Inline Gear Drive Elevators

Elevator Service Company installs the Cibes Symmetry inline gear drive elevator, a residential traction system that eliminates the need for a dedicated machine room while delivering refined, consistent ride quality.

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Traction Elevator Performance Without the Machine Room

For architects and builders designing multi-level residences, the inline gear drive elevator solves one of the most common layout challenges in residential elevator planning: where to put the equipment. The drive unit mounts directly at the top of the hoistway, removing the need for a separate machine room and giving your design team more flexibility with floor plans, closet space, and mechanical zoning. ESCO coordinates hoistway dimensions, controller placement, and electrical requirements early in the project so the system integrates without disrupting the broader build timeline.

The Cibes Symmetry inline gear drive is custom-built in the United States with configurable panel styles, wood finishes, door options, and fixture packages.

  • 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

A small nearby space is still required for the controller and panel box. ESCO reviews placement options during your evaluation to minimize pre-wire costs and keep coordination predictable.

Explore Whether an Inline Gear Drive Elevator Fits Your Project

ESCO’s licensed, union-trained team reviews your layout, confirms feasibility, and walks you through specifications so you can move forward with confidence.

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Quiet, Low-Maintenance Home Elevator Access for Everyday Living

For homeowners across Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts who are planning a modern home elevator installation, the inline gear drive system offers a combination of features that’s hard to match. The counterweight-assisted traction drive produces controlled, quiet travel with smooth starts and stops, and because the system runs without hydraulic oil, there are no fluid changes, no leak concerns, and less long-term upkeep. It’s a practical accessibility elevator for homes where reliability and clean operation matter more than anything else.

  • A Strong Fit for Remodels and Multi-Level Homes

    The machine-room-less design makes this system especially well suited for retrofits and existing homes where carving out dedicated equipment space isn’t realistic. ESCO regularly installs inline gear drive elevators in older Northeast homes, including colonials, split-levels, and multi-story properties where every square foot counts. For families weighing options, it’s one of the best home elevators for aging in place because of its long travel range, generous cab sizing, and consistent ride quality over years of daily use.

  • Cab Finishes That Match the Rest of the Home

    ESCO works with homeowners and design teams to configure cab interiors that feel intentional, not generic. The Cibes Symmetry platform offers custom wood panels, LED lighting, handrail styles, operating panel finishes, and multiple door configurations. Whether the goal is a high-end residential elevator for luxury homes or a clean, understated cab that blends into the hallway, the options are there.

Installed and Maintained by the Northeast’s Elevator Experts

As a Cibes Lift Group company, ESCO has direct access to the Symmetry inline gear drive platform, including manufacturer-level engineering support, faster parts availability, and pricing that independent dealers can’t offer. Our union-trained, NEIEP-certified mechanics handle every residential inline gear drive elevator installation from evaluation through final inspection, with no subcontractors. And we provide ongoing maintenance and service support long after the install is complete. We won’t disappear.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s often the strongest option for retrofits. The machine-room-less configuration means you don’t need to dedicate a closet or utility space to equipment, which opens up possibilities in homes where space is tight. ESCO evaluates shaft space, pit depth, overhead clearance, and structural conditions during your initial visit to confirm feasibility.

Although the inline gear drive is a machine-room-less elevator, the controller and panel box need to be located near the hoistway, typically in an adjacent closet, utility area, or mechanical space. Placing equipment closer to the shaft keeps pre-wire costs lower and simplifies service access down the road. When the controller needs to be located further away, additional wiring and conduit runs add to the project scope. ESCO reviews placement options during your evaluation so there are no surprises once construction starts.

Once the hoistway is prepped and the site is ready for equipment, installation typically takes a few days depending on the number of stops and the complexity of the finish package. The longer timeline is usually in the prep work: structural framing, electrical rough-in, and permitting. ESCO coordinates those steps with your general contractor or builder so the elevator installation slots into the broader project schedule without creating delays.

In most installations, no. The counterweight-assisted traction system produces minimal vibration, and sound levels are low enough that the elevator is barely noticeable from adjacent rooms when properly installed. Factors like hoistway construction materials, surrounding wall insulation, and controller placement all influence what you hear. ESCO’s mechanics account for these variables during installation to keep noise transfer as low as possible.

Find Out How We Can Help With Your Next Project

Whether you’re planning a new installation, need service on existing equipment, or want to explore your options, it all starts with an evaluation. Our licensed contractors will visit your property, assess your needs, and walk you through a clear path forward.

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