Thursday 7 March 2024

Comparing Home Elevators and Stair Lifts For Selection

Image Source: https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/limited-mobility/

We are here to resolve all your mobility-related issues if you are a wheelchair user and elderly or a person with a disability. These mobility-related issues reveal more in our homes, as moving from one floor to another is tough in multi-floor properties. In these situations, home elevators, wheelchair platform lifts, and stair lifts become very useful. The main competition is between the stair lift and home elevators, and people find it difficult to figure out which is the most beneficial. This can be determined easily by comparing these two options. This comparison is present in this blog post, and the first thing we compare is the cost.

COST COMPARISON BETWEEN STAIR LIFTS AND HOME LIFT ELEVATORS

Home elevators are undoubtedly more expensive than wheelchair platform lift and stair lifts for the elderly. Even when you include the installation cost of lifts for older people, the total expenditure will not equal the machine's price only of the wheelchair platform lift. Apart from the cost and installation cost, the annual maintenance cost is also considered and calculated while determining the overall expenses of operating a platform lift or stair lift for older people.

WHICH ONE CONSUMES MORE SPACE?

Wheelchair platform lifts, home elevators and stair lifts for the elderly are all available in different sizes, and they consume different amounts of space. The size is compact enough to fit into any property's interiors or exteriors. Depending on the size, they will require different spaces inside your home. The size of stair lifts for older people can accommodate various stairways, but home elevators require a dedicated space above, behind, and below to accommodate additional components, machines, motors, and elevator shafts. Stair lifts for older adults are compact, and you can fold them when not in use, but this is not the case with home lifts and elevators.

WHICH ONE LOOKS BETTER IN APPEARANCE?

Yes, folding stair lifts for older people is an option, but several factors will have to be considered, like the railing, platform and some not easy-to-hide parts. These stair lifts are available in different finishes and colours to complement the staircase or the entire property's interiors. Similarly, the appearance of the home elevator relies on the type of elevator you are purchasing. You can choose a glass or plastic tube lift, as they are much better looking.

INSTALLATION TIME

Stair lifts for elderly people are less time-consuming to install, taking only 3 to 4 hours. Home elevators, on the other hand, take a couple of days to a week to install and function properly.


Thursday 1 February 2024

Features and Benefits of Elevator Annual Maintenance Contract or AMC

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Elevator maintenance is very important and AMC or an annual maintenance contract, is as vital as getting maintenance done by one of the best lift companies. Experts tag AMC as an assurance of a long-term service that will ensure your lift or elevator performs better for extended periods. You will experience less common breakdowns, and the best part of AMC is that it will cover all parts of the elevator, mainly those wearing out quickly.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR LIFTS AND ELEVATORS?


INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR MACHINE


One of the best features of an annual maintenance contract for a lift or elevator is that it will increase the elevator's life significantly. Timely maintenance and lookafter guarantees that your lift will work fine for more than 20 years. However, it is a fact that AMC can enhance its life by five years. Remember, preventive maintenance is the key to a nicely performing lift, and this is where skilled technicians come in very practical. In the AMC contract, they will visit your facility several times a year for inspection and to ensure that the machine is operating at its peak.


CHANCES OF THE ELEVATOR COLLAPSING AND BREAKDOWN ARE ELIMINATED


Annual maintenance contracts offered by lift companies are very instrumental in keeping all kinds of lifts and elevators, including wheelchair platform lifts, in perfect condition. This contract also promises that the chances of elevator breakdown and collapsing will be meagre compared to a lift that is not maintained annually. The professionals will inspect your elevator's significant components, including the braking magnet coil and all other essential parts required to operate flawlessly. They will assess the condition of several crucial parts like hoist ropes, drive motors, brake magnet coil, etc. As a part of an annual maintenance contract, these professionals will also repair and replace several parts of your elevator.


This will include the following steps. 


MONTHLY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE


  • Checking the controller accessories 
  • Cleaning adjustment and replacement of necessary items
  • Checking the car and hall buttons
  • Checking indicators and their replacement
  • Checking safety points, such as emergency switch, emergency alarm bell, safety show
  • Car gate, switch break tapes, switch safety operation and landing gate locks. 
  • Checking the levelling, and it should be adjusted to 0mm
  • Checking the gear oil level and lubricant of the main motor bearing motor
  • Checking the brake spending and brake drum
  • Lubricating the governor's pulley
  • Checking the car gate and landing gate
  • Cleaning of the primary motor
  • Checking of leakage of oil
  • Checking of elevators on UPS mode

QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE


  • Lubricating the deflector pulley, selector pulley, and supporting bearing of the primary pulley
  • Cleaning and adjusting carbon brushes of the generator and the primary motor
  • Cleaning the ventilating dust
  • Checking work gear alignment
  • Adjusting the speed of the door operator motor
  • Checking the main ropes, governor ropes, selector tape and landing and car gate ropes
  • Checking the brake lining
  • Adjusting the car gate and landing gate safety shoes
  • Checking the over-speed switch of the governor
  • Lubricating guide rails and guide shoes and adjusting the guide shoes
  • Checking the emergency key
  • Checking the slowing switches and final switches
  • Lubricating the lowers of the break assemble

Friday 5 January 2024

Why Are Traction Elevators Considered Safer Than Other Types?

