Starting a Crematory — Equipment Planning & Body Storage Guide
Starting a crematory requires navigating state licensure, facility design, retort procurement, and support equipment selection. This guide focuses on the body storage and handling equipment side of the crematory startup checklist — the equipment category that most new operators underestimate in scope and lead time.
Body Storage Cooler
Your receiving cooler is the first piece of equipment to specify, because it determines facility layout requirements and has the longest lead time of non-retort equipment. Crematories doing 300–600 cremations per year typically need a 10×10 walk-in or a bank of 6-body upright coolers. High-volume crematories (600+ per year) typically spec a 10×16 walk-in or larger. Lead time: 8–14 weeks for walk-in, 3–6 weeks for upright. See: Crematory Coolers Hub · Starting a Crematory Equipment Hub.
Crematory Rack Systems
Walk-in crematory coolers require interior rack systems for maximum storage density. AMC’s 4-tier side-loading racks are standard. A 10×10 walk-in with 4-tier racks typically stores 8–10 bodies. See: Crematory Body Storage Systems Hub.
Cremation Loading Equipment
Retort loading is the highest-risk manual handling operation in a crematory. Specify lift equipment at buildout. AMC’s Hydraulic Mortuary Scissor Lift and HD 1,000 lb Body & Casket Lifter cover the loading workflow. See: Crematory Lift Systems Hub.
First Call Transport Equipment
Direct crematories performing their own removal service need first-call cots. Minimum spec for a new crematory startup: PRO 650X Mortuary Cot (standard) plus PRO 1000X for bariatric cases. Plus body bags, removal trays, restraint straps.
Receiving Equipment
A receiving station for dignified intake of transferred human remains requires a covered cadaver carrier or cadaver stretcher cart. AMC’s Covered Cadaver Carrier with Hand Crank is the standard crematory receiving cart. See: Crematory Receiving Equipment Hub.
Procurement Timeline for New Crematory Equipment
| Equipment | Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Walk-in crematory cooler | 8–14 weeks |
| Upright mortuary cooler | 3–6 weeks |
| Mortuary rack systems | 4–6 weeks |
| Hydraulic lift systems | 2–4 weeks |
| First call cots & transport | 1–3 weeks |
Plan to submit RFQs 16–20 weeks before your targeted open date. → Submit New Crematory Equipment RFQ | → AMC Lead Times
