Hydraulic lift systems are widely used in lifts around the world because they can handle extremely large lifting and simplify the entire lifting process.
Hydraulic lifts are widely utilised in passenger lifts, goods and service lifts, and even vehicle lifts since they are a highly effective way to move both people and things (such products and stock) between different floors.
A hydraulic system for passenger lifts is popular as they occupy less space in a building, requiring almost 10% less area for the lift shaft than other elevating means.
Given the wide variety of hydraulic lift systems available, choosing the right one for your business can be challenging. Likewise, knowing how they operate, what they are, and the advantages they offer are crucial—though frequently difficult to fully understand without adequate research.
Because of this, we are here to explain everything you need to know about hydraulic passenger lifts and more using our in-depth understanding of the lifts industry.
How does a hydraulic passenger lift work?
A piston connected to a hydraulic ram, a cylinder filled with oil, powers hydraulic lifts. A hydraulic cylinder’s one end is under pressure from an electric motor, which causes the piston to smoothly move the lift cabin.
Oil-based fluid is required to run a hydraulic lift. Eco-friendly and energy efficient alternatives include using biodegradable or vegetable oil.
Hydraulic passenger lifts often don’t have a cable attached to the top of the lift cabin and don’t need a lot of equipment above the cabin. Although they can be up to eight stories tall, hydraulic passenger lifts are often seen in structures that are four or five stories high.
Types of hydraulic passenger lifts
- Holed hydraulic lift: The piston connecting to the lift cabin is pushed by an underground hydraulic cylinder in this lift. They are especially prevalent in structures with two to six stories. They typically move at a speed of about 1 metre per second.
- Holeless hydraulic lift: This type of hydraulic lift, invented in the 1970s, uses above-ground cylinders to propel the lift piston. In structures with limited space or in locations where lift pit excavation is not practical, this form of installation is ideal.
- Roped hydraulic: This type of hydraulic passenger lift makes use of above-ground cylinders and a rope system to extend the lift’s travel distance. The piston typically travels four or five levels, and a lift cable enables the cabin to go another two to three storeys.
- Machine Room-less (MRL): The hydraulic lift mechanisms are situated in the hoistway rather than a separate machine room in lifts without a machine room. This makes the most of the building’s available space.
What type of buildings use hydraulic lifts?
A hydraulic lift can be found in practically any kind of structure. The heights they can travel, though, are restricted by two things.
High-rise buildings don’t frequently use hydraulic lifts because they use a lot of energy to elevate the cab. These systems also move slower than other kinds of lifts, moving at 150 feet per minute or less.
These reasons make hydraulic elevators suitable only for structures up to seven floors in height.
What are the benefits of hydraulic passenger lift installation?
Installing a hydraulic passenger lift in your building can have many advantages including:
Reduced noise
The hydraulic pump machinery is the primary source of noise for hydraulic passenger lifts. To lessen the noise, this might be put in a chamber by itself or at the foot of the elevator shaft. Noisy machinery above or below the lift cabin may be a problem for cable-driven systems.
Space
Compared to other types of lifts, a hydraulic passenger lift has fewer limits on the lift car structure. They take up less space than certain other lift kinds, and the machinery can be located elsewhere.
As a result, architects have more creative licence when designing a building. Additionally, it makes hydraulic passenger lifts perfect for places with short headroom or pit requirements as well as for historically significant buildings where extensive excavation is not possible.
Lift maintenance
In general, hydraulic systems require very little upkeep and are easy to maintain. Pulleys and ropes are not a concern for lift engineers, and a hydraulic system that is external to the lift shaft is simple to maintain. Replacement parts are infrequently required for hydraulic lifts which overall can reduce maintenance costs.
Cost
Because they are less expensive to install than traction lifts, hydraulic lifts are an excellent option for commercial building owners on a tight budget.
Safety
A hydraulic passenger lift is among the safest varieties of passenger lifts. Maintenance for lift technicians is also less risky because there isn’t a counterweight and cable system.
Carry substantial loads
Hydraulic systems are extremely robust and reliable, therefore hydraulic passenger lifts can support heavy loads. That is why it is perfect for factories, warehouses, and commercial structures.
Looking for passenger lift installation?
With a wealth of experience in the lift industry, Future Lift Services design and install hydraulic passenger lifts throughout the United Kingdom. Our skilled team of designers, engineers, and lift technicians can make a custom hydraulic passenger lift that perfectly meets all of your requirements.
We are experts in lift installation, maintenance, and modernisation for all types of commercial and residential facilities.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our modern lift services or to request a free, no-obligation quote with us, based in London and Essex!
Hydraulic passenger lift FAQs
Which is better: hydraulic lift or motor lift?
Although both types of lifts provide safe and effective vertical lifting alternatives, hydraulic lifts are often less expensive to buy and install than mechanical lifts. Additionally, each form of lift has unique characteristics that make it a better choice than the other for particular lifting applications.
Does hydraulic lift require electricity?
An electric motor that pours oil into the cylinder to operate the piston lifts the lift cab. Electrical valves are also incorporated into hydraulic lifts to regulate the release of oil for a smooth ride. Oil-based fluid is required to run a hydraulic lift.
What is the average life of a passenger lift?
Typically building owners consider the useful life of elevators as 20–25 years.