      Image Source:  https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/non-stop-traction-lift/

The technology used for vertical transportation is advancing and evolving rapidly. Traction elevators are the outcome of this advanced technology, and they have emerged as the key player that allows older people and people with mobility issues to access the upper floors of a high-rise building. This post discusses the main functionality of these traction elevators, and we will also go through the pros and cons.

WHAT IS A TRACTION ELEVATOR?

The traction lift offered by any elevator service company is also referred to as a cable lift, counterweight lift, or rope lift. The main components of a traction elevator are – 

  • Cables or ropes

  • A sheave or pulley

  • Counterweight

  • Motor

Some traction lifts also have gears between the motor and the sheave, while some lifts are directly connecting the motor and the sheave. The cable ropes are made from solid stainless steel for enhanced safety. These cables ensure that even if the strand breaks fail, the cable will be there to hold the cab.

WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONING OF A TRACTION ELEVATOR?

The overall functioning is effortless to understand as the motor is attached to a sheave with the help of a rope or cable. This rope is attached to the lift on one end and the counterweight on the other end. Upon getting a call, the motor turns the sheave, and this motor can move in both directions to move the cab up and down. The cab rises upwards, and the counterweight goes downwards, and vice versa. This counterweight is present to lower the pressure or strain on the motor. This translates into lesser power consumption and better stability. These elevators also come with an overspeeding governor to monitor the speed of your traction elevator.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING TRACTION ELEVATORS?

The traction lifts offered by an elevator service company will come with several benefits or advantages over other types. For example – they are more reliable compared to hydraulic lifts as they come with fewer mechanical parts. There is no fluid system involved in traction lifts, and this means fewer chances of any breakdowns or faults. They are also less space-consuming than hydraulic lifts and require additional space to store oil in reserve. Moreover, traction elevators are faster than hydraulic lifts, and this makes them ideal for high-rise buildings. Safety systems are also believed to be better in traction lifts than hydraulic lifts. They come with an overspeeding governor to prevent the cab from overspeeding or falling.


Monday 20 November 2023

A Quick Guide to Functions and Uses of Hydraulic Lifts

                     Image Source:  https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/commercial/

We all use hydraulic lifts and elevators very frequently in our daily lives. But only some of us are aware of how these elevators function. A wonderful scientific approach works behind the overall functioning of these hydraulic lifts or elevators. Let us understand this science in this blog post.

WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC LIFT?

A hydraulic lift is a heavy-duty elevator built for long-term and frequent use. It has a straightforward working mechanism that involves using hydraulic power for controlling and power generation. They are accommodating in moving people and goods vertically, and this is mainly due to the piston that moves inside the cylinder. An electric motor is installed to pump the oil into the cylinder with immense pressure that moves the piston up to elevate the hydraulic lift. 

According to experts in lift modernisation works, hydraulic lifts are ideal for 5 to 6-storey high properties. Earlier hydraulic lifts were powered by water pressure, but modern-day hydraulic elevators and lifts are supported by a piston that moves inside the cylinder due to the pressure generated by oil.

Apart from hydraulic lifts, traction elevators use steel ropes, pulleys, etc., to move up and down.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS?

Hydraulic lifts can be seen in almost every building, and while installing them, two factors have to be considered - the height to reach and the operation speed. As mentioned above, even after lift modernisation works, a hydraulic lift can move up to six storeys high, and the operational speed is also significantly low.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS

HOLED HYDRAULIC LIFTS

To install a holed hydraulic lift, lift modernisation professionals must drill a hole to accommodate the entire cylinder and the piston. This piston will be attached to the elevator cab to push it upwards when the oil is released into the cylinder. The maximum travel distance is 60 feet.

HOLELESS HYDRAULIC LIFTS

No holes are needed to install these hydraulic holeless lifts, and this factor sets them apart from the former. The stipulation is that this version of hydraulic lift can travel a maximum of 40 feet. They can be classified further as telescopic hydraulic lifts, non-telescopic hydraulic lifts, and roped hydraulic lifts.

WHAT COMPONENTS HELP IN THE FUNCTIONING OF A HYDRAULIC LIFT?

Here is a small list of the main components that assist hydraulic lifts.

