Elevators are categorized based on how they work and how they are used. There are two different types of elevators that are commonly used: hydraulic lifts and traction lifts. Choosing the better fitting type for your building impacts energy efficiency, space requirements, installation procedures and cost. Whether you are managing a high-rise commercial tower in an Indian metropolis, a low-to-mid-rise residential building or are looking to install a villa lift in a private home, understanding what types of elevators are available for your application and their advantages are, is key.

The Two Main Elevator Types: Hydraulic and Traction Elevators

Hydraulic Elevators: Cost-Effective Older Technology

With their small footprint, hydraulic elevators were an excellent choice for low-rise buildings traditionally. They were used in retrofit projects in India where effective use of space was a major concern. In a hydraulic system, the elevator car is moved using a telescopic piston system powered by pressurized oil. It is worth noting that hydraulic lifts are considerably slower and their energy consumption is higher as compared to most traction elevators (related blog post: How Much Electricity Does a Lift Use?).

Traction Elevators: Ideal Choice for Modern Buildings that Require Maximum Efficiency

For taller buildings or those requiring higher speed and better energy efficiency, traction lifts are usually the most suitable option.

Traction elevators utilize a system of ropes and pulleys to lift and lower the elevator car. A counterweight is used in such system to facilitate the car’s movement.

This type of motorization requires more space, but enables higher performance and therefore higher speed. In India today, traction elevators are widely used in residential and commercial buildings, as well as high-rise office towers.

Newer gearless elevator systems are also gaining popularity due to their increased versatility, as they are smaller in footprint and remove the need for a dedicated machine room. Compared to hydraulic elevators, traction elevators are significantly more energy-efficient.

Contact our local teams in all major Indian cities to discuss which type of elevator is best suited for your building.

Tailored to Building Needs in India: From Residential to Commercial Lifts

High Speed Lifts for High-Rise and High-Traffic Commercial Buildings

For buildings with a lot of traffic, such as commercial complexes, offices and high-rise residential towers, traction elevators are often the preferred choice. Our zeta200 and zeta300 can reach maximum heights of 300m and 350m meters respectively. Traveling at speeds of up to 7m/s or 8m/s, they offer high-speed and high-capacity solutions perfect for skyscrapers and tall buildings.

Low & Mid-Rise Lifts for Residential Buildings, Transit Hubs and Mixed-Use Developments

Our meta and enta series are ideal fit for residential buildings and mixed-use buildings with up to 120m in height. The enta series is designed to transport a larger number of passengers (max capacity: 5,000kg) in high-traffic buildings and environments. It is well suited to be used in mass-transit hubs such as metro stations, airports and malls. The meta series on the other has a lower maximum capacity (1,632kg), but comes with a variety of cabin customization options. It is therefore ideally suited for use in the hospitality sector, or in premium apartment buildings.

Low-Rise Lifts for Villas and Private Homes

Our enta villa series is specifically designed to meet the mobility needs of multi-floor house and villa owners in India. Its 6cm low pit design allows for maximum space utilization and allows passengers to travel heights of up to 18m (at 400kg maximum capacity).

Choosing the Right Lift for Your Property

As this article outlines, selecting the ideal lift type involves considering factors such as building height, usage volume, and specific needs like energy efficiency or space constraints. Our diverse range of elevator solutions ensures that whether your building is aiming for luxury, efficiency, or space optimization, we have the perfect fit (you may also like this article: Ensuring Lift Longevity: The Essentials of Regular Elevator Maintenance).

For personalized advice and to explore how TK Elevator solutions align with your building's unique requirements, contact our India expert team today. Besides elevator installation, TK Elevator also offers lift maintenance services, elevator modernization and comprehensive elevator repair services in India.