3 Things You Must Know Before Buying an Elevator

Installing an elevator can transform your building—making upper floors accessible, boosting property value, and adding a touch of luxury. But for many first‐time buyers, the elevator world can feel full of jargon, brands, and hidden costs. Before you commit to a purchase, there are three crucial truths to understand. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll make a smart, costeffective choice—and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Foreign Brand ≠ Better Quality

Many people believe that big international names automatically guarantee superior performance. In reality, China boasts one of the world’s most complete elevator supply chains. Even global giants like Otis, KONE, and Hitachi build major components in Chinese factories—and they often source parts from the same suppliers as domestic manufacturers. In practical terms:

lSame Technology, Same Parts
Whether it wears a foreign logo or a Chinese one, many elevators share identical motors, controllers, and safety devices.

lNo Real Technical Gap
Chinese manufacturers have mastered cuttingedge processes—from precision machining to smart drive systems—putting them on par with overseas brands.

lLower Cost, Better Value
A domestic brand typically avoids the “brand premium” charged by foreign names. That means you get the same quality at a lower price, plus more affordable spare parts and service over the elevator’s lifetime.

What This Means for You:
Choosing a reputable domestic manufacturer doesn’t compromise on safety or performance. Instead, it offers excellent costperformance ratios, with the same advanced features you’d expect from a global name—at a fraction of the price.

2. Be Wary of Low Prices

In recent years, elevator prices have become remarkably transparent. Online quotes and competitive bidding mean that ultralow prices often signal hidden compromises:

l“PennyPinching” Components
To cut costs, some suppliers substitute lowergrade steel, thinner cables, or less reliable control panels. Over time, these savings evaporate through repairs, downtime, and even safety risks.

lPerformance TradeOffs
Quality drive systems, smooth ride control, and precise leveling all depend on investment in engineering. If the initial price seems unbelievably low, expect basic performance and more equipment noise or jerky starts and stops.

lMaintenance Headaches
Cheaper products often lack robust warranties or require special parts. Your maintenance team may struggle to find compatible spares—or pay higher prices, negating any upfront savings.

What This Means for You:
Aim for balanced pricing, not the lowest bid. Investing a bit more upfront on trusted components means fewer breakdowns, safer operation, and a smoother ride. Remember: “You get what you pay for.”

3. Installation Quality

There’s an old saying in our industry: “Product quality is 30%; installation quality is 70%.” Even the best elevator needs precise assembly and setup to perform as intended. Here’s what you need to know:

Complete, FactoryAssembled Kits
At FUJITA, our elevators ship as fully assembled modules rather than loose parts. Factory preassembly ensures that components fit perfectly—and reduces onsite assembly time.

Importance of Skilled Installers
Although FUJITA delivers complete elevator kits, the final step—mounting the cabin, aligning rails, connecting power, and calibrating safety systems—still requires professional installation. A highly experienced installation team will:

1.Align guide rails within millimetres to prevent binding

2.Calibrate braking systems and door sensors for safe, smooth stops

3.Test backup power and emergency features thoroughly

Choosing Your Installer
Since FUJITA does not provide installation services directly, it’s essential to vet your contractor:

1.Check References: Ask for past projects, especially factoryassembled elevator installations.

2.Verify Certifications: Ensure technicians are trained to work with modern control systems and safety protocols.

3.Confirm Quality Controls: Look for companies that follow detailed checklists and document every calibration step.

What This Means for You:
A top‐quality elevator kit from FUJITA needs an equally high‐quality installation. Don’t let a subpar installer turn a great product into a maintenance headache.

Bringing It All Together

When you’re ready to buy an elevator, remember these three key truths:

lForeign brand ≠ better parts. China’s supply chain powers both international and domestic names—so shop for value, not just a logo.

lDon’t chase rockbottom prices. Invest in proven components for longterm reliability and fewer repair bills.

lInstallation matters—big time. Even factoryassembled modules need expert setup. Choose a skilled installer to protect your investment.

Ready to Elevate Your Building?

At FUJITA, we design and manufacture highperformance elevators in fully assembled modules, ensuring toptier component precision. Now, all that’s left is professional installation by your trusted contractor.

Contact FUJITA today to learn more about our elevator solutions—delivered complete, engineered for lasting value, and ready to enhance your building. Let us help you choose the perfect elevator kit, then partner with your installation team to create a smooth, reliable ride for years to come.