Stair Lift Basics

Stair Lift Basics

• Types of Stair Lifts
• Installing a Stair Lift
• Components of a Stair Lift
• Stair Lift Operation
• Stair Lift Options

A Stair Lift is a great solution for those having difficulty walking up and down the stairs due to a lack of strength, mobility or confidence. They help to decrease the worry about staircase accidents and help restore the freedom of moving about your home with ease.

Stair Lift Types

Stair Lifts are available for indoor and outdoor use and are powered either by standard 110-volt outlet or using a battery pack. For those needing a higher weight capacity, heavy-duty models are available.

Indoor Lifts

Lifts designed for indoor use can operate via a standard household current or can use an optional battery pack. The standard "plug-in" model is a good option if you will use it more than 20 times a day. However, because the unit runs only off of the power in the home, the unit will not function during a power failure.

An indoor lift with the battery-power option provides the flexibility to use either the internal batteries or the standard household current. The batteries are charged simply by plugging the unit into the wall. The major benefit of selecting the battery-power option is that in the event of a power failure, the stair lift will continue to operate for approximately 15 to 20 uses.

Heavy Duty Lift

The Heavy Duty Lift by Harmar is the only unit with a 500 lb. weight capacity. It requires a minimum staircase width of 36", while a standard unit requires 30", and to insure proper balance it travels facing downwards, rather than sideways as a standard unit operates.

Outdoor Lifts

The Outdoor Lift is a standard "plug-in" model designed to withstand the elements and it has three covers to protect it. It has two internal covers protecting the drive system and one external protecting the chair and chassis.

Straight Lift

A Straight Lift is a standard style that mounts to your stair treads, not the wall, and it has a track that is factory cut to fit your stairs.

Curved Lift

A Curved Lift is not available for online purchase and is custom made, making it more expensive and complex, if you need one of these please visit your local dealer. However, if your staircase has a landing, consider using two straight lifts, one for each section and transfer at the landing. This is usually significantly less expensive than purchasing a custom curved lift.

Installing a Stair Lift:

Professional Installation

Professional Installation is available in the 48 contiguous states. A certified installer will call you to schedule delivery and installation of the unit at your convenience.

Self-Installation

Self-installation will take 2-4 hours. The lift will be delivered to your home in three boxes, 1. the track, 2. the motor and 3. the seat, if you purchased accessories or over 16 feet of track there will be additional boxes. The track installs to the stair treads not the wall and installation videos are available.

Components:

Chair

The chair has a wide, comfortable seat with optional flip-up arms. The seat swivels a full 90 degrees at the top and the bottom of the lift, this allows for safe entry and exit. The chair also has a large, easy to use rocker switch on the armrest and 3-position adjustable height backrest.

Chassis

The chassis has a magazine rack, two-position adjustable-height footrest and eight rollers instead of four for a more consistent and smooth ride. It also has safety sensors on each side of the footplate which stops the lift if there are any obstructions on the track.

Track

The track has a completely smooth bottom that sits firmly on the stair noses and reduces permanent ridges or marks. It also has track splices located directly next to the roller channels to provide an optimum ride and conduit channels in the track that reduce installation time and improve the overall look of the installation, eliminating holes in the wall or stairs.

Drive Train

The drive train has a sealed gearbox filled with grease, no messy oil and one of the largest gears in the stair lift market. It also has lightweight aluminum casting and a belt between the motor and gear eliminating noise and simplifying service. Additionally, the drive train has an instant reversing motor that uses only three wires with no need for a dedicated outlet and 3/16" diameter aircraft cable. The cable allows for a breaking strength of 4200 lbs. vs. 2000 lbs. with a traditional 1/8" cable. The cable wraps on an aluminum cast drum and the cable system is direct drive, meaning there are no pulleys and the cable does not move.

Stair Lift Operation

Simple, sit in the seat and use the hand control or remote to move up or down the stairs. If the lift is at the top of the stairs and you are at the bottom just use the call-send station to have the chair meet you where you are. When the lift is not in use just fold the seat up to allow for plenty of room for normal stairway use, the lift folds to within 14" of the wall and the track is only 10" wide.

Stair Lift Options:

Stair Lifts are available with an optional battery unit in the lift for operation during power outages, with weatherproof options for outdoor installation or with a 500 lb. weight capacity.

Summit Indoor Stair Lift

• Weight Capacity - 350 lbs.
• Choose optional battery back-up model.
• Select from several seat colors.
• Can be controlled from right or left hand.

Summit Outdoor Stair Lift

• Weight Capacity - 350 lbs.
• Includes weather-tight component covers.
• Anodized aluminum extrusion track to prevent corrosion.

Summit High Capacity Stair Lift

• Weight Capacity - 500 lbs.
• 23" wide, comfortable seat.
• Seat and arms do not flip up.
• Select from several seat colors.