Quick Tips on Maintaining Your Home Lift Elevator

Homes with residential elevators are a class apart regarding luxury and accessibility. Lifts and elevators offered by lift companies can make the entire property accessible, grander in looks and feel and, as mentioned above, a class apart. However, the performance of these machines relies a lot on how they are maintained and what steps are taken for their upkeep. This post gives us an idea of how to maintain the home elevator with some straightforward steps.

How to maintain the home elevator - Oldmateelevators

MAINTAINING HOME ELEVATORS – RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY LIFT COMPANIES

MAINTAIN THE WEIGHT LIMIT

The first step involves maintaining the elevator's weight, which is essential because most elevators break down due to overload. Experts from every elevator service company will recommend respecting the weight limit of the elevator and making multiple trips rather than one single trip with an overweight lift.

Experts from every elevator service company - Oldmateelevators

GIVE SOME ROOM TO YOUR ELEVATOR

Experts from lift companies want you to ensure that shelves, stands, and other items are at least two feet away from your residential elevator. This is recommended to eliminate the chances of the elevator getting damaged due to random objects falling on it.

KEEP DOORS SHUT

Home elevators are for personal use and tempt people to keep the doors half open and closed. This is a serious concern for any elevator services company, as this habit can damage the mechanics and put users at risk. Experts recommend keeping the door closed even when the lift is stationary to prevent damage and accidents caused to children playing around them.

Experts recommend keeping the door closed - Oldmateelevators

INSPECT THE DOOR LOCK CAREFULLY

You must also check the door lock before leaving the elevator unattended, and if it is not in sound working condition, it must be attended to and repaired immediately. The door lock not working is a serious problem and should not be left unattended.

UNUSUAL SOUNDS

If your elevator generates strange and unusual sounds while moving, you should assume it has a serious issue that needs immediate intervention from an elevator service company. These sounds are basically due to the lack of lubrication, and bumpy rides are also a huge concern. In both these situations, professionals from top lift companies can visit your home to inspect the lift and take necessary actions.

 

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Different Residential Lifts Recommended By Elevator Companies

Convenience, mobility, and comfort—all three can be achieved very easily with high-quality residential lifts offered by top lift companies. However, you must be aware of certain factors, as every residential lift will not gel with your property's overall structure. This can be done by understanding different types of residential lifts and how they operate.

Here are some quick details of different residential elevators offered by an elevator service company. Based on their operation and mechanism, there are four different types of elevators.

Details of different residential elevators - Oldmateelevators

WHAT ARE HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS?

Hydraulic elevators are available in three types: conventional, roped, and hole-less. They can achieve a maximum speed of 150 ft per minute and can be used for residential buildings lifts with a maximum of eight storeys.

WHAT ARE TRACTION ELEVATORS?

Traction elevators are available in geared and gearless form, and they use ropes, wheels and electric motors for operation. Traction elevators are easier to control, manage and maintain than hydraulic elevators. They will work well in high-rise and medium-sized buildings. They are faster and more convenient.

Manage and maintain than hydraulic elevators - Oldmateelevators

WHAT ARE SHAFTLESS ELEVATORS?

Shaftless elevators are available in multiple types, and the maximum speed they can achieve is 20 feet per minute. Lift companies offer shaftless elevators for residential properties as they consume very less space and are economical as well. Shaftless elevators are space efficient, as they don't require any space and you can easily fit them in your existing property without any major structural change or renovation. Lift companies can install them simply by cutting a small part of your floor to retrofit the mechanism.

WHAT ARE VACUUM ELEVATORS?

Vacuum elevators are stylish, elegant, and functional. They are used in properties with a maximum of six floors. They are ideal for residential use as they run on suction technology. They are versatile and quite identical to shaftless elevators. They require more maintenance than traction or hydraulic elevators.

Require more maintenance than traction 

WHAT ARE PITLESS ELEVATORS?

Pitless elevators are used for two-storey or mid-rise buildings and travel at the speed of 80 feet per minute maximum. The name clearly signifies that they don't have a pit and the elevator sits on the ground at your home. Yes, they are ideal for residential use and have a small motor and ropes for ascending and descending.

 

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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

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Why Are Traction Elevators Considered Safer Than Other Types?

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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.

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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. 

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How Low Rise Lifts Are Different From High Rise Elevators?

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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.

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What Is the Cost of Different Types of Lifts and Elevators?

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 Limited mobility is a curse for anyone, and people with disabilities have it attached to their lives forever. They find it impossible to access areas with stairs, and situations become even worse when no arrangements are there to mitigate the problem. In this situation, platform lifts and other kinds of lifts can be very useful. Before getting one installed at your home or office, it is vital to be aware of the options available in the markets along with their cost. This is what we have come up with in this blog post.

HOW MANY TYPES OF LIFTS AND ELEVATORS ARE THERE?

These lifts and elevators are divided into three categories – home elevators, vertical platform lifts and stair lifts.

WHAT ARE HOME ELEVATORS?

Compared to hydraulic platform lifts that we see at shopping malls and commercial complexes, home elevators are small and installed at your home or a small office to enhance accessibility. They are further divided into three different types.

HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS 

They require more space for operation, hence ideal for homes that are being constructed as a dedicated space can be allotted for installation. 

The next is the traction elevator, which uses steel ropes and a pulley system. The benefit is that it can be retrofitted into your home very quickly. 

The last name of the pneumatic residential elevators that use air pressure and lower the elevator.

WHAT IS THE COST OF HOME ELEVATOR INSTALLATION?

