My wife has just been diagnosed with stomach cancer which has metastasised. I would like for her to be able to access her garden which is outside our walkout lower level.
We have a straight run staircase, 12′ total run, 8′ total rise, which seems an ideal application for one of those sit-down jobbies. Is my idea practical and, if so, what companies would you suggest? What voltage is required – 110 or 220?
Many thanks for yor help. Though I am a dedicated Knothead, I turn to you folks when I am in trouble.
Frosty
Replies
I don't know anything about the elevator things.
Just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about your Wife, and I hope for the best for both of ya.
never had to spec one before, but here's some websites from the Sweet's catalogs (their technical departments should be 1-800 #'s, and they're usually pretty helpful with any questions):
http://www.garaventa.ca
http://www.savaria.com
http://www.wheelovator.com
sorry about the bad news
Very sorry to hear about your wife, Frosty. I've only had one stair lift installed on one of my jobs. The installation was done by the company providing the lift. A rail is attached to the stairs. A door or other obstruction at either end of the existing stair will cause some problems. Getting into and out of the chair can be challenging for some. You have to do some maneuvering, sometimes right on the top or bottom step. The person in the chair has to be able to hold a button or lever as the lift moves. Some more expensive models have a pendulum like lever that is for folks that can't hold a lever.
These lifts also have some impact for others using the stairs normally. Often the handrail gets removed and you now have a reduced width stair, with a rail running down one side and no handrail on one side. You generally need a stair width of 36".
The ones I've seen run on 110 but there are also battery models. You may want to look into used models. This site has a lot of good info. It helps to have a local company do the install and provide service if needed. I have a pic showing the travel rail in place. This half open stair lost it's continuous rail on the left because of the chair.
http://www.silvercross-stair-lifts.com/?gclid=CLuChvC3pocCFRckUAod_mmm6w
120 volts should be plenty. I worked on the controls for a simple winch type of incline chair lift. IIRC it used 1/2 hp motor.
Also worked on another one that rode on a rails mounted to the wall and would go around corners and had a call feature. It used batteries mounted on the lift and a home station(s) where it could be recharged.
The things are expensive (I'm thinking starting at $5K and quickly rising to $10K and up), but a simple straight run with reasonable room at top and bottom makes it on the cheaper end, and you can also save a coupla thou by installing it yourself (if you're so inclined). I wouldn't think that most units would require more than 120V 20A. (Probably about 10A actual.)
Check with a "mobility aid" or hospital supply shop near you, for starters.
I don't have the number handy, but look up Northland Lift. It was a Petoskey company that was purchased by Inclinator, and then spun off. They make a simple but effective lift used around lakes with steep slopes, and could run on 115 or 220.
look to ebay... there are always several there for sale...
good luck
p
Ponytl may be onto something by suggesting ebay.
Last year a guy hired me to come over and tear one out of his house. It was no longer needed, and he couldn't sell it. So he paid me to tear it out, cut the metal up for scrap, and junk whatever wasn't metal.
So it could be that an ad in your local paper might get you one that someone doesn't need anymore.
A: Because you can't pull their leg
Many thanks to all for the prompt and helpful responses. You guys are the greatest. The intitial response of "caring" for my wife brought tears to my eyes.We are dealing with discharge from the hospital (who says this is a paperless society?) and I will work on purchase and installation tomorrow.Frosty