Below are just a few of the most common elevator applications. ACM services these, as well as escalators, dumbwaiters, material lifts, and most other forms of vertical transportation.

Hydraulic Elevator

A hydraulic elevator is used in low-rise applications, typically 6 floors or less. The elevator's motion is provided by a power unit, which consists of an oil-filled tank, pump, motor, and valve. When oil is forced through the pressurized system into a hydraulic cylinder and piston, the elevator is pushed up through the hoist-way. In the down direction, the pressure is released through a controlled valve and the elevator slowly and safely descends.

Newer applications of hydraulic elevators are "holeless" (as shown here) or roped, which means that the piston(s) and cylinder(s) are above ground. Older hydraulic elevators typically have buried cylinders which cannot be monitored. Those installed prior to 1972 represent a significant failure risk and should be replaced immediately to avoid potentially serious injuries.

Gearless Traction Elevator

Geared Traction Elevator

As the name implies, the electric motor in this design drives a gear-type reduction unit, which turns the hoisting sheave. While slower than a typical gearless elevator, the gear reduction offers the advantage of requiring a less powerful motor to turn the sheave. These elevators typically operate at speeds from 350 to 500 feet per minute (1.7 to 2.5 meters per second) and carry loads of up to 30,000 pounds (13,600 kgs). An electrically controlled brake between the motor and the reduction unit stops the elevator, holding the car at the desired floor level.