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Harmar Stair Lifts Review
4.8 Overall Rating
Bottom Line
Harmar offers home stairlifts for straight and curved staircases. The company produces both outdoor and indoor residential stair lifts, and the brand is well-received by customers who appreciate its customer service and commitment to safety. Local dealers are available nationwide to help you buy, install, and service your stair lift.
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About Harmar Stair Lifts
Harmar offers home stairlifts for straight and curved staircases. The company produces both outdoor and indoor residential stair lifts, and the brand is well-received by customers who appreciate its service and commitment to safety. Local dealers are available nationwide to help you buy, install, and service your stair lift.
From stair lifts to wheelchair lifts, Harmar helps make aging in place possible with accessible mobility solutions. Harmar has thousands of dealer locations across North America that provide home assessment services, installation, and routine maintenance. The brand stands out as a top stair lift company because its customer service is available before, during, and after the sale.
Every lift is weight-tested at capacity before leaving the factory. The company says it performs life-cycle testing that goes above and beyond industry guidelines.
Pros
- Models support 250 to 600 pounds
- Made in the U.S.
- Stair lifts arrive preassembled for faster installation
- Patented greaseless drive reduces maintenance costs
Cons
- Stair lifts can only use Harmar proprietary parts
- Prices not available online; must contact local dealer
Harmar Stair Lift Options
Harmar sells its products through local dealers who conduct in-home consultations and install the lift for you. You can search for a dealer near you using Harmar’s online search tool.
In addition to wheelchair lifts (discussed below), the company sells seven stair lift options: five straight (including an outdoor model) and two curved stair lifts.
- Price: $4,000 – $9,000+
- Types: Straight, curved, seated
- Environment: Indoor, outdoor
- Financing: Yes, varies by dealer
- Weight capacity: 300 – 600 pounds
- Warranty: 2-year, 3-year, or limited lifetime
Harmar Straight Stairlifts
Hamar offers three models of Pinnacle stairlifts. The SL600 Pinnacle Premium model is the narrowest stairlift in the industry, folding down to 10.5 inches, and has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. It includes features like retractable seat belts, LED alert systems in the armrests, overspeed brakes, obstruction sensors, and an options key lock to prevent unauthorized use.
Harmar’s Pinnacle SL600HD straight stair lift incorporates a patented helical worm gear drive system, which translates to a smoother, quieter ride. The greaseless drive requires little maintenance and is easy to clean. Capable of transporting up to 600 pounds, the SL600HD boasts the highest weight capacity in the industry.
The Pinnacle SL300 is Harmar’s most affordable and compact straight stair lift. All Harmar lifts come with safety sensors. If you want to increase floor space or minimize intrusion, opt for the automatic folding rail.
| Type | Features | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| SL600 | -Folds as narrow as 10.5” -Patented gear system for a smooth and quiet ride -Low maintenance and easy to clean -Up to 60 trips on full charge -Great for long stairs (track length up to 70′) | 350 pounds |
| SL600HD | -Track length up to 40′ -Patented gear system for a smooth and quiet ride -Padded seat | 600 pounds |
| SL300 | -Track length of 15’6″ standard (up to 36’) -Swivel seat at upper landing -Up to 40 trips on full charge -Safety sensors | 300 pounds |
| SL350AC | -Adjustable backrest and footrest -Mounts to the stairs (not the wall) -Controls at top and bottom of stairs | -350 pounds for 15’9″ track -250 pounds for 15’10” to 25′ track |
| SL350OD | -Outdoor model -Weatherproof covers -Rocker controls with constant-pressure functionality | -350 pounds for 15’9″ track -250 pounds for 15’10” to 25′ track |
Harmar Curved Stair Lifts
Installers measure curved staircases with a calibrated camera kit for accuracy. Though curved stair lifts often require custom fabrication, Harmar’s UP modular stair lift can be installed as soon as the next day. The Helix curved stair lift’s rail is welded to ensure a smooth ride, tailored to your stairs’ configuration.
| Type | Features | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Up | -Joystick remote control -Auto-folding footrests and automatic seat swivel | 275 pounds |
| Helix | -Can maneuver tight, 180-degree turns -Rails up to 164′ | 350 pounds |
Stair Lift Warranty
Harmar warranties vary by stair lift type. Its most comprehensive warranty is offered on the SL600HD: 3 years for parts, 10 years for the gear rack, and 1 year for the battery.
All other models offer warranties ranging from 2 years on parts to a limited lifetime warranty.
Where to Buy Harmar Lifts
Authorized dealers located throughout the U.S. and around the world sell and service Harmar stair lifts. The dealer can help you choose the best stair lift for your needs, take measurements, provide quotes, and answer any questions. Use the dealer locator on the Harmar website to find an authorized seller in your area.
Harmar Stair Lift Costs
Harmar is a manufacturer, so they sell their lifts to dealers throughout America. A Harmar representative told us that dealer stair lift pricing varies by location and lift type.
