The Brooks Acorn 180 serves curved staircases with 127kg weight capacity, self-levelling carriage technology, and FastTrack® modular rail system enabling installation within days rather than weeks. Manchester Stairlifts installs new Acorn 180 models from £2,950 as an authorized Acorn partner, providing factory-trained installation, genuine parts, and manufacturer warranty support. The Acorn 180 accommodates 90-degree turns, 180-degree switchbacks, intermediate landings, and continuous spiral configurations across Greater Manchester properties.
Understanding Acorn 180 specifications ensures appropriate model selection for complex staircase configurations. The Acorn 180 represents Acorn's flagship curved stairlift, featuring proprietary FastTrack® rail technology and advanced self-levelling carriage design.
Acorn 180 measurements accommodate curved staircase requirements:
| Dimension | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seat width | 470mm | Between armrests |
| Seat depth | 400mm | Front to back |
| Seat height | 450-520mm | Adjustable range |
| Folded width | 280mm | From wall when stored |
| Rail width | 115mm | Wider for curve strength |
| Footrest width | 280mm | Adequate foot placement |
| Armrest width | 50mm | Padded comfort |
Space requirements:
For narrow curved staircases, the Acorn 180's 280mm folded profile preserves adequate passing space while navigating bends and turns. Compare all stairlift options to determine best configuration for your requirements.
Acorn 180 operational characteristics for curved navigation:
| Specification | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Weight capacity | 127kg | Maximum user weight |
| Travel speed | 0.10-0.12 m/s | Variable for curves |
| Maximum rail length | Unlimited | Modular system |
| Maximum incline | 52 degrees | Steeper than straight |
| Minimum curve radius | 550mm | Internal measurement |
| Noise level | 55 decibels | Quiet operation |
| Journey time | 45-90 seconds | Configuration dependent |
Motor and drive system:
The Acorn 180's self-levelling system maintains horizontal seat position throughout curved travel:
How self-levelling works:
Benefits:
Acorn 180 battery specifications ensure reliable curved operation:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery type | Sealed lead-acid (maintenance-free) |
| Battery capacity | 18Ah (larger for extended journeys) |
| Battery voltage | 24V DC (two 12V in series) |
| Charging method | Automatic at park positions |
| Charge time | 10-12 hours from depletion |
| Backup journeys | 10 minimum during power outage |
| Battery lifespan | 3-5 years typical |
| Replacement cost | £95-£140 installed |
Multiple charging points:
The Acorn 180's FastTrack® system revolutionizes curved stairlift installation through modular rail technology.
Traditional curved stairlifts require custom-manufactured rails bent to exact staircase specifications, creating 3-5 week lead times. FastTrack® uses pre-engineered modular sections assembled on-site:
Modular system components:
Assembly process:
| Factor | Traditional Curved | FastTrack® |
|---|---|---|
| Lead time | 3-5 weeks | 3-7 days |
| Manufacturing | Custom factory bending | Modular assembly |
| Precision | ±1mm | ±0.5mm |
| Installation time | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Cost impact | Higher | Competitive |
Customer benefits:
FastTrack® accommodates virtually any curved staircase configuration:
Supported configurations:
Limitations:
The Acorn 180 integrates comprehensive safety systems with curve-specific enhancements meeting BS 5776 British Standard requirements.
Enhanced obstruction detection:
Speed management:
Position tracking:
For complete safety specifications, see stairlift safety features.
The Acorn 180 offers configurable features matching individual requirements and staircase configurations.
Every Acorn 180 installation includes:
Available enhancements for Acorn 180:
| Option | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Powered swivel | Electric seat rotation at landings | +£250-£350 |
| Powered folding | Electric footrest and seat fold | +£200-£300 |
| Powered hinged rail | Automatic fold at doorways | +£350-£500 |
| Additional landing | Extra swivel position | +£300-£500 |
| Premium upholstery | Leather-effect or custom colors | +£150-£250 |
| Extended warranty | 24 or 36 month coverage | +£150-£250/year |
The Acorn 180 powered hinged rail addresses bottom-of-stairs obstructions:
Applications:
Powered hinge specifications:
Transparent Acorn 180 pricing reflects configuration complexity, rail length, and optional features. Manchester Stairlifts provides competitive pricing as an authorized Acorn partner with FastTrack® installation capability.
| Configuration | Price Range | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Single 90° turn | £2,950 – £3,500 | Quarter-turn, L-shaped |
| Single 180° turn | £3,200 – £3,800 | U-shaped, switchback |
| Double turn | £3,800 – £4,500 | Complex configurations |
| Triple+ turns | £4,500 – £5,500 | Spiral, continuous |
| Multi-floor | £5,500 – £7,500 | Extended installations |
Price includes:
| Factor | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Additional turns beyond base | +£400-£800 per turn |
| Extended rail length (>6m) | +£150-£250 per meter |
| Intermediate landing positions | +£300-£500 each |
| Powered features (swivel, fold) | +£200-£400 per feature |
| Premium upholstery | +£150-£250 |
| Extended warranty | +£150-£250 per year |
Reconditioned curved stairlifts including Acorn 180 prove rare due to custom rail requirements:
| Configuration | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Single-turn reconditioned | £2,200 – £2,800 | Limited |
| Double-turn reconditioned | £2,800 – £3,500 | Rare |
Curved rails designed for specific staircases rarely match different properties. Most curved requirements necessitate new FastTrack® installation.