  • A hydraulic cylinder enclosing a piston

  • A reservoir for oil storage

  • A pump for generating fluid energy

  • A motor for generating mechanical power

  • Valves for manipulating fluid flow

Thursday 12 October 2023

What Are the Uses and Advantages of Hydraulic Lifts?

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Hydraulic elevators and hydraulic lifts are one of the most critical equipment used for goods and people transportation. They are more preferred and recommended than traction elevators due to their ability to carry heavy loads very easily. These lifts and elevators have become essential to our lives due to enhanced consciousness about making buildings and structures more accessible for people with disabilities and elderly people. They also provide convenience to people travelling towards the upper part of the building, where using stairs is completely impractical. In this blog post, we look at the top uses of hydraulic lifts in our daily activities.

TOP USES OF HYDRAULIC LIFTS

RELIABLE LIFTS

Experts involved in lift modernisation consider hydraulic lifts as highly reliable lifts preferred over all other types available in the market. They are consistent, low maintenance, and easy to operate and handle. These hydraulic lifts use a hydraulic compressor as a motive force to provide safe and dependable operation.

FOR TRANSPORTING HEAVY GOODS

Hydraulic lifts and table lifts are the most impressive solutions to position the work material and are ideal for carrying heavy weights. Trucks and vehicle lifts are often used to lift materials and their loading and unloading. They come with attachments that can be rear or front-mounted, and the most basic example is the dock lifts.

PROVIDE SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS

Providing safe working conditions is the top goal behind using hydraulic lifts and getting lift modernisation works done. They can significantly reduce the chances of injuries caused to people and workers due to unsafe working conditions. These dangerous working conditions mainly arise in areas where loading/unloading and shifting heavy goods from one place to another are done. These hydraulic lifts assist a lot in safely transferring, loading and unloading heavy goods and materials. They also help workers by ensuring that the humans don't have to apply too much force and hard work.

USED FOR HOLDING AND MOVING PRODUCTS 

Another advantage of hydraulic lifts is that you can use them for various purposes in different conditions. In other words, they can also be used for moving products and materials horizontally and vertically. Hydraulic lifts can be permanently fixed for a sustained work environment. The versatility of these hydraulic lifts makes them capable of working even like a forklift truck. Even after working in such harsh conditions, these machines don't require any special care or regular maintenance. Simple maintenance steps like inspecting the hydraulic fluid are required because leaking hydraulic fluid can be hazardous under high pressure. 


Sunday 10 September 2023

Easy Maintenance Guide For Home Lift Elevators

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People are becoming more economically prosperous and getting better and more advanced features for life improvement. One of them is a home lift elevator that improves the quality of life for every homeowner. Particularly for those having mobility issues and people with disabilities, these elevators are nothing short of a boon. They can get their liberty back, and not to mention, these elevators add style and luxury to any property and enhance its resale value significantly. However, it is essential to maintain them as per the instructions given by the lift installation company because they have to comply with government rules and regulations.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR HOME ELEVATOR?

Some very common steps are taken to maintain any residential elevator and avoid expensive repair work, and some of them are discussed below.

FOLLOW THE RULES AND KEEP UP WITH THE REPAIRS

You must remember the following safety tips to prolong the life of your home lift elevator or low rise lift.

Pay attention to the elevator’s weight limit

Keep all contents 2 inches away from the cab gate and walls

Always keep the landing doors closed

Don’t operate your elevator if the car gate or landing door locking system malfunctions.

Never tamper, bypass, disable or remove safety features.

Don’t operate your elevator if you hear strange sounds.

Make sure the elevator completely stops before entering or exiting.

According to the vendors, you must keep the logbook updated regarding any necessary repairs and maintenance work. This will help you save a good amount of money later by addressing any recurring problem immediately.

FOLLOW SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

You can keep your home lift elevator and low rise elevators in perfect running condition for years by following regularly scheduled maintenance. There are some DIY steps, but apart from them, other regular maintenance steps should not be ignored at all. Remember, routine maintenance will improve the overall functionality of your home lift elevator and make it smoother, faster and safer.

WHAT DIY INSPECTIONS TO PERFORM?

As mentioned above, there are some DIY steps to take regarding maintenance and inspection. These DIY inspections ensure that you have a complete overview of every significant part of the elevator.

Visual inspection involves checking the doors for visible damages such as dents, cracks and misalignment

Inspecting elevator cab for cleanliness and any sign of wear or damage

Inspecting the control panel for any warning light error message or wear and tear

Checking the overall functioning for unusual noises and vibration

Testing the elevator door for smooth opening and closing function

Ensuring that door sensors are working correctly and nothing is obstructing the doorway

Ensuring that the doors stay closed when the cab is moving up or down

EMERGENCY FEATURES TO INSPECT

Test the emergency stop button to ensure it works.

Check the emergency phone to confirm it is functional.

