Lift Engineering and Construction Industry

Ricky Lim asked:


Most human beings can move about effortlessly. However, there are many of us who have no such freedom and are confined to the wheelchair for the rest of our lives. For those of us, the vertical wheelchair lift is like a savior.

Everyone knows how easy it is for one to climb stairs when their legs and feet are intact, but what about those disabled? We have to take help from others. They carry us up the flight if stairs and we feel insignificant because our friends look upon us with pity. The vertical wheelchair lift has changed all of this and now, we are free to support ourselves without taking help from others.

Ramps and elevators

Ramps and elevators are another option for us. You do not have to face the difficulties these machines cause. However, these machines are not everywhere. And you have to restrict yourself from going to a bar or any other place just because you have no freedom of movement. Even when you are in your house, the scenario is the same. As such, you need to get the vertical wheelchair lift.

There are many models of the vertical wheel chair lift which you can choose from. There is the electrically run lift and the hydraulically pulled up type. You may choose any. If you feel that the lift will consume too much electricity, then go for the hydraulic one but if you have no problem then the electric one is the best.

There are other advantages of the lift which we have overlooked. See, when the lift is already installed, the other family members can also use it. For example, if everyone is going to dine on the terrace or the porch then you could use this lift to take food and cutlery to that place. It will take less labor.

Many vertical wheel chair lifts models are also available in shaft types and totally enclosed types. But you will have to keep in mind what you want. If you are happy with only a platform lift then go for it. Otherwise if you are looking for a bit more safety, then take up the enclosed type which has four walls and a platform.

The enclosed one is the best because if you install the lift outside, then certain problems may arise. Say, the weather is very bad, it’s raining, or a dust wind is bowing, the person will face difficulties in such situations. So an enclosed vertical wheelchair lift is the best.



platform lifts

lifter asked:


Stair lift Specs.

Of the three common alternatives for providing access between floors (residential elevators, stair lifts or stair lifts, and platform lifts) the stair lift is by far the least expensive option.

Straight stair lifts range in price from 2.5k – 4k, and between 4k – 15k for retrofitted curved models. As the complexity of the stair design increases so will the installation costs. Curved rail lifts require a highly detailed on-site survey prior to order and can take up to 3 months to be built and delivered.

Stair Lift Specifics – Special Thanks to www.StairLiftExchange.com for an awesome website that features different types of stair lifts.

Drive Type – There are 4 types of Stair lift drives that are available for consumer purchase.

Cable – Most cable drive systems use a strong steel cable, the kind used in elevators, to advance the passenger. Some have said that cable drive stair lifts don’t have smooth starts and stops but it really depends on the model. Chain – Usually only used for heavy duty models. Can be loud at times. Screw – The lifting mechanism used is a ***** driven actuator, which is powered by a rechargeable battery. Rack & Pinion – Users ride is smooth and controlled. Speed can be set by installer. Rack and pinion (meaning gear and teeth). The systems must be cleaned and lubricated regularly to prevent damage to the components. Gear teeth can be hazardous, especially to children, but most models have hidden gears.

Many manufacturers have discontinued their cable, chain, and ***** drive systems, with the exception of their heavy duty models. Rack & pinion are the one’s mostly used today. However, Drum and Cable systems are amazing too!

Rail / Track – The track used with a stair lift is secured to the stairs. Steel and aluminum are the primary metals used in manufacturing the tracks. Steel is often used for custom engineered applications, where as Aluminum is typically found in straight applications because of its lighter weight and interchangeability.

Power – Most Stair lifts today are powered by batteries or a domestic mains supply. Either AC (mains supply) or DC powered (battery). AC powered units use a trailing mains cable that is said to be less reliable than the DC battery powered units. Furthermore, the trailing cable needs to be reeled out and reeled back in, each and every time the stair lift travels up and down the stairway. AC powered units can be recharged anywhere along the track, whereas DC powered units can only be recharged at the base stations at the top and bottom of the stairs. There are several states where they prohibit the installation of AC powered equipment unless you are a fully qualified electrician.

There are two types of Station Charging: 

Static Charging – consists of permanent charging stations positioned at each end of the rail. Flexible Charging – allows the charging stations to be moved anywhere on the rail.

