Installation
Process
Custom Installation Tailored to Each
Site
Our 7-step installation process ensures your Hill Hiker® lift
system performs at its best.
1. Inspection
We first determine the exact location of the lift, taking into account special
site considerations like traffic flow to and from the lift location, preserving
desired trees and vegetation, and blending the lift into the existing landscaping
plan.
2. String Line
After establishing the site location, we run a string line from the top to
the bottom of the hill to help identify difficult areas such as large rocks,
wash out areas and high/low points along the path of travel.
3. Site Preparation
Next, we establish elevations at the top and bottom of the hill, and begin
site preparation. Our Hill Hiker® crew cleans the hillside (approximately
60 inches wide) preparing for installation of the required footings.
4. Footings/Support Systems
We select the support systems required for each Hill Hiker® lift project,
based on the particular soil conditions of each site. We have successfully
installed Hill Hiker® lift systems in soil conditions ranging from
sugar sand to granite — and everything in between.
For "digable" soil that can be excavated with a one-man power auger,
we use the standard Hill Hiker® lift support structure. This support
system features two steel support legs concreted into the ground every 10
feet along the hill. For hardpan, sandstone, hard rock, or seismic earthquake
applications, we use concrete-grade beams, columns or caissons. When applicable,
we place concrete columns (12 to 24 inch in diameter, depending on load requirements)
every 10 feet going down the hillside — a support system that works
very well in "non-digable" soil conditions. We have also used steel
columns, pile-driven timbers, and I-beams support structures, depending on
the specific job-site requirements.
5. Track Installation
Once the support structure is established, we can begin installing the Hill
Hiker® track system. We typically use 10-foot long track sections (available
in 2-, 3- or 4-foot widths) mounted to steel support legs or heavy-duty
steel track brackets anchored to the support structure. The Hill Hiker's™ unique "Captured
Rail Design" eliminates the chance of the car and chassis leaving
the track system.
6. Car System Installation
After the track and support structure have been securely fastened with grade
5 hardened bolts and Nylock locking nuts, we’re ready to install
the chassis and car systems. We use multiple independent mechanical braking
systems on the chassis, including a slack cable safety and a centrifugal
over-speed governor that engages at a preset rate of speed.
7. Motor Drive and Control System Installation
The power drive assembly and motor control systems are designed and engineered
to meet our customers’ specific requirements, based on the angle of incline,
length of travel, usage parameter, and adherence to local and national codes.
Our elevator controller uses a state-of-the-art soft start/soft stop motor
control system.
We then mount Call/Send push button control stations at the top and bottom
of the lift, and on board the car. We can also install additional stopping
points along the track if needed for full operation of the lift. Key security
comes standard; or you can choose an optional keypad entry system. Fine tuning
the lift and cleaning the job site finish the construction process. |
Our Hill Hiker® installation was great! Their crew
was prompt, courteous and got the job done when they
said they would. The lift has changed our lake shore
living by allowing us to really utilize the lake! Thanks
Hill Hiker!
Sam & Jennifer S.
Hudson, Wisconsin |
