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Modernising An Old TK Elevator Lift: Must-Read for Singapore Lift Owners

Adrian ChiewJan 14, 2025
Modernising An Old TK Elevator Lift: Must-Read for Singapore Lift Owners

Do you own an old TK Elevator lift that's more than 15 years old?

As buildings age, so do their lifts, leading to increased downtime and lift maintenance costs. That's where lift modernisation comes in—and in this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of lift modernisation for TK Elevator lifts in Singapore.

Common Issues with Old TK Elevator Lifts in Singapore

As TK Elevator lifts age, they often develop issues that can impact their performance and reliability. These problems not only affect the day-to-day operations of buildings but also pose significant challenges for property managers and lift owners.

Frequent Lift Breakdowns Cause Tenant & Resident Dissatisfaction

Older TK Elevator lifts are prone to frequent lift breakdowns, leading to inconvenience and frustration for tenants and residents. These breakdowns can occur due to worn-out components, outdated control systems, or mechanical failures.

You might notice increased instances of doors failing to open or close properly, problematic floor levelling, or sudden stops between floors. These issues not only disrupt daily routines but also raise safety concerns among users.

In residential buildings, elderly residents and those with mobility issues are particularly affected, as they rely heavily on lifts for access to their homes. On the other hand, commercial properties face potential loss of business and damage to their reputation when lifts are consistently unreliable.

Obsolete Technology and Components Lead to Longer Downtime & Higher Repair Costs

The obsolete components in old TK Elevator lifts often result in extended lift downtime and increased repair costs. As spare parts for obsolete systems become scarce, you'll find that sourcing for replacements takes longer and costs more. In some cases, custom fabrication might even be required, and that further drives up costs.

Prolonged lift downtime not only inconveniences users, but also puts additional strain on functioning lifts, potentially leading to further lift breakdowns. Together, prolonged lift downtime and higher lift maintenance costs often negate any benefits of putting off lift modernisation.

Understanding Lift Modernisation in Singapore

Lift modernisation in Singapore involves upgrading existing lifts to meet new safety standards, improve performance, and enhance user experience. In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) advises that lifts over 15 years old undergo modernisation.

It's a complex process that goes beyond simple repairs or lift maintenance. As a property manager or lift owner, you're required to engage a BCA-approved lift contractor for lift modernisation projects.

Ultimately, lift modernisation can involve anything from partial upgrades to complete overhauls of the entire system. When planning lift modernisation, consider:

  1. Age and condition of existing equipment

  2. Building occupancy and usage patterns

  3. Long-term lift maintenance costs

  4. Energy efficiency goals

  5. Compliance with current safety standards

Our Approach Towards Lift Modernisation

Unlike proprietary lift manufacturers, Hin Chong sets itself apart with a neutral strategy for lift systems. We utilize non-proprietary systems, providing our clients with unrestricted choices for future lift maintenance.

For clients keen on our services after modernisation, we provide competitive lift maintenance packages. These include extended warranty throughout the lift maintenance period.

Benefits of Modernising Your TK Elevator Lift

Upgrading your TK Elevator lift presents several benefits for property managers and lift proprietors in Singapore. These benefits span across various aspects, from improved performance to enhanced building value.

Increased Reliability & Performance

Modernising your TK Elevator lift substantially improves reliability and performance.

  • Upgrading the electrification components, particularly electromechanical elements like relays and contactors, improves performance and energy efficiency.

  • Including energy-efficient technologies like an Energy Efficiency Controller (EEC) and LED lighting, helps reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

  • Advanced sensors and control algorithms help to improve levelling precision.

  • Enhancing the lift's braking system improves ride quality through smoother stops and starts, reducing vibrations and noise levels.

Ultimately, lifts exhibit reduced instances of breakdowns and maintenance issues when obsolete components are replaced with modern equivalents. New components are designed for enhanced durability and reliability, resulting in a decrease in repair frequency and operational downtime.

Improved Safety Features

Modernising your TK Elevator lift could include:

  • Smart, future-proof, and high-performance controllers which enhance ride quality

  • Communication systems which focus on continuous monitoring and rapid response times

  • Reliable door protection systems that improve passenger safety

  • Extra assemblies for lift shafts and machine rooms, along with components that make the corrections required in safety evaluations

These upgrades not only protect passengers, but also reduce the risk of accidents and potential liability for property managers or lift owners.

Enhanced Building Value & Marketability

Lift modernisation significantly impacts your building's value and marketability, and by upgrading to the latest TK Elevator technology, you're investing in your property's future.

Modern lifts contribute to a positive first impression for visitors and potential tenants or buyers. They also play a crucial role in meeting the expectations of today's discerning occupants who prioritise comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. With improved aesthetics and functionality, a modern lift can lead to increased perceived property value and higher occupancy rates.

