The Pitfalls of a Shallow Pit

Some elevator companies boast that they only require a 6 or 8-inch deep pit and present that as a way for you to save a few extra bucks on their product as well as the cement work. This makes the proposal slightly more attractive in terms of cost, but what are you getting in return?

This reduction in pit strength allows for them to construct an elevator and delivery system with less metal and other materials. That is what you are getting. Also, when you commit to a less than 12-inch pit, you are limited to the equipment that will fit inside it. A unit requiring a 6 or 8-inch pit will fit inside a 12-inch pit, but not the other way around.

Our company has made a decision to recommend the Otis at Home elevator for all residential installations. The Otis lift requires a 12-inch pit to accommodate the sturdy jack that is necessary to support the steel-reinforced cab and deliver a high quality ride that our customers expect from our 750-pound capacity unit.

Otis manufactures a 12 gauge steel pan that is placed first onto the car frame arms which provides for a more rigid support base for the car. Additionally, the pan is designed with channels that lock the walls into position and prevent unwanted movement that other suppliers struggle with every day.

Otis requires 8 pound ‘T’ Rails to provide for the tracking surface that allows the car to smoothly glide up and down the hoistway. ‘T’ Rails are commonly used in commercial elevators that provide a superior ride experience.

Let’s say you decided to go with a low-cost elevator that required a shallow pit. Down the road it might have to be replaced. A shallower pit would limit the choice of the replacement model, and you just might have to dig out and re-do the pit. Perhaps even rip out and replace some framing in the hoistway. There goes all of your cost savings from the first round, which adds to inconvenience of having to replace an elevator.

Otis at Home is the premier brand and the benchmark in regard to all other residential roped hydraulic units. It’s like having a mini commercial lift inside your home, thus explaining the need for the deeper and stronger pit. No other brand comes close to the reliability, safety, and customer support of the Otis at Home lift.