Ever see one of these before? Chances are you will soon if you haven’t yet. Over the past decades, residential customers have joined scores of commercial customers in purchasing their own outdoor inclined elevator lifts to scale up and down tricky slopes. Get to know the mastery of these machines with a few good-to-know facts.
Where Can They Be Installed?
The map above shows the locations Hill Hiker® has already installed outdoor lifts, but we can install them anywhere on the globe.
Any Climate
Because an outdoor hillside or incline elevator lift spends its life outside, away from all the comforts an indoor elevator might enjoy, they need to be tougher. At Hill Hiker®, we build our systems to endure any climate and any weather from rain, snow, ice, heat, cold, salt water and UV. Using high-end, outdoor-rated components, our systems can hang tough against whatever the world has to throw at them. All of our electronic enclosures include NEMA 4X weatherproof ratings. We only use high-end components to prevent corrosion and provide resistance to extreme, moisture-heavy environments. We don’t use cheap components, each of our motors and gearboxes also have an added degree of toughness. They’re designed for industrial use and strength to withstand years of heavy use in tough conditions. Last of all, our metal components are either hot dipped in galvanized steel, outdoor powder coat painted steel or high-grade stainless steel, adding extra resistance to corrosion.
Shaky Ground
Just because you may live in an area where there are earthquakes and tremors doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an outdoor elevator tram. At Hill Hiker®, we’ve done a number of projects in California, particularly Los Angeles requiring Seismic Zone 4 regulations.
Steep Slopes
Outdoor elevators don’t need to go straight up or down. They can follow the contours of the land, rising with the slope. Because of this, a lift can reside on a gradually descending beach or a steep cliff like the 80-degree incline below.
Hill Length
Outdoor lifts, also called trams, can come in all sizes. Some only traverse an area of a few feet while others travel across areas of hundreds of feet. At Hill Hiker®, our longest system to date resides at an eco resort in Belize, its track stretching a whopping 505 feet.
How Much Can They Carry?
Depending on the size of the car transporting people and their belongings up and down a slope, you can pack quite a bit of weight. Our smallest cars, 3×3 feet, can carry 700 lbs. Our largest cars, boasting dimensions of 5×8 feet, can carry 4,100 lbs. In terms of the number of people who can make it up or down the slope in one trip, the numbers range from 3 to 25 depending on what size of cart the outdoor elevator lift has.
Are There Any Requirements They Must Meet?
An outdoor hillside elevator, know as Inclined Elevators in the code, are governed by the National Elevator Code (ASME A17.1 / CSA B44) in North America. Outside the U.S., other countries have similar rules. Depending on whether or not you need an ADA compliant outdoor elevator lift may add additional requirements. Along with these rules, you’ll see a number of codes or guidelines observed like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and NAEC (National Association of Elevator Contractors) practices. Last and perhaps most importantly, your lift will need to meet or exceed local and state building requirements.
Are they noisy?
We’ve measured our elevator tram and lift systems at a range of 39.5 to 63 debacles, depending on whether you’re standing two feet or 30 plus feet from the drive system–the part responsible for making the most noise. To put that in perspective, 60 decibels is the level a normal conversation would measure.
The Cost of an Outdoor Elevator Lift
An outdoor inclined elevator lift or tram system isn’t cheap but getting a cost estimate is free. Because each slope and customer is unique, lifts need to be custom made. The degree of customization will affect price in a number of ways. The best way to get pricing information is to give us a call at 952-476-2422.
Where Can You Get One?
If you’re thinking about getting your own outdoor elevator lift or tram for personal or commercial use, we recommend you go with an experienced provider. At Hill Hiker®, we’ve been making and installing these machines worldwide for decades. In all our years, we’ve never had an accident and our systems are still going strong. Contact us to learn more.
