Monday 12 June 2023

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


 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.


Wednesday 3 May 2023

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.



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.


Tuesday 11 April 2023

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.

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

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

Sunday 5 March 2023

Types Of Hydraulic Lifts You See Commonly Around Us

Commercial facilities and buildings are impossible to access entirely in the absence of several pieces of equipment, and one of them is the hydraulic lift. These lifts are available in many forms, and they are a part of different industries and sectors. They help patients, along with their hospital beds to be shifted from one floor to another and, in fact, from one building to another. Let us go through some common types of hydraulic lifts that elevator companies offer.

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

TABLE LIFTS

They can move items from one floor to the workable level. Transportation companies are the biggest beneficiaries of these lifts, and they use them to lift materials onto truck beds or warehouse floors.

PERSONNEL LIFTS

These lifts offered by an elevator service company are designed to lift people safely to different heights for work or to move materials. These materials could be anything like electrical lines, inventory placement on mezzanine floors and for accessing certain products and materials.

FORKLIFT

The most common type of hydraulic lift available in the market is a forklift, and it can move materials at construction sites, where houses, factories, retail stores and so on. They are also used frequently for loading and unloading trucks and aeroplanes. They are compact and powerful enough to quickly move items from one location to another, even in cramped areas.

MEDICAL LIFTS

These lifts are designed for lifting devices for surgical tables, hospital beds and marketing equipment. Using these lifts is a convenient method for moving patients along with their hospital beds from their rooms to treatment areas and other floors.

Apart from these types, there are also automotive lifts to lift the vehicle for repair inspection. It is considered the most potent type of hydraulic lift offered by an elevator service company. Then, there are post-car lifts, platform lift and pallet lifts available for use, and all are from the family of hydraulic lifts only.

Saturday 4 February 2023

Common Myths about Residential Lifts Debunked Here

 Different luxurious additions are now available in the markets to make any property look more attractive, efficient and luxurious. One of them is the residential lifts that are useful in a number of ways. They don't just make the property look elite, but also assist elderly people and people with limited mobility in accessing the entire area without any restrictions. The problem is that people have different myths in their minds regarding them. In this post here, we have determined to clear some of these myths and revealed the facts associated with them.

Source: https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/residential/

THEY CONSUME A LOT OF SPACE

There was a time when these lifts for houses were consuming too much space but now this is not the fact. Now there are compact lifts working on modern technology and acquiring minimal space. In other words, they can comfortably fit any kind of property, where space related constraints are there. There are some residential lifts that don't need an elevator shaft or extensive structure or even a machine room.

THEY ARE AN EXPENSIVE ADDITION

This is again the thing of the past because the usefulness of these installations has made them hugely popular. So many lift manufacturers are out there in the markets as well as lift installation companies and this competition has made them offer the highest grade services at very low rates. This is a win-win situation for the customers as now they can get a lift installed right inside the budget. There is a wide variety of styles, sizes and models available that you can get installed at your home.

IT'S COMPLICATED TO GET RESIDENTIAL LIFTS INSTALLED

This is again a huge myth that people have in mind. Yes, the process is of course complicated when you start attempting DIY in it, but when carried out by professional elevator installation teams, this is a simple process and they will install the lift in no time at all. These people come equipped with the knowledge and expertise along with the best quality tools and setups to install any kind of lift to perfection.


Wednesday 4 January 2023

Elevator Inspection Steps Taken By an Elevator Service Company

 An elevator is a complex assembly of several machines, components and equipment. All of them sync together and work together to perform the movement that an elevator is intended to. Regular usage can wear these parts, and in such situations, maintenance becomes a mandatory process. For this, an elevator service company is an ideal choice rather than DIY. 

The lift technicians from these companies take several steps during the inspection process to ensure that the lift is performing optically. Let us go through the actions taken by them here.





INSIDE THE CABIN

  • The lift technicians from lift companies will examine the interior for damages to walls, ceilings and handrails

  • They will also investigate the position of indicator lights and replace those that are not working

  • They will ensure that the elevator is going up and down and that levelling accuracy is also checked

  • They will also inspect the acceleration and deceleration and make adjustments accordingly

  • The inspection would be done to ensure that the doors are moving smoothly and they are not slamming or bouncing


OUTSIDE THE CABIN

  • They will check for hall stations and lights and replace those that are not working

  • They will also inspect the door panels and clearance and test the phase 1 firefighter service


INSIDE THE MACHINE ROOM

  • The professionals from the elevator service company will inspect the machine room and remove everything not related to the functioning of the elevator.

