It's not a secret for anyone that dragging a load up the stairs is still a pleasure. It is for this reason that a stair lift is a very desirable thing for many. Such a device will be useful primarily for those who often move heavy loads up the steps, as well as for people with disabilities who are forced to move in wheelchairs.
In this article, we will describe the most common types of electric lifting devices, as well as analyze their pros and cons.
Types of lifts
Devices for moving goods
Freight stair lifts used in industry and commerce most often have the following design:
- The basis of the device is a metal trolley with a platform on which the load is placed.
- Cart Equipped with either a pair of large radius wheels or a special design of three pairs of wheels.
- Six-wheeled installations work exclusively due to the muscular strength of the loader, allowing you to overcome steps by turning the three-wheeled assemblies.
- Two-wheeled vehicles are equipped with an electric motor, which greatly facilitates movement when moving on steep steps. The engine control panel is placed on the lift handle, and therefore the battery resource is consumed only for climbing the stairs.
Of course, it takes practice to master the skills of working with such a device, but a few tips from experienced craftsmen or sufficiently detailed instructions will allow you to quickly cope with new information.
As for stationary ladder lifting platforms, they are rarely used to move loads. And this is quite justified, since it is easier to plan transportation in such a way as to go around the stairs than to install an expensive energy-intensive device.
Devices for people with disabilities
Despite the fact that the devices for people forced to move with the help of wheelchairs are based on the same design solutions as industrial lifts, their classification is somewhat different.
There are the following groups of devices:
- Stationary fixtures.
- Mobile devices.
Below we will devote a few words to each of these types:
- Stationary lifts are installed directly on the stairs... Most often, they are equipped with transitions between floors in hospitals, sanatoriums and other similar institutions. Recently, legal requirements for the installation of stationary lifting devices for disabled people have also begun to apply to underground passages, train stations, airports, etc.
- The basis of the lift is a mechanism that provides movement of the support part along the guides fixed either on the steps or on the wall. A chair is used as a stationary element (then a person has to move into it, and an assistant is forced to transport the wheelchair) or a special platform.
- In principle, a similar device for transporting a disabled person can be assembled with your own hands. The main task here is to ensure control of the ascent / descent speed and a smooth ride.
Note!
The carrying capacity of most platform devices is sufficient to transport the most modern wheelchair models.
- Mobile lifts are fixed directly to the stroller itself.For moving up the stairs, most models are responsible for the tracks, equipped with protruding spikes. Such models are convenient primarily because they allow a person to move to the upper floors in almost any building.
- An example of the most advanced device is the Vimec T09 Roby stair lift for the disabled. This device is compatible with most wheelchair models and is therefore used almost all over the world.
Advice!
For the most efficient use of such a lift, it is desirable to have an accompanying person, but in some cases the disabled person himself can move.
Naturally, there is no need to talk about the design, ease of use and efficiency of such lifts. On the other hand, their main task is to increase the comfort of movement of persons with musculoskeletal disorders, and devices of this type can quite cope with it. (see also article Unique chair-ladder-transformer)
Advantages and disadvantages
Summing up, I would like to note the key advantages and disadvantages of electric staircases:
- The significant facilitation of the transportation of goods along the steps is an undoubted plus.
- Modern models of lifting trolleys make it possible to move fragile objects with minimal vibration, which minimizes the risk of damage during transportation.
- There is nothing to say about the advantages of devices for the disabled: without them, at least three physically strong assistants would be required to lift the wheelchair to the floor. If there is a lift, a disabled person can move between floors either alone or with one accompanying person.
The disadvantages of this device are also obvious:
- The main disadvantage is the high price. And if in the case of industrial models the cost can be tolerated, in the case of devices for the disabled, acquisition often becomes an almost insoluble problem.
- High complexity is another drawback. The electromechanical parts of these devices are quite "capricious" and require regular preventive maintenance and care.
- Stationary lifting platforms are bulky and very often make it difficult to fully operate the staircase. (see also the article What are the staircases and staircases)
Despite these shortcomings, electric lifts are in steady demand. Perhaps the reason for this is the almost complete lack of alternatives.
Output
The stair lifts for the disabled and electric powered industrial carts described in the article cannot be called basic necessities. However, their use greatly facilitates the movement of the steps, and in some cases it is worth spending money to purchase such a device. First of all, this concerns, of course, facilitating movement for persons with disabilities, but it will also not be superfluous to simplify the work of loaders. (see also the article Aluminum step ladder - an indispensable device for working at low heights)
In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.
