For any building or business owner, the decision of which commercial lift to install can be daunting. There are many different types of lifts available on the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
At Future Lift Services, we have experience with all different types of lifts and can help you make the best decision for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover some of the most common types of lifts, plus some of their benefits and drawbacks.
Types of Lift 101: How Elevators Work
How do elevators work? It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another – or is that just us?
Different types of lifts work in different ways. Some lifts utilise pulleys and counterweights, while others use traction, hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Each type of lift and its lifting system has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the type of lift you choose will determine exactly how it works, the parameters of your lift installation, and how well it meets your needs.
Some common types of lifts include:
- Machine Room-Less (MRL) Lifts
- Hydraulic Lifts
- Geared & Gearless Traction Lifts
- Vacuum Lifts.
Passenger lifts & service lifts
In terms of lift purpose, passenger lifts are a great addition to any business. Not only do they provide a more efficient way of moving people around your premises, but they can also help those with mobility issues or who are unable to use the stairs.
There are two main types of passenger lift: hydraulic and traction. Hydraulic lifts use a piston to raise and lower the car, while traction lifts use ropes and pulleys. Both types of lift have their own advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore in more detail below.
Service lifts, on the other hand, are designed for carrying goods and equipment. They are often found in hospitals, factories and office blocks, where they are used to move heavy or bulky items between floors.
If you have a warehouse or office with multiple floors, a service lift can make life much easier for your staff. Some common types of service lift include goods only lifts, platform lifts and passenger goods lifts.
Need help choosing your lift? Get in touch today for some free guidance or a free, no-obligation quote!
9 Types of Lifts and When You Might Need Them
Machine Room-Less Elevators (MRLs)
The term “Machine Room-Less” or MRL, simply put, is an elevator that does not require a separate room for its mechanical equipment. These types of elevators are becoming increasingly popular in new construction as they save valuable square footage.
MRLs come in two main varieties: hydraulic and roped. Both have their own unique benefits that make them ideal for specific applications.
Hydraulic MRLs
These types of elevators use a piston to raise and lower the car. They are best suited for mid-to-low-rise buildings (up to 8 stories) and can typically achieve speeds of 200 feet per minute. One advantage of hydraulic MRLs is that they have a relatively simple design, which means they often require less elevator servicing, maintenance and repair.
Roped MRLs
Roped MRLs use ropes and pulleys to move the elevator car. They are best suited for mid-rise buildings to high-rise buildings (8 stories or more) and can typically achieve speeds of 500 feet per minute.
One advantage of roped MRLs is that they can travel at higher speeds than hydraulic MRLs.
Another advantage is that they are less likely to experience “surging”, a condition in which the elevator car jerks as it starts and stops. One disadvantage of roped MRLs is that they require more lift maintenance and repairs than hydraulic MRLs, as the ropes and pulleys are subject to wear and tear.
Hydraulic Lifts
Hydraulic elevators use hydraulic fluid to move the elevator car, however, there are a few key different types of hydraulic lifts to be aware of:
Conventional Hydraulic Elevators
Conventional hydraulic elevators are designed with an elevator pit and a sheave that extends below the floor of the pit. The pit supports a retracting piston as the elevator begins to descend.
Though taking up more space than some of the other types of hydraulic elevators, conventional hydraulic lifts can be less expensive to install. They also provide a “buffer” in the event of a power outage, as the elevator will stop descending when the piston reaches the bottom of the pit.
Hole-less Hydraulic Elevator
Hole-less hydraulic elevators do not require an elevator pit. This type of hydraulic elevator is typically used in low-rise applications, such as office buildings and residences.
One advantage of hole-less hydraulic elevators is that they save valuable space, as they do not require space to be drilled for an elevator pit, so can be good in smaller buildings. However, hole-less hydraulic elevators can sometimes be more expensive to install and maintain than other types of hydraulic elevators.
Roped Hydraulic Elevator
Combining a roped lift shaft with a hydraulic fluid-powered elevator car, roped hydraulic elevators are designed for high-rise applications. A key advantage of roped hydraulic elevators is that they have a high load capacity, which is essential in tall buildings.
A disadvantage of roped hydraulic elevators is that they require more lift maintenance than other types of hydraulic elevator, as the ropes are subject to wear and tear.
Geared and Gearless Traction Elevators
Shaft traction elevators are the most common type of elevator, and use either gears or a gearless system to move the car. Geared traction elevators are typically used in low to mid-rise buildings, while gearless traction elevators are typically used in high-rise buildings.
Geared Traction Elevator
In a geared traction system, ropes are attached to sheaves (pulleys) that are connected to a gearbox, which is powered by an electric motor. The gearbox engages with teeth on the drive train, which moves the elevator car up the hoist way.
One advantage of geared elevators is that they can be less expensive to install than gearless traction elevators. However, geared traction elevators require more elevator shaft maintenance, as the gears are subject to wear and tear.
Gearless Traction Elevator
In a gearless system, ropes are still attached to sheaves, but the sheaves are connected directly to the motor, which eliminates the need for a gearbox.
Gearless traction lifts are more efficient than geared traction elevators and require less maintenance, as there are no gears that require lubrication or replacement. In addition, gearless traction elevators typically travel at higher speeds than geared traction elevators.
The main disadvantage of gearless traction elevators is that they can be more expensive to install than geared traction elevators.
Vacuum Elevators
A vacuum lift system is typically used in low-rise applications, such as residences or apartment buildings.
In a vacuum elevator system, a car is attached to a piston via a cable. The piston is then lowered into a cylinder, creating a vacuum. This vacuum allows the car to be lifted with very little effort.
One advantage of vacuum elevators is that they can make a very sleek and modern lift design, as they do not require an elevator shaft. They also tend to be very quiet and smooth running. However, vacuum elevators can be more expensive to install than other types of elevators.
Residential elevators
As the name suggests, residential elevators are designed for use in private homes. They can be used to move people or goods between floors, and are a great addition to any property that has more than one level.
A residential elevator is a great way to make your home more accessible, especially if you have limited mobility. It can also add value to your property and make moving heavy items between floors much easier.
Types of Lifts FAQs
Which type of lift is right for me?
There are many different types of elevators, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the type of elevator that is right for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements of your building. Contact us today to get some free lift guidance!
What is a pneumatic elevator?
A pneumatic elevator is an elevator that uses air pressure to move the car up and down the shaft. Pneumatic elevators are typically used in low-rise applications, such as residences.
What type of lift has two-speed sliding doors?
2 speed sliding doors are common in service and freight lifts, but are also common in passenger elevators, especially those in smaller residential buildings with only a small space for the doors to retract on different floors.
Still Not Sure Which Lift You Need?
Our lift installation experts can help you figure out which type of elevator is right for your building. With years of experience in the industry, Future Lift Services has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your elevator installation project is a success.