Have a new construction residential project with an optional elevator in the plan and I am hoping someone can recommend a a company that makes good residential elevators, as I have never done one but have been in some that are nice and some that are loud and jerky.
Shaft can be up to 4′ x 6′ (not including framing) and mechanical space is available above, below, or nearby so any type of mechanism can work.
Replies
I would recommend you go to one of the major manufacturers, like Schindler Elevator, Kone, Mitsubishi, or Otis. There are other smaller compainies in the business but there is risk that they won't be in business 10 or 15 years later when you or your customer needs parts. The big companies have been buying the smaller ones to gain their market share. Also there are companies that buy the parts from the major manufacturers then install under their name. Having been in the business for a while, I would pay the premium (if any) and only buy from the big guys.
You would most likely want a "machine-roomless" elevator to save space. Such as
http://www.schindler3300na.com/ or
http://www.mitsubishielevator.com/products/elevators/machine_room_less
In some states these machine-roomless are not yet accepted by Code, so check first (actually the elevator company will tell you).
Also your hoistway dimensions are on the small side. It can probably be done, but will require custom build (cab interiors come in prebuilt standards per manufaucturer) so when you start customizing, it get expensive. It's cheapest when you can use the manufacturer's standard size cab/wall panels, platform, rails, etc.
The smallest hoistways I've seen for standard-builds is 7'-6" x 6'-11" (however, I don't have expereince with Residential installations).
elevator shaft
4' x 6' is the ID, and most of the residential companies don't even appear to have a standard cab that large ... 48" x 60" is the largest I have yet come across in a standard size.
It doesn't look like Schindler or Mitsubishi have residential products, nor do a lot of the majors like Kone ... the Kone rep told me it is because they are union labor and can't compete in residential.
Keep in mind that if you have a 4x6 shaft the actual car would be closer to 3x5.