Inline Gear Drive Elevator
Serving Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Erie & Surrounding Areas
A Space-Saving Traction System Built for Residential Performance
The inline gear drive elevator is our machine room-less residential elevator system. The drive unit mounts at the top of the hoistway rather than in a separate room, freeing up valuable square footage and offering a significant advantage for architects and builders working with tight or complex floor plans.
It’s a modern home elevator installation that delivers smooth traction performance with a smaller mechanical footprint than traditional hydraulic configurations. The Cibes Symmetry inline gear drive is custom-built in the United States with a full range of panel styles, wood finishes, door configurations, and fixture options.
- Drive: Inline gear traction with counterweight
- Travel speed: 40 FPM
- Rated capacity: 1,000 lbs
- Motor: 2 HP
- Maximum travel: 50 ft. / up to 6 stops
- Power: 208/230 VAC, 20-amp, single-phase
- Minimum overhead: 96″ with remote controller; 108″ with controller in hoistway (standard 7’0″ car height)
- Pit depth: 6″ minimum (8″ preferred)
- Cab size: Up to 18 sq. ft. with custom car heights
- Warranty: 3-year limited factory parts
- Standards: ASME A17.1 Section 5.3
While no dedicated machine room is required, a small nearby space is still needed for the controller and panel box. Placing equipment further from the hoistway is possible but adds pre-wire costs and planning complexity, so early coordination with our team matters.
Let’s Plan Your Inline Gear Drive Elevator Project
Whether you’re designing new construction or evaluating a retrofit, Access Elevator brings over 55 years of installation experience to help you get it right.
A Clean, Reliable Accessibility Solution for Your Home
If you’re researching ways to help yourself or a loved one move safely between floors, an inline gear drive elevator is one of the most practical options available. Unlike hydraulic systems, this traction elevator uses no oil, which means no risk of leaks, no fluid disposal, and cleaner long-term ownership.
Designed for Tight Spaces and Remodels
The machine room-less design makes the inline gear drive elevator one of the strongest options for existing homes. It’s a small footprint home elevator for remodels that fits where hydraulic systems often can’t, with no dedicated machine room taking up living space. For homeowners across Upstate New York and Western Pennsylvania, this makes it an ideal inline gear drive elevator for Pittsburgh-area homes.
Smooth, Quiet Operation You Can Count On
Modern inline gear drive elevators are engineered for consistent, quiet performance. The counterweight-assisted traction system produces smooth starts and stops, and homeowners typically notice minimal mechanical noise with a properly installed system. It’s a high-end residential elevator for most homes that also happens to be one of the best home elevators for aging in place.
Is an Inline Gear Drive the Right Fit?
This system is an excellent choice if you:
- Want a machine room-less elevator to maximize living space
- Need an accessibility elevator for homes with limited mechanical room
- Prefer oil-free, low-maintenance operation
- Are planning a multi-level custom home or retrofit
If your home has more than two levels and you want the quietest possible ride, a hydraulic drive may also be worth considering. For a compact two-stop solution, the Ascenda shaftless elevator is another strong option.
The Region’s Most Experienced Residential Elevator Installers
With six offices across Upstate New York and Western Pennsylvania, Access Elevator has been delivering trusted residential inline gear drive elevator installations since 1969. From initial consultation to ongoing maintenance, we’re with you at every step.
Call today for your complimentary site evaluation: 888-668-LIFT (5438)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an inline gear drive elevator be added to an existing home?
Yes. The machine room-less design often makes it the stronger retrofit option, since there’s no need to carve out space for a full equipment room. Feasibility depends on shaft space, pit depth, overhead clearance, and structural conditions, which we assess during your complimentary site evaluation.
How does an inline gear drive compare to a hydraulic system?
The key differences are space, maintenance, and operational cleanliness. Gear drive systems eliminate the dedicated machine room, use no hydraulic oil, and draw power only while moving. Hydraulic systems offer a slightly quieter ride and are well-suited for homes that already have machine room space planned. Our team can help you determine the best fit for your specific project.
Can the cab be customized?
Absolutely. Cibes Symmetry offers custom wood interiors, LED lighting, multiple handrail styles, operating panel finishes, and a range of door and gate options. Builders and architects frequently coordinate finishes during planning so the elevator feels like a designed feature of the home. You can browse completed projects in our portfolio.