Commercial Lifts

Various types of commercial lifts cater to the diverse needs and preferences of their occupants.

Types of Commercial Lifts

Understanding the unique functionalities of each type can help property managers make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable lift for their commercial properties.

Traction Lifts

Traction lifts, renowned for their sturdiness and reliability, are commonly used to transport passengers in commercial settings. Operating on a system of ropes and pulleys, traction lifts offer smooth vertical transportation, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as office buildings, hotels, and shopping centres

Low Pit Lifts

Low pit lifts are specifically designed to accommodate buildings with limited space constraints. Featuring a shallow pit requirement compared to traditional lifts, low pit lifts offer an efficient solution for properties where excavation for a deep pit is not feasible. These lifts are often preferred in retrofit projects or buildings with basement levels.

Hydraulic Lifts

Hydraulic lifts are prized for their robustness and efficiency. They use hydraulic fluid to power the lifting mechanism and are known for their smooth ride quality and minimal maintenance requirements. Hydraulic lifts are commonly installed in commercial properties where reliability and energy efficiency are paramount.

Machine Room-Less (MRL) Lifts

Machine room-less (MRL) lifts are revolutionising the commercial lift industry with their space-saving design and modern aesthetics. Unlike traditional lifts that require a separate machine room for housing the lift machinery, MRL lifts integrate the equipment within the shaft structure, maximising usable space in the building. This innovative design makes MRL lifts an attractive choice for architects and property developers seeking sleek, contemporary lift solutions for their commercial projects.

Understanding the distinct characteristics and advantages of each type of commercial lift is crucial for property managers looking to enhance vertical transportation within their buildings. Businesses can ensure efficient and reliable mobility for their tenants and visitors by choosing the right lift type.

Commercial Lift Installation Process

Installing a commercial lift is a meticulous process that requires careful planning, coordination, and expertise. The comprehensive nature of this process, which includes understanding the timeline and considerations involved, should reassure property managers about the quality of work and the attention to detail involved in the installation of a new lift in their commercial properties.

Duration of Installation

A typical commercial lift installation takes six to ten weeks to complete. However, the exact duration may vary depending on various factors, such as the height of the building, accessibility to the installation site, and the complexity of features or functionalities required for the lift.
Factors Influencing Installation Duration
Several factors can influence the duration of the installation process:
- Height of the Building: Taller buildings may require more time for installation due to the additional components and structural considerations involved.
- Accessibility: Limited access to the installation site can pose challenges and may require additional time for equipment and materials to be transported to the designated location.
- Complexity of Features/Functionality: The complexity of the lift's features and functionalities, such as custom cabin designs, unique safety features, or advanced technology integrations, can impact the installation timeline.
Steps Involved in Installing a Commercial Lift
The installation process typically follows these key steps:
- Site Preparation: This involves assessing the installation site, ensuring proper structural support, and preparing for the lift installation.
- Delivery and Unloading: The lift components are delivered to the site, unloaded, and made ready for installation.
- Assembly and Installation: Skilled technicians, who are a minimum of NVQ 3 qualified assemble the lift components according to the manufacturer's specifications and install them within the designated shaft space.
- Wiring and Electrical Connections: Electrical wiring and connections are installed to power the lift system and integrate any additional features or safety mechanisms.
- Testing and Commissioning: Once installed, the lift undergoes thorough testing and commissioning to ensure proper functionality, safety compliance, and smooth operation.
- Final Inspection and Handover: A final inspection is conducted to verify that the lift meets all regulatory requirements and safety standards. Upon completion, the lift is handed over to the property manager for regular operation.
Property managers can effectively plan to install a new commercial lift in their buildings by following a checklist or timeline that includes the key steps and their respective durations. This will ensure a smooth and successful transition to improved vertical transportation.

Maintenance Procedures

Regular maintenance is not just a task, but a responsibility that ensures a commercial lift's safety, reliability, and optimal performance. By adhering to a structured maintenance schedule and conducting key tasks, property managers can take a proactive role in prolonging the lifespan of their lifts and minimising the risk of unexpected breakdowns or safety hazards, fostering a sense of responsibility and proactiveness.

