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Types of Elevators: Inside the Mechanics

There are many different types of elevators that hold different cargo. But another thing that can set elevators apart are their mechanics. There are a few different ways that an elevator can work. These options have their pros and cons, as well as their own safety features and issues. Here, I will discuss some of these different types of elevators, including the hydraulic elevator and the traction elevators.

Hydraulic Elevators

Hydraulic elevators typically function through the use of pistons that move based on a hydraulic fluid, such as oil. The pistons are generally located at the bottom of the elevator, and as oil is filled into the pistons, they push the elevator car up. A valve releases oil from the pistons when the elevator car needs to descend.

The hydraulic elevator is generally used for buildings that are not that tall. Hydraulic elevators can cover 2-8 stories, so they are good for smaller office buildings or apartment buildings. There are a few variations of the hydraulic elevator, including the holeless hydraulic elevator, the conventional hydraulic elevator, and the roped hydraulic elevator.  

Hydraulic elevators used to be very popular because they are fairly cheap to install and maintain. But compared to other types of elevators, hydraulic elevators use a lot of energy. They can also spill oil, which can create hazards to the equipment, passengers, and the environment. For these reasons, they are not as popular as they once were.

Traction Elevators

Traction elevators ascend and descend with the help of a motorized rope. A motor is attached to the elevator shaft, and there is a wheel on this motor. The rope passes over the wheel and pulls the elevator car. Traction elevators also include a counter weight which helps to offset the weight of the car and its passengers. This puts less pressure on the motor so that it can work more efficiently.

There are two basic types of traction elevators – geared and gearless. Geared traction elevators use a gearbox which is attached to the motor. This moves the wheel and ultimately the rope. Gearless traction elevators use a wheel that is directly attached to the motor. Gearless traction elevators can move faster and farther than geared traction elevators.

Traction elevators in general are usually the choice for high-rise buildings, since they can travel much faster and farther than other types of elevators. As mentioned above, they are also more energy efficient. These elevators are generally a reasonable cost, but they do require a lot of maintenance. Dangerous hazards can occur if proper upkeep does not take place.

Getting Help

Traction elevators and hydraulic elevators are two major categories of popular elevators today. If you faced an injury while in an elevator, it is a good idea to figure out which type of elevator you were riding in. You can learn more specific information about the types of accidents that these elevators are prone to, and what specifically went wrong in your case. This information can potentially help you with a personal injury case. If you would like to discuss the possibility of filing a personal injury case, please contact my office. One of our lawyers can assist you with this process.

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