  • They will inspect every component for leaks, unusual vibrations or wear and tear.

  • They will ensure that no overheating or premature damage is there in any electrical component.

  • Lubrication would be done on the necessary components, and they will also inspect the oil level.


ON THE TOP OF THE CABIN

  • Firstly, they will check that the ‘stop’ switch and other components are functioning properly

  • They will clean the debris present on the top of the cable

  • They will inspect for visible features like rollers, guidance and levelling devices

  • Travelling cables will be inspected for wear and tear, and they will also go through the connections

  • They will also check the door operator and its components

  • Lastly, they will inspect the hoistway for the best fire safety and any vandalism

Monday 5 December 2022

Lift Maintenance Sydney Mandatory Steps to Follow

 Elevator installation is a one-time stress that property owners have to take, but this installation comes with a pressure that emerges every now and then. This stress is of keeping the installation in perfect condition and running like new. Lift maintenance Sydney has a significant role in the overall performance and efficiency of this installation. It involves several steps, and this checklist will familiarize you with the most common actions taken in different parts of an elevator.


INSIDE THE CAR:

  • You need to examine the interior of your elevator for wall damages, ceiling and handrail damages. 

  • You should also examine the position indicator lights and replace those not working.

  • Examine your elevator's up and down movement and check the leveling accuracy.

  • The speed of acceleration and deceleration should also be checked, and if any adjustments are required, it should be given immediately.

  • Check that all doors are moving smoothly and not slamming or bouncing.

  • The door restrictors should also operate properly, and if not, necessary repair work should be done.

OUTSIDE THE CAR:

  • Outside the cabin, the first thing to check is the station lights. 

  • As a part of lift modernization, you should inspect the door panels. 

  • You should also test the phase 1 firefighters services associated with elevator’s performance.

MACHINE ROOM:

  • In the machine room, the first thing to make sure is that there is nothing present that is unrelated to the elevator. 

  • You should check every component for leakage, unusual vibration or wear and tear. 

  • The lift maintenance Sydney professional will also instruct electrical components for evidence of overheating or failure.

  • Lubrication of all the moving parts is necessary, and alongside this, the oil level should also be checked. 

  • If any adjustments are required, they should be done immediately, and follow-up service should be scheduled right there.

Monday 7 November 2022

How Lift Maintenance and Modernisation Can Be Beneficial For Your Elevator?

Elevators are the lifeline of high-rise properties, and they help a lot in accessing these properties easily. But regular maintenance and inspection would be required to keep these installations safe and efficient.

In some cases, lift maintenance Sydney would also be needed and if this is the first time you are hearing this term, continue reading this post as we give you some in-depth details on elevators or lift maintenance.

WHAT IS ELEVATOR MODERNISATION?

Lift modernisation is another name given to the process of lift maintenance, and in lift modernisation, several upgrades are done to make the machine efficient and advanced. 

This includes using new technologies, improving mechanical systems, enhancing safety features and updating the overall aesthetics. 

Any kind of elevator can be modernised simply by replacing the old motor and renovating the interiors and doors.

BENEFITS OF ELEVATOR MODERNISATION -

The project of elevator modernisation comes with several benefits. The first is that it can improve the overall performance and safety of the elevator. Other benefits of lift modernisation are – 

  • The lift will require lesser unexpected maintenance, replacement and repair.
  • The operational reliability of the lift will improve significantly.
  • With solid-state modern electronics, the lift will perform fine in the coming years. 
  • The elevator will get a new appearance by replacing older and worn-out car panels, doors, lighting, handrails and other options.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN AN ELEVATOR MODERNISATION?