The primary residential elevator cost can be between $15000 and $25000, apart from the cost to build a shaft or a machine room and any other renovation. A fancy or custom-designed home elevator can cost up to $100,000.

WHAT ARE VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFTS?

These lifts are also called wheelchair platform lifts or porch lifts. They are designed to give independence to wheelchair users to move from one level to another. According to the vendors of hydraulic lift table trolley systems, they allow users to easily roll into the lift before ascending or descending.

WHAT IS THE COST OF VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATION?

Some structural modification will be required, but it is less expensive than residential elevators. Any company offering lift installation services will install them for anywhere between $10000 and $15000, apart from renovation costs.

WHAT ARE CHAIR LIFTS?

Apart from platform lifts, one of the most versatile solutions is the stair lifts that allow people with mobility issues to move up and down the stairs quickly. They are also called chair lifts, as a chair is installed on a track that runs along the stairs to move up and down. No additional renovation or remodelling is required, and no separate equipment will be needed. You can plug in to keep the battery charged, and even if the power outage is there, you can use these lifts easily.

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Home Lift Elevators – Some Crucial Questions and Their Answers

People with mobility issues and those using a wheelchair already have a very challenging life. Their struggle continues on every step, and the presence of stairs or inaccessibility multiplies the challenges further. With the help of office and home lift elevators, however, these challenges can be mitigated and eliminated. 

Residential elevators, in particular, are beneficial for older people, those having mobility issues and wheelchair users. Getting a home lift installation done should be preceded by several common questions, and some of them are present in the list of questions discussed here.

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HOME LIFT ELEVATOR FAQs

What is the standard size of a residential elevator?

The size of your elevator can influence your choice and requirement. The manufacturers will seek your specifications initially, and if you have some, design the lift based on them. Ideally, a home lift elevator is around 7 feet tall and between 3 and 5.5 feet deep.

How Much Space Is Needed For Installation?

This will also depend on what kind of lift you have chosen. If you have opted for a lift with a shaft, you will need a minimum of 5 feet in width and depth. However, a pneumatic shaft-less elevator will save a lot of space, and almost half of the space will be needed.

What Is The Smallest Residential Elevator?

According to the vendors of hydraulic platform lifts, the smallest residential elevators are shaft-less pneumatic lifts. By removing the shaft components, a lot of space is saved, as also the hassles of digging a pit for the shaft.

What Could Be The Minimum Size Of A Home Lift Elevator?

The smallest home elevator is the pneumatic model, which is around 20 inches in diameter.

Which Is The Best Home Lift Elevator?

The best home lift elevator will entirely depend on your choice and based on your needs. The space present at your home, the requirement and most importantly, your taste will play a significant role in determining the best lift for you.

What Are Hydraulic Platform Lifts?

Hydraulic platform lifts use hydraulic power to move up and down with the help of pistons that have a fluid pumping system. The pressurised fluid is collected in the cylinder, and it pressurises the piston up that eventually lifts the hydraulic platform lift. To lower it., the simple mechanism of releasing the fluid is run, and the car starts coming down slowly.

ARE HOME LIFT ELEVATORS COMPLETELY SAFE?

Yes, they are safe for use as long as they are made per the standards and maintained according to the specifications. It is essential that product safety guidelines are followed and regular elevator servicing and maintenance are done. Any flaw present in the mechanism should be diagnosed immediately to keep the machine in perfect working order.

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Types Of Hydraulic Lifts Commonly Seen Around Us

Hydraulic lifts are used in various applications, and industries find them very functional and helpful. They are found in the automotive, shipping, construction, waste removal, mining and retail sectors. Using these lifts, it becomes very simple and easy to transport people up and down and also goods and equipment. There are different types of hydraulic lifts available, and in this post, we will explore some of them.

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USES OF HYDRAULIC LIFTS

In commercial setups, these hydraulic lifts are preferred over all other elevators and lifts. The reason is that it is highly reliable, resistant to wear and tear and, most importantly, easy to maintain. These lifts function on hydraulic pressure as the motive force, and since the mechanism is very easy to understand, you will not even need an elevator service company for essential maintenance.

WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC LIFT?

These lifts use a hydraulic cylinder to lift, move or position heavy loads. The experts from the elevator service company create the design depending on the intended application or the industry where it is used. You will find most of these lifts functioning 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

They consist of several interacting systems that we have discussed below.

CIRCUITS

These circuits are designed to control the flow and liquid pressure.

PUMPS

According to the experts of an elevator service company, the role of the pump in these lifts is to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The pump creates a vacuum in the inlet and forces the liquid to move from the reservoir to the inlet line.

MOTOR

The motor fitted in these lifts are rotary actuators, and their role is to convert hydraulic energy into torque and rotation.

CYLINDER

The cylinder is fitted in these lifts to convert hydraulic fluid energy into force and create pressure in the fluid.

PISTON

The hydraulic piston installed in hydraulic lifts moves upwards in response to the fluid pressure. This piston is housed within the cylinder itself.

THE HYDRAULIC FLUID

This fluid allows the power to be transferred throughout the system. The most common fluids are water and mineral oil, but there are other options also available to be used as hydraulic fluid.

• Glycol Ether

• Organophosphate Ester

• Polyalphaolefin

• Propylene Glycol

• Silicone Oil

TYPES OF HYDRAULIC LIFTS

These lifts are available in several types, and the elevator service company optimises each to meet specific load safety and requirements.

THE TOP NAMES ARE –

• Table lifts

• Personnel lifts

• Forklifts

• Medical lifts

• Automotive lifts

• Post car lifts

• Platform lifts

• Pallet lifts

• Hand-pumped lifts

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