In the automotive repair industry, hydraulic equipment plays a crucial role in facilitating the lifting and handling of vehicles and heavy automotive components. The availability and functionality of lifts are vital to ensure smooth operations in a shop, enhancing productivity and making repairs more efficient. Most modern automotive shops are equipped with hydraulic or electric/hydraulic lifts, which enable mechanics to elevate vehicles to a height that allows them to work more comfortably and efficiently on the car’s undercarriage. These lifts help perform a range of services, from simple tasks like oil changes to more complex repairs involving suspension systems or engine components. Mobile Column Lift For Sale Stratford CT Hydraulic jacks, another common piece of equipment, are often employed for handling heavy parts, though they are generally not used for lifting entire vehicles. These types of jacks are typically discussed separately from vehicle lifts.

For the purposes of this document, the primary focus will be on the different types of vehicle lifts, with an emphasis on the design and function of car lifts and storage lifts. Hydraulic lifts come in various styles, with each type designed to cater to the specific needs of automotive professionals. Two of the most widely used categories of vehicle lifts are in-ground lifts and above-ground lifts, also known as surface-mounted lifts.

Mobile Column Lift For Sale Stratford CT In-ground lifts are those whose lifting mechanism is located below the surface of the floor, typically requiring a pit to accommodate the lift’s structure and operations. These lifts were once the dominant type in use and remained popular up until the 1980s. Their installation is often more involved due to the need for excavation and the construction of a pit, which makes them more suitable for permanent installations in large garages. In-ground lifts offer several advantages, including providing more floor space and a cleaner working environment since the lift mechanism is hidden below the ground. However, the cost and complexity of installation have led to the rise of alternative lift designs, particularly the above-ground variety.

The Mobile Column Lift For Sale Stratford CT above-ground lifts, which gained significant traction during the 1970s, are now the dominant choice in many automotive shops. These lifts sit on the surface of the garage floor and are typically bolted into place for stability. Surface-mounted lifts are powered by electric motors that operate either hydraulic pumps and cylinders or screw-type drives, depending on the model. Among the various types of surface-mounted lifts, the two-post lift is one of the most common. This type of lift is popular because of its simplicity and effectiveness in lifting vehicles to a height that allows mechanics to easily access the car’s undercarriage.

There are several styles of Mobile Column Lift For Sale Stratford CT two-post lifts, each designed to suit different types of vehicles and service requirements. Two of the most commonly used styles are the frame contact lift and the drive-on lift, each offering distinct benefits depending on the type of work to be performed.

The Mobile Column Lift For Sale Stratford CT two-post frame contact lift is designed to lift vehicles by making contact with the frame or rocker panels at specific lifting points on the vehicle. The Mobile Column Lift For Sale Stratford CT lifting arms of this type of lift are equipped with adjustable adapters that can be positioned to match the height and width of the vehicle’s lift points. One of the primary benefits of this design is that it allows the wheels of the vehicle to hang freely, providing clear access to the vehicle’s tires, brakes, suspension system, and undercarriage. This makes the frame contact lift an ideal choice for shops that perform a variety of services, including tire rotations, brake repairs, and suspension maintenance. Additionally, the frame contact lift allows for excellent access to the underside of the vehicle, which is important for many different types of repairs.

In contrast, the two-post drive-on lift offers a more straightforward approach to lifting a vehicle. With a drive-on lift, the vehicle is simply driven onto the lift without the need to align lift arms with specific lifting points. This makes the setup time for the drive-on lift relatively quick and simple, which is particularly advantageous for shops that perform fast services, such as oil changes or tire checks. However, this simplicity comes at a higher cost due to the addition of runways and jacks needed to raise the vehicle off the ground. The runways, which are part of the lift, allow the wheels to remain in place while the vehicle is elevated, which is important for services like wheel alignments. While these lifts offer speed and ease of use, they tend to be more expensive and require more space than frame contact lifts due to the additional components involved.

Mobile Column Lift For Sale Stratford CT frame contact lifts, in particular, come with a range of adjustable adapters designed to accommodate different vehicle sizes and types. These adapters are typically made with rubber pads or other materials that help protect the vehicle from damage during the lifting process. However, it is essential for mechanics to use the correct lifting points as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Improperly lifting a vehicle can result in severe damage to critical components, such as the suspension, steering system, or even the vehicle’s frame. In fact, improperly using the lift could cause the car to fall off, creating a significant safety hazard.

To help avoid these issues, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) established a standard for vehicle lifting points in 1992, known as SAE J2184. This standard helps ensure that lifts are used correctly and safely by providing clear guidelines for where the vehicle should be lifted. Many manufacturers now include lifting point labels on vehicles, either inside the passenger door or on the underside of the chassis. These labels or markings provide a visual guide to indicate the proper locations for the lift arms to make contact with the vehicle. In addition to these markings, there are guides available from organizations such as the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI), which offers resources to ensure that lifts are used correctly and safely. Many certified lifts come with documentation that provides this information to help mechanics avoid mishaps.