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 Bangkok, or are looking to install a villa lift in a residential building, understanding what types of elevators are available and their advantages are, is key.

The Two Main Elevator Types: Hydraulic and Traction Elevators

Hydraulic Elevators: Compact and Cost-Effective

Hydraulic elevators are lauded for their space-saving design, making them an excellent choice for low-rise buildings, such as private residences or villas. They are a great match for retrofit projects in Thailand where effective use of space is a major concern. The cabin of a hydraulic lift is moved using a telescopic piston system powered by pressurized oil. The installation of hydraulic lifts is less complicated than that of other elevator types. They also require less space, as an engine room is not required and the elevator pit does not require much space either. However, it is worth noting their higher energy consumption is higher as compared to most traction elevators (related blog post: How Much Electricity Does an Elevator Use?).

Traction Elevators: Ideal Choice for High-Rise 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 operate by using a system of ropes and pulleys to lift and lower the elevator car. A counterweight is used to facilitate the movement of the elevator car.

This type of motorization requires more space but enables higher performance and therefore higher speed. Therefore, traction elevators are primarily used in taller commercial buildings or high-rise office towers.

There are also more and more so-called gearless systems available that remove the need to install an engine room. Compared to hydraulic elevators, traction elevators also are significantly more energy-efficient than hydraulic elevators.

Contact our local team in Thailand to discuss which type of elevator is best suited for your building.

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

High-Rise Lifts for High-Traffic and Commercial Buildings

For buildings with a lot of foot traffic, such as commercial complexes 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 large-capacity solutions perfect for skyscrapers.

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

Our meta and enta series are ideal for residential buildings and mixed-use buildings with up to 120m height. The enta series is designed to transport a larger number of passengers (max capacity: 5,000kg) in high-traffic buildings. 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 upscale apartment buildings.

Low-Rise Lifts for Villas and Residential Buildings

Our enta villa series is specifically designed to meet the mobility needs of multi-floor house and villa owners in Thailand. 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 Building

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