Heavy-duty automotive lifts are essential tools in automotive repair and maintenance. They are designed to handle larger vehicles, ensuring that maintenance and repair can be performed safely and efficiently. Common tasks carried out using these lifts include oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations, and engine repairs. These lifts can support weights ranging from 15,000 to 100,000 pounds and provide full access to the undercarriage of vehicles.
Heavy-duty lifts are engineered for stability and security and incorporate safety features such as weight gauges and overload protection systems. ensuring the security of the vehicle and technician during the lifting and lowering process.
There are various types of heavy-duty lifts available, including mobile column lifts, in-ground lifts, and surface-mounted lifts. These lifts come in different styles, such as 4-post lifts, scissor lifts, and platform lifts. Each type has advantages and is suited to specific shop environments and vehicle types. Surface-mounted heavy-duty automotive lifts are secured to the garage floor and can be installed more quickly than in-ground lifts. They offer capacities of up to 100,000 pounds and lengths of up to 48 feet, providing ample support for large vehicles and demanding tasks. These lifts have several advantages for installation and use in automotive shops, including:
- Ease of Installation: It does not require extensive floor modifications, making relocation easier
- Flexibility: Surface-mounted lifts can be moved to different locations within a garage, with little to no downtime
- Safety: These lifts come with features such as automatic locking systems, and overload protection
- Versatility: They are suitable for a wide range of vehicle types and can handle suspension work, brake inspections, and oil changes
- Space Efficiency: Two-post lifts take up less space than four-post lifts, making them ideal for shops with limited floor space.
In-ground heavy-duty vehicle lifts can handle weights of up to 150,000 pounds. They are designed for installation below the garage floor and house all hydraulic components within an enclosure, which keeps the service area above clean and unobstructed. These lifts are known for their functionality and space efficiency since they do not have columns that mechanics need to navigate around. This design provides more space and visibility to work effectively, leading to improved productivity. In particular, these lifts are beneficial for heavy-duty vehicle maintenance, as they distribute weight evenly and enhance safety.
When installing heavy-duty automotive lifts, several important factors must be considered to ensure a safe and effective setup. First, these lifts require a solid concrete foundation that can support their weight as well as the weight of the vehicles they will lift. The foundation must be level and strong enough to handle this load. Additionally, it’s essential to verify that your facility has sufficient ceiling height to accommodate the lift. Heavy-duty lifts also need a reliable power source; therefore, check the voltage requirements and ensure that your garage’s electrical system can support the lift’s needs. Finally, regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safety of the lift. This maintenance should include checking hydraulic fluid levels, inspecting chains and cables, and ensuring that all safety features are functioning properly.
As a trusted advisor, installer, planner, and maintenance provider, for Automotive repair shops across the US. Atlantic Installation can assist you from concept to completion every step of the way. Contact us to get started