Work With a BCA-approved Lift Contractor for Lift Modernisation in Singapore

Modernising your ageing TK Elevator lift is a crucial investment for your property in Singapore—and working with a BCA-approved contractor like Hin Chong will ensure that your lift modernisation project meets the highest standards.

Well-maintained and modern lifts add value to your property and significantly improve tenant satisfaction. Don't wait for frequent lift breakdowns to occur. Take proactive steps towards lift modernisation and enjoy the benefits of reliable, safe and efficient vertical transportation in your building.

Lift modernisation is recommended by the BCA

With the latest release of the Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), lift owners are recommended to partake in condition assessment for lifts aged more than 15 years old.

Hin Chong: Free lift assessment service

Why do you need to modernise your lift?

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) highly recommends modernisation for lifts that are more than 15 years old. For more information, you may view the official advisory issued by BCA.

Prevent deterioration of performance

Lift performance declines with age, which may affect the good standing of the lift owner within the community.

Minimize lift downtime

Prevent lift breakdowns by replacing problematic and aged lift components.

Avoid costly maintenance

Long-term cost savings through lower maintenance and part replacement costs.

Hin Chong: Why you need to modernise your lift

Types of lift modernisation services

Lift owners are encouraged to draw up a life cycle budget for every lift that they own and operate. The scope of this budget should be sufficient to fund the 3 different types of lift modernisation services that are available to lift owners:

Modernisation of Lift Control System

Mandatory and includes the lift control system, buttons & displays, emergency backup system & sensors.

Modernisation of Lift Mechanical System

Highly recommended and includes the main motor, wire ropes & safety mechanism for free-fall detection.

Complete Lift Modernisation

Includes the modernisation of both the Lift Control System & Lift Mechanical System.

Choosing a contractor for your lift modernisation efforts

We take pride in being fair to our clients. Unlike large lift manufacturers, we’re not biased towards a certain lift system—and we offer attractive lift maintenance packages for our modernisation clients.

Why you should choose to modernise your lift with Hin Chong

Non-proprietary systems

We use non-proprietary systems, which means we don’t limit your future lift maintenance options.

No package lock-in

While we offer lift maintenance for our lift modernisation clients, we don't impose any unfair termination clauses.

Extended warranty

Our lift modernisation clients enjoy an extended warranty for all lift parts during the course of lift maintenance.

Work with a lift modernisation company & lift technicians that are recognized by the Singapore government

Our company and lift technicians are certified and recognized by the Singapore government

Registered in BCA directory

We're a registered lift contractor in the BCA directory of registered contractors & licensed builders

bizSAFE Level 3

Our work processes comply with the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations

Certificate of Competency (CoC)

All our technicians have attained the Certificate of Competency (CoC) in Lift Maintenance for Lift Specialists

Get a free lift assessment

Our qualified Lift & Escalator Inspector (LEI) will provide you with an honest and independent diagnosis of your lift condition. Be rest assured that our recommendations will not be prejudiced towards existing lift contractors.

Hin Chong: Free lift assessment service

Proven track record in lift modernisation

We're a lift modernisation company in Singapore with a proven track record. This is what you can expect from us as a client.

56

lifts modernised

43

happy clients

100%

client satisfaction

Recent works

We're specialists when it comes to keeping lifts in their optimal condition. Check out some of our recent projects.

Full Lift Replacement for a 35-year-old Geylang Apartment Building
Lift Modernisation

Completed Dec 2024

Full Lift Replacement for a 35-year-old Geylang Apartment Building
Lift Driving System Modernisation for a Service Lift - Local SME Construction Company
Lift Modernisation

Completed Nov 2024

Lift Driving System Modernisation for a Service Lift - Local SME Construction Company
Full Modernisation of Passenger Lift No. 2 for a Global MNC in Singapore
Lift Modernisation

Completed Jul 2024

Full Modernisation of Passenger Lift No. 2 for a Global MNC in Singapore
Modernisation of the Lift Control System of a Passenger Lift for a Singapore-based Membrane Filtration Technology Company
Lift Modernisation

Completed Apr 2024

Modernisation of the Lift Control System of a Passenger Lift for a Singapore-based Membrane Filtration Technology Company
Full Lift Modernisation of a Passenger Lift for a global MNC
Lift Modernisation

Completed Sep 2023

Full Lift Modernisation of a Passenger Lift for a global MNC
Full Lift Conversion of a Hydraulic Lift System to a Traction Motor Room-Less Lift System
Lift Modernisation

Completed Sep 2023

Full Lift Conversion of a Hydraulic Lift System to a Traction Motor Room-Less Lift System

Work with a leading lift modernisation company in Singapore

Professional & reliable lift modernisation for your peace of mind.

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Work with Singapore's leading lift maintenance and modernisation company

We'll ensure that your lifts are always functioning optimally.