Key Differences Between Hydraulic and Traction Elevators

There is always a kind of argument going on between those favouring traction elevators and those in the favour of hydraulic elevators. 

Both these options are better in several terms, but since there is always another side of the coin; both these versions have their share of cons or disadvantages as well.

Here in this post, we will study the both sides of these two versions to eventually find out as to which one is the better one of the two.

TRACTION ELEVATORS-

• One of the biggest differences between hydraulic and traction elevators is in the way in which the cab travels.

• In the traction elevators, the cab can be raised or lowered by the help of steel ropes or belts that run on the pulley system.

• Because of this system, this version uses less energy, can serve mid to high-rise buildings and moreover, they even ride smoother. 

• One more point is that because of these mechanisms, the motor doesn’t have to move as much weight, making it much more energy efficient than hydraulic systems.

• One more thing that deserves a mention here is that they can be geared or gearless and both model types are driven by Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) electrical motors.

• There are geared and gearless, two types of traction elevators and in the geared version, there is a gearbox attached to the motor that drives the wheel and moves the ropes.

• On the other hand, there is the gearless version where the traction elevators can reach speeds up to 2,000 ft./min and in fact, they are more energy efficient than geared traction elevators.

HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS-

• According to the sellers of low rise lifts, this version is totally different from traction elevators and in this version; the cab is moved by using a fluid-driven piston.

• This piston is mounted inside of a cylinder and the fluid could be oil-based and in most cases, vegetable oil is brought into use.

Compared to traction elevators, hydraulic systems are:

• More affordable to install

• Less expensive to maintain and repair

• Better for transporting heavy loads

• Intended for low-rise applications