Frequency of Maintenance
Commercial lifts should undergo maintenance at regular intervals to ensure their continued functionality. To schedule these visits, property managers can get in touch with our team via phone, email, or completing our online form. All of these details can be found on our Contact page. While passenger lifts typically require at least two service visits per year, we recommend increasing the frequency to four, six or twelve visits annually for optimal performance, especially in high-traffic areas or large buildings. In some cases, such as very tall buildings or high-rise hotels, monthly services may be necessary to maintain lift efficiency and safety.
Key Maintenance Tasks
- During maintenance visits, technicians perform a range of tasks to ensure the lift's functionality and safety. Monthly maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning the lift shaft, pit, car top and interior.
- Testing door operations for smooth opening and closing.
- Making levelling adjustments to ensure precise floor alignment.
- Additionally, thorough examinations, including checks on critical components such as brakes and emergency systems, are conducted annually to identify potential issues or safety concerns.
Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving the safety and performance of commercial lifts. By identifying and addressing minor issues before they escalate into significant problems, maintenance helps reduce the risk of lift malfunctions, breakdowns, and safety hazards. Moreover, proactive maintenance minimises downtime, ensuring uninterrupted vertical transportation for building occupants and visitors. Not adhering to the maintenance schedule can lead to premature failure of components.
Legal Requirements

Statutory regulations mandate regular maintenance and thorough examinations of commercial lifts to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. Adhering to legal requirements ensures lift safety and protects property managers from potential liabilities and penalties.
By prioritising regular maintenance and adhering to legal requirements, property managers can uphold commercial lifts' safety, reliability, and performance, providing a seamless vertical transportation experience for building occupants and visitors alike.

Safety Inspections

Safety inspections play a critical role in maintaining the reliability and safety of commercial lifts, ensuring the well-being of passengers and compliance with regulatory standards. Property managers can identify and address potential issues by conducting thorough inspections at regular intervals before they escalate into safety hazards or operational disruptions.

Key Aspects Checked During Safety Inspections

Safety inspections comprehensively evaluate various critical aspects of lift operation, including door operations, acceleration, deceleration, and levelling. Technicians meticulously examine the lift's components, mechanisms, and safety systems to verify their functionality and adherence to safety standards.
Frequency of Safety Inspections

Safety inspections should be conducted regularly to uphold safety standards and regulatory compliance. While the frequency may vary depending on regulatory requirements and lift usage, commercial lifts typically undergo safety inspections at least once a year. Additionally, more frequent inspections may be necessary for lifts in high-traffic areas or buildings with specific safety considerations.
Consequences of Neglecting Safety Inspections

Neglecting safety inspections can have serious consequences, including malfunctions, breakdowns, and potential safety hazards for passengers and building occupants. Minor issues may go unnoticed without regular inspections and escalate into major problems, leading to operational disruptions and costly repairs.
Who Should Perform Safety Inspections

Qualified professionals with expertise in lift maintenance and safety regulations should conduct safety inspections for commercial lifts. According to legal requirements, LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) inspections must be performed by third-party inspectors independent of the company responsible for lift installation or maintenance. These qualified inspectors ensure impartial evaluations and uphold compliance with safety standards.
Importance of Regular Inspections

Regular safety inspections are essential for upholding compliance with safety regulations, ensuring passenger confidence, and minimising the risk of operational disruptions. By proactively identifying and addressing potential safety concerns, property managers can maintain the reliability and performance of their commercial lifts, providing a safe and efficient vertical transportation experience for building occupants and visitors.

