Don't Spend More for Elevator Traction Belts: How to prevent added costs to your elevator services contract
steel ropes
rubber traction belts
Elevator Belts: A history of contract inclusion
The vertical transportation industry has witnessed a shift in costs to the building owner. But it wasn't always this way:
For over a hundred years, steel ropes were the main support means for traction elevators. Durable, predictable and they worked.
Steel ropes required supportive equipment, mainly sheaves and machines, but this solution proved clunky and expensive.
In the late 90’s, rubber traction belts were introduced to the North American elevator market. The advantage? Utilization of much smaller elevator machines, reducing installation costs considerably.
Close to 100,000 of these “traction belt elevators” have now been installed in Canada and the US.
Upon installation, a full-service contract (which would include the replacement of these belts) was signed in almost all cases.
Elevator Traction Belt Replacement: are you facing extra costs?
Fifteen to twenty years later, some of these traction belts have been worn to the point of requiring replacement. Although intended to be replaced at no extra cost, it is no surprise that service providers may require you to upgrade your traction belt model due to obsolescence.
The result? ATIS/KJA has seen additional elevator service costs range between $30,000 to $35,000 per elevator, thus significant and financially straining for the building owner. Learn more about our consulting services here.
Prevent Unexpected Elevator Belt Costs
If your services provider does not agree that the forced upgrade of an elevator traction belt is considered an included wear and tear component, and that the full cost is the sole responsibility of the consumer, there is still a discussion to be had. Any submitted Proposal for Replacement is just a proposal and may be modified to include unconditional traction belt replacement.
Are you a building owner up for an elevator services contract renewal? Or maybe you’re concerned about hidden elevator services contract costs and need to renegotiate a current or upcoming contract.