Which Construction Elevator is Right for My Project?

Posted on April 18, 2022 in Scaffolding

Construction elevators help get workers and materials safely to upper-level floors. However, not all elevators are created equal. Some are made to only move people, others only materials and still others are ideal for moving people and materials together. 

Scaffolding Hoist in Richmond, VirginiaYou can start the hoist selection process for your project by asking yourself a few questions.

  • Do I need to move people or just materials—or both?
  • Are there any potential access issues at the job site?
  • What capacity do I need?
  • How many floors will the elevator service?
  • How many people do you need to transport daily?
  • What’s the maximum weight the elevator will move?

Once you have a better understanding of your needs, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision—and potentially save money. 

Read on to learn more about the different types of construction elevators and which is right for your project. 

Alimak TPM 1300

The TPM 1300 is the lowest capacity transport platform. Depending on your selected option, it can move both men and materials and lift loads from 2,866lb to 5,000lb. It comes with the following features:

  • The elevator car size is 5’ x 13’, which allows you to get 10’ drywall into the car. 
  • Well-suited for buildings under 100ft. (about a 10-story building)
  • 39 feet per minute if moving people
  • 79 feet per minute if moving materials
  • Well-suited for anchoring to wooden structures

Material-moving elevators are governed under ANSI Code A92, which means there are no requirements for a concrete foundation or state inspections. You also won’t need a dedicated elevator operator as you would when moving workers. Since the anchor load is less on a material-moving elevator, it doesn’t require a concrete pad.

The TPM 1300 can also be set up for material-only with a call box on the base. We can pre-program the hoist to stop at different floors, thereby eliminating the requirement for an operator. This can save you $15k to $20k over six months in salary, workers comp, etc.

Scando 650

The Scando 650 has an identical deck size to the TPM. However, it’s considered a “buck hoist” and ideal for over 100’ (10+ story building) applications. It features a 7,100lb capacity and runs at 177 ft. per minute. 

You will need a concrete pad (foundation) and a full-time trained operator to run this house (Scaffolding Solutions will train). ANSI A10.4 governs the Scando 650, and that means there are more code requirements you’ll need to meet versus the TPM 1300. 

Dual Scando 650

The Dual Scando 650 has two 5’ x 15’ cars that run at the same speed as a singular Scando. Capacity is slightly lower at 7,050lbs. The dual-car design eliminates the need for workers and materials to wait for a ride, as you can use one car for people and the other for materials.

HEK Scando 650

The HEK Scando 650 runs at 300ft/minute for 500’ and above heights. The car is always perpendicular to the building— this is ideal in a space-limited environment as you can enter the cab from the C door of the long side of the car. 

In situations where access is minimal, such as downtown environments, we can configure the HEK Scando 650 to work another way. For example, Clancy & Theys Construction Company hired Scaffolding Solutions to set up a Scando 650 on one of their construction sites.

The building itself was originally built out to the street easement, and the Fire Department required the street to remain open. Instead of setting up the Scando 650 perpendicular to the structure, we set it parallel to the building to allow street access. 

Cost Savings & Other Considerations

Installation costs the same for all three options. However, there’s a 15% to 20% savings using a TPM as a “material only” lift. The particular brand of the elevator can also affect the cost.

For example, the Alimak Scando 650 is considered the Mercedes of elevators. That’s not to infer that other lifts are inferior or unsafe, but rather that large construction sites tend to favor the Alimak brand.

Elevator uptime is also another essential consideration. Alimak has a huge onsite tech team that includes highly trained technicians coupled with trucks and the necessary equipment to get the elevator back up running quickly. They also have workers within close driving distance of your job site.

“When it comes to choosing the right construction elevator or buck hoist for your project, it always goes back to being able to have confidence in your men and your equipment. We have confidence that our equipment is going to be reliable and provide uptime. And if there is something going on, we’ll have trained personnel on-site in order to diagnose, fix, repair, and get them back up and running as quickly as possible.”

~ Brian Lish,
Carolina Business Development Manager for Scaffolding Solutions

Scaffolding Solutions Construction Elevators

It’s essential to carefully consider your needs before deciding which elevator is right for your job site. At Scaffolding Solutions, our highly trained and experienced team members can help advise on the best construction elevator option that will add the most value to your job.