Troubleshooting and Repairs

Addressing issues promptly and effectively is crucial for maintaining the functionality and safety of commercial lifts. Property managers and lift operators should be vigilant for signs indicating potential problems and respond promptly to minimise disruptions and ensure passenger safety. Here's a detailed look at troubleshooting standard lift issues and the process for repairs:

Signs of Lift Malfunctions

Commercial lifts may exhibit signs indicating potential malfunctions or issues, such as unusual noises, sudden stops, jerky movements, or failure to respond to commands. Any deviation from regular lift operation should be reported immediately to the maintenance company to prevent further complications and ensure passenger safety.
Response to Lift Malfunctions

In the event of a lift malfunction or breakdown, operators should follow established protocols and promptly report the issue to the lift maintenance company. Fast reporting allows technicians to assess the situation, identify the root cause of the problem, and initiate necessary repairs or interventions to restore lift functionality and ensure passenger safety.
Steps in Troubleshooting Lift Issues

Troubleshooting lift issues involves a systematic approach to diagnose and address the underlying problems. Technicians may conduct comprehensive inspections to identify any abnormalities or malfunctions, including checks on electrical systems, mechanical components, and hydraulic mechanisms. This process may also involve reviewing lift operation logs, conducting performance tests, and consulting with manufacturers or experts for guidance.
Professional Intervention for Repairs

While some lift issues may be resolved through routine maintenance or minor adjustments, complex repairs or component replacements require the expertise of professional technicians. Trained professionals have the knowledge, skills, and specialised tools necessary to address complex lift issues safely and effectively, minimising downtime and ensuring the longevity of lift systems.
In addition to the above points, troubleshooting lift issues may involve assessing environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations or humidity levels, which can impact lift performance. Regular inspection of lift components, including doors, safety sensors, and control panels, helps identify potential issues early and prevent costly repairs. Property managers can ensure the continued functionality and safety of commercial lifts in their buildings by prioritising proactive maintenance and prompt response to lift malfunctions.

Who we work with...

What our clients say about us...

Since taking over the maintenance of our lifts last year the service delivered by Caledonian has been top class: quick call outs, clear service reports delivered on time and working lifts. In addition, we now have a good understanding of the works and costs required to make our lifts even more reliable and effective.

Patrick - The East Manchester Academy

We’ve worked with Caledonian Lifts for the past 6 months, on a large lift refurbishment project as well as maintenance contract. We’ve been happy with the services they provide, their team is very responsive and budget aware, going out that extra mile when finding alternative solutions when needed. All requests are being attended to in a timely manner and to a high quality. We would be happy to recommend their services.

Dagmara - Casserly Property Management

Since winning the tender for planned preventive maintenance Caledonian Lifts have carried out all servicing on time. They have been reactive to entrapment and breakdowns and always attend promptly. I have not had to challenge quotes or call out costs.

Dan - The Manchester College

It has been a pleasure working with Caledonian Lifts, they constantly deliver excellent, effective and efficient service and communication to keep our lifts operating smoothy. We would recommend them to all!

Hamza - ep Group

I hold Caledonian lifts in high regard, so when asked to provide a testimonial I said I would be more than happy to put my name to anything positive in regards to the relationship between Caledonian and Ocasa.

Joseph - Ocasa Homes

Caledonian and the team have always been professional, reliable, helpful and easy to contact when needed urgently for any issues we have unfortunately found ourselves in over the years. Caledonian and Hunter Price have worked well together for a while now and we will hopefully continue this working relationship for many years to come.

Jonny - Hunter Price

I recently had the pleasure of working with Caledonian Lifts, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience. From start to finish, their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence stood out.
Exceptional Service: Caledonian Lifts went above and beyond to meet our needs. Scott was responsive, knowledgeable, and always willing to assist.
Quality Workmanship: The work they delivered was top-notch. Whether it was a complex project like drive replacement or a minor repair, they approached it with the same level of dedication and skill.
Reliable and Trustworthy: Caledonian Lifts consistently met deadlines and kept their promises. We felt confident in their abilities and trusted them implicitly.
Customer-Centric Approach: They truly care about their clients. Every interaction was friendly, respectful, and focused on finding solutions tailored to our requirements.
Attention to Detail: No detail was too small for them. They meticulously addressed every aspect of the project, ensuring a flawless outcome.
In summary, I highly recommend Caledonian Lifts for any construction or renovation needs. Their commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction sets them apart. Off the back of their service, I have awarded them the maintenance contract for our entire portfolio of lifts and look forward to a bright future! Thank you for a job well done!

Piotr - Yotel - Manchester