If you’ve been sent a proposal from your elevator service company to change the hydraulic oil in your elevator, you might be thinking if it’s really needed.
The cost to change the hydraulic oil can cost $10,000 and that doesn’t include the removal of the old oil which may cost another $2,000.
A lot of my clients ask if they should spend the money and my advice depends on a number of factors.
Let’s explore this further.
Learn about Oil Viscosity
Oil viscosity describes how fluid the oil is and its ability to flow. Over time, the oil viscosity will change and the flow of oil will reduce.
Having the right level of oil viscosity is important to ensure a reliable and smooth elevator operation.
When should I change the oil?
Generally it’s a good time to change the hydraulic oil after about 10-15 years and it depends on a few factors which include how often the elevator is used and the temperature of the machine room where the oil tank, pump and motor are located.
Low usage elevators will be closer to 15 years.
Warm or hot machine room climate may be closer to 10 years.
Tell tale signs that it’s time to change
Another way to confirm if it’s time to change the oil is by riding in the elevator and observing the smoothness of the ride in the up and down direction, and also the leveling accuracy at each floor level, especially the top floor.
If the elevator ride is bumpy or the elevator creates a tripping hazard at a floor, it may be a sign that it’s time to change the oil.
What should I do next?
Talk to your elevator company and especially the elevator mechanic who visits your elevator to maintain it. Ask the mechanic to show you why you need to change the oil.
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