Types of Lifts? From Gondolas to Platform Lifts, Each Have Their Functionsubmitted on 16 December 2013
Lifts are devices that transport goods and people from one location to another. They can be adapted to carry various weights as goods lifts, as passenger lifts, as working platforms and as disabledlifts. Here are ten of the most common types.
Gondola lifts are a type of cable car. The lift travels between two terminals and is powered by electric engines. Such lifts are common in cities in mountainous, estuarine or coastal regions where there could be a technical difficulty in building access bridges.
A ropeway conveyor is a type of gondola lift that transports goods. These find their greatest application in mining operations, where they transport mineral ore over many tens of kilometres.
Chair lifts run on a cabling mechanism between two terminals to transport people in a series of chairs. These are common in mountain regions and ski resorts, as well as some amusement parks.
Heavy-duty goods lifts are platform lifts installed in factories and warehouses to move loads from one level to another. The lifting mechanism is hydraulically powered and adapted to a given load limit.
Fork lifts are vehicles designed to shift loads within industrial premises. The platform lifting also works on a hydraulic mechanism.
Truck-mounted platform lifts are used to shift very heavy cargo loads over 10,000 kg. These are common in airports for loading and unloading cargo. The lifting mechanism is operated from the vehicle.
Passenger Lifts are fitted into offices, commercial buildings and other public places to permit both disabled access over entrance steps or between floor levels. Barriers are fitted around the platform for safety purposes. These lifts are also used as work platforms for building maintenance.
On a smaller scale, platform lifts can be fitted into private homes as disabled lifts. They are better suited than ramps for obstacles such as front steps. Residential platform lifts can fit into hallway alcoves and may be operated independently by someone in a wheelchair.
A stair lift is a domestic chair lift that carries a person up and down stairs on a chair that runs on guide rails. The simplest version is a chair running along a wall by the stairs. When not in use, it can be folded away by the side of the stairs, leaving them clear for those who can walk up or down on their own.
An inclined platform lift is a type of chair loft adapted for wheelchair use. The person remains in the wheelchair while on the platform and is transported to another level in the home. These lifts may be fitted to the full width of the stairs in a house to ensure comfortable access.
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