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 | | SMALL FOOTPRINT LIFT | | | Invalifts Ltd | | 21/06/2007 | | | “This is the age of the small footprint lift, a credible and viable alternative to a conventional lift, and they can even be styled to match your decor,” says Neil Davies of Invalifts of Atherstone, Warwickshire, one of the UK’s leading powered access companies.
“Whether it is a refurbishment or a new build where space is at a premium, the small footprint powered lift concept is the answer. In many instances a traditional lift cannot be installed simply because of lack of space, especially because of large footprint requirements and the need for a machine room over the lift itself.
“Our research as a leading supplier of powered platform lifts for use by the less able together with our contacts with architects and specifiers involved with refurbishment and renovation has led us to introduce a powered lift small enough to be easily be installed in existing stairwells and atriums, and we believe that they are especially suited to multi-level residential buildings and the retail sector.
“It may not be common knowledge but senior citizens, the less able and mothers with toddlers or pushchairs represent half the population of the UK, approximately 30m, so powered access is a very important consideration either for refurb or new build.
“Practically all buildings have some sort of vertical aperture, usually in the stairwell, and with this in mind the MC3000 will fit into spaces where an ordinary lift cannot. We can provide a lift with a footprint size as small as 750mm by 1000mm, which includes the lift shaft, and because the model is provided complete with its own self supporting shaft it can fit into a space just 30mm bigger. The lift can travel up to a height of 24 metres and serve up to eight levels, with either an open front only or open through configuration.
“We have over 100 shaft sizes available to meet every space requirement with the largest being 1750mm by 1300mm or 2160mm by 1000mm. The model carries a maximum load of 675kg and travels at 0.3m per second in complete safety. It is conventionally built to EN81 standards,” he added.
The MC3000 is a guided chain driven lift complete with its own self supporting enclosure, which can be provided with either steel or glazed panels, or a combination of both. The hoisting machinery generates very little heat so no air conditioning equipment is required. Building works and costs are kept to an absolute minimum as it has been designed primarily for ease of installation and the unit only requires a 1000mm deep pit, a small area to house the controller, and a vertical aperture through the building. A power supply with a capacity of only 16 amps is required and there is no need for a lifting beam. Reduced top and bottom clearances are available subject to Notified Body/DTI approval.
Other features include automatic lamellar centre opening aluminium car doors, which slide out of sight when open as standard, plus a variety of interior finishes and designs for the ceiling, walls, floor and landing doors with options including a handrail and door handles in stainless steel or wood finishes, plus a fold up seat and glazing or mirrors on lift car walls. A fully glazed shaft provides a most aesthetic finish to any building. The car operating panel includes an LED display and tactile buttons, with Braille also available as an option.
“There is a minimum impact on the existing building and a higher return on investment because the value of a building can rise by up to 20 per cent following the installation of a lift,” concluded Mr Davies. A lift can be available for installation within 8 weeks of order and installation will take approximately 1 – 2 weeks, depending upon shaft height.
Invalifts also supplies the high quality MC2000 platform lift which can reach up to 13 metres and serve six floor levels. The company, which has just been successful in becoming accredited for both ISO 9001.2000 and the Lift Regulations, is an inaugural member of the UK Platform and Stairlift Association.
Invalifts, which has a multi-million pound turnover, was founded seven years ago and is owned by Neil Davies and Derrick Beck who between them have over 60 years’ experience with all types of lifts and have worked at senior management level in some of the world’s largest lift companies | |
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