blue +white blog title graphic "The Benefits of Machine Room-Less Elevators" for Buckley Elevator

The Benefits of Machine Room-Less Elevators

February 20, 2025

There are two major ways to house the operations of your elevator– through a traction machine room-less elevator and a machine room elevator. Machine room-less elevators can be either traction or hydraulic elevators that do not require a machine room to operate the lift. They are often located in the elevator hoistway, saving space in a building. Determine whether a machine room-less elevator is right for you based on its benefits.

Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly

Machine room-less elevators have traction systems that use up less energy than other kinds of elevators that have machine rooms. All components fit in the hoistway and the car and counterweight are attached through a coated steel belt. The counterweight will provide a counterbalance to the actual weight of the car which in turn reduces the energy that is required to raise and lower the elevator. Plus, there is no need for hydraulic oil to help power these elevators, meaning that there is no risk of leakage and spills. 

Reduced Costs 

Since machine room-less elevators come without the need for a machine room, there is less construction involved and less equipment needed. In spaces with large commercial spaces, removing the requirement of an elevator machine room can make a significant difference when adding up costs that involve a lot of design and construction projects.

Design Flexibility

Without a room for the elevator, a commercial building has more space and availability for additional designs. Maybe a commercial building would thrive with a large window or skylight, decorative wall panels, and multi-use spaces that have flexible furniture. Or, maybe a business would like to include a fitness center for their employees. Whatever additional projects or spaces are desired, the removal of an elevator machine room will open up more possibilities. 

A Smoother and Better Passenger Experience 

The number one priority of elevators is to provide a safe and comfortable experience for all kinds of riders. As machine room-less elevators don’t need an additional machine room, there will be less noise. Plus, these elevators come with advanced safety features including backup braking systems, emergency communication devices, and other equipment in case of emergency.

What is the Future of Machine Room-Less Elevators? 

Machine room-less elevators will continue to play a large role in the future of commercial buildings as the demand for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions grows. Machine room-less elevators often work best for low to mid-rise buildings which include office buildings, hotels, retail spaces, and residential complexes. These buildings often don’t require the high-speed skills of traction elevators or the heavy-duty powers of hydraulic elevators. So, the best option for them to save space and energy is to adopt a machine room-less approach. 

At Buckley Elevator, we can help you determine whether your commercial business will benefit from a machine room-less elevator. Our full-commercial elevator services come with an initial site evaluation that will examine the conditions of your space and whether a machine room-less elevator is feasible.