Home Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Geared vs Gearless

Hi all, and thanks to all in advance

I have a 10 story building, in which we are about to undertake an elevator modernization project. I am getting conflicting information, so I thought I would pass it by you all.

Should we go with new Geared or Gearless Machines?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Both?

Cost Differential between the two?

Any help you can provide me would be greatly appreciated

Need more information. Are you considering reusing a geared machine,versus replacing it with a gearless? Geared machines are limited as to speed, usually around 350 to 400 fpm. Are you considering a new Gearless AC Voltage Machine? These are a good choice. they are cost efficient as far as usage of electricity, they don't leak oil, and the ride quality is usually way better. The biggest consideration is cost up front. My advice is to get an elevator consultant. they will guide you and tell you what is the best way forward. They will save you money in the long run.

In my opinion, if you are doing a full Mod and replacing the existing machine, I would go for the Gearless. One caveat though, some companies have gone so all in on MRLs that they will sell you a gearless Mod and use their machine roomless equipment. Kone does it with their MX machines and Otis will make your elevator a GEN2 with belts instead of ropes. So insist on a real overhead traction gearless machine, not something engineered to fit behind a rail or something.

The gen2 for mod is not an Mrl product. The machines and controllers go in the existing machine room. It’s a great product just be aware that if your cars on on the heavier side then sheave replacements can be a common need. The newer design belts without the treads last for a very long time and are quiet. Ten stops is a nice number for the gen 2’s.

Whoever invented the MRL should be hung by the neck until dead.

I know the equipment goes in the machine room, and the GEN2 is one of the better MRLs. My point is, if you have a conventional machine room, why use something engineered with compromises like variance suspension means, to work in a very specific application?

I would vote gearless. They are definitely more expensive but they have a simple design, less to fail, more efficient, and smaller motor drive. Assuming you currently have 1:1 roping Hollister whitney, Imperial and torin all offer 1:1 gearless machine applications that would replace your existing geared machine. As mentioned above I would certainly recommend this over the OTIS and Schindler 2:1 mod product simply for the proprietary nature of both the machine and belts.

In my opinion the Hollister whitney gearless machine would be the best although I have also had good experience with the Torn product too. The one job we used Imperial all the seals were leaking on the machines before the job was even turned over. While the Hollister may be more expensive they are made in the USA while Torin and Imperial are made in China.

Great reply here, I've worked alot with Torin machines, they are great, although you will need to adjust the brake setting as they are not set well in quietness, not difficult but could cause brake switch faults.

Gearless is better and significantly more prevalent. Lift driven by equipped engine covers under 10% of the aggregate generation units of all lifts in 2013.

The old outfitted engine is greater and vitality escalated in light of the fact that it has a decrease box.

Gearless engine in lift applies some new material and new tech, which guarantee stable out-put of low speed and high torque. so the lessening box is scratched off and gearless engine is little and of basic structure.

Gearless devours less power so is more proficient however Geared is less expensive to purchase so Geared costs less however outfit less is less expensive to run. Presently the second part which is more mainstream : in low ascent Geared is more prominent and in skyscraper it's apparatus less… so prominence is portioned

And for cost i thing you better visit some elevator installer compant.