Mid-American Elevator designs and installs hydraulic elevator systems for commercial and industrial buildings, from standard passenger applications to heavy-capacity industrial lifts. A hydraulic elevator is the most practical choice for many low- and mid-rise properties. Our in-house design team builds each system to the specific demands of your facility.
We provide hydraulic elevator installation from our Chicago-area base and serve commercial and industrial clients across the country. Because our equipment is non-proprietary, building owners are never locked into a single manufacturer for parts or service, which keeps long-term costs down.
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Heavy-Capacity Hydraulic Systems for Commercial and Industrial Buildings
Hydraulic elevators are known for their lifting power. They offer speeds up to approximately 200 feet per minute and an unsurpassed ability to handle large capacities. Mid-American provides hydraulic elevator and lifting systems with capacities exceeding 100,000 lbs, well beyond what a standard traction installation can carry.
A hydraulic system also transfers the majority of its structural loads into the pit floor, unlike traction elevators that are usually supported near the top of the structure. For heavier lifting requirements, that same principle carries over to freight applications, where load capacity is the deciding factor.
About Hydraulic Elevators
The maximum height of a hydraulic elevator depends on its configuration. A standard hydraulic elevator serves two to five floors with a travel of roughly 50 feet. Roped hydraulic configurations extend that range further by combining a piston with cables, which makes hydraulic viable in low-rise and taller buildings that would otherwise require a traction system.
Within that range, hydraulic offers a dependable, cost-effective solution. Its speed, capacity, and structural advantages make it the standard for most low- and mid-rise commercial and industrial installations.
Types of Hydraulic Elevators
Hydraulic lift installation covers a wide range of configurations, and we provide and install every major type:
Holed hydraulic elevators use a single piston that travels in a hole drilled beneath the pit. This is the traditional configuration, and it delivers a smooth ride and strong load capacity where ground conditions allow the drilling.
Twin jack holeless hydraulic elevators use two jacks mounted alongside the cab rather than a piston sunk into the ground. Removing the drilled hole makes this a strong option for buildings with high water tables, contaminated soil, or structural conditions that rule out excavation. It is also a common choice when retrofitting an elevator into an existing building.
Roped hydraulic elevators combine a piston with cables to extend travel distance, reaching higher floors than a conventional hydraulic system while keeping hydraulic’s load advantages.
Material lifts move heavy goods and equipment between floors in warehouses, factories, and similar facilities where passenger service is not the priority.
Sidewalk lifts raise goods from below-grade levels to street level, a practical solution for basements, loading areas, and older buildings with limited access.
Outdoor hydraulic elevators are built to withstand weather and temperature swings for exterior installations. We handle these through our outdoor elevator capabilities.
Explosion-proof hydraulic elevators are engineered for hazardous environments where flammable materials are present, such as chemical plants and refineries. See our explosion-proof elevator systems for these specialized applications.
Why Mid-American Elevator?
In addition to new installation, our experienced, trained professionals can modernize and repair your commercial hydraulic elevator. Regardless of the location, industry, or age of your facility, we meet all your elevator needs with top-notch customer service.
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