Rack Lift

A rack and pinion elevator is a piece of equipment used in the construction industry to facilitate the vertical movement of materials and people on large-scale projects. Its basic structure consists of a vertical tower, usually made of steel, to which racks are fixed. These racks provide vertical tracking for the equipment.

The mobile part of the elevator consists of a cabin or platform that moves along the racks. This movement is made possible by a lifting mechanism, which, by means of gears, allows controlled upward and downward transport. The driving force is generated by electric motors.

These elevators are designed to support considerable loads, making them ideal for transporting heavy materials on construction sites. Their versatility allows them to be used in a variety of contexts, from the construction of tall buildings to the performance of maintenance services on facades or within the Industry.

In addition, rack and pinion elevators are equipped with safety systems, such as brakes and overload protection devices, to ensure the safety of workers and the integrity of the materials being transported. The installation and operation of this equipment must follow specific standards and regulations, and it is essential that they are carried out by qualified professionals.
In short, the hoist rack plays a fundamental role in optimizing construction processes, providing efficiency in vertical transport and contributing to the safe and effective execution of large-scale projects in the construction industry.

The operation of the rack and pinion elevator is based on the use of the rack and pinion system, an efficient engineering that allows controlled vertical movement of the elevator cabin. The dynamics of this system are driven by two essential parts: the pinion and the rack rail. The pinion, a toothed piece of iron or steel, fits into the teeth of the rack rail, a rod fixed to the elevator tower. It is along this rail that the cabin performs the ascent and descent movements.

The pinion is propelled by means of a high-power motor, usually located in the upper part of the cabin. In elevators with double cabins, each one has its own motor, ensuring independent movement. The lifting capacity of these motors varies according to the design, generally ranging from 1500 to 2500 kg.

A crucial aspect for the safety of the rack and pinion elevator is the braking system. By implementing specific precautions during installation and assembly, the equipment ensures a practically zero accident rate. The disc brake system, controlled by electric motors, plays a vital role in this context. In addition to making the system reliable, disc brakes minimize jolts and jerks, resulting in smooth and precise braking.

To maintain high safety standards, all parts of the hoist, including the brake system, are regularly subjected to checks during preventive maintenance as specified in the checklist. Any worn parts are promptly replaced with new ones, ensuring the continued safe operation of the hoist.

According to NR 18, the standard that regulates the use of the Rack Elevator on construction sites, the operation of this elevator can only be carried out by a worker qualified for this function and must have their function registered in the work card.

The decision between renting or buying a construction hoist is influenced by several factors, and both options have advantages and disadvantages. Below, I present some points to consider when making this decision:

Rental:

Lower initial cost: renting generally requires a lower initial investment compared to buying, which can be beneficial for short-term projects or limited budgets.

Maintenance included: many rental contracts include maintenance and repair services, relieving the customer of responsibility in relation to these aspects.

Adaptation to specific needs: it is possible to choose the type and capacity of the elevator according to the specific demands of each project, without long-term commitment.

Avoids technological obsolescence: when renting, it is possible to access more modern equipment without worrying about technological obsolescence, since the rental company updates its fleet as necessary.

Purchase:

Long-term investment: purchasing can be advantageous for long-term projects, as the initial investment is amortized over time.

Full control: owners have full control over the equipment, being able to customize it as needed and use it in different phases of subsequent projects.

Total cost of ownership: although the initial cost is higher, purchasing can be more economical in the long run, especially if the equipment is used in multiple projects.

Flexibility of use: owning the equipment provides flexibility to use it as needed, without having to rely on rental contracts.

In both situations, the elevator must be installed on a construction site in buildings that are more than 24 meters high (approx. 8 floors including the basement) and its assembly must take place until the work reaches 15 meters high (approx. 5 floors).

Factors to consider

When deciding between renting or purchasing a rack and pinion elevator for a construction site, it is crucial to consider several factors that can influence this choice.

The estimated duration of the project is a first consideration. Short-term projects often benefit from the convenience and lower upfront costs that leasing provides, while longer-term projects may make purchasing more economically viable over time.

The available budget also plays a crucial role in the decision. Tight budgets may skew the choice towards leasing, where the initial investment is lower, while more flexible budgets may allow for purchasing, offering long-term economic advantages.

The specific needs of the project should also be carefully considered. The complexity and specific requirements of the project may drive the choice between leasing and purchasing, depending on the flexibility and customization required.

In addition, it is important to assess the company’s ability to handle maintenance of the equipment. Purchasing gives the owner full control over the elevator, but also entails additional maintenance responsibilities, while leasing often includes maintenance services as part of the contract.