Hello,

I'm working on a new elevator maintenance specifications for our elevator portfolio. Based on past experience we've observed that for some buildings, the elevator technicians complete their scheduled maintenance items within 15-20 minutes, even for annual maintenance related items. This makes one think if the equipment is being maintained as per the specifications or manufacutrer's maintenance schedules. Unfortunately, the only metric to track deficient maintenance is when the elevator breaks down suddenly or the inspector cites any deficiencies.

I wanted to inquire if it is industry practice to have the technician require to spend minimum, service time on the equipment to ensure that the elevator is being maintained properly. For e.g. for hydraulic elevator in less than 5-storey building, min. time required for the technician to conduct maintenance work should be 1 hour, whereas for building with greater than 5-storey, min. time should be 2 hours.

Are such minimum service times used in industry for proper maintenance of geared, gearless, hydraulic elevators and lifts?

Thank you.

Service times have been reduced over the years with the perceived wisdom that the newer equipment has less serviceable parts than the older equipment. 90 percent of experienced elevator guys will tell you the service times have been reduced too much and we all would like two hours per service visit ( and some still get that ) however if my company was to quote based on a two hour monthly service visit then another company will undercut us based on a half hour visit. If you believe that your units should be getting a minimum of an hour to two then write that into your specification . At least then you have created a level playing field . As a general rule I believe you should get one hour for a hydro up to 3 stops, hour and a half up to 5 stops. Traction / MRL should be hour and half to two hours per unit to do complete maintenance . These however are just my thoughts and are certainly not shared by the people who make decisions at most elevator companies. I just believe quick maintenance will always be false economy in the long run .

Hello,

I agree with pieman with regards to companies cutting service time down. Basically, the service mechanics have too many elevators to service and the elevator companies will not hire to compensate for an over-crowded service route. I started my elevator company 3 years ago, and I tell my customers my mechanics will spend at least 45 to 60 minutes per elevator no matter the type of elevator or floors. (we do not service high rises) 15 to 20 minutes just is not enough time to properly service an elevator and unfortunately routine maintenance is not getting done.

To answer your question, there are no such minimum time requirements for service. I do feel that 45 to 60 minutes is adequate, but you will have to take into consideration the travel or landings of the elevator.

So...

Who makes the best hydro oil?
And for the traction machine, the best gear oil?

80% of all call backs are door related! So type of equipment is secondary to number of openings. We do not sell less than a 1 hour maintenance contract.

Thank you everyone for your insights. Much appreciated.