GSA Courthouse Management Group
Mechanical Lift Analysis
The hydraulic motor and electrical panel should be placed in a closet outside of
the courtroom instead of under the judge's bench, but at least 80 percent of the
installations had the equipment located under the judge's bench.
The appropriateness and completeness of finish details at the lift platform and
enclosure were inconsistent because of the lack of standards for these conditions.
General
At the outset of the Analysis, it was expected that vibration and noise during
operation would be a significant issue.
Based on 16 site investigations, vibration and noise during operation was
determined to be minimal.
FEASIBLE EXISITNG SYSTEMS:
From a review of the 16 installations visited and the nine manufacturers investigated, it
became clear that only two system design concepts could provide the performance
required while minimizing the impact on the courtroom environment and proceedings.
The two systems are the hydraulic/scissors lift and the cantilevered platform lift. This
Analysis focuses exclusively on the attributes, and strengths/weaknesses of the two
systems.
Hydraulic/Scissors Lift
The hydraulic/scissors lift depends on hydraulic pressure for raising, lowering, and
maintaining the platform in an elevated position. The electrical panel and drive motor
can be in a location remote from the platform area. Hydraulic cylinders that raise and
lower the platform are mounted on the pivoting scissors support frame. (Refer to the
HYDRAULIC/SCISSORS LIFT diagram at the end of Section One.)
Cantilevered Platform Lift
The cantilevered platform lift system includes a tower containing the Acme screw drive
mechanism and supports for the cantilevered arms that raise or lower the lift platform.
All system apparatus is located in the tower with the exception of a stabilizing base
frame, which extends to the full dimensions of the lift platform. (Refer to the
CANTILEVERED PLATFORM LIFT diagram at the end of Section One.)
Both Lift Systems
The basic model, is competitively priced.
Section 3-4
HDR Architecture, Inc.
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