Low Pit Lift Installation & System Design
Low pit lifts are designed for buildings where the space required for a conventional lift pit cannot be accommodated due to structural or site constraints.
They can provide a practical solution for existing buildings and retrofit projects where excavation is restricted, headroom is limited or alterations to the existing structure need to be minimised.
Depending on the lift system and building requirements, low pit or pitless configurations may reduce the excavation and structural work associated with installation.
The appropriate system is specified around the available shaft space, pit depth, headroom, travel requirements and intended use of the lift.
Planning & Structural Requirements
The available pit depth is one of the first considerations when specifying a low pit lift. Headroom, shaft dimensions, travel height and the existing structure also need to be assessed before the appropriate system can be selected.
In existing buildings, underground services, foundations, floor construction or other structural restrictions may limit how far a conventional lift pit can be excavated. Reduced headroom can create similar constraints at the top of the shaft.
Low pit, pitless and reduced-headroom lift configurations provide different ways of addressing these restrictions, depending on the building and the type of lift required.
Low Pit Lifts vs Pitless Lifts
| Low Pit Lift | Pitless Lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Pit requirement | Uses a reduced pit depth | Designed where a conventional pit cannot be accommodated |
| Structural work | Can reduce the excavation required | Can minimise the need for pit excavation |
| Typical consideration | Restricted pit depth | Severe excavation or structural restrictions |
| Suitable projects | New-build or existing buildings, depending on the system | Often considered where forming a conventional pit is impractical |
| Specification | Depends on lift type, travel and building structure | Depends on lift type, travel and building structure |
The appropriate solution depends on the lift type, building structure, available floor construction, travel requirements and the specific system being considered. A site assessment is required to establish whether a low pit or pitless configuration is suitable.
Suitable Lift Applications
Low pit lift systems can be installed across a range of residential, commercial and public buildings where standard pit depths cannot be achieved due to structural limitations.
Low Pit Lift Systems
We provide low pit lift systems for both residential and commercial buildings where standard lift pits are not possible.
Each system is selected based on the available space, lift type and building requirements.
Traction 400
Single phase electric low pit lift designed for a wide range of applications.
Low Pit Passenger Lifts
Passenger lift systems available with low pit configurations for commercial and public buildings.
EN81-21 Passenger Lifts For Existing Buildings
EN81-21 allows passenger lifts to be installed in buildings where standard lift dimensions cannot be met.
These lifts are designed for situations where structural constraints prevent compliance with standard EN81-20 requirements.
Underground services preventing excavation
Listed building restrictions limiting structural work
Limited headroom due to existing roof structures
Existing shafts that cannot be altered
We provide passenger lift systems engineered to meet EN81-21 requirements while maintaining full safety compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Pit Lifts
A low pit lift is a lift system designed to operate with significantly reduced pit depth beneath the lift shaft. These lifts are used where structural conditions prevent the construction of a conventional lift pit.
Yes. Some lift systems can operate without a traditional pit by using low pit technology or small access ramps, allowing installation within buildings where excavation is not possible.
Traditional passenger lifts often require pits between 1000mm and 2000mm deep depending on the lift design. Low pit lifts can operate with significantly reduced pit depths, sometimes as low as 100mm.
A low pit lift operates with a shallow pit beneath the lift shaft, while a pitless lift may eliminate the pit entirely by using alternative lift technology or ramp access.
Yes. Low pit lift systems are commonly used in existing buildings where structural limitations make it difficult to construct a traditional lift pit.
Have something specific in mind?
Discuss Your Low Pit Lift Project
Contact our team to discuss the available pit depth, headroom, building structure and lift requirements for your project. We can assess the installation constraints and recommend an appropriate low pit lift system.