Elevator cylinder/jack replacement – City of Chicago

We have been completing quite a few cylinder replacements in the City of Chicago due to the City of Chicago single bottom bulk head cylinder replacement mandate which indicated that all single bottom bulks should be removed by 1/1/13.  There are many building owners who have not completed the work.

If you are a building owner and have a building with an elevator older than 1975 you should see if you can get the original file on the elevator cylinder to see if it has a single bottom bulk head of a double bottom bulk head.  The “rule of thumb” is that all elevators should have double bottom bulk heads if the elevator was installed prior to 1972.

There are alternatives to replacing the cylinder which would be to install a safety device.  There are two options that I am aware of which is the Adams Life Jacket[www.adamselevator.com], and installing safeties on the elevator system.

Here are a few progress pictures from a 2 elevator project we just completed.  This was a 60' travel building and was a significant challenge to remove and replace.

[Elevator #1 prior to removal]

[Cylinder being removed with jacks - Elevator #2]

[Completed cylinder - Elevator #2]

This project was located right by Lake Michigan and we encountered water as well as one of the cylinder holes was only cased 24' which required a well driller as the hole collapsed.  The other elevator which was only 8' away had casing go down all the way and did not require a well driller.  When you are making your decision on a company to replace your elevator cylinder make sure they are equipped to take on a worse case scenario and have people with experience replacing cylinders.  Cylinder replacements can go well above the quoted price and you should be aware of the potentials before working with a company.  Not all elevator companies are equipped to completed these projects.

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.