MACHINE ROOM LESS LIFTS - PROBLEM OR SOLUTION ? The traditional design of traction drive lift usually had a motor room on the roof directly above the lift shaft. Contained within this room was the drive unit and control panel. The most common type of the motor room less traction lifts has the drive unit located within the shaft at the very top with the control panel incorporated into the landing entrance frame on the top floor or within the lift shaft. The drive units are usually small gearless machines that are very energy efficient with low noise output. Some schemes have retained traditional lift components incorporated into new layouts whilst others have taken a completely different route with radical designs and equipment locations. One of these schemes has the drive unit located under the lift car; another has small belts in place of the traditional lifting ropes. The traditional design of hydraulic drive lift usually had a motor room on the lowest floor adjacent to the lift shaft. This room could be positioned up to 20 metres from the lift shaft. Contained within this room was the hydraulic pump unit and control panel. The most common type of the motor room less hydraulic lifts has the pump unit located within the shaft at the very bottom with the valve block and control panel incorporated in a small cupboard beside the lift shaft at the bottom floor. All of these schemes have individual benefits, however it should be borne in mind that problems may be encountered in the future regarding maintenance, repairs and modernisation. It is highly likely that the building owner will be reliant upon the original lift installer during the life of the lift in one form or another. In addition, the scope for upgrading any of these lifts will be limited as the lift shafts are designed specifically for the individual style of lift without a traditional motor room. Generic replacement parts are unlikely to be available due to patent and copyright restrictions.