Types of lifts - which is right for your building?

Not all lifts are the same, and not every building needs the same solution. Here's a guide to the main lift types we supply, install and maintain, including the technology that underpins each one.

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The lift types we supply, install and maintain.

Passenger lifts - gearless traction (MRL)

The modern standard for most commercial, residential and public buildings. Gearless traction passenger lifts use a permanent magnet synchronous motor and frequency variator drive delivering smoother, quieter operation, superior energy efficiency and greater reliability than older geared or hydraulic alternatives. Machine Room Less (MRL) configurations eliminate the need for a dedicated machine room, recovering building space that would otherwise be given over to lift infrastructure. Most new passenger lift installations are now MRL gearless traction as a matter of course.

Passenger lifts - geared traction and hydraulic

Older building stock and lower-rise applications may still use geared traction or hydraulic drive systems. We install, maintain and modernise all three drive types. In most cases where a hydraulic or older geared traction lift is being replaced, conversion to a gearless MRL system is the most cost-effective and energy-efficient outcome - see our lift modernisation page.

Scenic and panoramic lifts

Where the lift is part of the architecture - glass-fronted atrium lifts, retail centrepieces, hotel feature lifts - a scenic or panoramic lift brings the interior of the car into the building's aesthetic. We have in-house experience of designing and delivering scenic lifts in complex configurations, including multi-storey atrium installations.

Modern Traffic Solutions

Our controllers are available in duplex, triplex and quadruplex configurations. In addition to this, we are also able to design and install Hall Call Destination systems, allowing for a more modern approach to lift use in modern office, residential and healthcare-type buildings.

Platform lifts

A lower-cost alternative to a full passenger lift, typically used where travel distance is shorter or where structural constraints make a traditional shaft difficult. Often used for DDA accessibility compliance where a full passenger lift isn't viable. Suitable for travel heights up to around 3-4 metres in most configurations.

Goods lifts

Built to carry freight, stock or equipment rather than passengers. Designed for heavier loads, demanding operating environments and high-cycle use. Common in warehouses, distribution centres, retail stockrooms, hospital supply chains and industrial buildings. We specify goods lifts to match the load requirements, door configuration and operating hours of the application.

Stairlifts

Stairlift solutions for block residential and light commercial applications. Particularly relevant for communal areas in sheltered housing, leisure centres, libraries and other public buildings where a platform lift or full passenger lift isn't appropriate or cost-effective.

Catering & Service Lifts

Smaller, typically unmanned lifts for moving food, documents or small goods between floors. Common in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and office buildings.

Scissor lifts and platform solutions

A platform lift variant specifically for stock or goods movement, using a scissor mechanism rather than a traditional drive system. Often used for lower-rise applications or where a pit cannot be formed.

Talk to us about your lift requirements.

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