Direct hydraulics are less expensive, but most require a well hole for the hydraulic cylinder. For applications with travel 12' or less, the well hole is generally not a problem, and the direct hydraulic is the most cost effective. For applications exceeding 12', or where site conditions preclude a well hole, the roped hydraulic is usually the most cost effective, as the added expense of the roped mechanism is usually less expensive than providing the well hole. Hydraulic elevators are fail-safe with regard to electrical system failure. Ride quality is excellent thanks to modern control valves.
Submersible pumps make for very quiet operation, equivalent to a pool filter pump.
Hydraulic machines require 220 power, a separate machine space, and at least one load bearing hoistway wall. While a hydraulic requires a lot of electrical power to go up, it requires none at all to go down. This inherent characteristic makes it very easy to move a hydraulic elevator during a power failure. Drum machines should be limited to residential applications, where budget is a primary concern. Operational noise tends to be higher than other units, and the ride quality, especially starting and stopping is generally inferior to other drive systems.