4 replies to this topic

[NHskier13]

I was reading the newspaper from a few weeks ago, and one of the main stories was ski areas preparing for winter. Another was of Mcintyre ski area ( a tiny ski hill about 10 minutes walking from my house) and the improvements happening there. (You know, more lighting for Night Skiing, Replacing Snowmaking Pipes, and stuff like that) One thing that caught my eye is that
"We are also replacing the drives and engines on our two double chairlifts so they can run at different speeds for beginners"

Both these doubles are 1970 halls, and if i'm correct hall is out of buisness, right?
These weren't replaced with a Doppelmayr terminal or anything like that, they kept their same old hall terminals.
How do they typically replace engines of lifts with a different company like this?
Photos of the two lifts:

[Boat]

I believe the Drive they are referring to is the motor control electronics. They are upgrading from a single speed AC Motor to a Varible Frequency Drive (VFD). This may also include a new motor. The Hall Terminal will remain in place.

This post has been edited by Boat: 29 October 2014 - 01:19 PM

[liftmech]

The 'engine' (motor) can be replaced as well without changing much. Motors are sourced by the manufacturer (as are drives); they rarely build their own. Emax's old employer is a notable exception to the drives.

[teachme]

Rumour has it Mt. Seymour replaced the motor on their old Mystery Peak double with one from a submarine about 15 years ago. No idea if it is true but also do not see any reason it was not true.

[Emax]

liftmech, on 01 November 2014 - 12:32 PM, said:

The 'engine' (motor) can be replaced as well without changing much. Motors are sourced by the manufacturer (as are drives); they rarely build their own. Emax's old employer is a notable exception to the drives.

Thank you for that mention. I still maintain them.