Car Lifts Specifications

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

For high-quality diagnostics of the car, its inspection, as well as repair work and maintenance, car lifts are installed in each service station. They help in carrying out locksmith work, body repair, maintenance of the chassis, in setting up wheel alignment. It can be difficult to do without lifts even at tire services. Also, these units are used in engine repairs, maintenance of the electrical part of the car. Not all types of work can be easily done with a viewing hole.

Today there are a large number of types of machine lifts that are used for different types of work. Consider the most basic types, as well as the main characteristics of this equipment.

Car Lift Specifications

Thus, among the important characteristics are the carrying capacity, speed, as well as the lifting height, clearance, type of construction.

Load capacity ratings are based on the weight of the vehicle that a particular piece of equipment can safely lift. For the repair and maintenance of cars and light trucks, the permissible weight is from one and a half to five tons.

As for the lifting speed, this parameter for most units differs only slightly. On average, the speed is from one to two minutes. Electromechanical equipment has a high lifting speed of the machine.

Height often on many types of lifts - no higher than two meters. As for the overall height, this parameter does not exceed four meters. Practice shows that it is not necessary to raise the car very high to perform any repair work. Sometimes in the process of servicing machines with a high roof, there is a need for a height of 4000 to 4200 mm. Also, according to the lifting height, units for tire shops can be distinguished, which are capable of lifting the car to a small height.

Car lift clearance is the minimum height when legs are down. This parameter for many types of equipment will be in the range from 95 to 110 millimeters. However, there are also low-profile mechanisms. Here, the clearance is from 75 to 90 millimeters. Such systems are relevant for cars with low clearance or body kit.

Security requirements

Safety requirements for the operation of such equipment are also important. This is mainly aimed at eliminating the risks of the lift falling andfor electrical safety. Particularly high demands are placed on mobile equipment, as well as units operating outdoors. Example - a machine with a platform lift.

Types of structures

Each of them differs in the principle of operation of the lifting mechanism. Also, the type determines how the car will be mounted on the lifting mechanism. According to the type of drive, all equipment can be divided into:

• Electromechanical.
• Hydraulic.
• Electro-hydraulic.
• Pneumohydraulic.
• Pneumatic.

By the way the supporting elements are made, one can distinguish rack-mount, plunger lifts, as well as scissor units.

Each specific type of equipment has its own design features. As for the scope, it may vary. The scope of use is largely determined by the type of service work performed, as well as which machines are serviced at the station.

Now electro-hydraulic units are especially popular in many service stations. They are distinguished by a large number of serious advantages over electromechanical systems. So, in the design there are no mechanical parts and assemblies that are subject to great wear. Significantly higher overall reliability and high resource. The unit is more smooth running, less electricity consumption, simple maintenance, the ability to easily lower the car.

These car lifts are equipped with additional supports thatgreatly increase the safety of operation.

Post Lift

Here the main load is on the upright. The lower part, which provides stability to the system, is usually mounted with anchor bolts in the concrete subfloor. On the side of this design there is a lifting mechanism - it can be of an electromechanical or electro-hydraulic type. Also on the side you can see the fasteners. Rack units can also be made in a mobile mobile version.

According to the number of racks, these units are divided into single-column structures, two- and four-column. Consider the features of each of them.

Single Rack Equipment

This is the most versatile and also mobile lifting equipment. They are used mainly in small service stations or garage-type services. Distinguish between stationary and mobile models. As for stationary equipment, the carrying capacity of such equipment is 2000 kg. Characteristics of the carrying capacity of mobile models - no more than 250 kg. No more than four mobile lifts for cars can be used at the same time.

With the help of this equipment, the car rises by the wheels or by the thresholds. The car rises from one or both sides at once. It depends on the number of such equipment in stock.

Often one-column lifting units can be found at car washes and service stations, where they provide anti-corrosion treatment of the bottom. Often, models are found in tire shops.

Two post lift

This is one of the most common types of equipment. These designs are ideal for repair, diagnostic and maintenance work. The unit does not have a platform, which makes it possible to leave the chassis suspended.

According to the type of drive, equipment of an electromechanical or electrohydraulic type is distinguished. The former are easier to operate, while the latter are safer, more reliable, durable and are distinguished by the maximum lowering speed of the machine. The load capacity characteristics allow you to lift the machine on a lift weighing up to 8 tons. Most often, 5-ton models are installed at the service station.

Symmetrical and asymmetric systems can be distinguished by the type of weight distribution. According to the synchronization method, equipment with a lower or upper type is distinguished.

Four post car lift

These systems have a large load capacity. They are widely used in truck service stations. Among themselves in this group, the models are distinguished by the carrying capacity and the length of the platform. With sizes up to 5000 mm, the unit is suitable for passenger service stations.

Among the advantages are the ability to repair long-wheelbase vehicles, low price, simplicity and reliability, the ability to use a lift for trucks. Among the minuses - the size, uncomfortable jumper.

Scissor lifts

These systems are for maintenance or adjustments. Among the advantages, one can single out the possibility of mounting flush with the floor surface. Duedesign features that allow the system to be folded, the unit is quite compact.

Most of the lifting of the machine on this type of lift is carried out on the basis of a hydraulic drive. Due to this, noiseless operation, smooth running, high durability are achieved. Allocate stationary or mobile models. Portable versions are used for quick service outside the workshop. As for the main characteristics, the load capacity is only up to 5 tons. The main disadvantage of these designs is the high price.

Plunger equipment

These units are widely used in works related to the maintenance and repair of trucks and cars. There are lifts with one, two and four plungers. There are platform models or equipped with paws. There are also floor-mounted models. But more common are systems built into a special recess in the floor. These are popular hydraulic car lifts.

The bearing part is located on the upper end parts of the plungers. This scheme makes it possible to carry out work and at the same time approach the car from any side without obstacles. Among the advantages of this technique, one can single out a high level of reliability, comfort in operation, smooth lifting and lowering, noiselessness, and a wide range of models. These units are easily combined with camber adjustment stands. Among the shortcomings, one can single out only the high price, as well as the complexity of the installation process.

Mobilecolumn lift

These solutions are considered one of the most versatile and cost-effective solutions for heavy truck maintenance. They do not have strict requirements in terms of foundation preparation. You can install them in any room. Mobility allows you to save space in the room. Due to the electronic unit, synchronization is carried out. Load capacity can reach from 12 to 80 tons.

Special car lifts

This group contains solutions for tire service, body repair and motorcycle maintenance.

The tire changer is a specialized platform equipment that greatly facilitates the task of changing wheels. Models are distinguished by the drive. It can be pneumatic, electro-hydraulic, electromechanical. Construction - scissor type. Along with these devices, tire shops also use car lifts.

Equipment for body repairs can significantly increase the productivity of work performed. Models are fully synchronized. The drive can be pneumohydraulic or pneumatic.

Homemade lift

At large and medium service stations, lifts are not uncommon. But there are still craftsmen who work in garages, and a small business does not allow you to purchase serious equipment. In this case, you can make a lift for the car with your own hands. In terms of efficiency and reliability, it will be no worse than branded designs. But for the manufacture of such a system, it is necessary to have skills in working withmetal, be able to use a welding machine.

Assembling a homemade lift is a very hard job that requires the creation of drawings and manufacturing schemes with different types of drive. As a compromise solution, you can consider buying already used equipment. The cost of such lifts is an order of magnitude lower, while you significantly save time on their installation.