The Importance of Service Lifts
Contents |
Introduction
Installed in a wide variety of businesses and buildings, service lifts are suitable for almost every environment. Aiding in the facilitation of the transportation of goods, service lifts offer a more flexible solution than other lifts due to not being intended for human use.
Utilising electric traction for movement, service lifts have a reduced weight capacity. Vital for industries with requirements such as low headrooms and reduced pits, these lifts are capable of being installed in only a few days.
Without compromising safety and security, service lifts transport goods between multi-storey buildings in an efficient and timely way.
Some of the types of buildings that benefit from service lifts include the following:
Service lifts allow for space optimisation as they occupy less space than other lifts. Following building regulations and adapting to a business’ needs, service lifts help to improve the level of productivity.
Dumb Waiter Lifts
Also known as food lifts and micro-lifts, dumb waiter lifts are the preferred choice for transporting food between floors. Dating back to approximately 200 BC, dumb waiter lifts were used by the Romans to carry goods. In the 1840s, the mechanical version of the lift was invented by New Yorker inventor George W Cannon.
Previously human-powered, dumb waiter lifts evolved to electric-motorised versions in the 1920s due to the Industrial Revolution. With different building and regulation requirements in the 21st century, the necessity for state-of-the-art dumb waiter lifts has increased.
Trolley Lifts
Unlike dumb waiter lifts, trolley lifts are utilised for situations in which larger and heavier loads need to be transported. Commonly required in commercial buildings, retail, and hotels, trolley lifts can service as many floors as dumb waiter lifts. Although slightly slower, trolley lifts are easily installed and sturdy.
Whether leaf gated, single-hinged or locked variants, doors easily meet the varied requirements for loads and building sizes.
With minimal physical strain, trolley lifts reduce the physical stress of carrying and transporting heavy goods in multi-storey buildings.
Find Out More
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Considerations When Installing a Commercial Lift.
- Considerations When Installing a Residential Lift.
- Escalator.
- Firefighting lift.
- Lifting device.
- Lifting platform.
- Lifts and Escalators: A Quality Perspective.
- Lifts and Their Special Operating Modes.
- Lifts for buildings.
- Lifts for office buildings.
- Smart elevators.
--Nathan Massey 14:38, 11 Jul 2017 (BST)
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.

























