Hydraulic Elevators: Cost, Installation & Capabilities

For seniors living in low to mid-rise buildings, hydraulic elevators stand out as an innovative solution for managing mobility issues. When stair lifts aren’t feasible, this space-saving option can lift you directly up at least six floors.

However, given that there are a variety of residential elevators to choose from, knowing when and where to invest is crucial. Luckily, we’ve analyzed the average cost of hydraulic lifts, including various brands from different elevator companies, so you can find the best home elevator for your situation.

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What Is A Hydraulic Elevator?

Hydraulic elevators are a commercial and residential elevator option that works well in both low and mid-rise buildings—up to 60 ft. They’re energy efficient, quiet, and known to have higher weight capacities than other types of elevators.

How Do Hydraulic Elevators Work?

Free from counterweights and cables, hydraulic elevators instead use pressurized hydraulic fluid (usually oil) to lift and lower the elevator cab/car. A hydraulic pump powered by an electric motor pushes the fluid into a cylinder, which then moves the piston that gently raises the elevator car. To descend, the system releases the fluid back into where it’s typically stored.

The careful release of fluid is vital, with controlled electrical valves ensuring that the ride is smooth going up and down several floors.

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Understanding Different Types of Elevators

For seniors living in low to high-rise buildings trying to decide what elevator is right for their situation, understanding the different types of elevator systems can help. After all, whether you’re concerned about high-rise functionality or need support for heavy loads, each elevator offers unique pros and cons. Here are the basics:

Hydraulic vs. Traction Elevators

Hydraulic and traction elevators are two of the most common residential options, but they have a few key differences. While hydraulic elevators work through the use of carefully pressurized hydraulic fluid, traction elevators instead use a motor-driven pulley system.

Both geared and gearless traction elevators use an electric motor, but instead of powering a hydraulic pump, the motor powers the pulley (also known as a sheave) to lift the elevator car up the elevator shaft (also known as the hoistway). This reduces the energy needed to lift the cab and increases the number of floors the elevator can traverse, but also increases the overall price.

As a result, hydraulic systems are more cost-effective, but limited to buildings that are around 60 ft tall, or roughly six stories.

Roped Hydraulic Elevators

Roped hydraulic elevators are a unique option that bridges the gap between hydraulic and traction systems. The elevator still uses a piston driven by hydraulic fluid to lift the cab, but it also interacts with a pulley system. Combined, this reduces the pit depth required, allowing the elevator to travel at least 60 ft, even with a shorter piston.

Holed vs. Holeless Hydraulic Elevators

Hydraulic elevators come in two main configurations, holed and holeless, which determine how the elevator car is lifted. Here are the differences:

• Holed hydraulic elevators: Lifts the elevator car up to 60 ft using a piston installed in a hole deep beneath the elevator shaft. The piston extends as hydraulic fluid is pumped into the cylinder, raising the car as it does so. While this configuration generally provides a smoother ride and can lift the elevator higher than other options, it requires deep drilling that can be costly or unavailable in locations with rocky or waterlogged soil.
• Holeless traction elevators: Utilizes one or two pistons mounted on the sides of the cab to push the elevator up to 40 ft—no hole required. While this configuration is easier to install, especially in low-rise buildings, its limited travel height and expensive equipment make it less of an option in high-rise buildings.

Machine Room (MR) vs. Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators

Some hydraulic elevators require a separate machine room to operate, while others don’t. Elevator modernization in the 1990s popularized the machine room-less (MRL) elevator, but there are pros and cons to either option.

• MR hydraulic elevators: Has a separate, dedicated space for housing the elevator control system and pump unit, typically adjacent to or above the elevator shaft. MR options are often more affordable to install, but less energy efficient over time.
• MRL hydraulic elevators: Integrate the elevator control systems within the hoistway. This option generally requires more of an upfront investment, but saves space and energy in the long term.

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Hydraulic Elevator Prices

The average cost of hydraulic elevator equipment, including the elevator car, pump system, and other fixtures, is between $15,000 – $50,000. However, the total cost of home elevators, including installation, will depend on the configuration, brand, added features, and more. For example, pre-installation estimates for different hydraulic elevator types include:

• Roped hydraulic elevators: $30,000 – $60,000
• Holed hydraulic elevators: $15,000 – $40,000
• Holeless hydraulic elevators: $20,000 – $50,000
• MR hydraulic elevators: $25,000 – $50,000
• MRL hydraulic elevators: $25,000 – $60,000

Understanding Hydraulic Elevator Installation Costs

After purchasing the elevator equipment you need for your new hydraulic system, you’ll also need to account for home elevator installation costs. The average hydraulic elevator costs $10,000 – $20,000 to install, though the actual price will largely depend on the length and complexity of the hoistway and piston. Overall, you can expect to pay between $25,000 – $70,000+ for a functional elevator.

The Best Hydraulic Elevator Manufacturers

We’ve compared a few popular hydraulic elevator brands, including their type and price ranges:

Brand/Model	Type	Estimated Pre-Installation Price
Schindler 330A	Holeless, MR	$30,000 – $50,000+
Otis HydroFit™	Holeless, MRL	$30,000 – $50,000+
TK Endura	Holeless, MR and MRL	$25,000 – $50,000+
Mitsubishi PureRide®	Holed, MRL	$20,000 – $40,000+
Savaria Infinity	Roped, MR	$20,000 – $50,000+

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The Bottom Line

Hydraulic elevators can help seniors with limited mobility navigate up and down at least six stories, often making them a worthwhile investment. However, the total amount you can expect to spend varies, and it can be worth looking into alternatives like wheelchair lifts or traction elevators. Regardless, if you choose to invest, you will realistically pay between $25,000 – $70,000+ after installation.

For a comparison, check out our article Hydraulic vs. Pneumatic Elevators: Which is Best for Your Home?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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