Are you struggling with a freight elevator that constantly breaks down? Have you tried many fixes but still haven’t found a permanent solution? Don’t worry! This article will guide you on how to maintain and repair freight elevators cost-effectively and efficiently. Proper execution will help the equipment operate durably and stably.
2 Popular Types of Freight Elevators Today
Among the types of freight elevators available today, the two most popular and widely used types are:
Hydraulic Freight Elevator
Hydraulic elevators operate based on the principle of pressurized fluid. The hydraulic system includes an oil pump, hydraulic cylinders, and control valves.

When the oil pump operates, hydraulic oil is pushed into the cylinder, creating pressure that pushes the piston and lifts the platform. This type of elevator has the advantages of high load capacity, smooth operation, and easy control and maintenance. However, the lifting speed of hydraulic elevators is often slower compared to other types.
Application: Hydraulic freight elevators are commonly used in warehouses, factories, supermarkets, commercial centers… to transport heavy loads between floors.
Motor Gearbox Freight Elevator
Motor gearbox freight elevators operate by converting the rotational motion of an electric motor into the linear motion of a cable or hoist chain.
Reference:
Should you choose a hydraulic freight elevator or a motor hoist elevator?

The gearbox serves to reduce speed and increase the motor’s pulling force. This type of elevator features fast lifting speeds, a simple structure, and a lower cost compared to hydraulic elevators. However, motor gearbox elevators typically have a smaller load capacity and higher noise levels.
Application: Motor gearbox hoist elevators are often used in shops, restaurants, hotels, libraries… to transport light loads between floors.
Periodic Freight Elevator Maintenance Schedule
| Item | Hydraulic Elevator |
Motor Gearbox Elevator
|
| Maintenance Frequency | Daily/Weekly, every 3-6 months, every 1-2 years |
Daily/Weekly, every 6-12 months, every 2-3 years
|
| Routine Maintenance | Check oil, leaks, cleaning |
Check gearbox, cables, cleaning
|
| Periodic Maintenance | Replace oil filter, check pressure, valves, tighten bolts, lubrication |
Check cable tension, switches, brakes, tighten bolts, lubrication
|
| Major Maintenance | Comprehensive check of hydraulic system, motor, controls |
Comprehensive check of gearbox, motor, controls
|
| Notes | Disconnect power, use correct oil type, do not adjust parameters without permission |
Disconnect power, use correct grease type, do not adjust parameters without permission
|
See more:
Structure and necessary accessories for hydraulic freight elevators
Notes during maintenance
- Disconnect the power source before performing any maintenance operations.
- Use the correct type of lubricating oil and grease as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not arbitrarily adjust the technical parameters of the elevator.
- If serious damage is detected, contact a professional maintenance unit immediately.
Repairing Common Faults in Freight Elevators
Hydraulic Freight Elevator
| Fault | Cause | Solution |
| Elevator won’t lift or lifts slowly | Insufficient hydraulic oil, oil leak, pump failure, control valve stuck |
Check and top up oil, fix leaks, check and replace pump, clean or replace control valve
|
| Sudden dropping | Safety valve failure, hydraulic hose burst |
Replace safety valve, check and replace hydraulic hose
|
| Loud noise, vibration | Worn mechanical parts, lack of lubrication |
Check and replace worn parts, lubricate adequately
|
| Electrical system error | Short circuit, broken wire, blown fuse, control board failure |
Check and fix short circuits, replace wires, fuses, or control board
|
Motor Gearbox Freight Elevator
| Fault | Cause | Solution |
| Elevator won’t run | Unstable power supply, blown fuse, motor failure |
Check and stabilize power supply, replace fuse, check and replace motor
|
| Weak operation, insufficient load | Worn brake pads, gearbox failure, weak motor |
Check and replace brake pads, check and repair gearbox, replace motor
|
| Loud noise, vibration | Worn gears, lack of lubrication, loose bolts |
Check and replace gears, lubricate adequately, tighten bolts
|
| Slack or broken cables/chains | Overload, worn cables or chains |
Adjust cable or chain tension, replace cables or chains
|
| Control system failure | Broken buttons, control board failure |
Check and replace buttons or control board
|
Note:
- For complex faults or those related to the electrical system, contact a professional maintenance unit to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Regularly maintain the freight elevator according to the schedule to detect and fix potential damage early.
Reference:
Tips for Freight Elevator Repair and Maintenance
Before choosing a freight elevator repair and maintenance service, check if your equipment is still under warranty.
If Still Under Warranty
Contact the supplier for repair and maintenance. If the faults arise from the manufacturer, you will be completely free of charge.

Provide full information about the elevator model, serial number, date of purchase, and error description for quick support.
If Warranty Has Expired
You can still contact the supplier for repair advice. The supplier will inspect and provide a repair cost quote. You can compare this with other units to make the best choice.
If you are not satisfied with the supplier’s quote or service, you can look for other reputable freight elevator repair units in the market.
Note:
- Always keep the warranty card and related documents to benefit from the supplier’s warranty policies.
- Read the warranty terms carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities.
- If there are any questions or disputes, contact the supplier directly for answers.
Conclusion
By applying the maintenance and repair instructions in this article, you can confidently ensure your freight elevator always runs smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively. Be proactive with periodic maintenance and contact Naltako experts immediately when necessary to ensure optimal performance for this important equipment.

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