Looking at retrofitting your commercial space with an ADA-compliant mobility solution you can trust?In 2026, commercial business owners know that ensuring your space is as accessible as possible is a non-negotiable. What most builders, architects, and property owners also know is that installing an elevator involves several important considerations, chief among them what happens to the building’s physical structure during installation.
While traditional hydraulic elevators often need a deep pit to accommodate their operational shaft, modern designs and pitless elevators like RAM’s Stratus and Crystal models help to remove some of these concerns and make integrating mobility solutions much easier for every space.
Backed by decades of industry-leading experience, RAM is proud to be one of North America’s top choices for low-rise commercial pitless elevators. Learn more about the benefits of pitless elevators and partnering with us below.
What is a Commercial Pitless Elevator?
As we mentioned above, most traditional commercial elevators require a deep pit beneath the lowest landing so the cabin platform can drop low enough to sit perfectly level with the ground floor.
In contrast, a pitless elevator utilizes a space-saving, top-driven mechanical layout that shifts the load away from the basement floor. Because the structural frame carries the weight, the entire unit can be installed directly on top of your existing concrete slab. This means you not only save valuable square footage but also have greater flexibility in where you can install your unit.
Why Skipping the Pit Matters
So, why does this really matter for commercial environments? Benefits include:
Reduced Groundwater or Environmental Liability
Digging a deep pit into an older commercial foundation is always a gamble. If your facility is built on a high water table, that deep pit effectively becomes a space that invites constant moisture, mould, and potential flooding. Additionally, traditional hydraulic pits run the risk of oil leaks that can seep directly into the soil beneath your building. A pitless, all-electric system completely bypasses these environmental risks and helps your building stay on the right side of environmental and remediation standards.
Reclaiming Your Square Footage
Every square foot counts toward your property’s potential ROI. Traditional commercial elevators require a dedicated machine room to hold bulky hydraulic pumps and fluid reservoirs, and can quickly eat up extra space. RAM’s Machine-Roomless (MRL) engineering eliminates the need for a utility room entirely. All drive components are built directly into the self-contained tower, fitting within standard ceiling heights and leaving your square footage open for revenue-generating use.
Effortless Retrofits in Complex Spaces
Whether you are upgrading a local church, a historic multi-family building, or a multi-level retail storefront, structural obstructions can limit your options. Pitless technology gives you the freedom to place the elevator exactly where it makes sense for the flow of foot traffic, bypassing structural foundation beams and saving weeks on your construction schedule.
Meet Our Commercial Lineup: Stratus & Crystal
RAM offers two unique pitless elevators to choose from, depending on the needs of your space:
Commercial Stratus: Commercial Stratus is engineered to deliver immense value with a compact footprint across all three available cabin sizes. Stratus can handle up to 800 lb and travels up to 14 vertical feet.
Commercial Crystal: For multi-story projects demanding unique entry alignments, expanded weight ratings, or total architectural freedom, our Commercial Crystal is a great fit. Our Crystal features a robust counterbalanced traction drive system that can handle up to a 23-foot travel distance.
Ready to Transform your Space!
Explore our full range of Commercial Lifts and Elevators, and contact contact our team today to connect with a certified local dealer right in your market.