Drive & Motion
Motor & Drive Systems
- 2016
- Established
- 300+
- Sites covered
- 800+
- Lifts maintained
- <1hr
- Emergency response
Older traction lifts use AC two-speed motors with contactor-based control — they’re reliable but mechanically harsh and electrically inefficient. Modern installations use gearless permanent-magnet (PM) machines paired with regenerative VVVF drives, giving precise floor levelling, smooth acceleration profiles and dramatically lower energy consumption. Many MRL upgrades become possible at the same time, freeing the old machine room for other use.
Symptoms we look for
- Noticeable ‘jolt’ on starting or stopping
- Sloppy levelling — repeated bounce or step-up at the landing
- High starting current causing visible light dimming elsewhere in the building
- Worm-gear oil leaks or unusual gearbox noise
- Energy bills disproportionate to lift usage
What we do
- PM gearless machine retrofit where headroom allows (often into existing machine rooms).
- VVVF closed-loop drive with high-resolution encoder feedback.
- Regenerative drive option for buildings with high lift duty cycles.
- Brake replacement and brake-monitoring switches to EN 81-20.
- Suspension rope or coated-belt review and replacement.
Lifecycle expectation
A motor-and-drive upgrade typically delivers 30–50% energy reduction, sub-±3 mm levelling and a 20+ year service life on the new machine.
Considering this work?
Talk to one of our engineers.
We'll survey, quote and (if right for you) modernise with full Schedule 18 documentation.
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Ready to discuss your lift requirements?
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