Parking System FAQs

We supply and install mechanical and automated parking systems for buildings where land is expensive and parking counts are hard to hit. We are the exclusive U.S. partner of Wöhr Autoparksysteme GmbH, and we have installed over 1,000 projects nationwide.

Developers, general contractors, architects, and owners. Most projects come to us through the design team early, or through a GC during bidding.

The earlier the better. Parking system geometry drives column layout, pit depth, floor-to-floor heights, and structural loads. Bringing us in at schematic design usually saves money and space compared to fitting a system into a garage that is already drawn.

Architectural plans and sections of the garage area, the target space count, and the project location and schedule. If plans are not ready yet, the site dimensions and the parking count you need to hit are enough for a first conversation.

Yes. We offer design assist and specification support so a garage can be laid out to accept a system, including utility rough-in and structural provisions.

Nationwide across the United States. For projects in Canada, Mexico, and other international markets, we will refer you to the appropriate Wöhr partner for that region.

Six broad categories:

• Mechanical parking stackers (Wöhr Parklift)
• Semi-automated puzzle systems (Wöhr Combilift)
• Fully automated parking structures (Wöhr Multiparker, Levelparker and Parksafe)
• Luxury residential car elevators and lifts
• Car elevators
• Bespoke systems

A stacker lifts one car above another in a fixed position, so each user gets a dedicated platform. A puzzle system slides and lifts platforms so cars shuffle out of the way, which gives you more density in the same footprint. A fully automated system parks the car for you with no driver inside the structure, which gives the highest density and the cleanest user experience.

It comes down to space count, footprint, budget, and who uses the garage. Dedicated resident parking often points toward stackers or puzzle systems. High density on a tight urban site points toward a fully automated structure. We will run a layout and show you the tradeoffs.

That depends on the footprint, ceiling heights, and column grid. As a rough starting point, a puzzle system typically doubles or triples what a conventional layout yields in the same area. Send us the plan and we will give you a real number.

Yes. Our four core markets are multifamily, hospitality, office and healthcare, and dedicated car storage. Hotels often pair a system with valet operation, which changes the throughput math in your favor.

Yes, with the right specification. Some systems can be outdoors and open to the sky, while others need to be enclosed.

Yes. Platforms are specified by width, length, height, and weight capacity, and systems are commonly configured with a mix of standard and oversized bays. Tell us your vehicle mix and we will size it.

EV charging can be accommodated on many configurations. Charging strategy affects electrical rough-in and platform selection, so it is worth raising early.

At a high level: a pit or slab at the correct elevation, adequate floor-to-floor height, structural capacity at the walls and slab for the system loads, drainage, power, and clear access to the entry bay. We issue a coordination drawing set that spells out every requirement.

It varies by system and by how many levels you are stacking below grade. Reducing excavation is one of the most common reasons projects choose a mechanical system in the first place, especially on sites with bedrock or a high water table.

We supply and install the equipment. The GC generally provides the structure, the pit, drainage, power to our disconnect, and any concrete coring. On post-tensioned decks, the GC procures and installs cast-in-place embeds. Anchors carrying our hydraulic and electrical conduit are ours. Every project gets a written scope split so nothing falls between trades.

Often, yes. Retrofits are very common, and they carry a different cost profile than new construction because of demolition, structural modification, and access constraints. Send us photos and plans of the existing structure.

Yes, and it is a smart move if the parking demand is uncertain. We can lay out utilities, pit provisions, and structural allowances so the garage is ready when you are.

Accessible parking is handled through the layout. Required accessible stalls are typically provided as conventional spaces adjacent to the system, and some system types can accommodate accessible platforms directly. We coordinate this with your architect against the governing code.

Cost is quoted per project, not per catalog page, because it depends on system type, space count, number of separate systems, finishes, door type, and site conditions. Four small systems spread across a site cost more than one large system with the same total count, because each one needs its own controller, gates, and controls. Send us a plan and we will issue a budget number.

Yes. Give us the target space count, the approximate footprint, and the location, and we can give you a ROM budget to carry.

Number of separate systems, platform size and weight capacity, door and enclosure type, platform finish, control options, site access, and whether it is new construction or a retrofit.

Parking systems are a long lead item and should be released well ahead of the structure being ready.

It depends on system size and site readiness.

Yes. We submit through Building Connected, Procore, Oracle Unifier, and most standard bid platforms, and we are happy to work through whatever your team already uses.

Systems are engineered and permitted project by project against the governing building and fire code. We provide the submittal package, engineering, and documentation your AHJ needs.

Fire protection requirements vary by jurisdiction and system type and are coordinated with your fire protection engineer during design. Raising it early avoids a late redesign.

Yes. Wöhr systems are engineered with interlocks, presence detection, and controls that prevent operation when a person or obstruction is detected. All of our systems are TUV inspected/approved.

Depending on the system, users operate it with a key switch, a keypad, a fob, or a smartphone app. Smartphone control is available on many configurations and is a popular upgrade on residential projects.

Retrieval time depends on the system type and how many cars are moving at once. Stackers are close to immediate for the top platform. Puzzle systems take longer as height increases. Fully automated systems are engineered around a target retrieval time, and the number of entry bays is the main lever.

Our Parklift stackers come equipped with their own backup battery. Other systems include manual recovery procedures, and standby power can be provided where a building requires uninterrupted access.

Semi-automated and 2 level stacker systems are designed for self-park by residents and trained users. Fully automated systems do not require an attendant.

Yes. Scheduled preventive maintenance keeps a system running reliably and protects the equipment’s life. A maintenance agreement is set up at handover.

Reach out and tell us the manufacturer, model, and location, and we will tell you whether we can help or whether replacement is the better path.

No. Automotive repair and alignment lifts for service bays are a different product category and a different set of manufacturers.

Our systems are sold, engineered, and installed directly by Harding as the exclusive U.S. Wöhr partner.

Yes. Tell us the project type and we will send the right data sheets rather than everything at once.

Yes. We have installations across the country and can often arrange a walkthrough of a working system near you.