Elevator modernization – What you do not see – Chicago Area

During elevator modernizations you see the elevator fixtures have been replaced, maybe the cab interior but that is about it.  We just completed a modernization of an older Dover Elevator in Winnetka, IL and have some before and after pictures of some of the items that the typical building user/owner does not see.

Elevator machine room

This is in the elevator machine room and is a Dover Elevator from the Mid 1970's.  The control system is mounted on the elevator and the pump and motor and underneath the oil reservoir.

This is the new machine room with a Smartrise Control system and Minnesota Elevator hydraulic power unit.  Look at how much more room you have in the elevator room!

Elevator controller

This is the inside of the Dover Elevator control system which has relays and logic boards to perform the elevator tasks.

This is a picture of what the insides of the new control system looks like.  This is not the controller at the building because I didn't take a picture of the inside of the controller. But it is the same control system, Smartrise Engineering. There is one board on the elevator controller versus the previous system which had 7 boards and 16 relays.  My opinion is if you have more components on an elevator controller you have a larger potential for component failure and elevator shut downs.

Elevator power unit

This is a picture of the hydraulic system below the elevator controller.  You see a motor, pump and valve.  There is a trip pan underneath the unit to collect oil when it leaks.

The new hydraulic power unit has the valve pump and motor in the tank so no more leaking on the floor.

Elevator door operator

This was the elevator car top and door operator with a Dover door operator

We removed the existing Dover door operator and put a more flexible closed loop GAL MOVFR II door operator.

Elevator modernization is expensive and we do not see much of the product that is installed as non elevator people.  This shows you the difference between the old system and the new system that you do not typically get to see as a building owner/management. The modernization team did a great job on the modernization now the elevator runs smoother, quieter and more reliable.  This elevator system should be servicing the building for the next 25-30 years.

If you have any questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.