robert64•1d agoProlific Poster

Debate: Hydraulic vs traction elevator upgrades for mid-rises in older buildings

I see a huge before-and-after difference in ride quality when swapping old hydraulic systems for modern traction drives, especially in 10-story buildings from the 60s. The hydraulic ones are simpler to maintain but the traction units save so much energy over 5 years - which side do you lean on for a 1990s building?

3 comments

3 Comments

jasons631d ago

Jake_dixon's right, I'm probably just an elevator snob who's spent too many hungover mornings in one.

jake_dixon1d ago

Honestly, "huge before-and-after difference in ride quality" is a bit dramatic for an elevator swap. Most people can't tell the difference unless you point it out to them. I get that the numbers might favor traction long term, but for a 90s building that's already got hydraulic, is the upgrade really that serious for a ride people take for 30 seconds?

torres.elizabeth1d ago

90s buildings usually have the machine room right next to the shaft, so swapping to traction isn't just about swapping one unit. You gotta make sure the controller and motor match the existing wiring, otherwise you're looking at a whole new electrical setup too.