Different types of elevators are required by various industries and structures. The type of commercial lift required is determined by several parameters, including whether you are transporting goods or passengers, the number of floors in the building, the weight of the objects to be transported, and the shaft space.
Elevators are mechanical platforms that move people and commodities between two or more floor levels vertically within a specialised shaft that connects the different floors of a building. They are a key component of both residential and commercial structures.
A guided vehicle is a load-carrying unit that includes the supporting platform and the guided frame. Elevators and lifts are widely employed in multi-story buildings with more than four storeys.
This article examines the several types of commercial lifts that are used in commercial buildings, as well as their features, and which lift is best for commercial use.
Types of commercial lifts
- Traction elevators
Passenger traction lifts are built to be dependable and simple to install, with modern components and high build quality. Traction lifts are one of the most popular forms of lifts since they utilise significantly less power than hydraulic systems while yet reaching high speeds.
There is a large range of traction passenger lifts available, with capacities ranging from 320kg (4 passengers) to 2000kg (26 persons). Traction elevators provide maximum design freedom with gearless and geared motor room-less choices. They also provide a better quality ride because of their precise speed control and noise reduction.
- Goods lifts
This commercial elevator is intended to provide ideal ease of use in a range of working environments while still giving excellent performance, such as restaurant performance for commercial kitchens, retail locations, and workplaces.
It also helps to lessen the chances of damage from physical lifting. Goods lift manufacturers also offer low power consumption and a very cost-effective alternative for enterprises. They are also suitable for straightforward installation in existing buildings due to their low headroom and low pits features.
- Platform lifts or low pit lifts
The only difference between this type of lift and a passenger elevator is that it includes one-touch controls and sliding doors. They are very popular since they may be used in a variety of public and commercial buildings such as public access areas, offices, schools, and retail businesses.
Because of their ease of integration and installation, platform lifts have become popular with retail shopping complexes as a result of site limitations and building regulations.
There are numerous types of low pit lifts, including commercial lifts that are both prestigious and cost-effective, as well as extremely good lifts for businesses with both exterior/outdoor and internal lift systems. This type of lift has a similar feature.
- Freight elevators
Freight elevators are intended to transport items rather than passengers. This elevator will transport huge loads that are often significantly heavier than passenger elevators. This tough freight elevator protects the freight elevator from any wear and tear caused by unloading and loading cargo.
- Hydraulic elevators
Hydraulic elevators use a piston at the elevator’s base to propel it to different levels. An electric motor drives the piston with oil or hydraulic fluid. When opposed to traction elevators, this sort of lift has a slower mechanism.
What to consider when looking for a commercial lift
People
Depending on your organisation’s staff and their tasks, you may want to consider installing more lifting devices. For example, if one person is required to load and unload heavy equipment, at least two workers should be hired instead of only one. You can also engage additional workers to assist with manual lifting of heavy equipment.
Size
When it comes to size, there are numerous aspects to consider when selecting a commercial lift. The first consideration is the machine’s maximum working height. If your machines are higher than 6 feet from the ground, be sure there is enough room underneath them to accommodate uneven flooring. Also, keep an eye out for flooring that cannot withstand a lot of weight.
Price
The price of a commercial lift does not end with the fees for the raw materials. Scheduled maintenance visits, natural disasters and natural wear will raise the final costs of a lift. For example, when it comes to commercial lift prices, UK businesses often look into ones with smaller cabins that are quick to maintain to limit long-term expenses.
Commercial lift maintenance
Whether your commercial building lift is carrying goods or people, a structured lift maintenance plan is vital to avoid serious accidents and costly repairs. As a building owner you should instruct a competent company to oversee your lift maintenance and LOLER inspections.
So – which lift is best for commercial use?
Passenger lifts are the most popular form of lift, and it may be found in nearly any structure with more than six floors. Passenger lifts are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate various passenger loads, in an apartment block or building of more than 30 units, it is recommended to provide at least two passenger lifts.
The LEIA estimates there are at least 250,000 passenger lifts and goods lifts in the UK, making these elevators the most common choice for a commercial building or business.
Commercial lift installation from Future Lifts…
We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding the best lift for your commercial building or business.
We are experts in lift installation, maintenance, and modernisation for all types of commercial and residential facilities throughout the United Kingdom. We are convinced that with over 25 years of experience, we can provide you with a high-quality service that matches your individual demands and expectations.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our commercial lift services or to request a free, no-obligation quote!
Commercial Lifts FAQs
What is a commercial lift?
Service elevators are built to convey both people and commodities. These systems, which consist of extended passenger vehicles, are most commonly encountered in employee-only zones of hospitals, hotels, retail malls, apartment buildings, and other commercial establishments.
Which lift is used for an office building?
This is one of the most prevalent commercial elevator kinds. These are common in any commercial structure with more than one storey and are used to convey passengers up and down.
Which is better: hydraulic or traction elevator?
The engine does not have to transfer as much weight in traction elevators because a counterweight offsets the weight of the cab and occupants. In higher-rise, heavy-use applications, traction elevators are more energy efficient than hydraulic elevators.