A vehicle lift is the centerpiece of most service and repair bays. As an integral part of vehicle maintenance and repair tasks, it is used more times every day than just about any other piece of shop equipment. Vehicle lifts are designed to safely raise vehicles to a comfortable working height and keep them there. Ergonomic working heights and conveniently located tools and controls can lead to less strain on technicians’ bodies, as well as fewer injuries and accidents. This results in healthier employees and fewer lost work hours.
Types of Vehicle Lifts There are main types of lifts used in professional automotive service facilities: • In-Ground Lifts • Two-Post Surface Lifts • Four-Post Surface Lifts • Scissor Lifts • Low/Mid-Rise Lifts
In-ground Lifts
In-ground lifts are the top choice of car dealers and independent service facilities that want to maximize their space. This design provides the best access to the various maintenance items on a vehicle and does so in the most ergonomic, space- efficient way. They come with one or two posts, and are available with a wide range of vehicle contact configurations, including three-stage arms and pad adapters. The lift can be operated by a control box mounted on a wall or pedestal stand, while the posts, power units and hydraulics are located in the ground. Lifting capacity of light-duty in-ground lifts is usually 9,000 lbs. to 12,000 lbs.
Two-Post Frame-Contact Surface Lifts
Two-post surface lifts are the most widely used vehicle lift style in the world. This design features two sets of lifting arms attached to two columns. The vehicle is driven between the columns, and the arms are manually positioned under the vehicle to lift it at designated pickup points on the frame. Lifting capacity ranges from 7,000 lbs. to 18,000 lbs. Typical Uses: Most preventative maintenance and repair tasks.
Four-Post Drive-On Surface Lifts
With a four-post drive-on lift, the vehicle is driven onto runways which are then raised. Drive-on lifts are the fastest lifts to use because no set-up is required to raise the vehicle. The technician simply drives into the bay and 60 to 100 seconds later, the vehicle is at a comfortable working height for maintenance and repairs. The vehicle is supported on its wheels, although the lift can be fitted with rolling jacks to engage the vehicle at its axles and make it possible to lift the front, rear or all wheels off the runways. The lifts can also be equipped with alignment kits. Lifting capacity for light-duty four-post lifts is typically 12,000 lbs. to 14,000 lbs. Typical Uses: Fast-turn service (such as oil changes), long-wheelbase vehicles, center undercarriage and exhaust work, alignments, tasks requiring loaded suspensions.
Vehicle Scissor Lift
Scissor lifts use a scissor design to lift the vehicle without the need for permanent columns. They are available as pad-contact models for quick-lifting operations or with wheel-engaging runways for easy drive-on lifting. Alignment models are available. Typical Uses: Fast-turn service (such as oil changes), center undercarriage, brake and exhaust work, tire mounting and rotation.
Low-Rise and Mid-Rise Lifts
Low-rise and mid-rise lifts are designed to raise vehicles two to four feet off the ground. Pad contact configurations are used for quick-lifting operations. Runways and frame-contact lifting arm configurations are also available. They are often portable, so they can be rolled around the shop or even outside for use as needed. Lifting capacity is from 6,000 lbs. to 10,000 lbs. Typical Uses: Wheel, tire, brake and body work, new car prep, detailing, inspections, and estimating there’s more riding on your vehicle lifts than cars and trucks. If you’re the technician who relies on a lift to get your job done every day, your safety is riding on it. If you’re the shop owner whose livelihood depends on your technicians’ safety and performance, your business is riding on it. With so much riding on your lifts, it is crucial that they are properly maintained and inspected regularly to ensure proper performance. In addition to regular in-house inspections, the standard requires that all vehicle lifts be inspected at least annually by a “Accredited Third Party Inspection Body.” A lift inspection is a thorough evaluation of the operating mechanism(s), safety system(s), maintenance, structural integrity and field modifications of a particular lift in order to identify any risks which may affect the ability of that lift to operate in a safe and reliable manner. Inspection Points What are Certified Vehicle Lift Inspection Company looking for when examining car and truck lifts?
• Examining all accessible structural components, including welds, for any evidence of overloading, misuse or abuse. • Examining electrical components and wiring. • Checking the lift controls to ensure accessibility, an unobstructed view of the lift and an automatic return to the neutral or "off" position when released. • Locating appropriate lift documentation, safety instructions, vehicle lifting information, lift safety labeling and capacity labeling. • Confirming adequate clearances around the lift. • Checking all fastening devices for tightness and proper fit. • Checking the lowering speed over the full down travel of the lift. • Operating the lift through its full cycle and checking the operation of the positive stop. Checking to see if the lift locks engage in the fully extended position. • Checking all lubrication points for cleanliness, integrity of fitting and presence of lubricant. • Checking all chains and cables for excessive slack. • Checking all potential pinch points & Etc. Your safety, your business and your future are all riding on your shop’s vehicle lifts.
Protect yourself by having your lifts inspected at least annually by a qualified lift inspector, as required by DM-EIAC regulations.
Booking and inquires. B Safe Safety & Security Consultancy Certified Lift Inspectors have been independently evaluated and certified to inspect any vehicle lift, regardless of make, model or manufacturer. We are known for our competitive pricing, flexible scheduling, and punctual timings, for any requests or inquires do not hesitate to contact us.
