What Are the Pros and Cons of Hydraulic Platform Lifts?

The lifts and elevators around us function on three different types of drive systems: electrical, traction, and hydraulic. The most interesting one to understand and read is the hydraulic platform lifts, and we have covered the details in this post.

Machine powered by a hydraulic cylinder  - Oldmateelevators

WHAT IS HYDRAULIC LIFT?

A hydraulic lift is a machine powered by a hydraulic cylinder system to move and position the cab. The design varies based on the application, but the overall function and components of any hydraulic lift, including hydraulic platform lift, are almost similar –

• A hydraulic cylinder enclosing a piston
• A reservoir for oil storage
• A pump for generating fluid energy
• A motor to generate mechanical power
• Valves for manipulating fluid flow

WHAT COMPONENTS CONSTITUTE TO FORM A HYDRAULIC LIFT?

Let us quickly go through the interacting systems or the critical components of a hydraulic platform lift.

THE CIRCUITS

The role of these circuits is to control the flow and pressure of the liquid. There are pumps, and their work is to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.

Convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy - Oldmateelevators

THE MOTOR

The motor installed in the hydraulic platform lift is a rotary actuator, and its role is to convert hydraulic energy into torque and rotation.

THE CYLINDER

The cylinder has to convert the hydraulic fluid energy into force and create pressure in the fluid for further actions.

THE PISTON

The piston is the most critical part of any hydraulic machine and it is situated inside the cylinder. It moves upwards in response to the pressure coming from the fluid.

Crucial component of hydraulic platform lift - Oldmateelevators

THE FLUID

This is another crucial component of hydraulic platform lift, and it powers the entire machine to move the piston up and down. Water and mineral oil are the two most common fluids, and other options used are – 

• Glycol ether
• Organophosphate ester
• Polyalphaolefin
• Propylene glycol
• Silicone oil

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF HYDRAULIC PLATFORM LIFTS?

Hydraulic platform lifts used at our homes come with the following pros.

• Take up less space and usually have a smaller footprint
• Simple and quick to maintain and service
• Usually take a higher weight limit
• Hydraulic home lifts do not need a vast oil pit
• The lift cannot fall to the bottom
• Very little noise from a hydraulic home lift
• Low energy use makes the system economical to run

CONS

Here is a quick list of the cons of hydraulic lifts.

• Need a small box or room to house the pump and oil reservoir
• In oil leak situation, there will be oil in your home
• Oil can get quite warm in the system
• More filters and seals in a hydraulic lift than other types
• Not the fastest option as the fluid limits the speed

 

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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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A Quick Guide to Functions and Uses of Hydraulic Lifts

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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

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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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What Features Make Hydraulic Platform Lifts So Versatile?

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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.

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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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What Are Low Rise Platform Lifts and What Are Their Features?

The concerns related to people with mobility issues have grown a lot in all parts of the world and it is because of grown awareness that different kinds of lifts and elevators have mushroomed. 

Yes, manufacturers are now manufacturing different kinds of lifts not just to aid people with disabilities, but others too in various tasks related to lifting or moving up and down. 

One such kind of lift that people have been use very much is the platform lift that has another version named low rise platform lifts. 

People are fully aware of different kinds of elevators, but this version is something that not many people are aware of and here in this post, we will have a deeper look at this kind.

What is a Platform Lift?

• According to a reliable low rise platform lift provider in Sydney, this version has emerged as a solution for elderly people having mobility issues and people with disabilities get access to inaccessible areas with extreme ease. 

• This means that because of these low-rise platform lifts, people can experience the comfort and convenience of an elevator and these lifts can on multiple floors.
• They are not like stair lifts and you will see that these lifts can be operated by the user himself as the controls are inside the lift only.
• According to the experts, these low-rise Platform lifts have become a great way to ensure that wheelchair users can get to their required destination with simplicity and dignity.

What Are Their Benefits? 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of Platform lift as well as low rise platform lifts is that those having mobility issues and people with disabilities get better access of certain areas. 

These kinds of lifts can be used in indoors as well as outdoors and have numerous features that can make the ride even smoother for these people. From a reliable low rise platform provider in Sydney, you can get this lift built as per your specifications, dimensions and requirements. 

Ultimately, platform lifts can be one of the most cost-efficient and convenient ways for people in care home environments to ensure that their residents have a comfortable mobility solution. 