Standard 12-month warranty includes:
Acorn manufacturer warranty (authorized partners):
Acorn 180 installation leverages FastTrack® technology for efficient professional fitting.
Detailed home survey activities (45-60 minutes):
Acorn 180 fitting completes within 4-6 hours:
| Phase | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Rail assembly | 90-120 min | Modular section mounting, joint alignment |
| Electrical setup | 45-60 min | Wiring, charging points, controls |
| Chair installation | 30-45 min | Carriage mounting, drive connection |
| Testing/calibration | 60-90 min | Safety systems, speed profiles, diagnostics |
| User training | 20-30 min | Controls, emergency procedures |
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Inquiry to survey | 24-48 hours |
| Survey to installation | 3-7 days (vs 3-5 weeks traditional) |
| Emergency installation | 48-72 hours when possible |
| Installation duration | 4-6 hours |
FastTrack® reduces typical curved stairlift lead time by 75-80%, enabling faster response to urgent mobility needs.
Acorn 180 servicing addresses curved-specific requirements maintaining optimal performance.
Acorn 180 annual inspection includes:
Curved-specific checks:
Standard checks:
| Service Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual curved inspection | £125-£150 |
| Comprehensive contract | £245-£345 |
| Pay-as-you-go visit | £165-£195 |
| Component | Interval | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Batteries | 3-5 years | £95-£140 |
| Motor brushes | 5-7 years | £45-£65 |
| Rail joint lubrication | Annual | Included |
| Sensor recalibration | 2-3 years | £65-£95 |
Comparing Acorn 180 with alternatives helps ensure appropriate selection.
| Factor | Acorn 180 | Acorn 130 |
|---|---|---|
| Staircase type | Curved, turns, landings | Straight only |
| Price range | £2,950 – £7,500 | £995 – £1,795 |
| Installation time | 4-6 hours | 2 hours |
| Lead time | 3-7 days (FastTrack®) | 5-10 days |
| Self-levelling | Yes | No |
| Rail system | FastTrack® modular | Standard lengths |
| Factor | Acorn 180 | Handicare 2000 | Stannah Starla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail system | FastTrack® modular | Custom bent | Custom bent |
| Lead time | 3-7 days | 3-5 weeks | 3-5 weeks |
| Self-levelling | Yes | Some models | Yes |
| Weight capacity | 127kg | 127-160kg | 127kg |
| Warranty (authorized) | 5yr/2yr | 2yr/1yr | 2yr/1yr |
Acorn 180 advantages include FastTrack® rapid installation, self-levelling technology, and extended manufacturer warranty through authorized partnership.
Acorn 180's 127kg weight capacity accommodates most users with adequate safety margins. Curved stairlifts experience higher structural stresses at bend points than straight equivalents.
Capacity suitability:
Structural margins:
Users approaching 127kg should discuss capacity requirements during survey. Alternative curved models with 160kg capacity available when needed.
Manchester Stairlifts Acorn authorized partnership provides exclusive advantages:
FastTrack® access:
Installation benefits:
Warranty advantages:
Initiating Acorn 180 procurement follows straightforward steps ensuring appropriate configuration and professional FastTrack® installation.
Step 1 – Initial inquiry: Call 0161 330 5544 to discuss curved staircase requirements and confirm Acorn 180 suitability.
Step 2 – Home survey: Free 45-60 minute detailed assessment with measurement, configuration planning, and quotation.
Step 3 – FastTrack® scheduling: Confirm specifications and schedule installation within 3-7 days.
Step 4 – Installation: 4-6 hour professional fitting by Acorn-certified engineers with full training.
Step 5 – Ongoing support: Annual servicing, warranty coverage, and emergency repair access.
Contact Manchester Stairlifts at 0161 330 5544 for free Acorn 180 consultations, home surveys, and professional FastTrack® installations from £2,950. As an authorized Acorn partner, we provide rapid installation within days, genuine parts, and manufacturer warranty support across Greater Manchester curved staircases. Compare all stairlift options or explore straight Acorn 130 for simpler configurations.
Designed from the ground-up for any curved staircase, the Acorn 180 offers a comfortable and reliable ride. The advanced self-levelling carriage moves along the modular rail system, coming to a soft stop with ease.
