I am gathering the parts and information to build my first hydraulic elevator. I am building a sprayed concrete home that will look like a castle. I will have a 10' diameter round elevator tower that is 38' to the top floor. I have a friend that does the cylinder rebuilding for the Catipiller dealer. He will find the used cylinder and redo the seals for me. I will guide the car on rails and use the cylinder for lifting. My father in law is trying to talk me into using cables instead of hydraulics. Do you have a preference? Have you found any sites on the net that deal with similar projects? I want to design a safe and simple set up and I would appreciate any advice you would have. Regards, Nolan Scheid ----------

-- Nolan Scheid (nolan@clipper.net), August 30, 1997

Answers

You may have better luck going with a roped hydralic. For one thing you can keep your jack above ground, also you will be able to reduce the length of your jack by using a 2, 3, or 4 to 1 sheve arangement. As for the cable idea, I think you would be better off in the long run but your cost is going to go way up. Your best bet for a cable lift would be to find a Dumb waiter you could salvage for the parts you would need. We have a salvaged dumb waiter at our shop that my boss would love to get rid of if you are interested. Good Luck

-- Don Koeppe (dkippy@radiks.net), August 31, 1997.

I myself am installing an elevator in my home that I am building. I am installing a roped hydro. There is no need to drill a hole for the piston.It is all above ground. The rise of my shaft is 34 feet.I'm using a Cemco package with front and rear automatic doors.I think a roped hydro is the way to go.

-- VINNY (SCR12PULSE@aol.com), September 30, 2000.

Hi Vinny Thank you so much for the response. Can you tell me more about your Cemco Package? It sounds like you purchased a complete package including the car. Can you tell me about what the package cost? What size is your shaft? I ended up with a 10' ID round elevator shaft. I figured I would need to make the car myself. Thanks again for writing. Nolan

-- Nolan Scheid (nolan@clipper.net), September 30, 2000.

Keep in mind the smell factor of a hydro !

-- L E Vator (Liftmechanic@yahoo.com), April 02, 2001.