Choosing the right hydraulic lift for your building is not just an architectural decision. It’s something that we all frequently use in our lives. It can be installed in a home, office, or warehouse. However, there is a catch: not every lift is suitable for every setting. If you want to buy the lift that is worth your investment, you have to be picky about it. The best lift for a building should save your time, fit easily within the space layout, and last for years. This guide will share the 5 key things that a buyer should know before they choose a hydraulic lift for a building.
1. Define the Purpose
Before you invest in a hydraulic lift, your first question to yourself should be, “What will this lift be used for?” This purpose makes it crystal clear to you how fast the lift should move and how rugged and spacious it should be. A hydraulic lift in a home or office comes with a cabin, user-friendly controls, and enough space for 2 to 6 passengers or more. It depends on the lift’s design. At the same time, a goods or cargo lift, typically used in factories or warehouses, should be durable and capable of lifting heavy objects.
If the lift will be used for accessibility purposes, your priority should be access, doors, sensors, and stability features. Furthermore, car lifts used in parking lots or showrooms are manufactured with a large lift capacity and broad platforms to lift vehicle weight.
Pro Tip: Use the “function-first” strategy for buying a hydraulic lift. Check out all the available options. The better you understand the purpose, the higher the chances are that you will get the right hydraulic lift.
2. Load Handling & Platform Dimensions
Load capacity and platform size are two things that you can’t ignore when you’re looking for a hydraulic lift. First, you need to know approximately how much weight you want the lift to handle.
For households, a capacity of 250–500 kg is suitable for family members and to lift small household goods.
In warehouses or factories, loads can be anywhere in the range of 500 to 5000+ kg, so choose it accordingly.
If you’re setting up a wheelchair lift, the weight capacity should be enough for a person in the wheelchair and a caretaker.
3. Space Layout & Civil Requirements
Space layout is a crucial aspect to consider when planning to buy a hydraulic lift. The good news is that they don’t need a major renovation. If your building lacks a lift pit or you don’t want to break floors, pitless lifts are also available in the market. They can be installed directly at floor level, so don’t worry about lift installation requirements. Also, you don’t need a separate room for the machine, as the MRL hydraulic lift acts as a machine itself in the lift.
Moreover, if your building’s indoor space doesn’t have space for a lift, you can place it outside. Outdoor hydraulic lifts can be attached to the external wall. Before purchasing or installing, just be clear on these questions:
Is there an existing shaft, or do I need a new one?
Which way should the doors open?
Do you need wheelchair-friendly access?
What should be the lifting height?
4. Safety Standards & Certifications
Before you fall into the trap of attractive cabins or glossy lift doors, read this hydraulic lift selection guide till the end. Safety should be your top priority. Look for lifts that won’t move an inch unless the doors are properly locked. An overload alarm is another feature that the lift should have. And yes, emergency lowering systems to bring the lift down if it gets stuck between floors during a power cut.
Then check out features like anti-slip flooring, motion sensors, and guard rails. Last but not least, check the certifications. It should be ISO or CE approved. These tags mean that the lift has passed the safety tests.
5. Budget & Aftercare
Your budget for a hydraulic lift is not only the sticker price of the lift. It includes lift equipment, installation charges, structural changes if needed, lift customization options, and, of course, long-term maintenance. A lift is a 10–20 year investment, so think beyond the upfront cost.
Moreover, maintenance plays a huge role in the lift’s performance. So ask this beforehand of the buyer: Are spare parts available? How experienced is the service team? Do you charge extra for the customization of the lift? How long is the response time during a breakdown? These things will help you save yourself from unnecessary headaches.
Key Takeaways
Buying the right hydraulic lift is not a last-minute decision. You should first understand what the lift will be used for, how much the weight capacity should be, the space requirements, and the level of safety and service you expect. A carefully bought hydraulic lift can also boost the comfort and value of your property. If you’re still confused about the buying process, talk to the experts at Himor Lift. We are a leading manufacturer of hydraulic lifts with 23+ years of experience. We can help you find an ideal solution for your building. Visit our website now!
