A hydraulic elevator is a type of vertical lift that uses hydraulic fluids to move the elevator car up and down. In a hydraulic elevator, a pump forces oil into a cylinder, which pushes a piston up. The piston is connected to the elevator car, so when the piston moves up, the elevator car moves up, and when the pressure is released the elevator car lowers.
Hydraulic elevators are typically used in low-rise buildings, such as apartment buildings, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and office buildings. They are not typically used in high-rise buildings, as they are not as fast as traction elevators and are limited to around 60 feet of travel. However, hydraulic elevators are more energy-efficient than traction elevators, can handle a heavy weight capacity and cost less to install.
How Does a Hydraulic Elevator Work?
The pump forces oil into the cylinder, which pushes the piston up. The piston is connected to the elevator car, so when the piston moves up, the elevator car moves up as well. When the elevator car reaches its destination, the valve opens and the oil flows back into the oil reservoir, lowering the elevator car. The speed of a hydraulic elevator is determined by the size of the pump/motor and the size of the piston. The larger the pump and the cylinder, the faster the elevator will be. Typically, a Hydraulic elevator travels between 75-150 feet per minute.
Advantages of Hydraulic Elevators
Hydraulic elevators have several advantages over other types of elevators, including:
Energy Efficiency: Hydraulic elevators are more energy-efficient than traction elevators. This is because they use less electricity to operate.
Quiet Operation: Hydraulic elevators are often quieter than traction elevators. This is because they do not have any moving parts, such as cables or sheaves, as well as no loud motors or machinery.
Low Maintenance: Hydraulic elevators require less maintenance than traction elevators. This is because they have fewer moving parts.
Low Cost: Based on the simple design and minimal equipment required for a hydraulic elevator, they are less expensive to install and operate than traction elevators.
Disadvantages of Hydraulic Elevators
Hydraulic elevators also have some disadvantages, including:
Limited Height: Hydraulic elevators are not typically used in high-rise buildings. This is because they are not as fast as traction elevators and are limited to as high as the piston can extend, typically not more than 60 feet or 7 stories.
Environmental: Hydraulic elevators can be negatively affected by the environment, such as extreme temperatures, water infiltration and oil contaminants.
Hazardous Cleanup: On rare occasions, a ruptured line or blown seal could result in hydraulic fluid leaking into the elevator pit or the building, resulting in environmental contamination.
Applications of Hydraulic Elevators
Hydraulic elevators are typically used in low-rise buildings, such as apartment buildings and office buildings. They are also used in some high-rise buildings, such as hotels and hospitals, to access their lower floors. Hydraulic elevators are not typically used in residential homes, as they are not as cost-effective as other types of elevators in this application.
Hydraulic Elevator Components
| Oil Pump | Elevator Controller |
| Oil Tank/Reservior | Hydraulic Valve Unit |
| Hydraulic Piston (In-Ground or Telescopic) |
Hydraulic Fluid |
Conclusions About Hydraulic Elevators
Hydraulic elevators are a type of elevator that uses hydraulic fluid to move the elevator car up and down. Hydraulic elevators are typically used in low-rise buildings, as they are not as fast as traction elevators and have height limitations. However, hydraulic elevators are more energy-efficient than traction elevators, and they also have a smoother ride quality and operate with less noise.
Liberty Knows Hydraulic Elevators
When installing a hydraulic elevator in new construction, modernizing your pre-existing hydro or maintaining your service elevator, Liberty is the elevator partner you need to safely keep your hydraulic elevator pumping. Contact Liberty today to explore the best solutions for your property’s vertical transportation needs.