If your Iowa shop runs a Forward Lift, you are not alone. Forward was one of the most widely installed lift brands in the Midwest for decades. Thousands of Forward lifts are still in daily operation across Iowa — in dealerships, independent shops, fleet facilities, and quick lube operations. Many of these units are 15 to 30 years old and still lifting vehicles every day.
Auto Lift Services has extensive experience servicing and repairing Forward Lift equipment across Iowa. We also help Iowa shop owners replace aging Forward lifts with current models when repair is no longer cost-effective. what lifts cost in Iowa
The Forward Lift Story
Forward Lift was a respected American lift manufacturer based in Clifton Park, New York. They produced a full range of 2-post, 4-post, and specialty lifts that were installed nationwide. Forward lifts were known for solid construction and long service life — which is why so many are still running in Iowa shops today.
Forward Lift was eventually acquired and their product line was integrated into other manufacturer offerings. New Forward-branded lifts are no longer produced. However, the installed base is enormous, and many Forward Lift units have years of service life remaining with proper maintenance.
Forward Lift Service in Iowa
Auto Lift Services is one of the few companies in Iowa with deep experience on Forward Lift equipment. Our technicians have worked on Forward 2-post lifts, 4-post lifts, and specialty units across the state. We provide:
Annual inspections. Forward Lift units need the same annual inspection as any other lift brand. We check cables, cylinders, locks, arms, pads, hydraulic systems, and structural components. Many Iowa insurance companies require annual lift inspection documentation — we provide it for Forward Lift equipment.
Cable replacement. Forward lifts used specific cable configurations that differ from current Challenger and Rotary designs. One notable Forward Lift characteristic: some older asymmetric models used a long cable and a short cable — swapping the positions causes equalization problems. Our technicians know these Forward-specific details from years of service experience.
When replacing cables on a Forward Lift, we follow the full procedure: verify correct cable length and diameter, verify end fitting diameter, raise the lift to the second lock position, remove old cables noting any length differences, check sheaves for cracks or wear, route new cables, and equalize by adjusting until both locks click simultaneously. Proper equalization is critical — unevenly tensioned cables cause one side of the lift to reach the locks before the other, creating a tilted lifting surface.
Cylinder replacement. Forward Lift hydraulic cylinders are available through aftermarket suppliers. Our technicians handle both push-type cylinders (pushing the carriage up from the column base) and pull-type cylinders (pulling the carriage up from the column top). The procedures differ significantly, and using the wrong approach on a Forward Lift can damage the column internals.
Hydraulic hose replacement. Forward Lift hydraulic routing varies by model. Some units have straightforward column-to-column hose runs. Others use T-unions in the overhead beam that require a specific disconnection sequence to avoid fluid spills over the lift and surrounding area.
Lock mechanism service. Forward Lift lock mechanisms wear over time — especially in high-cycle Iowa shops. Lock adjustment, spring replacement, and engagement testing are part of our regular Forward Lift maintenance service.
Power unit rebuilds. The hydraulic power unit on a Forward Lift is the heart of the system. Pump seals, motor brushes, solenoid valves, and reservoir components all have finite service lives. We rebuild Forward Lift power units rather than replacing the entire lift when the structure and cylinders are still sound.
When to Replace a Forward Lift
A Forward Lift in good condition with regular maintenance can serve an Iowa shop for 25 to 30 years or more. But eventually, replacement makes more sense than continued repair. car lift repair in Iowa Here are the indicators Iowa shop owners should watch for:
Structural fatigue. Cracks in columns, base plates, or carriages are not repairable. If your Forward Lift shows visible cracking in structural members, it needs replacement. This is rare — Forward built with heavy steel — but decades of daily cycling can fatigue any metal.
Frequent cable failures. If your Forward Lift is breaking cables every year or two despite proper equalization and sheave maintenance, the sheaves themselves or the column internals may be worn to the point where new cables wear prematurely. Replacing sheaves can extend life, but if the column channels are scored, replacement is more cost-effective.
Hydraulic system degradation. A Forward Lift that drifts down under load (descends slowly with no lowering input) has internal hydraulic leakage — typically worn cylinder seals, a failing check valve, or a worn pump. These components are repairable individually, but if multiple hydraulic components are failing simultaneously, the cost of comprehensive rebuilding approaches the cost of a new lift.
Parts availability. Most Forward Lift wear parts are still available through aftermarket channels. However, some model-specific components are becoming scarce. If a critical part for your Forward Lift is discontinued with no aftermarket equivalent, replacement is the practical choice.
Capacity mismatch. Vehicles have gotten heavier. A Forward Lift rated at 9,000 pounds that was adequate for 1990s vehicles may be undersized for today’s heavy SUVs and trucks. If your vehicle mix has changed since your Forward Lift was installed, you may need more capacity regardless of the lift’s condition.
Replacing a Forward Lift With Modern Equipment
When Iowa shops replace a Forward Lift, we typically recommend Challenger as the replacement brand. The Challenger CL10AV3 is the most common replacement for a 10,000-pound Forward 2-post. The CL10AV3’s three-stage arms provide the same versatility that made Forward lifts popular, with modern safety features and improved hydraulic performance.
The replacement process in an Iowa shop typically involves:
Lift removal. The old Forward Lift is disconnected, drained of hydraulic fluid, and removed from the bay. Anchor bolts are cut flush with the concrete. This takes 4 to 6 hours.
Concrete evaluation. After the Forward Lift is removed, we evaluate the anchor locations and surrounding concrete. Iowa shop floors that have held a Forward Lift for 20+ years sometimes have concrete deterioration around the original anchors. If the new lift’s anchor pattern does not match the old one — which is common between different manufacturers — fresh concrete is available for the new anchors.
New lift installation. Standard installation follows. Most Iowa shops are back in operation within 2 days of starting the replacement — one day for removal, one day for installation.
Forward Lift Resources for Iowa Shop Owners
If you have a Forward Lift in your Iowa shop and need service, repair, or replacement guidance, Auto Lift Services is the call to make. We have worked on more Forward lifts in Iowa than any other service provider, and we give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement makes sense for your specific unit.
Our Clients Include: