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Chairlift Drive Terminal Question

theliftguy's Photo theliftguy 22 Feb 2016

Just a quick question. Why do most chairlifts have lower drive terminals? For example, I dont think I've ever seen a Yan lift with a lower drive terminal. To me, it makes no sense. Why push the load of people up the mountain when you can PULL the people up the mountain? And does this have to do with downhill capacity by any chance?
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snoloco's Photo snoloco 22 Feb 2016

Bottom drive lifts are often cheaper to build as you don't have to run electric up the mountain. Top drive is definitely more efficient as you are pulling people up the mountain instead of pushing.
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liftmech's Photo liftmech 23 Feb 2016

See the following existing topic:
http://www.skilifts....80
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Mike12164's Photo Mike12164 23 Feb 2016

If the power supply and summer access is available resorts will always install the drive at the top simply because it uses less energy. For lifts the go right down to the base area it reduces noise too, nobody wants a giant machine whirring away next to their condo.

View Posttheliftguy, on 22 February 2016 - 05:32 PM, said:

dont think I've ever seen a Yan lift with a lower drive terminal.


They do exist:
http://skiingbc.info.../lift-13481.php
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SkiDaBird's Photo SkiDaBird 23 Feb 2016

All 4 of Alta's YAN lifts are bottom drive. I'm counting Supreme since both terminals are from the old lift still.
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