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Top Features That You Need To Look For While Getting Mobility Lifts

As far as mobility lifts are concerned, there are a number of things you take note of to make sure that you get the best performance out of them. Here in this post, we have discussed several points that will help you invest in the right manner and get the best out of it. As far as the mobility lifts are concerned, they will also save you on space as well as the running cost and not to mention, reduce the energy consumption. They are self-sufficient and super-easy for everyone to operate. 

Here are some features you should look for while looking for mobility lifts – 

• They are Suitable for Residential and Commercial purposes
• They Are Fully Compliant With Disabled Standards
• They are Available in Platform Lift or Full Cabin Options
• They Are Low On Maintenance, Running Costs And Energy Consumption
• There Are Disruption-Free Installation And Maintenance
• They Can Be Designed In Any Configuration

Design Features

• The companies engaged in designing these mobility lifts say that they can custom-design them and even platform lifts based on the specifications.
• With whatever design you get, they make sure that you get plenty of headroom as well as moving space to move around.
• The mobility lifts, as well as platform lifts, can be offered in a wide range of sizes to match your requirements and budget and for accommodating different mobility aid devices.
• The experts from the company chosen by you will help you choose the right kind of lift or inclined wheelchair lift based on the needs.
• At the same time, it would be possible for you to choose the right colour and design to match your decor.

Here are some technical features that you need to have at the time of selection – 

• Maximum Number Of Stops – 8
• Lifting Capacity 400kg – 630kg – 1000kg
• Maximum Lifting Travel – 15,000mm
• Pit Depth Minimum – 50mm

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Cost of Installation of Different Kinds of Residential Lifts

When we talk about lifts for houses, we need to keep one thing in mind that they are a must have thing for people having mobility issues. Keeping this point in mind, manufacturers of these mobility solutions have devised a number of options in terms of residential lifts and all are totally different from each other. Their functionality is different and so is their cost. The cost is something that potential buyers are more concerned about and this is why, we have decided to discuss this topic and know the expenses of installation of three different kinds of residential lifts. The names are – 

• Hydraulic Lifts

• Traction Lifts

• Non-Hydraulic Lifts

Let us discuss the cost of installation and other expenses here.

Hydraulic lifts

• This version is powered by an electronic pump that transmits hydraulic fluids in to the jack and with its help; the elevator gets pushed above and below.

• The space consumed by this version is somewhere around 15 sq feet and for this, a separate machine room would be required.

• The typical home elevators price for a basic hydraulic home lift, based on a standard installation, is between $40,000 and $50,000.

Traction lifts for houses

• This version of residential lifts moves up and down a shaft using cables with a counterweight to balance the weight load. 

• There is no requirement of any separate room for this but space would definitely be required to house the elevator.

• The residential lifts cost for a basic traction home elevator, based on a standard installation, would be $55,000 plus.

Non-hydraulic lifts for houses

• Then, at last, we have this non-hydraulic version that requires no supporting wall and no hydraulics or vacuum systems.

• The best thing is that this version can be plugged straight into a regular power outlet with no additional external power packs.

• The cost of standard installation of this version is way economical then the two 

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Defining Different Kinds of Lifts for Houses and Office

Whether you are getting lifts for houses or for commercial building, it is quite obvious that only after researching, you’ll pick one for you. It is actually that time when you’ll realise that different kinds of lifts are available for different purposes and catering different needs of the users. In this post, we take a look at different kinds of lifts present in the markets.

  Passenger Lifts

• Sellers of hydraulic lifts say that this happens to be one of the most common kinds of lifts used across the world.
• This version is mainly used in building that have 5 or more floors.
• They are generally residential lifts that come in different sizes based on different carriage loads.
• It can be used to accommodate minimum 10 people to up to 25 people maximum.
• The apartments and flats, lifts in shopping malls and other high rise buildings all use this version.

Residential Lifts

• This is another very common kind of elevators and lift used in residential buildings.
• The top feature of this version of lifts for house is that they are generally very small and in fact, it can accommodate only 3 to 5 persons.
• You’ll find them installed near the stairs along with its shape and they can be installed inside or outside the house and also controlled with a remote.

Cargo Lifts

• The next version is the cargo lifts and experts say that they are used for the purpose of shifting and carrying good and cargos.
• Sellers of hydraulic lift cars say that they are designed to carry weights and hence, have higher capacities.
• You’ll find them commonly in restaurants, stores, companies, flats etc. to carry heavy loads.

Other types of lifts are –

•  Double-Purpose Lifts - Used commonly in malls, hospitals, flats and companies.
• Double deck Lifts – They are actually meant for high rise buildings.
• Service Lifts – Used for service purpose in buildings.

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