
- Vital parts have service doors for easy service and inspection.
Flexible Line Layout
A single SBS PenduLift line can combine vertical, L- and Z-shaped routes with multiple loading and discharge points. It is engineered around your plant layout.
The examples above are just some of the possible layouts. Our engineering team determines the optimum configuration for your project.
Construction Forms
Standard construction forms by inlet, outlet and bend points — combined to fit your plant layout.
Design Options
The right level of hygiene and construction for every application.
Standard Design
A reliable, versatile standard build for industrial bulk products.
Sanitary Design
A hygienic-grade design focused on cleanability for food and sensitive products.
Basic Design
An economical base build for simpler applications.
Models & Materials Handled
The SBS PenduLift is available in a wide model range to suit different capacity and product requirements. Buckets can be made of steel or plastic.
Model Range
- 11G
- 110E
- 200E
- 33E
- 44E
- 44G
- 460E
Materials Handled
- Snacks & pasta
- Grain & grain-shaped products
- Pellets
- Powders & granulates
- Enzymes & minerals
- Plant seeds
- Pet food
- Aqua feed
Capacity depends on product density, bucket type and line layout. Contact us for accurate sizing.
Where Is It Used?
Explore Industry Solutions→ The SBS PenduLift is chosen wherever gentle product handling is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Z-type (pendulum) bucket elevator?
It is a vertical conveying system where buckets hang freely from a chain and move without touching each other. The pendulum motion gives gentle loading and discharge of the product.
How does it differ from a belt or conventional chain bucket elevator?
The buckets do not overlap and have no mechanical contact — meaning gentler handling, less product loss and less dust. It can also combine horizontal and vertical routes on a single line.
Which products can it handle?
A wide range: grain, seeds, pellets, snacks, pasta, powders and granulates, enzymes and minerals, pet food and aqua feed.
Are multiple inlets and outlets possible?
Yes. Intermediate outlets and multiple loading points can be added to the horizontal sections on request.
Is there a food-grade / hygienic version?
Yes. The sanitary design is intended for food and sensitive-product applications that require easy cleaning.
Let's find the right elevator for your project
Share the product, required capacity and plant layout — our engineering team will prepare a tailored solution and a competitive quote.