The Different Types of Elevators Explained (Traction, Hydraulic, MRL & More)
Elevators are a critical part of modern buildings, quietly shaping how people move through offices, apartments, hotels and retail spaces every day. While most users simply press a button and go, building owners, developers and facility managers need a deeper understanding of how different elevator systems work — and which type is best suited to their building.
From high-rise commercial towers to low-rise developments and architectural feature lifts like glass elevators, choosing the right elevator involves balancing performance, space, efficiency, cost and long-term maintenance. Below, we break down the main types of elevators in simple, practical terms.
Traction Elevators
Traction elevators are the most common choice for mid- to high-rise buildings. They operate using steel ropes or belts that move over a motor-driven sheave (pulley), with a counterweight balancing the lift car.
How they work: As the motor turns the sheave, the ropes move the car up or down while the counterweight reduces the energy required to lift the load.
Key advantages
- Ideal for taller buildings
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Faster travel speeds than hydraulic lifts
- Highly energy efficient due to the counterweight system
Things to consider
- Higher upfront installation cost
- Traditionally require a machine room (though modern variations may not)
Traction elevators are commonly found in commercial office buildings, hospitals and large residential towers where reliability and speed are essential.
Hydraulic Elevators
Hydraulic elevators are a popular option for low-rise buildings, typically up to five or six storeys. They operate by pushing the lift car upward using a piston powered by hydraulic fluid.
How they work: A pump forces hydraulic oil into a cylinder, pushing the piston and car upwards. To descend, the fluid is released back into a reservoir.
Key advantages
- Lower installation cost for short buildings
- Simple, robust technology
- Suitable for heavy loads
- Smooth ride at lower speeds
Things to consider
- Slower than traction elevators
- Less energy efficient for frequent use
- Requires a machine room and hydraulic fluid management
Hydraulic elevators are often used in smaller apartment blocks, warehouses, aged care facilities and commercial buildings with fewer floors.
Machine Room Less (MRL) Elevators
Machine Room Less (MRL) elevators are a modern evolution of traction lift technology. As the name suggests, they eliminate the need for a dedicated machine room by placing the motor and control equipment within the lift shaft itself.
How they work: MRL elevators use compact traction motors mounted inside the hoistway, freeing up roof space and reducing construction requirements.
Key advantages
- Space-saving design
- Lower building and construction costs
- Energy efficient and environmentally friendly
- Suitable for mid-rise buildings
Things to consider
- Maintenance access can be more complex
- Not ideal for very high-rise applications
MRL elevators are increasingly popular in contemporary residential and commercial developments where space efficiency and sustainability are priorities.
Glass Elevators
Glass elevators, sometimes called panoramic elevators, are designed to make a visual statement while still delivering reliable vertical transport. They can be traction, hydraulic or MRL systems, with ransparent glass walls showcasing views as the lift travels.
Why choose a glass elevator?
- Creates a striking architectural feature
- Enhances natural light and openness
- Improves the visitor experience in public spaces
- Ideal for hotels, shopping centres, showrooms and luxury homes
While often associated with aesthetics, glass elevators are engineered to the same safety and performance standards as traditional lifts.
Other Elevator Types Worth Knowing
- Goods and service elevators: Designed specifically for transporting heavy items rather than passengers, these lifts are common in hospitals, hotels and industrial settings.
- Home and residential lifts: Compact and customised, residential lifts are tailored for private homes, focusing on accessibility, comfort and space efficiency.
- Dumbwaiters: Small service lifts used to transport food, documents or goods between floors, commonly found in restaurants and offices.
Choosing the Right Elevator for Your Building
Selecting the right elevator system depends on several factors, including:
- Building height and layout
- Expected passenger or load volume
- Available space for shafts and machinery
- Energy efficiency goals
- Budget and long-term maintenance considerations
A well-chosen elevator improves building functionality, safety and overall user experience — while also adding value to the property.
Understanding the differences between traction, hydraulic, MRL and specialised elevator systems makes it far easier to choose a solution that suits your building’s needs
Whether you’re developing a high-rise commercial tower or incorporating a visually impressive glass lift into an architectural design, the right elevator system ensures smooth, safe and efficient vertical transport for years to come. If you’d like help selecting or designing the right elevator for your project, professional guidance early in the planning process can make all the difference.