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Chase JohnsonChase Johnson ★★★★★ Great company to be a part of. Culture,teamwork, and continued growth. 3+ years working with Scaffolding Solutions and watching the company grow before my very eyes has been humbling but also incredible.Response from the ownerThank you, Chase! Glad to have you on our team! Artie RichardArtie Richard ★★★★★ Scaffolding Solutions executed a very critical task over this past weekend on a live rail shut down, which included a lift plan, which was very difficult but due to the competency of Johnny and Jeffrey amongst there other peers, they were able to overcome all the obstacles and stand the test of time without encountering any first aids, near misses, injuries. Goal ZERO. Way to go guys. WMS SAFETY REP.Todd WilliamsTodd Williams ★★★★★ I’ve now been working at Scaffolding Solutions for 8 years and it’s been the best 8 years of my life. I’ve learned so much from so many great and smart people within the company. Our safety standards by far exceed from any other company I’ve ever dealt with. So if you’re looking for any sort of access needs or shoring needs (plus much more) please reach out so we can help. We’re definitely part of the solution not part of the problem.Response from the ownerWe're glad to have you on our team, Todd! Congrats on the 8 years of service! Cam WitmanCam Witman ★★★★★ Scaffolding Solutions has been a top notch business to work with. No matter the problem that has risen in our 6month long project they have answered the phone right away and offered assistance throughout the whole operation. Highly recommended.david nelsondavid nelson ★★★★★ Our projects often have numerous challenges and require the best of the best. Scaffolding Solutions came through with flying colors from the initial phone conversation to the fantastic design process, execution, assembly and dismantle. They navigated through the highly secured facility and other challenges and delivered a perfect class 1A containment structure for us. Our team was Frank Giuliano, David Herbert and Jefferson Boror Meda. Frank is the best communicator I've worked with hands down! David addresses any issue proactive and fast and Jefferson and his team execute the assembly and dismantle flawlessly. the 3D digital plans from their design team was spectacular and greatly appreciated by our client. This is a tight knit group and they are now part of the NPPinc.family. The appreciation I have for them being able to deliver this project like they did and within our budget cannot be expressed enough.10 stars and highly recommended!!Response from the ownerThank you, David! Working together with your team was a natural fit and an absolute pleasure for us. We appreciated the fluid and open communication and how well the entire Project Team planned out every detail of the operation beforehand to ensure 100% success: Safety, Quality, Schedule, Function, etc., etc.. We believe in creating strong relationships with our Partners that are built on Trust and shared Values where we all work towards achieving our common goals. We are looking forward to many more successful projects together with your team in the future! Chuck LundyChuck Lundy ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you Chuck! We appreciate the opportunity to partner with you! Pat BrittPat Britt ★★★★★ Customer service was tremendous.Our contact, Frank, was great. He made sure our products were delivered correct and on time.5 stars!Response from the ownerThank you, Pat! We love providing exceptional products and services to our customers. We appreciate your business and look forward to many more successful projects to come. 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They kept us informed every step of the way, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively. Their ability to navigate the challenges of the project and maintain clear communication truly blew our hats off.I highly recommend Frank, Yoni, and Jefferson for any project requiring precision, safety, and excellent communication. Five stars without hesitation!Response from the ownerThank you, Thomas! We strive to provide outstanding customer service, safety and communication on all of our projects. It was a pleasure to partner with you on this project! Ben FeeneyBen Feeney ★★★★★ Frank Giuliano (Scaffolding Solutions) is amazing! He is truly passionate about customer service and seeks to cultivate long standing relationships with his customers. I recently worked with Frank on a construction project that required a lot of his time logistics wise. He was patient, responsive and asked good questions. 