What is the typical maximum travel distance for hydraulic elevators?

Hydraulic elevators are designed to operate efficiently over short to medium distances, making them ideal for low-rise buildings. The typical maximum travel distance for hydraulic elevators falls within the range of 6 to 8 stories or approximately 60 to 80 feet. This is due to the nature of their system, which uses a hydraulic piston to lift the cab, and such systems have limitations in terms of the pressure they can sustain and the power requirements over longer distances.

Using a hydraulic system for higher travel distances can lead to complications such as increased costs, larger machine rooms, and potential issues related to the pressure and oil management in the hydraulic lines. Because of these engineering limitations, hydraulic elevators are not commonly used in buildings exceeding this typical range, thus solidifying the range of 6 to 8 stories or 60 to 80 feet as the standard.