Frequently Asked Questions About Hillside Lift & Cable Lift Systems

Have a question not answered here? Contact us — we're happy to talk through your specific property and project.

What Is It/

TerMinology

  • A hillside lift is an outdoor, cable-driven inclined elevator system that carries passengers and cargo safely up and down a steep slope. In the National Elevator Code, systems like ours are formally classified as "inclined elevators" — but homeowners, contractors, and builders use dozens of different terms to describe the same thing, depending on their region and background.

    You may have searched for — or heard it called — any of the following:

    By function or location: hillside elevator, hillside lift, hillside lift system, outdoor hillside lift, high bank elevator, bank elevator, waterfront elevator, lakeside lift, lakeside elevator, lakeshore tram, waterfront lift, beach elevator

    By mechanical description: cable lift, inclined elevator, incline lift, inclined lift, cable car, hillside tram, hill tram, hill lift, funicular, hillside funicular

    By style or appearance: hillside trolley, hillside hoist, hill hugger lift, gondola lift, outdoor tram, hillside elevator lift, inclined elevator lift

    Other common terms: hillside lift tram, outdoor incline elevator, residential hillside elevator, hillside home elevator, steep slope lift, bluff lift, cliff lift

    They're all describing the same essential product. At High Bank Elevators, we build two versions: our flagship cable lift (suspended above the slope on a two-point anchoring system) and our track lift (which follows the contour of the slope on a ground-mounted track system). We'll recommend the right one for your property after a free site assessment.

  • A cable lift suspends the car completely above the slope using a two-point anchoring system at the top and bottom of the run. Because it has no contact with the terrain along its path, it is unaffected by ground movement, root intrusion, or erosion — making it ideal for steeper grades and properties where minimal environmental disturbance is a priority.

    A track lift runs along a precision-engineered track mounted to the slope itself, following the natural contour of the hillside. It is well-suited for properties where the grade, terrain layout, or site access constraints make a fully suspended cable system less practical.

    We assess every property individually and recommend the right system for your specific slope.

  • Essentially, yes. A funicular is the traditional European term for a cable-driven inclined railway — the same concept behind what we build. In the U.S., the National Elevator Safety Code categorizes these systems as "inclined elevators." Homeowners tend to use the terms interchangeably: funicular, hillside tram, hillside lift, cable lift, inclined elevator. They all refer to the same family of systems.

  • While it might seem novel, our cable lift and track lift systems are built on decades of proven experience. We've been safely installing these systems for years, adapting and refining our designs across diverse environments. Drawing upon the well-established technology of indoor elevators, our cable and track lift designs prioritize safety and reliability above all else. Our experience throughout the entire process, from initial design to the final installation process, ensures dependable results.

IS IT RIGHT FOR MY PROPERTY?

  • If your property has a significant grade change between two areas you want to access — a home and a waterfront, a house and a dock, an upper and lower yard — a hillside lift is likely worth evaluating. Our systems are commonly installed on:

    • Waterfront and lakeside properties with steep bluffs or banks

    • Hillside homes with challenging access to lower terraces, docks, or beaches

    • Properties where wooden stairs have deteriorated, become unsafe, or are no longer manageable

    • Homes where aging family members or physical limitations have made slope navigation difficult

    • Properties where homeowners want to preserve the natural landscape

    We serve residential and commercial properties throughout the Pacific Northwest, including steep shoreline properties along Puget Sound, the Kitsap Peninsula, the Olympic Peninsula, and the islands of the Salish Sea.

  • Every property is different, which is why we start with a free on-site assessment before recommending or designing anything. Factors we assess include slope grade, run length, soil and terrain conditions, top and bottom landing areas, and access for installation. Most steep-slope properties in the Pacific Northwest are workable — we've been solving these access challenges since 1988 across a wide variety of terrain types.

  • Our cable lift system is one of the most landscape-friendly access solutions available. Because the car is suspended above the slope on a two-point anchoring system, there is no ground disturbance along the run — no grading, no excavation, no disruption to root systems or natural drainage. Only the top and bottom anchor points require ground contact.

    Our track lift has a slightly larger footprint, but is still engineered for minimal environmental impact compared to alternatives like stairways, retaining walls, or graded paths. For properties near the water or in environmentally sensitive areas, both systems are significantly less disruptive than most other access solutions.

COST & VALUE

  • Every system is custom-built, so pricing varies based on several factors: the length of the run, the slope grade, the type of system (cable lift vs. track lift), the car style and finish, site conditions, and location. We provide detailed, transparent quotes after an on-site assessment.

    What we can say is that a High Bank Elevator is a long-term investment. Our systems are built to last decades with minimal maintenance, and they consistently increase the usability and resale value of hillside and waterfront properties. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your property.

  • Yes — in most cases, meaningfully so. Waterfront and hillside properties with reliable, well-designed access systems appeal to a broader pool of buyers and command higher sale prices. A hillside lift transforms a difficult or underused portion of a property into a fully accessible, enjoyable amenity. For aging homeowners, it can also be a critical factor in being able to stay in a home long-term — making it one of the smartest aging-in-place investments available for this type of property.

