Description:
The resort uses top drive lifts whenever possible because they consume less energy for the same amount of work compared to bottom drive lifts. A top-drive lift is a lift system whose motor is located at the uphill terminal. Because it pulls from the loaded side of the cable, a top-drive lift is able to obtain the required cable tension by means of system dynamics alone, whereas a bottom-drive lift requires a higher-tension cable to achieve the same effect. The higher-tension cable causes bigger loads on the towers and throughout the system. Because of this difference in system dynamics, it is estimated that a top-drive lift can achieve 10 to 15 percent more carrying capacity using the same equipment as a bottom-drive lift. Conversely, to achieve the same carrying capacity, a bottom-drive lift would require 10 to 15 percent more power from the driving motor. In addition, a bottom-drive lift requires an additional hold-down tower at the bottom of the lift, larger cable and an increase in torque and horsepower because of the increased tension in the cable, and stronger structural frames and more concrete in the foundations. The additional equipment could cause a bottom-drive lift to cost 10 to 20 percent more than a top-drive lift. The larger the lift and the rougher the terrain profile, the more pronounced the potential savings are associated with a top drive lift become. Installation of a top-drive lift can be a problem depending on the availability of electric power and vehicle access at the top of the lift. It could be expensive to provide power if it is not available near the top of the lift. Furthermore, an operator needs to be at the top of the lift at startup and shutdown, and heavy components may need to be transported to and from the top of the lift during installation and motor maintenance. Those factors may require a road to the top of the lift to be built or improved and maintained. Despite these possible drawbacks, a top-drive lift is worth investigating because of the potential cost savings over the life of the lift.

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Resort Contact: Andrew Strain