- What is a hydraulic home elevator and how does it work?
A hydraulic home elevator uses an electric pump to push pressurized fluid into a cylinder beneath the cabin, raising it smoothly. When you press the down button, fluid returns to the tank, lowering the cabin. The pump operates on single-phase household power.
Our A-Series hydraulic elevator is compact and ideal for retrofitting existing homes. It travels at 59 fpm (City of LA / LAMC: 40 fpm) and requires minimal pit depth (7½ in in most configurations). The separate machine-room cabinet houses the pump and is placed discreetly beside the shaft. The system is sealed, needs only a small machine-room cabinet rather than a full machine room, and includes first-year service as standard.
- How does the A-Series prevent the ‘oil smell’ associated with older elevators?
The A-Series uses a fully sealed hydraulic system with biodegradable fluid contained within a closed circuit. There is no oil exposure to air, which is why older elevators smelled — they used open systems with industrial hydraulic fluid that oxidized and evaporated.
Our sealed pump and cylinder sit in a dedicated cabinet, and the hydraulic lines are encased within the shaft. The biodegradable fluid is kept under pressure and isolated from the cabin environment. Annual servicing includes checking seals and fluid condition, ensuring the system remains completely odor-free throughout the elevator’s life.
- Is a hydraulic elevator less energy-efficient than an electric gearless elevator?
Hydraulic and electric gearless elevators have different energy profiles. The A-Series hydraulic elevator is highly efficient for typical home use (a few trips per day) and consumes less energy per trip than many people expect. However, electric gearless elevators like the E Series draw power only when moving and have no standby losses.
For most California homes with two to three floors and moderate daily use, the energy difference between hydraulic and electric is negligible. The A-Series’ simplicity and robust design mean lower maintenance energy over its lifetime. Choose based on your available space and pit depth rather than energy alone.
- Is the A-Series suitable for retrofitting into an existing home?
Yes. The A-Series was designed specifically for retrofitting existing American homes. Its compact footprint (cabins from about 31½ in square) and minimal pit depth (7½ in in most configurations) mean it fits into spaces where other elevators cannot. The separate machine-room cabinet can be positioned discreetly beside the shaft.
We work with builders to integrate the A-Series into existing structures without major renovation disruption. The hydraulic system requires less structural reinforcement than gearless traction alternatives. We provide all engineering drawings and coordinate shaft construction to minimize building timeline impact.
- How much does the A-Series hydraulic home elevator cost?
The A-Series hydraulic elevator final price depends on the number of floors served, cabin size, door type (swing or sliding), finishes, and site-specific conditions such as pit depth variations or extended machine-cabinet placement.
Every A-Series project receives a detailed fixed-price quote covering supply, installation, testing, and handover. Because component, shipping, and currency costs move over time, we recheck pricing regularly and confirm your final figure on your quotation — so contact us before finalizing for the best possible price. Builder works such as shaft construction are quoted separately. For a complete cost breakdown including options and inclusions, request a personalized quotation from our team.
- What pit depth and headroom does the A-Series need?
The A-Series requires a pit depth of approximately 7½ in in most configurations, though this can vary depending on the specific model and door type. Headroom is approximately 105 in for standard installations. These are indicative minimums — lower and alternative dimensions are often possible.
These measurements are critical for site assessment and must be confirmed during the design phase. We provide detailed shaft drawings showing exact dimensions based on your chosen cabin size and door configuration. Our team works with your builder or architect to verify these measurements on site before construction begins.
View pit depth and headroom requirements
- Where does the machine cabinet go, and how much space does it need?
The A-Series requires a small machine-room cabinet placed in a dedicated space adjacent to the elevator shaft. It houses the pump, motor, and fluid tank and requires adequate ventilation and access for servicing. Typical space is approximately 27 x 18 x 61 in (City of LA / LAMC: 36 x 48 x 85 in).
The cabinet is positioned in a machine room, plant room, or suitable enclosure depending on your building layout. We coordinate the placement with your architect and builder to ensure it integrates seamlessly with your home design.
- Is the A-Series suitable for higher-use homes (multiple trips per hour)?
The A-Series is designed for typical residential use: a few trips per day. If your home has multiple users making frequent trips throughout the day, the E Series electric gearless elevator is better suited for higher-use scenarios.
Electric gearless elevators have no thermal load limitations and recover faster between trips. The A-Series hydraulic system is reliable and durable for normal family use but is not engineered for commercial or high-frequency usage patterns. Our team can assess your home’s daily usage and recommend the most suitable series during your consultation.
- What power supply does the A-Series require?
The A-Series hydraulic elevator operates on single-phase household power at 40 amp. An electrician can confirm your home’s available supply during the site assessment phase.
The 40-amp requirement means you may need an upgraded power circuit to the elevator location if your existing circuits are heavily loaded. We coordinate all electrical works with your electrician and builder. The power installation is included in our installation scope and is part of the comprehensive quote we provide.
- What free inclusions come standard with the A-Series?
We include several features as standard with every A-Series elevator at no extra cost: In-Cabin Self-Rescue (ICSR) for power-failure safety, a GSM emergency phone for communication during faults, anti-slip cabin flooring, full-height safety beams, automatic door interlocking, and power-failure descent capability. (ICSR is included on all models at no extra cost, but is not available for jobs within the City of LA.)
Our 3-year warranty on parts covers all mechanical and electrical components. Service for the first year is included and can be extended. We also provide comprehensive handover training for you and your family, covering normal operation, emergency procedures, and basic troubleshooting.
- What door configurations are available?
The A-Series is available with both swing and sliding doors, allowing you to choose what best fits your building layout and design preferences. Swing doors pivot on hinges and are ideal for generous doorway spaces. Sliding doors glide horizontally and suit tighter spaces or modern minimalist aesthetics.
Both configurations are available with cabin sizes from about 31½ in square up to roughly 46 in, depending on door type and whether your project is inside or outside the City of LA. Door type affects pit depth slightly and influences the final dimensions of your shaft. We discuss door options during the design phase and provide detailed drawings showing how each option affects your specific site.
