All elevators, whether traction or hydraulic, require a machine room to store large electric motors (or hydraulic pumps) and a controller cabinet. This room is located above the hoist way (or below, for hydraulic elevators) and may contain machinery for a single or a group of elevators. Modern day traction motors boasting gearless and permanent drive can be more compact and efficient; electronic microprocessors have replaced the mechanical relays. As a result, traction elevators can be built without a dedicated room above the shaft, saving valuable space in building planning.

The new lift design presents a departure from the traditional, looped over-the-top traction rope routing of traction elevators. The ends of the cables are fixed to the supporting structure, and the length of the cable is connected to the car and counterweight by means of a force-multiplying, energy saving compound pulley system. Machine Room-less elevators have become a welcome alternative to the older hydraulic elevator for low to medium rise buildings.

BENEFITS

• creates more usable space
• uses less energy (70-80% less than hydraulic elevators)
• uses no oil
• all components are above ground (this takes away the environmental concern that was created by the hydraulic cylinder being stored underground)
• much lower cost than other elevators
• ride quality is better due to gearless traction
• operates at faster speeds than hydraulics