The Strengths and Weeknesses of Differen Elevator

Installing an elevator in your home can dramatically improve the quality of life for a family member with mobility problems, while also adding to the value of your house. Here are some facts to help you choose the type of elevator that will be best for your home.

While many of our clients seem to spend a lot of time selecting elevator car finishes and aesthetic options , very little time appears to be allocated to discussing the drive mechanism. I can’t really blame them; after all talking about what moves that fancy box you just designed can seem  quite boring.  We however feel it is important for our clients to get as much information as possible, especially when it concerns such an important aspect like the drive of your elevator. Now let's follow fujihd steps to konw the strengths and weeknesses of different typs elevators.

The Strengths of Hydraulic and Traction Counter Weight

Strenghts of Hydraulic

This system utilizes a pump motor and oil reservoir, to force hydraulic fluid through a hose to a cylinder. The pump motor and reservoir are usually located in a separate machine room. If you are unable to provide a  bore hole at the bottom of the pit you can use a roped hydraulic system.

1. Price point for the equipment will be in the mid rage when comparing other drives
2. Machine room is easily accessible for servicing
3. Manual lowering is inside the machine room
4. Smooth ride and landing function providing the valve settings are adjusted correctly
5. Usually incorporates battery lowering in  the standard product offering
6. Many manufactures to choose from

Strenghts of Traction Counter Weight

A traction counter weight drive operates the elevator by having  the mass of a series of  weights counter the elevator car and its occupants. If the user selects a command the elevator motor powers a cable (through a sheave) past the balance point and the device travels at a regulate rate in that direction.

1. Lower power consumption than hydraulic or winding drum systems
2. Minimal  maintenance due to simple design with lower repair costs
3. No machine room required
4. Minimal 3″ pit required (or no pit at all with a small threshold ramp)
5. No worry of hydraulic leaks or smells over the life of the elevator
6. Variable speed drive for soft stop and start
7. Low stand-by power
8. Minimal issues with leveling even with variable capacities

The Weaknesses of Hydraulic and Traction Counter Weight

Weaknesses of Hydraulic

1. A machine room will be required which equates to extra construction costs
2. Hydraulic fluid temperature can effect performance
3. Typically a pit of 8″ – 14″ is required
4. Some jurisdictions may require a pit drain and an oil separator to ensure leaking fluid can’t enter the water table
5. Power consumption will be 2-3 times higher than a traction counter weight system – Therefore more ongoing costs
6. Maintenance costs on hydraulic units will be 2- 4 times  higher (over a 10 year period) due to the potential of leaks and issues with valves , gaskets, and the pump.
7. Variable usage patterns can accelerate fluid degeneration
8. If hydraulic fluid leaks there is the potential for the smell to permeate throughout the building
9. Leveling and re-adjusting (anti-creep) issues

Weaknesses of Traction Counter Weight

1. Typically the equipment cost will be 10% – 15% higher than Hydraulic units (overall cost may be less when you consider construction and maintenance)
2. Access to the motor is at the top of the hoist-way (for the service technician)
3. Manual lowering crank is accessed from the top landing
4. Auto car lowering (similar to battery back-up) can be added for an additional cost
5. Not a lot of manufacturers to chose from in the Alberta market place

Now you can go to fujihd.net to see more informatin or contact us if you wanna buy fuji elevator.