A South Africa-based lift service and repair company has ordered 10 additional Vesconite elevator sliding guide shoes in 2025. This follows the successful testing of 10 sample guide shoes in March 2025 at the Shoprite Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) shopping centre in Maseru, Lesotho.
Guide shoes are essential low-friction components in elevators, enabling smooth car movement. They help keep the lift car and counterweight securely aligned on their rails, preventing unwanted swaying during operation.
Elevate Connection’s owner, Brendon Bezuidenhout, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of Vesconite’s guide shoes, citing their reliability and smooth operation in daily use.
The new order will also be used in elevators in the LNDC shopping centre, demonstrating Bezuidenhout’s confidence in the product’s long-term benefits.
The decision to switch to Vesconite guide shoes stems from their superior performance compared to traditional metal or greased alternatives.
The self-lubricating, high-load-bearing Vesconite guide shoe and wear material ensures a smooth, maintenance-free operation. These U-shaped guide shoes offer multiple advantages:
- Extended Lifespan – Vesconite guide shoes last longer than traditional bronze shoes, reducing the frequency of replacements and lowering maintenance costs.
- No Grease Required – The self-lubricating properties eliminate grease, making the Vesconite guide shoes suitable for enclosed elevator shafts where cleanliness is a priority.
- Reduced Friction and Energy Consumption – Worn traditional guide shoes create higher friction, placing additional strain on the traction machine and increasing energy usage. Vesconite’s low-friction properties mitigate this issue, improving efficiency.
- Improved Ride Quality – Misaligned or worn-out guide shoes lead to vibrations and noise. Vesconite guide shoes help maintain alignment, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride.
- Protection Against Component Damage – Misalignment in traditional guide shoes can speed up wear on critical components such as guide rails, safety brakes, and hoist ropes, leading to costly repairs. Vesconite’s precision-engineered material ensures proper alignment and extends the lifespan of these components.
Bezuidenhout’s growing trust in Vesconite Bearings’ materials is evident in his recent order. With a total of 20 guide shoes to be operational in 2025, Elevate Connection is setting a precedent for improved efficiency and reduced maintenance in Southern Africa’s elevator industry.
