India
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.
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?).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Q: What are the main types of lifts used in buildings?
A: The three most common types of lifts in buildings are Traction Elevators (Geared and Gearless), Hydraulic Elevators, and Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators. Traction lifts use ropes and counterweights and are ideal for mid-to-high-rise buildings due to their speed. Hydraulic lifts use a piston to push the cabin up and are often used for low-rise, heavy-duty applications. MRL lifts are a modern evolution of traction lifts that eliminate the need for a separate machine room, saving valuable building space.
Q: Which type of lift is best for a high-rise residential building in India?
A: For high-rise residential towers, Gearless Traction Elevators are the superior choice. They offer faster travel speeds (essential for tall buildings), smoother ride quality, and significantly higher energy efficiency compared to hydraulic or geared options. TKE’s ZETA series, for example, is specifically designed for high-rise demands, capable of reaching speeds up to 8 m/s.
Q: What is the difference between a Machine Room-Less (MRL) and a standard elevator?
A: A standard elevator requires a dedicated room (usually on the roof) to house the motor and controller. A Machine Room-Less (MRL) elevator fits the machinery directly inside the elevator shaft. For property owners, MRLs are often preferred because they reduce construction costs, free up leasable space, and do not alter the building’s roofline aesthetic.
Q: Are there specific types of elevators for private villas or bungalows?
A: Yes. Home elevators (or villa lifts) are a specialized type of lift designed for private residences. Unlike commercial lifts, they require very little space and minimal civil work. For instance, our ENTA villa series needs a pit depth of only 60mm and runs on a standard single-phase power supply, making it easy to retro-fit into existing Indian homes without major structural changes.
Q: Hydraulic vs. Traction Lifts: Which is more energy efficient?
A: Traction lifts are generally much more energy-efficient. They use a counterweight to balance the car, meaning the motor only has to lift a fraction of the total weight. Hydraulic lifts, however, must pump fluid to lift the entire weight of the cab and passengers against gravity, which consumes more electricity. Therefore, for buildings with high traffic, traction lifts offer a better long-term ROI.
Key Takeaways
What are the main differences between hydraulic and traction lifts?
Hydraulic lifts are cost-effective and space-saving for low-rise buildings but are slower and less energy-efficient, while traction lifts offer higher speeds and efficiency for mid-to-high-rise towers.
Which elevator type is best for high-rise commercial buildings in India?
Traction elevators, such as the zeta series (up to 350m height), are ideal for high-rises due to their speed (up to 8m/s) and high traffic capacity.
What solutions are available for private villas?
The "enta villa" series is designed for private homes, offering a low-pit design (6cm) that saves space and requires minimal civil work for installation.
How should I choose the right lift for my property?
Selection should be based on your building's height, passenger traffic volume, available space for machine rooms, and energy efficiency goals.