Most people are generally familiar with the installation and subsequent use of hydraulic elevators. But what they are most unconcerned about is how to ensure the proper maintenance of the same so that it keeps running in top condition. In fact only when the elevators start giving problems do they wake up to the same.
Hydraulic elevators defined
Before coming to the maintenance part, it is very important to know the basics of a hydraulic elevator. Simply put this device is an elevator which is powered by the moving piston present inside a cylinder. The movement of this piston is facilitated by the electrical pumping of hydraulic oils inside the cylinder thereby enabling it to lift the elevator smoothly. The descent of the elevators too is controlled by electrically powered valves which help in the release of the hydraulic oil from the cylinder.
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Benefits of hydraulic elevators
This type of elevator provides its user with the following advantages:
- The weight of the cylinders is counter balanced by the ground beneath. Hence the need for reinforcements is completely eliminated.
- They are relatively cheaper and require less installation space.
- They are very safe to use as even if the cables snap for some reason, the speed of the fall will be equivalent to the speed with which the cylinder fluid comes out.
- They offer architects a great deal of freedom with regards to its design and placement.
Maintenance of hydraulic elevators
The maintenance of hydraulic elevators is quite easy as:
- It uses a drive technology which is a low-maintenance one.
- The ropes and pulleys used generally suffer less wear and tear.
- Replacement of machine parts is seldom required.
- It’s drive can be accessed very easily.
Hence with a little care, the same hydraulic elevators can be used for years on end without it giving any extra hassle. Some of the key points of the maintenance of hydraulic elevators are:
- Frequency of maintenance: The frequency of maintenance of elevators depends on the type of device used and the usage it has to undergo. But generally speaking for the normal usage of a hydraulic elevator, getting it serviced on a monthly basis is enough for a hassle free use.
- Getting into a maintenance contract: It is always better to get into an annual maintenance contract with a company which has sufficient experience and manpower to provide effective service. There are three types of contract generally in vogue with regards to lift maintenance. They are:
- Full maintenance contracts: This makes the maintenance and proper running of the hydraulic elevator, the sole responsibility of the service provider. An annual contract is signed wherein the servicing agent is paid the total amount for the maintenance for 1 year in advance. This type of contract makes it an absolutely hassle free experience for the owner of the elevator.
- POG or parts, oil, grease contract: This is a contract which mentions the parts of the total elevator mechanism which are not covered by the contract. This contract has a much lower monthly charge and the coverage offered is also quite less.
- Oil grease (OG) or lubrication examination contract: This is the least costly of all the types of maintenance contracts which are generally signed. It only includes minor adjustments and lubrication of the moving parts, done on a scheduled basis regularly. In the event of a mechanical problem, the repairs which need to be effected are chargeable.
- Keeping the elevator clean: Daily cleaning of the inside of the elevator ensures that it looks good and feels good to use the elevator car for traversing in between floors.
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