Positive discharge elevator systems are also gravity in nature but use mechanical trippers to dispense materials. This is the primary difference from continuous discharge systems. The force needed is produced not by high speeds, but by a quick mechanical “flip” at the head that jolts the contents into discharge down the chute or onto a conveyor belt. Positive discharge systems move at very slow speeds, which make them ideal for use in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing. They can be used to compartmentalize finished foods into package sized lots for the packing process. This design is also suited for materials which may take extra time to discharge or are difficult to dislodge, such as:

Positive discharge systems also reduce loss in efficiency via back legging or down legging by holding buckets parallel to the floor and stable before being flipped.