The first stipulation related to lift maintenance Sydney or lift modulation is that this process has to be carried out by a licenced and certified professional. 

lift maintenance Sydney

Based on the issues that your lift is facing, you can avail customised services from these officials. The first step would be to inspect the entire machine and the health of mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic components. This would include the following – 

  • Controller mechanics
  • Electrical wiring
  • Elevator doors and their tracks
  • Hoist machines, motors, and elevator cables
  • Panelling, lighting, electronics, and other parts of the elevator car
  • Safety features


Sunday 9 October 2022

Easy Smart and Useful Tips for Your Lift Modernisation Project

Users of elevators and lifts understand just one thing that they have to get it serviced and inspected on a regular basis. They are given very few or no instructions at all related to lift modernisation, and hence, it depends entirely on them when to get this modernisation done. 

Experts give us some tips to take into account to decide about the elevator modernisation project.

ASK FOR A MODERNISATION PLAN -

In the beginning, you should ask for a lift modernisation plan from a reputed company and getting these plans from at least four or five companies will help you compare them on different parameters. These companies will surely recommend refurbishment, partial modernisation, complete modernisation or full replacement and also the number of steps to take in lift maintenance Sydney. Experts recommend considering these pointers carefully and not minding at all in taking more modernisation plans.

PLAN AHEAD TO MINIMISE DISRUPTIONS -

Any lift modernisation or lift maintenance Sydney task calls for advanced planning to save your family from disruptions. Projects related to lift modernisation are time-consuming, and by planning ahead of time, you can ensure that your family is all prepared to face the tough time and stay operational at the same time.

THINK SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE FIRST -

If you are serious about safety and performance, the first step in lift modernisation is upgrading controls and motors. 

Lift Modernisation

These things will address matters related to safety and reliability for a long time, and some other mechanical components like hoist machines and also electrical wiring should be inspected and changed if required.

DON’T SETTLE FOR A “MODERNISATION PACKAGE” -

Some elevator maintenance companies would come up with moderation packages and claim to save your money by them. It is important that you don't get carried away by seeing the number of procedures mentioned in these packages. 

Most of them are insignificant and have no role to play in making the lift safer for use. The ideal step is to get your lift inspected and create a list of malfunctioning flaws and issues detected in it and get them repaired or rectified without any laziness.

This customisation of your modernisation plan will ensure that everything is worked on, like the mechanical components, technology, interior, finishes, lighting, switches, controls and so on.

People may know also: Useful Safety Features of Inclined Wheelchair Lifts



Thursday 8 September 2022

How to Prevent Untimely Failure of Inclined Platform Lift

For people with limited mobility, elevators and lifts are nothing short of a boon. They make it very effortless for them to move between floors and stay mobile all the time. 

There are inclined platform lifts that make it even easier for them to access different parts of a building. 

To keep these lifts functional, they need regular maintenance, look after and care and some steps related to these things are discussed here in this post.

COMMON CAUSES FOR FAILURE -

These lifts need timely maintenance and servicing because if not, they will get surrounded by several issues. For example – they will stop operating if the batteries fail or don't fulfil the minimum necessity of voltage. 

If AC powers the lift, it will stop working if the outlet fails or this circuit gets tripped. Any error made by the operator can also stop the inclined platform lift from operating and if safety-related standards are not followed, the lift will not work in that case too.

inclined platform lift

ENSURE OPTIMAL OPERATION -

The rules related to optimal operation apply to inclined platform lifts as well as commercial inclined platform lifts. 

You should make sure that the door is working fine and that the area under the lift is clean from any items and debris. 

The owner of the inclined lift should be extra-cautious and careful about the life of the battery and take immediate action in case of low battery or any fault in the connections.

PROTECT YOUR OUTDOOR VERTICAL PLATFORM LIFT -

The controls and switches on the inclined platform lifts should be other proof and this means they should not require that much of maintenance and look after

WHEN TO CALL A TECHNICIAN?

The necessity of a technician should be there mainly for inspection purposes and in case any fault has occurred in the lift. 

This means that these technicians should be called at least twice a year for in-depth inspection and diagnosing any underlying issues that are still in the premature stage. 

Apart from this, if you suspect any issue, you should not hesitate to contact them before their next scheduled visit.

People may know also : Important Factors to Consider Before Elevator Installation

Friday 19 August 2022

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. 
Platform Lift

  • 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. 

Platform Lift

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.