- What is a hydraulic home lift and how does it work?
A hydraulic home lift uses an electric pump to push pressurised fluid into a cylinder beneath the cabin, raising it smoothly. When you press the down button, fluid returns to the tank, lowering the cabin. The pump operates on single-phase household power.
Our A-Series hydraulic lift is compact and ideal for retrofitting existing homes. It travels at 0.30 m/s and requires minimal pit depth (150 mm in most configurations). The separate hydraulic cabinet houses the pump and is placed discreetly beside the shaft. The system is sealed, requires no machine room, and includes annual maintenance as standard.
Learn how hydraulic lifts work
- How does the A-Series prevent the ‘oil smell’ associated with older lifts?
The A-Series uses a fully sealed hydraulic system with biodegradable fluid contained within a closed circuit. There is no oil exposure to air, which is why older lifts smelled — they used open systems with industrial hydraulic fluid that oxidised and evaporated.
Our sealed pump and cylinder sit in a dedicated cabinet, and the hydraulic lines are encased within the shaft. The biodegradable fluid is kept under pressure and isolation from the cabin environment. Annual servicing includes checking seals and fluid condition, ensuring the system remains completely odour-free throughout the lift’s life.
- Is a hydraulic lift less energy-efficient than an electric traction lift?
Hydraulic and electric traction lifts have different energy profiles. The A-Series hydraulic lift is highly efficient for typical home use (a few trips per day) and consumes less energy per trip than many people expect. However, electric traction lifts like the C-Series draw power only when moving and have no standby losses.
For most Australian homes with two to three floors and moderate daily use, the energy difference between hydraulic and electric is negligible. The A-Series’ simplicity and robust design mean lower maintenance energy over its lifetime. Choose based on your available space and pit depth rather than energy alone.
- Is the A-Series suitable for retrofitting into an existing home?
Yes. The A-Series was designed specifically for retrofitting existing Australian homes. Its compact footprint (around 1000 x 1000 mm cabin) and minimal pit depth (150 mm in most configurations) mean it fits into spaces where other lifts cannot. The separate hydraulic cabinet can be positioned discretely beside the shaft.
We work with builders to integrate the A-Series into existing structures without major renovation disruption. The hydraulic system requires less structural reinforcement than gearless traction alternatives. We provide all engineering drawings and coordinate shaft construction to minimise building timeline impact.
- How much does the A-Series hydraulic home lift cost?
The A-Series hydraulic lift final price depends on the number of floors served, cabin size, door type (swing or sliding), finishes, and site-specific conditions such as pit depth variations or extended hydraulic cabinet placement.
Every A-Series project receives a detailed fixed-price quote covering supply, installation, testing, and handover. We lock our pricing for 12 months. Builder works such as shaft construction are quoted separately. For a complete cost breakdown including options and inclusions, request a personalised quotation from our team.
View A-Series pricing breakdown
- What pit depth and headroom does the A-Series need?
The A-Series requires a pit depth of approximately 150 mm in most configurations, though this can vary depending on the specific model and door type. Headroom requirements range from 2400 mm to 2600 mm for standard installations, with some configurations requiring up to 2750 mm.
These measurements are critical for site assessment and must be confirmed during the design phase. We provide detailed shaft drawings showing exact dimensions based on your chosen cabin size and door configuration. Our team works with your builder or architect to verify these measurements on site before construction begins.
View pit depth and headroom requirements
- Where does the hydraulic cabinet go, and how much space does it need?
The hydraulic cabinet is placed in a dedicated space adjacent to the lift shaft. It houses the pump, motor, and fluid tank and requires adequate ventilation and access for annual servicing.
The cabinet is typically positioned in a machine room, plant room, or external enclosure depending on your building layout. We coordinate the placement with your architect and builder to ensure it integrates seamlessly with your home design.
- Is the A-Series suitable for higher-use homes (multiple trips per hour)?
The A-Series is designed for typical residential use: a few trips per day. If your home has multiple users making frequent trips throughout the day, the C-Series or E-Series electric traction lifts are better suited for higher-use scenarios.
Electric traction lifts have no thermal load limitations and recover faster between trips. The A-Series hydraulic system is reliable and durable for normal family use but is not engineered for commercial or high-frequency usage patterns. Our team can assess your home’s daily usage and recommend the most suitable series during your consultation.
- What power supply does the A-Series require?
The A-Series hydraulic lift operates on single-phase household power at 32A. This is standard domestic supply available in most Australian homes. An electrician can confirm your home’s available supply during the site assessment phase.
The 32A requirement means you may need an upgraded power circuit to the lift location if your existing circuits are heavily loaded. We coordinate all electrical works with your electrician and builder. The power installation is included in our installation scope and is part of the comprehensive quote we provide.
- What free inclusions come standard with the A-Series?
We include several features as standard with every A-Series lift at no extra cost: In-Cabin Self-Rescue (ICSR) for power-failure safety, a GSM emergency phone for communication during faults, anti-slip cabin flooring, full-height safety beams, automatic door interlocking, and power-failure descent capability.
Our 8-year warranty covers all mechanical and electrical components. Annual maintenance visits are included in your service plan. We also provide comprehensive handover training for you and your family, covering normal operation, emergency procedures, and basic troubleshooting.
- What door configurations are available?
The A-Series is available with both swing and sliding doors, allowing you to choose what best fits your building layout and design preferences. Swing doors pivot on hinges and are ideal for generous doorway spaces. Sliding doors glide horizontally and suit tighter spaces or modern minimalist aesthetics.
Both configurations are available with cabin sizes of approximately 1000 x 1000 mm or 1000 x 1200 mm. Door type affects pit depth slightly and influences the final dimensions of your shaft. We discuss door options during the design phase and provide detailed drawings showing how each option affects your specific site.
