Integrating an elevator into a residential space can often prove difficult due to the need to install a pit or machine room within the existing building. General elevators can often be unsuitable for many homes due to these limitations, and the choice of pitless and shaftless elevators have become excellent alternatives for residences that cannot adapt their home to have a pit or machine room.
Installing a residential elevator without the need for a pit or machine room offers transportation freedom to homes with minimal structural adjustments.
What is a pit and does a home elevator need one?
General elevators require a pit or an area that finishes lower than the flooring itself and allows space for the elevator cab to extend further when travelling and for the cab support mechanism to sit within.
An elevator pit has strict specifications and dimensions to adhere to for installation and often requires a depth of between 8 to 14 inches, in addition to the concrete slab involved in the preparations.
Though not necessary in every home elevator, it is wise to consider the step-up required to enter a pitless elevator. Without the dug-out pit of a conventional lift, the pitless elevator sits above the flooring. It often creates a slightly raised ridge which may need to be considered if the elevator is for wheelchair use.
What is a machine room and does a home elevator need one?
Conventional residential elevators require an additional space set aside for the mechanics of the elevator, called a machine room. Housing the elevator’s central control mechanism and the pump unit, the machine room is a necessary space required in the home for many elevator choices.
However, pitless and shaftless elevators operate without needing a machine room, making them an excellent option for many residential spaces that cannot afford the additional space required for general elevator options.
Why do hydraulic elevators have a pit?
Hydraulic elevators are lifts operated by an electric motor pumping hydraulic fluid into the main piston that sits within a cabin-like feature. The piston delivers a smooth movement with travelling and continual fluid assist in a safe and efficient descent.
As the main operating feature of a hydraulic elevator, the piston is positioned at the bottom of the elevator shaft. It requires a pit area that allows space for the piston to retract.
Why don’t screw driven elevators need a pit?
A popular elevation option in many homes, a screw driven elevator operates by a giant screw that runs the entire length of the elevator from top to bottom. With a platform attached to the screw through a rotating nut, the motor turns the nut in one direction to move upwards and in the opposite direction to move downwards.
An ideal option for saving space is the simple operating mechanisms of screw driven elevators, which means they do not require a pit.
Pitless elevators from Axis Lifts
With over 94 years of experience in the elevator industry, Axis Lifts is a lift provider selling and installing lifts to the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Axis Lifts specialise in their field and offer a wide range of elevation options to suit any application within the home.
For homes that cannot adapt the flooring to house an elevator pit, Axis Lifts offers excellent options in their range of pitless elevators.
Aritco HomeLift –
Offering an easy solution to mobility issues, the Artico Homelift is a pitless elevator that comes in a range of sizes that will suit the needs and limitations of any home.
Perfect for transportation between 2 to 6 levels, the Artico Homelift can be personalised to suit the home’s aesthetics. Their compact size makes them ideal for homes working within restricted spaces. View Aritco Homelift here
Aritco 4000
A screw driven elevator, the Artico 4000 Platform Lift offers reliable operation and is compact in its dimensions. Taking up the same size space as a wardrobe, The Artico 4000 can usually be installed in the home with minimal flooring adjustments. Even the shallow 50mm pit required can be simply avoided by applying a ramp for entry and exit of the elevator. View Aritco 4000 here
Aritco 6000
From the same range as the Artico 4000, the Artico 6000 is a larger lift that also requires a small 50mm pit that can be entirely avoided with the use of a ramp for entry and exit. Ideal for wheelchair use due to its increased capacity, the Artico 6000 operates on a screw and nut drive system that ensures reliability and safety. View Aritco 6000 here
Whether transporting a single wheelchair between two levels or a group of people requires travelling between multiple floors, the wide range of available elevator options ensures that you choose the lift that best suits your open space and needs that complements your home. With extensive choices in colour and personalisation features available, your elevator will provide the perfect combination of functionality, style and luxury to your home.
Call Axis Lifts today on 1300 002 947 for more to visit our showroom and view our wide range of elevator options.
