Any modern property manager knows that providing vertical access to your building isn’t just a nicety; it’s a critical requirement for ADA and local code compliance. For many business owners, however, the term “commercial elevator” conjures up thoughts of massive budgetary strains and complex construction. What you may not know, however, is that vertical platform lifts (VPLs) are quite different from full scale elevator, even though the terms often get used interchangeably.
At RAM Elevators + Lifts, we know that understanding the difference between an elevator and a lift is the first step in making a smart investment for your property. Discover six essential facts about modern commercial lifts and how they can transform your business accessibility below!
1. Lifts Offer Specialized Accessibility Control
The most significant operational difference between a commercial elevator and a lift is how they are controlled. Commercial elevators use automatic “one-touch” buttons, while a commercial lift relies on constant-pressure controls. This means the user maintains pressure on the button during travel, providing a greater sense of control and safety. This design is specifically tailored for individuals using mobility devices, ensuring a smooth and deliberate journey that helps everyone feel safe and empowered.
2. Significant Cost Savings for Low-Rise Buildings
One of the most compelling benefits of commercial lifts is their affordability. A traditional two-story commercial elevator can be costly, especially when labour and complex infrastructure are factored in. In contrast, a high-quality commercial lift can often be purchased and installed for nearly a third of that price. For buildings with limited floors, you can achieve the same level of accessibility without the larger financial overhead of a group-passenger system.
3. Space-Efficient Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Design
Traditional elevators often require a separate, dedicated machine room to house pumps and tanks. Modern commercial lifts from RAM utilize a Machine-Room-Less (MRL) design that eliminates this issue. All vital components are housed directly within the hoistway, saving you up to 25 square feet of usable floor space! This is a massive advantage for small commercial retrofits where every square foot of retail or office space is valuable.
4. Minimal Structural Disruption with Pitless Options
Many property owners hesitate to install a lift because they fear it will require digging a deep concrete pit into the building’s foundation. RAM offers pitless and shallow-pit designs that require only a minimal 2- to 3-inch ramp or recess. This engineering makes it possible to add accessibility to existing buildings with radiant floor heating or slab-on-grade foundations where deep excavation is physically impossible or too expensive for the project budget. That makes RAM’s Flex Lift ideal for almost every building!
5. All-Electric Reliability in Any Climate
While older commercial lifts relied on hydraulic oil—which can leak and emit petrochemical odours—modern systems like Flex Lift are all-electric. Our commercial vertical platform lifts (VPL) feature a patented all-electric drive that is completely fluid-free. We use specialized grease rated to perform from -40 to +40°C, ensuring your business remains accessible through even the toughest North American winters and the hottest summers.
6. Rigorous Safety and Full-Load Testing
A commercial lift must be a dependable asset for your patrons. At RAM, we don’t just meet basic safety requirements; we exceed them. Every unit is 125% full-load tested before it leaves our factory, meaning you’ll always have peace of mind and can trust that your lift can handle the daily demands of a professional environment.
Ready to make your business accessible to everyone?
CONTACT RAM ELEVATORS + LIFTS TODAY to connect with a local professional and explore the best commercial vertical solutions for your building.