  • Beyond the immediate property value increase, a High Bank Elevator cable or track lift saves money in ways that add up: no ongoing staircase repair or replacement costs (wooden stairs on PNW hillsides require constant maintenance), lower long-term maintenance than other access solutions, and the ability to age in place rather than being forced to sell and downsize. Many homeowners also find they use their waterfront property far more once access is effortless — transforming an underutilized asset into a space the whole family enjoys daily.

Safety & Maintenance

  • Very. Our systems are engineered to meet or exceed national elevator safety standards (ASME A17.1) and include multiple redundant safety features: overspeed governors, gate interlocks, emergency stop controls at both landings, and braking systems designed specifically for inclined elevator applications. We've been safely installing these systems since 1988 — across hundreds of Pacific Northwest properties and a wide range of terrain conditions — without incident.

    Every system undergoes rigorous testing before and after installation, and is inspected to ensure full code compliance.

  • Yes — our systems are designed for passengers of all ages and abilities. Enclosed car options and seating provide additional security for young children, and the smooth, controlled ride is well-suited for users with limited mobility or balance concerns. Many of our customers install a High Bank Elevator specifically because of aging parents or young grandchildren, and peace of mind for the whole family is one of the most common things we hear from homeowners after installation.

  • High Bank Elevators systems are low-maintenance by design. Most installations require servicing only once or twice a year. Our certified elevator technicians are available for annual maintenance visits and are equipped to handle any service needs that arise. Because we build nearly every component ourselves, we know every system we've installed inside and out — which means faster diagnosis and service when it's needed.

  • Yes. Both High Bank Elevators products are engineered for Pacific Northwest conditions including rain, wind, salt air, and occasional snow. Cable lifts have an advantage in wet weather due to their enclosed car design and fewer exposed components compared to track systems.

  • Our systems are engineered for decades of reliable service. Because our cable lift is suspended above the slope, it is not subject to the ground movement, root intrusion, and erosion that cause staircases and ground-contact systems to degrade over time. With regular annual maintenance, a High Bank Elevator will outlast virtually any alternative access solution on a hillside property.

  • High Bank Elevators provides a comprehensive one-year warranty on all new installations, effective from the date of final inspection. The warranty covers all parts and labor, and includes two routine service visits during the first year at no additional cost. After the initial warranty period, we offer an annual Routine Service Program that includes two service visits per year (one comprehensive, one visual inspection) plus a 15% discount on any non-routine labor. This ensures your system stays in peak condition for decades.

process & installation

  • Every project follows the same core process: free site assessment → custom design and engineering → permitting → American-made fabrication → professional installation → inspection and sign-off. We manage the entire process and guide you through every step, including permitting, which can feel daunting but is something we have extensive experience navigating across Pacific Northwest jurisdictions.

    Most residential installations are completed efficiently by our trained installation crew, with minimal disruption to your property and daily life.

  • In most jurisdictions, yes — hillside lifts and inclined elevators are subject to local building and elevator codes, and permits are typically required. The specific requirements vary by county and municipality. High Bank Elevators has decades of experience working through the permitting process across Washington State and the broader Pacific Northwest, and we handle this on your behalf as part of our full-service approach. We work with state-approved engineers to ensure every design meets applicable safety and regulatory standards.

  • Timeline varies by project complexity, site conditions, and permitting requirements. We provide a clear project timeline as part of your custom quote. What we can promise is that we don't rush installations — every system is installed with the precision and care it deserves, by the same team that designed and built it.

Why High Bank Elevators

  • High Bank Elevators (formerly Accumar) has installed over 200 cable lift and track lift systems across the Pacific Northwest since 1988 — more than any other manufacturer serving this region. The majority of our installations are concentrated in Washington State, including King County, Pierce County, Kitsap County, and the islands of Puget Sound, with additional projects in Oregon, Idaho and Arizona.

  • A few things genuinely set us apart. We are the only manufacturer of residential cable lift systems in the United States — meaning we design and fabricate nearly every mechanical component ourselves, right here in the Pacific Northwest. 

    We have been building these systems since 1988 — originally as Accumar Industries, now as High Bank Elevators — with the same craftspeople, and shop in Poulsbo, Washington. We don't install and disappear: our certified technicians stay with you for the life of your system.

    And unlike national companies, we are a local Pacific Northwest team. We know this terrain, these weather conditions, and these permitting environments better than anyone.

  • Yes. High Bank Elevators is the new name for Accumar Industries, LLC. The craftspeople, manufacturing facility, and commitment to quality are all unchanged. If you've worked with us as Accumar, you already know what to expect — and you can reach us at the same location in Poulsbo, Washington.

Still have Questions?

Every property is unique — and so is every project. If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, we'd love to hear from you directly.

Schedule A Free Site Assessment