Based on our analysis of other stair lift brands, you’ll pay between $2,500 and $5,000 for a straight stair lift and over $12,000 for a curved model. Harmar does not offer financing, though some dealers may offer rental programs that can make the cost of buying a lift more affordable.
Harmar Vertical Platform Lifts
Harmar offers a range of platform lifts tailored to meet various residential and commercial accessibility needs. With models like the Highlander II and VPL400-X, Harmar combines robust engineering with user-friendly features to deliver safe, reliable, and space-efficient lifting solutions.
Key Harmar Platform Lift Models: Highlander II and VPL400-X
Highlander II
The Highlander II is Harmar’s flagship vertical platform lift (VPL), designed to provide smooth, quiet, and stable rides for users in wheelchairs, scooters, or powerchairs. It is ideal for accessing porches, decks, second-story entries, and other elevated spaces.
- Features:
- Lifting capacity of up to 750 lbs, accommodating virtually all mobility devices.
- Maximum lifting height of up to 14 feet, making it suitable for multi-story applications.
- Optional Highlander II enclosure kits provide added protection from outdoor elements.
- Advanced safety systems, including the Guardian System, which uses LED indicators to provide real-time performance feedback, and the ReadyUPS battery backup for uninterrupted operation during power outages.
- Multiple platform sizes to fit various space requirements.
VPL400-X
For homeowners seeking a compact and straightforward solution, the VPL400-X offers exceptional functionality without the complexity of larger lifts.
- Features:
- Lifts up to 750 lbs to heights of 53 inches, making it perfect for porches or garage entryways.
- Equipped with the Big Blue Paddle ergonomic control for ease of operation.
- Available in various platform sizes, from 36″x48″ to 42″x60″, to suit specific needs.
- Seal-Kor powder-coated steel ensures durability and protection in outdoor environments.
Why Choose Harmar Platform Lifts?
Harmar’s lifts are more than just functional—they are designed to enhance accessibility while blending seamlessly with your home or commercial space. Here’s what sets Harmar apart:
- Space Efficiency: Compared to modular ramps, VPLs like the Highlander II and VPL400-X require far less space. For instance, a 24-inch rise would need 24 feet of ramping, while a Harmar lift handles the same height with minimal footprint.
- Safety First: Harmar lifts are certified to meet stringent safety standards, including ASME A18.1-2020. Features like overspeed brakes, emergency stop buttons, and safety pans ensure a secure ride every time.
- Customizable Options: Harmar offers a range of enhancements, including:
- Fixed or automatic folding ramps
- Enclosure kits for lifts exceeding 60 inches
- Interlocking gates for additional security.
- Ease of Use: With intuitive controls and a smooth drive system, Harmar lifts are designed for users of all ages and abilities. The SteadyDrive system ensures a stable ride by reducing vibration.
- Nationwide Support: Harmar has an extensive dealer network across the U.S., offering in-home consultations, installations, and ongoing maintenance.
Harmar platform lifts are excellent investments for homeowners seeking to improve accessibility while maintaining style and efficiency. With options for customization, robust safety features, and a focus on user comfort, Harmar continues to lead the way in mobility solutions. Whether for residential or commercial use, these lifts provide a reliable, space-saving alternative to ramps, allowing users to navigate their spaces with ease and confidence.
Harmar does not publish wheelchair lift pricing online, but the price range for other wheelchair lift brands $4,000 and $30,000, according to the Retirement Living editorial team’s research. Your final costs depend on lift type, sizing, and travel distance.
Harmar Complaints
The Better Business Bureau gives Harmar an A+ rating at the time of publishing, though the business is not accredited. Harmar addressed several consumer complaints that reference installation issues and delays in contacting service contractors for repairs.
Because Harmar sells its stair lifts through local dealers who oversee sales and service of its models, Retirement Living recommends asking each dealer whom it contracts with for repairs and scheduled maintenance before buying a lift.
Harmar Stair Lifts FAQs
Harmar designs stair lifts to operate trouble-free with little maintenance, but the company recommends you have the lift inspected for safety each year. Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in the owner’s manual.
Harmar’s exterior lifts are designed to withstand weather if you use the weatherproof cover to protect the device. However, Harmar’s outdoor stair lift remote controls are not weather-resistant. You’ll need to remove and store the controls indoors when not in use.
Harmar manufactures chair lifts, hoists, and mobility scooter platforms for use with vehicles. These mobility devices are sold through Harmar authorized dealers, which you can find on the company website.
Harmar trains authorized dealers to assist customers with parts, accessories, product brochures, the installation process, and technical support. You can also use the contact form on the website. Harmar customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.
All but one Harmar stair lift model moves the seat 20 feet per minute. The SL600HD is designed to carry up to 600 pounds at 14 feet per minute.
Conclusion
Harmar products are built with the latest stair lift technology, and with seven stair lift models, they manufacture a stair lift that can meet almost every need. Harmar stair lifts are a great option for customers who need fast installations or products for bariatric riders.