Is It Time for a Lift Upgrade or Replacement?

Over time, even the best lifts can degrade. This means you’ll eventually need a lift upgrade or even a lift replacement, depending on the wear and tear - but how do you know when it’s time for this?

If you’ve been doing regular lift maintenance, the lift manufacturers will alert you when the lift is in need of an upgrade. However, there are some pretty obvious signs, as well.

Signs You Need a Lift Upgrade

Not sure if you need to upgrade your lift? Aside from talking to the lift suppliers, you should watch for these signs:

●     Old age - If your lift is over 15 years, it’s due for a serious upgrade. Over 20 years and you may need to consider a replacement, depending on the condition. It’s best to have professional elevator manufacturers examine the lift to determine if it is still in good working condition.

●     Frequent problems - Do you find yourself getting stuck from time to time in the lift? Are the call buttons failing? Is the trim starting to peel off? All of these are signs that your lift needs some extra attention.

●     Jerky movements - Lifts are meant to move smoothly, so if yours seems to be jolting as it moves, you definitely need to call the lift manufacturers to come and look at it.

●     Lack of parts - When your maintenance team can’t find the parts to repair your lift easily, it is likely time to upgrade or replace it. This is a good indication that there aren’t many of these particular models running at this point and you’ll find a better option.

●     Costly repairs - For the same reason, a lack of parts, repairs for your lift may become more and more expensive. Again, this is a good indication that you need to update things.

●     Poor levelling - When your lift stops at a floor, is it perfectly level with the floor? If not, this could cause potential issues and should be taken care of immediately.

All of these issues require investigation and you need to get the lift inspected.

Lift Replacement vs. Lift Upgrade

The next question is whether a lift upgrade is enough. You may need a completely new lift and the best way to determine this is to speak with lift manufacturers since they can examine the lift and determine if it is safe to continue with the current lift.

An upgrade usually means everything will be updated, from the engine to the cables and you will have a like-new lift at the end of it. This is often worth the time it takes and you’ll enjoy experiencing the smoother ride and better lift experience. However, you may also prefer to start anew and simply have a brand-new lift that will last another couple of decades.

If you’re still not sure which option is best for you, contact ADL Lift Services. We can take you through the choices to find the perfect solution.