Verify that the battery backup is operational by simulating a power outage.

Wednesday 16 August 2023

What Features Make Hydraulic Platform Lifts So Versatile?

Image Source: https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/low-rise-platform/

In manufacturing houses, warehouses, construction sites, and other similar industrial environments, people face a significant challenge of lifting heavy equipment and products. In this situation, hydraulic lifts come in very handy, as they enhance the speed, safety and efficiency of your project site incredibly. These hydraulic lifts come in various forms, and one of them is the hydraulic platform lift. This blog post focuses on this version of hydraulic lifts to understand how they benefit us.

WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC PLATFORM LIFT?

Hydraulic platform lifts are mainly high-capacity lifts equipped with several safety features. The top safety feature that deserves mention here is dual safety restraint maintenance bars and positive stops on all four corners. Another safety feature that will never go ignored is the dual safety restraint maintenance bars and cylinder rods and protectors. All hydraulic lifts function using the same essential components:

  • A Hydraulic Cylinder Enclosing A Piston

  • A Reservoir For Oil Storage

  • A Pump For Generating Fluid Energy

  • A Motor For Generating Mechanical Power

  • Valves For Manipulating Fluid Flow

WHAT IS THE CAPACITY OF HYDRAULIC PLATFORM LIFTS?

These models come in various capacities ranging from 30000 to 60000 lbs. With an evenly distributed weight, the ability and weight-carrying capacity enhances further. There is also a supportive platform that raises and loads using criss cross braces. An inclined platform lift can be incredibly beneficial at industrial sites, construction sites, and automotive industry, marine and aerospace sectors. These hydraulic platform lifts are also ideal for ceiling construction, cable wiring and other tasks performed at elevated levels.

Hydraulic platform lifts and inclined platform lifts help a lot at our homes by allowing accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. An inclined wheelchair lift is the most valuable tool for a person with disabilities, and they offer many benefits. Let us quickly understand the benefits of installing hydraulic platform lifts or inclined wheelchair lifts at home.

ENHANCED MOBILITY

The critical advantage of adding a lift to a home's structure is that it will enhance mobility significantly for people with mobility issues and disabilities. They are much better than ramps that require a lot of space, and liberty is compromised. On the other hand, inclined wheelchair lifts and inclined platform lifts don't consume too much space and, at the same time, provide smooth and convenient vertical travel.

VERSATILITY IN APPLICATIONS

The versatility of these hydraulic platform lifts and inclined wheelchair lifts is another benefit for the users. They come with a wide range of features, and they can be used in settings like homes, public buildings, schools and even vehicles. In any environment, the lift will only enhance mobility and make life easier for people with disabilities and wheelchair users.


Saturday 15 July 2023

How Low Rise Lifts Are Different From High Rise Elevators?

Image Source: https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/low-rise-platform/

Buildings are built with different heights, and to accommodate different lifts and elevators and manufacturers recommend different types of lifts for this. There are high-rise lifts, medium-rise lifts and low rise lifts for people with disabilities and older people. The main difference between them is the distance they travel, and when we talk about low rise lifts, the performance and functionality are completely identical, but they travel a very short distance. Let us learn more about these low rise lifts and their benefits.

WHAT ARE LOW RISE LIFTS?

The broad definition is that this lift moves passengers to a low height. They have the same functionality and performance and hence, are given the name of ‘small scale vertical transportation system’. They are usually installed in buildings with very few floors, typically 2 to 4. According to lift manufacturers, these elevators are ideal for low-rise residential, commercial and industrial buildings and buildings where space and budget constraints are present.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN DESIGN AND OPERATION?

Comparing high-rise, mid-rise, and low rise lifts will reveal a significant difference in how they function and their performance. According to the vendors of inclined wheelchair lifts, high-rise elevators transport people and goods to great heights. They are more powerful and manufactured using better and more advanced technology. On the other hand, there are mid-rise lifts that operate at a moderate speed and can be used in buildings up to 12 storeys high. Finally, the low rise lifts are ideal for buildings up to 4 storeys.

WHAT IS THE COST AND MAINTENANCE DIFFERENCE?

The cost of low rise lifts and inclined platform lifts costs are significantly identical, but there is a huge difference in the cost and maintenance-related topics between mid-rise, high-rise and low rise lifts.

High-rise elevators are the most expensive to install and maintain. The reason is that they are made using advanced technology, and stronger infrastructure requirements are there, and so are the maintenance steps. On the other hand, we have mid-rise elevators that are not as expensive as the high-rise ones but more expensive than low rise lifts. The reason cited by the manufacturers is the higher capacity and moderate speed that requires more advanced technology than the one used in low rise lifts. Next, we have low rise elevators that are the least expensive to install and maintain. In most cases, it will only require essential maintenance and repairs annually.