MECHANICAL SAFETY LOCKS
As demonstrated, Automotive Lift Repair Florida lifts feature all-position mechanical safety locks in both columns, engaging instantly when the lifting arms engage the frame. In contrast, many competitors only have full-time safeties on the mainside, with the off-side safety engaging only in the event of a cable failure.
ARM RESTRAINTS
Automotive Lift Repair Florida lifts are equipped with automatic swing arm restraints that engage when the arms are lowered to the floor, allowing easy removal from beneath the vehicle. Many other lift brands require manual locking and unlocking of the arms each time they are positioned or released.
HYDRAULIC SAFETIES – EXTERNAL
The external hydraulic safety system on Automotive Lift Repair Florida lifts includes velocity fuses and pressure-compensated flow control valving. These safeties constantly monitor hydraulic system pressure, and if a hydraulic line bursts, they shut down the lift by stopping fluid flow. The hydraulic safeties can only be reopened by applying pressure from the opposite direction.
These additional safety systems are not found on many competitive lifts. For example, if you place a car on both an Automotive Lift Repair Florida lift and a competitor’s lift, release the mechanical safety locks, and cut a hydraulic line, the Automotive Lift Repair Florida lift won’t descend, while the competitor’s lift will.
HYDRAULIC SAFETIES – INTERNAL
The internal hydraulic safety system is a patented feature exclusive to Automotive Lift Repair Florida lifts. This system has been in operation for over 14 years and is not available from any other lift manufacturer.
STEEL LINES
Automotive Lift Repair Florida lifts use steel hydraulic lines instead of rubber-coated hoses. Steel lines are more durable, resistant to melting from heat, and less prone to wear or rupture under pressure compared to rubber hoses, which can swell and eventually require replacement.
DESIGN FEATURES
The hydraulic synchronization in Automotive Lift Repair Florida lifts is achieved through overhead steel hydraulic lines, which can be routed at any height, adjusted to fit low ceilings, or routed underground. This design allows for greater flexibility in installation, with no need for fixed-position overhead cables or floor covers.
In contrast, many two-post lift manufacturers use cables or chains to mechanically equalize the carriages. These cables are either routed through a floor brace or overhead cable cover, limiting the height at which taller vehicles can be raised. Extending the columns for more clearance often results in additional costs without fully solving the issue, as roof racks, emergency lights, and other equipment may still hit the overhead cover.
LIFTING PADS
Automotive Lift Repair Florida lifts come equipped with corrugated steel lifting pads that offer a larger contact surface and are easier to position than flip pads. Steel pads are also safer and longer-lasting than rubber or poly pads, which can wear out and are more prone to slipping under greasy conditions. While rubber pads are available, they are typically more expensive to replace.
ADAPTORS
Automotive Lift Repair Florida provides quick-connect stacking adaptors as standard equipment, offering the lowest possible arm clearance for easy access under low-profile vehicles. This system is faster, safer, and easier than other adaptor types, which often require manual adjustments.
WARRANTY
Automotive Lift Repair Florida offers a limited lifetime cylinder warranty and a comprehensive five-year parts and service warranty. This coverage surpasses many competitors, who may offer similar warranties but with less inclusive terms for labor, mileage, and freight costs.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
If a lift company is hesitant to send a representative to your shop or doesn’t provide a factory phone number, consider what might happen when you need service. Automotive Lift Repair Florida prides itself on providing quality products and reliable service without cutting corners on safety or performance.
In summary, Automotive Lift Repair Florida lifts are designed to provide superior safety, ease of use, and longevity. Whether lifting high-clearance trucks or low-profile sports cars, these lifts are built to save you time and money, with features like automatic arm restraints, quick-connect adaptors, and comprehensive hydraulic safeties that set them apart from the competition.
If my vehicle weighs less than 9,000 lbs. and I buy a 9K lift, I should be able to lift it all day long, right?
Many people assume this, especially with full-size pickup trucks, and are surprised when we recommend a stronger lift.
The first thing you need to consider is what you’re actually lifting. Check the sticker on the door jamb for the vehicle’s weight and its distribution. Also, look inside to see if there are any additional items, like toolboxes, that could significantly add to the vehicle’s weight.
between the front and rear wheel centers, not the overall length). Check your lift manual to see where the vehicle’s center of gravity should be placed, as this can vary on asymmetrical lifts. A lot of lift accidents happen with vehicles that have unusual loads, such as plumber trucks or vehicles with fluid tanks. When in doubt, weigh the vehicle. If you can’t, don’t attempt to lift it or work under it.”
Truck Classification
You should be familiar with the vehicle’s classification based on its gross vehicle weight (GVW). As Andrew Collins explains on jalopnik.com, truck weight classes are based on more than just payload capacity. For instance, a full-size pickup like a Chevy 1500 or Ford F-150 falls under Class 2 (6,001 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.). These trucks are often called “½-ton trucks” based on their payload, but that doesn’t tell you the vehicle’s actual weight.
Lifting Points
It’s crucial to know where the vehicle’s lifting points are. Don’t just position the lift arms and hope they connect to the frame. Sports cars and vehicles like Jeep Wranglers can have tricky lifting points. You can purchase a Lifting Points guide from the Automotive Lift Institute, and we include one with all our lifts. Once the arm pads are positioned correctly, we recommend raising the lift to the first set of locks and checking to ensure the lifting points are securely connected before lifting further. Always set the vehicle on the locks before working under it.
Our Clients Include: