15 Jun Why You Should Avoid Used Commercial Elevator Parts

The U.S. has more than a million elevators. They make 20.6 billion passenger trips each year. After so much use, it’s no surprise that your lift needs some parts replaced.

Have you looked at used elevator parts? They may have a lower price tag, but they’ll end up costing you more.

Buying new parts ensures you get the most life and better safety from your lift. Learn more about why avoiding used parts is the best choice.

Elevator Parts Have a Lifespan

Used parts give you a fraction of the lifespan you would get from new parts. Also, elevators generally reach the end of their cost-effective life after 20-25 years. Individual components like the call station may need replacement after only 15 years.

As the lifts parts get older, you’ll need more frequent repairs. The lift becomes less reliable.

Many factors affect elevator lifespan, including:

• Design
• Usage
• Operating environment
• Frequency of maintenance

Buying used parts means you don’t know how much life the components have left. Underestimating how worn the used parts are could create a significant safety risk.

Used Elevator Parts Could Cause an Accident

Lift-related injuries and fatalities are thankfully quite rare. When injuries do occur, they’re most commonly a result of machine malfunction. Used parts could cause mechanical or electrical failure.

If the investigation after an accident found that a used part was the cause, the owner and property manager could be held liable.

Reputable Contractors Won’t Install Used Parts

You want a qualified and experienced contractor working on your lift. Poor installation can make even the best new lift parts less safe.

Reputable repair companies are licensed and insured. They have licensed technicians.

Used parts are an insurance risk for a quality commercial elevator company. The liability risk is very high. Many elevator contractors won’t install any parts that they didn’t purchase themselves.

This protects the elevator company, your organization, and the people using your lift.

Your Elevator May Fail an Inspection

You must renew your elevator certificate every year. A certified elevator inspector will test and inspect the elevator annually. Used lift parts may have issues that only become clear in an inspection.

The inspector will look at items like:

• Lights
• Doors
• Control panel
• Cables
• Pulleys
• Brakes
• Wiring and oil levels

If your elevator fails inspection, you can’t renew your operating license. You must make the necessary corrections first.

The Lowest Price Isn’t the Best Value

Most people look for used lift parts because they want to save money. New parts and services can be expensive. However, a lower-quality part that’s less expensive upfront will end up costing you more.

Used lift parts won’t last as long as new ones. Infact, you’ll need to replace the part again sooner than if you were buying new lift parts. Used parts that don’t work properly may cause other parts to break.

Buying new lift parts is an investment. It gives your lift a longer lifespan and your building occupants a safer ride.

How to Find Better Parts

Avoiding used parts is important for the safety of your building and its occupants. Used parts can pose a safety risk. In addition, They may have a lower upfront price, but they don’t save money in the long run.

PEAK Elevator can help you find better elevator parts. We’re the leading independent elevator maintenance experts serving Colorado, Wyoming, Kentucky, and Ohio. You can trust us for lift maintenance, repair, modernization, and installation.

Contact us today to find the best-value solution for your elevator.