The Outdoor Lifts
Facing the everyday elements for a number of outdoor lifts can be a true challenge. That’s why Hill Hiker® custom builds each of their outdoor lifts with the toughest components designed to withstand all weather conditions. Here are just a few of the environments where you’ll find our outdoor lifts thriving.
Tropical locations like the Bahamas can cause some unique challenges for an outdoor lift. Frequent rainy seasons, with high humidity can be hard on not only the metal equipment but the electrical equipment as well. For this location in Exuma, Bahamas, we needed to do a little extra work to safeguard the outdoor lift from not only the stresses of a tropical environment, but a corrosive shoreline location.
The durability comes from the stainless steel track and metal components, which will resist rust and decay for years to come, something this outdoor lift will need with its proximity to the salt water below. We also use NEMA 4x waterproof housing to protect the electronics from the elements.
This outdoor lift faced even more challenges than the surrounding environment. The cliff alone presented a tough challenge. To master the steep heights, we cut out a channel in the limestone then anchored the track tightly to the rock by hammer drilling it in.
Fluctuating Temperature Climate Projects
The lakeshore property of Minnesota may not seem like too tough of environment at first glance, but Minnesota is home to some of the largest yearly temperature differences in the world. For example, St. Cloud Minnesota, located directly in the center of the state, has a 61 degree temperature difference. This can mean a lot of freezing and thawing, something that’s tough on any outdoor equipment. To make sure our outdoor lifts are up to the task we have to build them tough.
The project featured in the photo is not too far away from St. Cloud. Located in Buffalo, Minnesota. It’s land is susceptible to the many freezes and thaws throughout Minnesota’s seasons. At Hill Hiker®, we’re pretty well used to this sort of job. Our team has been working on Minnesota and Wisconsin area cabins and homes since the company started 20 years ago. We use galvanized steel and stainless steel to give more resistance to the elements. We also find anchoring the track down far below the frost line with either concrete footings or hydraulic pilings to be very important to the long-term health of the outdoor lift.
Ice and snow can make for tough challenges to any outdoor lift. It takes a precise system with the right components to withstand. This outdoor lift amid a snowy slope runs well in cold weather. Because of its galvanized steel car and track, it has no problem with icy conditions. Our lead elevator technician , Adam, pictured in the photo with the outdoor lift can attest to the system’s longevity. It’s ten years old and still running strong. Though HIll Hikers® can handle the chill, you’ll still need to go easy on them. They’re not built to be snow plows. You’ll have to clear the track of ice and snow to prevent damage.
To learn more about how you can get an outdoor lift right for your area, contact us here. We’re happy to help.
