HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS
Unlike traction systems, hydraulic elevator don’t use overhead hoisting machinery. Instead, these elevators lift a cab by using a fluid-driven piston that is mounted inside of a cylinder. The necessary fluid has traditionally been oil-based but can be replaced with vegetable oil to decrease the environmental impact.
Compared to traction elevators, hydraulic systems are:
More affordable to install
Less expensive to maintain and repair
Better for transporting heavy loads
Intended for low-rise applications
Hydraulic elevators are most often found in buildings that serve up to five stories because they operate at slower speeds than other types of elevators — typically 150 ft./min. or less.
Another reason for their height limitations is that it takes a lot of energy to raise an elevator cab several stories. To reach high floors with a hydraulic elevator, you would need a longer cylinder and piston.
There are two different types of hydraulic elevators:
Holed The holed type of hydraulic elevator has the hydraulic cylinders placed inside of a drilled hole and allows up to 60’ of travel.
Hole less Hole less hydraulic elevators don’t require a drilled hole, making this type of elevator ideal for existing buildings or in areas where drilling would be too difficult or expensive. Hole-less elevators shouldn’t be installed anywhere that requires more than 40’ of travel.
PROS & CONS OF Hydraulic Elevator:
Pros:
Quickest to install
Least expensive to install and maintain
Capable of moving increased weights (i.e. custom cabs)
Lower pit and overhead requirements with standard travel
No crane/roof access required
Above-ground models available with or without machine rooms (pre-engineered only)
Cons:
Limited to low and mid-rise buildings
Machine room required for in-ground applications (viewed as a PRO when service is needed)
Larger power requirements
150 ft./min. max up-speed
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