The short answer
A cable, chain or hydraulic drive for a vertical platform lift is selected from the complete project brief, not from travel height alone. ASPAR considers platform parameters, required load capacity, lift height, intended use, the required safety-reserve level and any additional functions.
This guide explains three approaches to accessible vertical travel. See the full ASPAR vertical platform lift range for the equipment family.
A quick way to orient the choice
- EMT with cable drive is considered for budget-oriented, standardised solutions, primarily up to 1500 mm of lift height.
- EMS with chain drive is relevant where a service-life-oriented concept, substantial strength reserve, quiet operation, serviceability and upgrade potential matter.
- HM with hydraulic drive is particularly relevant where the project needs additional functions or options, as well as smooth and quiet movement.
When a cable drive — EMT — makes sense
The ASPAR EMT cable vertical platform lift is a lower-cost, budget-oriented solution for typical configurations. It is primarily recommended for lift heights up to 1500 mm. In ASPAR’s engineering assessment, EMT has a lower safety reserve than more resource-oriented alternatives, so it is selected only within the safety architecture specified for the particular execution and project conditions.
When a chain drive — EMS — makes sense
The ASPAR EMS chain vertical platform lift follows a service-life-oriented concept: it has a substantial strength reserve, quiet operation, simple servicing and upgrade potential. The chain-drive execution can be applied across different lift heights; this guide does not state one universal maximum for the entire series.
When a hydraulic drive — HM — makes sense
The ASPAR HM hydraulic vertical platform lift is particularly considered where additional functions or options are required. Its confirmed characteristics include smooth, quiet movement and simple servicing. Manual lowering may be available in the relevant configuration; it is not a universal feature of every HM execution.
Drive comparison
| Criterion | EMT — cable | EMS — chain | HM — hydraulic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical positioning | Budget-oriented, standardised solution. | Service-life-oriented solution. | Solution for configurations with additional functions and options. |
| Lift-height context | Primarily up to 1500 mm. | Applied across different heights; no universal limit in this guide. | Defined by the specific project; no universal limit in this guide. |
| Service life and upgrades | Selected for the task and required safety architecture. | Substantial strength reserve; upgrade potential. | Additional functions and options depend on configuration. |
| Movement and service | No universal intervals or metrics are stated. | Quiet operation and simple servicing. | Smooth, quiet movement and simple servicing. |
| Price positioning | Lower-cost, budget segment. | No universal price ranking. | No universal price ranking. |
What actually determines drive selection
ASPAR engineers compare platform parameters, required load capacity, lift height, intended use, the required safety-reserve level and the necessary options. For example, a standard budget project primarily up to 1500 mm may direct selection toward EMT; a resource-oriented concept with an upgrade path toward EMS; and a need for additional functions toward HM. The final choice follows evaluation of the complete technical brief.
Common questions
What does EMT’s budget positioning mean?
EMT is a lower-cost solution for standardised configurations, primarily up to 1500 mm. Its use is determined by the project task and the safety architecture specified for the execution.
Can EMS be used at different lift heights?
Yes. The EMS chain-drive execution can be applied across different lift heights. The actual configuration is selected from the project inputs.
When should HM be considered?
HM is particularly relevant where additional functions or options, smooth movement and quiet operation are needed. The availability of manual lowering must be checked for the specific configuration.
What information does ASPAR need to choose a drive?
ASPAR needs platform parameters, required load capacity, lift height, intended use, the required safety-reserve level and desired options.
Next step
If the lift is needed for a specific facility, see solutions for schools and kindergartens or for shelters, then send the initial project details through the ASPAR contacts page for engineering selection.