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They provide both fair and prompt pricing when needed. Frank and his Field Supervisor, David Herbert, are very knowledgeable and professional. We have had tremendous success with Scaffolding Solutions and I look forward to continuing our working relationship for years to come.Response from the ownerThank you Matt! We appreciate your trust and confidence in partnering with us. It is truly a pleasure to work with your company. We look forward to many more successful projects working together with your team in the future! Rmb BoswellRmb Boswell ★★★★★ Working with this as Frank representing has been great experience. They paid attention to the needs I requested for support needed for an MRI. They with detailed drawings for me to approve and plan of attack the was perfect .Response from the ownerThanks Robert! We were very excited to partner with you on this important project! Planning and meticulous project coordination in advance of the start of work ensures a smooth and 100% safe work execution. Have a great day! heydy Landaverdeheydy Landaverde ★★★★★ Jeremy WishonJeremy Wishon ★★★★★ Frank was awesome to work with. The service was top notch, got the ball rolling immediately, and got us set up faster than expected. Looking forward to working with them on future projects.Response from the ownerThank you Jeremy! We appreciate your continued partnership and trust. Lynn PierceLynn Pierce ★★★★★ Great service! Exceptional communication! I’m greatly to worked with Scaffolding Solutions.Response from the ownerThank you Lynn! It was a pleasure to partner with you. John WoodJohn Wood ★★★★★ Our heavy mechanical construction company have worked with Scaffolding Solutions for years now. Scaffolding Solutions are amazingly fast, responsive, & professional. They always exceed our expectations! Mr. Frank Giuliano is absolutely the best. Frank is always accommodating, extremely knowledgeable and always “safety first” in his approach to our scaffolding needs. We manage heavy mechanic projects within the transportation industry for Government agencies and Scaffolding Solutions & Mr Giuliano always exceed our clients needs. We highly recommend Scaffolding Solutions & Mr. Frank Giuliano for any, commercial or residential projects, you or your company has. 5 STARS! OUTSTANDING QUALITY WORK! GREAT COMPETITIVE RATES!Response from the ownerThank you, John! We are proud to be your "access partner of choice". Looking forward to many more successful projects to come. Thank you for your business! Hal CoganHal Cogan ★★★★★ Frank and his team with Scaffolding Solutions were great! Even with last minute changes and numerous headaches the day of they still got the job done. I look forward to working with them again!Response from the ownerThank you, Hal! Our goal is to provide the best service, safety and pricing of any other access company in the DMV. Exceeding your expectations is our mission! Hann HannHann Hann ★★★★★ Frank & his team didn't meet our expectations, they exceeded them. Everyone was extremely professionally throughout the project. Communication was over the top. Couldn't have asked for more complete turnkey service. Scaffolding Solutions is top of the list for any scaffold or shoring needs.Response from the ownerThank you! The amazing partnership, friendship and teamwork we have with Hann and Hann is what we're all about. We appreciate your business! rolando Tobarrolando Tobar ★★★★★ Great work & access to all kind of work ...The best in the DMVResponse from the ownerThank you Rolando! Our goal is to provide the best service of any other access company in the DMV. Kevin TaylorKevin Taylor ★★★★★ The team at Scaffold Solutions really got me out of a bind this past week. Set-up scaffold on Saturday morning and came back Sunday morning to take it back down. Communication was great, speed and safety were excellent and price was fair. I appreciate the solid communication and follow-up from their team and they did a great job helping me get the steel installed in the elevator shaft. Thank you!Response from the ownerThank you Kevin! We were very happy to partner with you on this work and "get it done". Safety, communication, speed - and great pricing. You hit the nail on the head my friend! Diana MiraldiDiana Miraldi ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you for your 5-star review Diana! Giselle AllenGiselle Allen ★★★★★ I recently had my fourth floor loft terrace enclosed. Scaffolding Solutions, LLC is the only choice you need to ensure your project is successful! Frank Giuliano visited my home and assessed the area, then coordinated with the Patio Enclosure installation manager to build a custom design that was efficient for the project. Frank’s customer service was remarkable. He constantly communicated updates and I felt very comfortable contacting him with any questions. The scaffolding crew only took one day to assemble and disassemble the scaffold without incident. They were pleasant, professional and respectful of my property. Hands down this was the best experience and I definitely recommend Scaffolding Solutions, LLC.Response from the ownerThank you Giselle! We were happy to be able to help you with your project...and are very glad the experience was so positive for you. Have an amazing day! G Man PalenciaG Man Palencia ★★★★★ Joe PodgurskiJoe Podgurski ★★★★★ fernando santos sanchezfernando santos sanchez ★★★★★ el lugar luce muy bonito, la atención muy amableMichael MatiasMichael Matias ★★★★★ Luis Jomar Rodriguez SanchezLuis Jomar Rodriguez Sanchez ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you, Luis! 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