Hydraulic Passenger Lifts by Tower Lifts

Smooth, Strong, and Surprisingly Versatile: Exploring the Benefits of Hydraulic Lifts

Ever stepped into a lift and noticed how it’s gliding effortlessly between floors? If so, there’s a good chance it was powered by a hydraulic system – a reliable workhorse that’s been quietly moving people and goods for decades. If you’re considering a passenger lift for your building, understanding the ins and outs of hydraulic technology is really helpful to the process. Why? Because it might just be the perfect solution for your needs, offering benefits that other lift types simply can’t match.

At Tower Lifts, we’ve been designing and installing hydraulic passenger lifts for the past 20 years. We’ve seen firsthand how this technology excels in a variety of settings, from sleek, contemporary London offices to unique heritage buildings. In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of hydraulic lifts, consider their advantages, and help you decide if they’re the right choice for your building.

Hydraulic Lifts Systems – The Basics

Now we’re going to take a closer look at the mechanics of hydraulic lifts! It will help if you can imagine a car jack as you read the following, because the hydraulic lift works on the same basic principle.

Here’s the simplified version:

• The Power of Liquid – Hydraulic lifts use a powerful piston within a cylinder filled with oil. Think of it like a syringe – when you push on the plunger, the liquid inside creates pressure and moves things.
• Upward Force – An electric pump pushes oil into the cylinder, increasing the pressure and pushing the piston upwards. This piston is connected to the lift car, smoothly lifting it to the required floor.
• Controlled Descent – To go down, a valve releases the oil from the cylinder. Gravity gently pulls the lift car downwards as the oil flows out. This controlled release ensures a safe and comfortable descent.

The oil acts like a strong but flexible column, supporting the lift car and allowing for precise control of its movement.

Why this matters

Understanding this mechanism helps you appreciate the safety and efficiency offered by hydraulic lifts. Because the system relies on fluid power and gravity it makes the system naturally stable and less prone to sudden movements.

Why Hydraulic Passenger Lifts are a Smart Choice for Your Business

When it comes to choosing a lift for your commercial property, you’ve got options like traction lifts (those with cables and counterweights), MRLs (machine-room-less lifts), and hydraulic lifts. But if you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and space-saving solution, hydraulic passenger lifts might be your perfect match. Here’s why:

1. Budget-Friendly – Compared to traction lifts, hydraulic lifts are often less expensive to install. This is because they don’t require a dedicated machine room above the shaft, which can save you significant construction costs.

2. Space Savers – Hydraulic lifts are compact and efficient. They need less overhead space and a smaller shaft than traction lifts, making them ideal for buildings where space is at a premium.

3. Smooth Operators – Thanks to the fluid power system, hydraulic lifts offer a remarkably smooth and quiet ride. This is a big plus for passenger comfort, especially in settings like offices, hotels, or residential buildings.

4. Heavy Lifting Champions – Need to move heavy loads? Hydraulic lifts are known for their impressive lifting capacity. This makes them a great choice for industrial settings, warehouses, or any application where you need to transport goods or equipment between floors.

5. Built to Last – With fewer moving parts than traction lifts, hydraulic systems tend to be very durable and require less maintenance. This translates to lower operating costs and fewer disruptions to your business over the long term.

6. Heritage-Friendly – Many older buildings have limited space for lift shafts and machinery. Hydraulic lifts often require shallower pits (the space below the lift) and less headroom (the space above) than other lift types. This makes them a great option for heritage buildings or properties with restrictive layouts where extensive structural alterations are not an option.

If your priorities are cost-effectiveness, space efficiency, and smooth operation, a hydraulic lift could be the ideal solution for your commercial property.

4 Things to Consider with Hydraulic Lifts – A Balanced View

Every lift technology has its trade-offs. While hydraulic lifts offer a persuasive range of benefits, you’ll also want to weigh up any limitations of the system before you make a decision:

1. Speed – Hydraulic lifts are slower than traction lifts, especially when they’re installed in taller buildings. If speed is a top priority – say, in a busy high-rise – a traction lift might be a better fit. However, for low-rise buildings, the speed of a hydraulic lift is usually absolutely fine.

2. Environmental Impact – Traditional hydraulic systems use oil, which can raise concerns around the risk of leaks. Newer hydraulic systems often use biodegradable hydraulic fluids to mitigate this risk. It would be worth talking through eco-friendly options with your lift provider if you decide on the hydraulic system.

3. Energy Consumption – Hydraulic lifts use more energy than traction lifts, particularly for frequent trips or heavier loads. However, technology such as variable speed drives and regenerative systems are improving their energy efficiency all the time.

4. Travel Distance – Hydraulic lifts are typically best suited for buildings up to six stories. For taller buildings, traction lifts are the more practical and efficient choice.

Case Study – Glyndebourne Opera House

Glyndebourne Opera House, known for its world-class performances, needed to improve accessibility without impacting its distinctive architecture. Their goal was to provide guests with easy access to all three floors of the building.

Tower Lifts designed and installed a hydraulic passenger lift within a sleek glass enclosure. Positioned on the side of the building, the lift complements the existing curves and style. The lift pit was discreetly placed below ground level, preserving the surrounding gardens.

This 13-person lift transports guests between floors, enhancing their experience while preserving the aesthetic integrity of this iconic venue.

About Tower Lifts

Choosing the right lift is a significant decision. If you would like to talk through your requirements and are wondering whether a hydraulic lift is the right option, we can guide you through the process.

At Tower Lifts, we’re not just experts in hydraulic lift installation – we’re an ISO 9001:2015 Lift Cert and UKAS-approved company, ensuring we adhere to all current lift regulations and safety standards. With 2 decades of experience, we’re committed to providing reliable, tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.

Ready to explore the possibilities for your building? Contact Tower Lifts today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can help you – 01525 601099

In addition to our Hydraulic Passenger Lift Services, we can also install a variety of lifts in bespoke configurations, throughout the UK including:

Platform Lifts • Food Lifts •  Service Lifts • Step Lifts • Goods Lifts • Scenic Lifts • Heavy Duty / Car Lifts • Low Pit / Pitless Lifts • Dumbwaiter Lifts • MRL Lifts • Fire Evacuation Lifts