This is a common call that we receive every week. As a specialist lift maintenance and repair and modernisation company, Melbourne Elevators is always happy to give some free advice and, if appropriate, a free lift assessment.

There are old lifts and there are “really old lifts!” Most lifts around the 20-30 year old mark can be repaired or modernised with a new controller, doors or cabin to make them reliable for another 10-15 years. Lifts that are older than this may simply be worn out, requiring so many upgrades that it is best to remove and replace it. To assess it a lift is worn out or worth saving is a specialist job requiring highly experienced lift technicians.
As Melbourne Elevators has a technical focus, our staff actually designed and manufactured lifts in Melbourne, we have the ability to accurate and honest advice to lift owners. Lift owners then have the information required to make informed consent.
We recommend that owners/decision makers attend the lift assessment visit so we can show them through the lift and the issues that are present. Owners find the experience very helpful as the lift is no longer a “black box” that just consumes funds! If owners understand their lift they can then make informed decisions about repairs, upgrades or replacements.

The age of a lift is not always a good guide as to modernisation and replacement. Since the late 90’s the quality of lifts installed has varied markedly due to a range of reasons. Most manufacturers in the 90’s started designing lifts to last for 20-25 years, these are currently being pulled out and replaced. Traditionally lifts would last for 30-50 years. Some lift installed are simply junk, made for the cheapest price and flung in by companies that did not understand or care. The cheap lifts were often from small start-ups that are now out of business. There is often no technical information or parts, it is generally better to pull these “cheap” lifts out and start again.

Many lifts that are approaching 25-30 years old no longer have boards/parts for controllers available so if the controller fails, that’s it, no lift until the controller is replaced. The procurement and installation process may be 6 months, if you can get a company with availability. If your lift is in this category and you need the lift, we advise that you start planning for the modernisation asap.

Melbourne Elevators can assist with budgeting and planning for a staged repair or upgrade process so owners can incorporate the lift into the budget over the short to long term.

We trust that this brief article has been helpful!

Andrew Lewis.

Director,
Melbourne elevators.

Published: March 26, 2026