Automotive Lift Repair Florida | Setting Up an Outdoor Lift

Planning to install another car lift in your shop can be challenging, especially when floor space is limited. In such cases, some opt to install a car lift outside.

Even if there’s enough space inside your shop, you might encounter issues with ceiling height that conflict with the type of lift you want. If installing a car lift outside seems like your only option, you might wonder whether it’s feasible. Installing a car lift outdoors involves several considerations. While it is possible to place a lift outside your shop, it may not always be the best choice. From outdoor hazards to additional installation and maintenance requirements, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide whether an outdoor car lift is right for you.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Outdoor Car Lift: What Hazards Should You Be Aware Of?

Although a typical car lift is built to be robust with its heavy-duty metal frame, outdoor elements can cause significant wear and tear.

Temperature

Car lifts are designed for indoor use in controlled environments. They operate best within temperatures of 41-104 degrees Fahrenheit and 30-95 percent humidity. Outside this range, hydraulic fluid may not function properly, potentially leading to costly repairs. Extreme heat can also dry out hydraulic lines, affecting the lift’s performance.

Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight can cause extensive damage over time. Sunlight heats the metal frame, potentially making the lift too hot to use comfortably. UV rays can degrade plastic components like the reservoir tank and dry out hydraulic lines, leading to frequent repairs and replacements.

Water Damage

Moisture can damage electrical wiring and rubber parts within the lift. Even if protected, metal components will rust with exposure to moisture. Rusty chains and cables can pose safety risks, making the lift unsafe for use.

Salty Air

For shops near the coast or areas with heavy snowfall, salty air or roads can be particularly harmful. Salt accelerates corrosion on metal parts, increasing maintenance needs, especially during snowy seasons when roads are salted.

Differences in Installing an Automotive Lift Repair Florida Open-Air Lift

When installing an outdoor lift, there are additional requirements compared to indoor installations:

Electrical Compliance

Ensure that all electrical work meets local codes. This might include using Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) circuit breakers and watertight conduit and fittings.

Concrete Compliance

Car lifts require a 3000 psi concrete pad for installation. If your outdoor area is asphalt, it won’t meet this requirement. You would need to remove a section of asphalt and pour a concrete pad for proper installation.

Maintaining an Outdoor Car Lift

Maintaining an Automotive Lift Repair Florida outdoor lift involves more diligence due to exposure to environmental hazards. Regular inspections are crucial to prevent rust and corrosion. In coastal or snowy climates, focus on temperature, moisture, and salt. In hot, dry environments, consider installing a shade structure to protect hydraulic lines from drying out.

An automotive lift represents a significant investment. After selecting, purchasing, and installing the right lift for your repair shop or personal garage, it’s essential to safeguard this investment.

A dependable lift is vital for any garage or auto repair shop, often being crucial to the business’s operation and profitability. Thus, protecting your auto lift is key. This involves performing regular maintenance and using the correct repair parts to ensure its longevity.

Auto Lift Maintenance Checklist

A comprehensive Automotive Lift Repair Florida auto lift maintenance checklist can be broken down into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks. Incorporating these tasks into your routine will help them become second nature over time. You might find it helpful to print out the list and post it in a convenient location in your shop or garage. Consistent adherence to these tasks will help protect your auto lift investment.

Daily Maintenance Checklist

– Visually inspect all moving parts.

– Check the safety lock visually and audibly during operation.

– Review the condition of all electrical connections (e.g., power cord).

– Ensure proper movement of lift arms.

– Examine cable connections for damage, including bends or cracks.

– Inspect hydraulic connections, if applicable.

– Test movement controls, including the emergency stop.

Consider training technicians to rotate through these daily checks to reduce the risk of premature lift breakdown.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Weekly Maintenance Checklist

– Inspect cables and lifting mechanisms.

– Clean the entire lift, removing dirt and excess grease.

– Lubricate rollers and pivot points.

– Fully test the movement controls.

– Check the floor for stress cracks, particularly near anchor bolts.

– Ensure the cylinder has a full range of motion.

Perform weekly maintenance on a less busy day, like Wednesday mornings or Friday afternoons. Spending 25-30 minutes on this routine will help maintain lift performance. Cross-training technicians for these tasks ensures they are completed regularly and lightens your workload.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Monthly Maintenance Checklist

– Lubricate drive screws, cables, and columns.

– Clean beneath covers and protections to remove dirt or grease.

– Tighten floor anchor bolts.

– Check the length and tension of all cables.

– Sand and repaint scratches if desired, being careful not to cover safety labels or warnings.

Yearly Maintenance Checklist

– Have a qualified lift inspector perform these tasks annually:

  – Lubricate rub blocks and any contact surfaces.

  – Change the hydraulic fluid.

  – Inspect hydraulic/air cylinder rods and cylinder mounts for damage.

  – Replace hydraulic hoses, chains, rollers, cables, air and hydraulic cylinders (if needed), and pumps and motors (if needed).

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Wire Rope Maintenance

Wire ropes (lifting cables) are crucial for lift functionality and technician safety. – Any defects or damage.

– Heat damage.

– Kinking, bird-caging, cutting, or crushing.

– Corrosion on connectors or wires.

– Wear that exceeds 10% of the original diameter of the cable.

Selecting the Right Repair Parts for Your Auto Lift

Proper repair and replacement parts are essential for maintaining your auto lift. Purchase parts from factory-authorized distributors to avoid costly issues. Depending on the type of lift you have, here are some common parts you might need:

Above Ground 2-Post Lifts

– Air line tubing and push-on fittings.

– Car door protection.

– Height extensions.

– Installation and relocation supplies.

– Power station air and electric utility box.

– Adapters for lifting specialty vehicles.

– Rubber lifting pads and blocks.

– Swing arm shims.

– Turf and utility tray jacks and vehicle lifting attachments.