Swivel Seat – To safely access the upper landing of the stairs, one must swivel the stair lift seat onto the landing. A lock release lever allows the seat to turn. Some seats have a single or dual release arms. 

There are two types of swivel seats: 

90° Swivel Seat – This type of swivel seat is mounted on the upstairs side of the chassis and fold in one direction. 180° Swivel Seat – This model folds in both directions.

Diagnostics – Many newer stair lifts offer a self diagnostic system that can help diagnose problems with your lift and decrease maintenance costs.

Accessories – There are a number of accessories available to complement your Stair Lift. These accessories are great for individuals with additional mobility difficulties and/or more complex stair configurations.

Sit and Stand Frame – Allows the passenger to choose between sitting and standing. Seatbelts – Great safety feature with offered in either belt or shoulder strap. Hinged Rail – Allows the railing to be moved from the bottom of the stairs. Bridging Platform – Used for curved staircases at the top of the landing. Power Folding Footrest – For individuals that have a hard time bending down. Power Swivel Seat – Automatically turns the seat for effortless entry and exit.

Installation – Many stair lifts are manufactured so they can be easily installed. Some individuals decide to install it themselves while others prefer to have them installed by the manufacturer. Most stair lift manufacturers will have measurement and installation guides readily available on their websites and are very helpful if you have any questions.

 

More information: For more information you can visit: www.StairLiftExchange.com and choose from all different types of stair lifts.



platform lifts

Ricky Lim asked:


A portable wheelchair lift is a great cost effective alternative compared to expensive elevators or other costly alternatives. It is designed for individuals with physical disabilities to ensure their practical access to solutions for mobility as well as climbing stairs. It is not only useful but also makes disabled people’s lives convenient, fast and easier.

Be it for commercial or residential applications, a portable wheelchair lift may have many practical uses. They come in two operation categories, namely the electric and hydraulic. The electric operation category comes with battery back-up systems for any case of power failure or shortage while the hydraulic operation category uses hydraulics for increased performance.

If needed the electronic portable wheelchair lift can be installed with telephone jacks or automatic door openers. The electric portable wheelchair lift is significantly cheaper than the hydraulic portable wheelchair lift.

All branded portable wheelchair lifts are created with an outstanding blend of durability, comfort and quality to be able to meet the needs of the users. It may come with extensive selections of styles, features, functions, sizes and even colors. With the many models and styles, the most popular are the ones with inclined platform lifts and vertical platform lifts.

Every kind of portable wheelchair lift is made available with its own set of unique specifications and features. Aside from its portability, it is also safe and quiet to use. The ones with inclined platform lifts are ideal for traveling or climbing up to either curved or straight stairways. One great advantage of this model is that it can be tower-mounted or wall-mounted to the staircase.

Aside from the most affordable solutions, it can also be used on various styles of stairways. It is very simple to set up as well as to operate. It has many user-friendly control stations and many safety features such as anti-slip flooring, emergency stop switch, handrail, under-platform sensors and many more.



platform lifts

Robert asked:


Vertical Platform Lifts are like small scale elevators that connect areas of different elevation so that they are accessible to people in wheelchairs or those who are mobility challenged. One of the most common places to find these life saving devices is at church.

Many churches are in buildings that have been around for many years. Often times these buildings were not designed to be handicapped accessible. Usually new additions and entrances and exits have been updated and made to be easily accessible by those in wheel chairs, but this is not always the case. Often there are many parts of churches that can not be accessed if you are not able to walk or negotiate the stairs. People of all shapes, sizes, and age visit churches and this is why so many churches invest in wheelchair lifts. This guarantees that all members of the parish will be able to fully enjoy, participate in, and feel connected with the church.

One model of wheelchair lift that is particularly popular with churches is Ameriglide’s Portable Atlas lift. This lift is capable of holding over 500 pounds and can be moved. Since this lift is portable, it is easy to move it when it is not in use or to move it to a different set of steps. This makes it perfect to allow churchgoers access to the pulpit. These units are also keyed so that you can guarantee that it will not be misused.

Vertical platform lifts are found in churches nationwide and provide a great service for many different people. They allow people to get involved with church and stay involved with church throughout their whole life, and will open up new doors to all those who might have thought they were closed.



platform lifts