Across Europe, millions of lift systems are part of the inventory of residential and commercial properties. Depending on the age and quality of the systems installed, sooner or later problems arise, maintenance costs increase, and the lifetime of individual components is reached. In other cases, the performance and capacity requirements for a system change, so that the state of technology no longer permits safe operation in line with demand. The question whether a new construction or a modernization is the better decision is answered by more and more building operators with the latter.
When giving older lifts a new chance, economic considerations play a decisive role. Because key components such as guide rails or lift cage support frames can often to be re-used, which significantly reduces costs. Equipped with new controls, drive, doors and/or cabin, even very old lifts can be brought back up to the latest standards and ensure safe operation in compliance with all regulations.
For goods and passenger lifts
Several lifts have already been modernised this year by the elevator specialists from Lödige Industries. This includes a 20-year old traction elevator from the contract manufacturer BioConnection in Oss with a load capacity of 2000 kg, which was equipped with a new elevator control system from KW. To increase safety, the operation of the elevator was also restricted to persons with access passes. Further modernisation projects were carried out at Hotel Sint Joris in Middelburg and for the flower wholesaler Chrysal in Naarden. In Middelburg, elevator controls were replaced, while in Naarden, elevator controls, hydraulic aggregate, car and shaft doors were renewed, so that both elevators are now operating reliably and safely again.
Modernising a 90-year-old passenger elevator
With the right expertise, even a system dating from 1933 can be reliably restarted. Lödige Industries recently proved this in Berlin. For the traction elevator manufactured by OTIS, the control system, drive, ropes and limiters were renewed. Since then, the veteran has once again been reliably traveling between five floors and transporting people at up to 240 movements per hour in the historic residential building. In addition, the Lödige Industries emergency call center is now also connected. Regular maintenance ensures long-term operation, so that nothing stands in the way for a service life of a hundred years or more.
Just about 50 years old and now also back in operation is a hydraulic goods lift in Lüdenscheid, Western Germany. The model that Lödige installed in 1973 had not been used for years, and the shaft pit was flooded with water. After the takeover of a new owner, who wants to use the building as a warehouse, the goods lift, equipped with a new control system, light grids and emergency call system, is now working reliably again.
Function recovery including improvements
Lödige Industries recently modernized the lifts system for an extra care housing complex in Middlesbrough (England) due to frequent breakdowns. At the same time, the hydraulic pump unit, which was located in the lift pit, was removed and replaced by a new unit in the motor room. This significantly facilitates further maintenance tasks on the pump unit, which no longer requires time-consuming positioning of a pit prop and lowering of the lift car in order to work safely. With the modernisation complete, not only is the lift more reliable and has put back confidence into the tenants to use it. It’s now more engineer friendly to maintain.
