Harmar Stairlifts Review
An AARP survey reveals that most Americans age 50 and older want to stay in their home as long as possible. Harmar helps make aging in place possible with a mobility solution for going up and down staircases.
Harmar continues to expand after more than two decades in business. Harmar is different from other stair lift companies, offering a patented drive system. The company serves those with limited mobility with these corporate standards:
- Quality assurance and safety: Stairlifts are weight-tested at capacity before leaving the factory. Every Harmar product gets tested in development well beyond its rated load. The company says it performs life-cycle testing that goes over and above industry guidelines.
- No-hassle support: Harmar assists dealers with top-level support and convenient one-stop shopping for several mobility solutions. Customer service is available before, during and after the sale.
- Preassembled products: Harmar stair lifts required little to no assembly, so installation is fast. You may pay less to have a Harmar stair lift installed.
Harmar sells stair lifts and platform lifts across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Pros
- Models support from 300 to 600 pounds
- Made in the U.S.
- Stair lifts arrive preassembled for faster installation
- Patented greaseless drive reduces maintenance costs
Cons
- Stair lifts can only use Harmar proprietary parts
Harmar Straight Stairlifts
Harmar’s Pinnacle straight stair lifts incorporate a patented helical worm gear drive. This feature produces a very smooth and energy-efficient ride. The greaseless drive requires no maintenance, which cuts future costs.
Harmar straight stair lifts come with safety sensors, and you can add various options depending on the model. The automatic folding rail option lifts or lowers the bottom portion of the rail to increase floor space.
Harmar Pinnacle Stair Lifts
Harmar’s lowest-cost straight stair lift is the Pinnacle SL300. This lift is among the most compact in the industry, yet it holds up to 300 pounds. Although an authorized dealer should inspect Harmar Pinnacle stair lifts for safety annually, the drive requires no maintenance.
The Harmar Pinnacle SL600 is the narrowest straight stair lift in the industry. The seat only takes 10.5 inches of space when the footrest and seat are folded. The SL600 comes with the helical worm gear drive and supports up to 350 pounds.
The Pinnacle SL600HD can carry up to 600 pounds. Because this model comes with a wider seat, the folded dimension is 17 inches. The SL600HD seat swivels 85 degrees at the upper landing for easy dismount or transfer.
Harmar Summit Stair lifts
The Summit SL350AC mounts to the stairs on either side of the staircase instead of using a wall mount. Harmar sells the track in customized lengths made of sturdy extruded aluminum. This stair lift operates on standard 115-volt AC household current and features more padding for comfort. Rocker controls require constant pressure to operate the lift. The rider can stop the lift by taking pressure off the control.
The Summit SL350OD is a straight outdoor stair lift. The weight capacity for both models is 350 pounds.
| Model | Features |
|---|---|
| Pinnacle SL300 | – Most compact model – Operates up to 40 trips in a power outage – Two-year parts and 10-year gear rack warranty |
| Pinnacle SL600 | – Narrowest folded size in the industry – Manual override to raise or lower in a power outage – Limited lifetime warranty |
| Pinnacle SL600HD | – Carries up to 600 pounds – Seat swivels for easier dismount – Three-year parts and 10-year gear rack warranty |
| Summit SL350AC and SL350OD (outdoor) | – Stair mount, padded armrests – Custom track lengths, cable drive – Three-year parts warranty |
| Helix CSL500 | – Curved lift with narrow profile, mounts closer to the wall – 90- and 180-degree turns and spiral staircases – Limited lifetime and two-year parts warranty |
Harmar Curved Stair Lift
Harmar’s curved stair lift is the Helix CSL500. Harmar measures curved staircases with a calibrated camera kit for digital accuracy before you order your Helix lift. The CSL500 features custom precision-bent rails and multiple color options.
With four cutoff safety switches and an optional emergency stop, Helix curved stair lifts can accommodate multistory applications. The custom-built rail can take on tight curves with ease.
Harmar Stair Lift Costs
Harmar does not provide prices on its website. Authorized dealers, usually located at durable medical equipment retailers, provide quotes. Overall, prices are in line with the average cost for a stair lift.
We found Harmar straight stair lifts starting at around $2,500, plus the cost of installation. Pricing goes up to approximately $5,000, depending on options, rail length and model. You’ll pay at least $10,000 for the Harmar Helix because it requires a customized rail for curved staircases. Harmar’s curved outdoor stair lift can cost over $12,000.
Where to Buy Harmar Stair Lifts
Authorized dealers located throughout the U.S. and around the world sell and service Harmar stair lifts. The dealer can help you choose the best stair lift for your needs, take measurements, provide quotes and answer any questions.
Use the dealer locator on the Harmar website to find an authorized seller in your area.
Harmar Stair Lift Complaints
The Better Business Bureau gives Harmar an A+ rating at the time of publishing. Consumer reviews on the BBB site average out to 5 stars. There are some complaints, and Harmar addressed all but one to the customer’s satisfaction. The only unresolved complaint is from a customer who is reluctant to provide information needed for a repair.
ConsumersAdvocate.org gives Harmar stair lifts 4.1 out of 5 stars. The company gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from Top Ten Reviews. Harmar customers give the company 4.3 out of 5 stars on Facebook reviews.
Harmar Stair Lifts Q&A
-
Do Harmar stair lifts require regular maintenance?
Harmar designs stair lifts to operate trouble-free with little maintenance. The Pinnacle models may not need any care for life, but still should be inspected for safety each year. Other Harmar stair lifts have a specific maintenance schedule found in the owner’s manual. You should also discuss maintenance with your authorized dealer before you buy a stair lift. -
Are all parts of a Harmar outdoor stair lift weatherproof?
Harmar’s exterior lifts are designed to withstand weather if you use the weatherproof cover to protect the device. Harmar outdoor stair lift remote controls are not weather-resistant. You’ll need to remove and store the controls indoors when not in use. -
Does Harmar sell lifts for vehicles?
Harmar manufactures chair lifts, hoists and mobility scooter platforms for use with vehicles. These mobility devices are sold through Harmar authorized dealers, which you can find on the company website. -
Where do I get help if I have a problem or question about my Harmar stair lift?
Harmar trains authorized dealers to assist customers with parts, accessories, product brochures, installation and technical support. You can also use the contact form on the website. Harmar customer service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. -
How quickly do Harmar stair lifts move on staircases?
All but one Harmar stair lift model moves the seat 20 feet per minute. The SL600HD is designed to carry up to 600 pounds at 14 feet per minute.
Conclusion
Harmar products are built with the latest stair lift technology. The patented drives on the Pinnacle models are low-hassle with no maintenance and provide a smooth ride. Harmar’s Helix model for curved staircases is custom-designed to fit your curved case with top safety features. Compact and heavy-duty stair lifts round out Harmar’s product line to meet just about anyone’s mobility needs.