Hydraulic
Hydraulic home elevators: space, cost and timeline
What a hydraulic elevator needs in pit, overhead and floor space, what it costs and how long it takes – from manufacturer planning guides and five published sources.
The short answer
A hydraulic elevator runs in a shaft with a shallow pit. Savaria says a traditional elevator needs at least 25 sq ft, a pit 8 – 10 inches deep and 92 – 96 inches of overhead, and installs in 3 – 8 days. Published prices run $20,000 – $60,000 in most cost guides; maintenance is the highest of any type at $400 – $1,000 a year (Angi).
Checked September 2026. Every figure on this page names its publisher and date.
How a hydraulic home elevator works
A hydraulic drive pushes the car up the hoistway and lets it down under control. It is the classic shafted home elevator: a larger car, a higher weight limit and a conventional look, in exchange for a shaft, a shallow pit and room overhead.
What a hydraulic elevator needs
| Planning figure | Published value |
|---|---|
| Floor space | At least 25 sq ft – 5 ft by 5 ft (Savaria) |
| Pit | 8 – 10 in (Savaria); 8 in minimum, 12 in for the heavier Infinity HD (Savaria Infinity); 6 in minimum, 8 preferred (Cibes) |
| Overhead | 92 – 96 in (Savaria); 94 in minimum (Cibes, hydraulic) |
| Speed | 40 ft per minute (Cibes) |
| Travel and stops | Up to 50 ft and six stops (Savaria Infinity) |
| Rated load | Up to 1,400 lb (Savaria Infinity HD) |
| Power | A dedicated supply; Savaria lists 208V three-phase, 30 amps among its options |
Sources: Savaria, Jul 2026; Savaria Infinity planning guide, Jan 2025; Cibes (Symmetry) design guide, 2026.
Hydraulic elevator cost
| Published by | Hydraulic range |
|---|---|
| Stiltz | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Fixr | $22,000 – $53,000 |
| Angi | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| HomeGuide | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators | $40,000 – $100,000+ (manufacturer of a competing type) |
If you have no shaft, building one can add $10,000 – $15,000 (Stiltz). Fixr lists safety upgrades such as overspeed valves at $2,500 and more. Estimate your project.
Lead time and installation
Production
4 – 5 weeks
Savaria’s standard lead time; 10 – 12 weeks when highly customised.
Source: Savaria, Jul 2026.
On site
3 – 8 days
Savaria’s installation time. Stiltz gives one week to 10 days for its hydraulic cable, chain and hydraulic types.
Owning a hydraulic elevator
Angi puts hydraulic maintenance at $400 – $1,000 a year – the highest of the types it prices. Budget for it, and ask each installer what their service contract covers. Maintenance costs by type.
Source: Angi, May 2026.
Questions
Hydraulic: quick answers
How much does a hydraulic home elevator cost?
Stiltz $20,000 – $50,000; Fixr $22,000 – $53,000; Angi $25,000 – $50,000; HomeGuide $30,000 – $60,000. Building a shaft can add $10,000 – $15,000 (Stiltz).
How deep is the pit for a hydraulic elevator?
Savaria gives 8 – 10 inches for its traditional elevators, and 12 inches for the heavier Infinity HD. Cibes gives 6 inches minimum, 8 preferred.
How much weight can a hydraulic home elevator carry?
Much more than shaftless types – Savaria rates its Infinity HD at up to 1,400 lb.
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