The evolution of automotive lifts has undergone significant changes over the years, particularly with the transition from in-ground lifts to above-ground lifts. The majority of original above-ground lifts were designed with a symmetrical column and arm configuration. This design was prevalent because it provided a balanced and stable lifting mechanism. However, as the demand for more efficient and versatile lifting solutions grew, engineers and manufacturers began to identify certain challenges and limitations inherent in this design, especially when retrofitting above-ground lifts into facilities that had previously used in-ground lifts.

One critical issue encountered during the replacement of car lift for sale Des Moines in-ground lifts with above-ground lifts was the overall width of the new lift systems. Typical in-ground lift bays are designed with a width of approximately ten feet. However, the average outside column width of a symmetric above-ground lift ranged between eleven and twelve feet. This discrepancy posed a significant challenge, as it meant that the installation of an above-ground lift in the same space as an in-ground lift would result in encroachment into the adjacent in-ground lift bays. The tight spacing could create safety concerns and hinder the functionality of both lifts, as there wouldn’t be enough clearance for vehicles to pass through.

To address this issue, lift manufacturers undertook efforts to reduce the overall width of above-ground lifts. By narrowing the outside car lift for sale Des Moines column width to 120 inches, or ten feet, manufacturers ensured that these new lifts could fit seamlessly into the standard ten-foot in-ground lift bays. However, while this solution addressed the width problem, it introduced new complications related to usability. The closer positioning of the columns reduced the distance between the inside edges of the columns and the symmetric arm design, which consists of four arms of equal length. This design limitation made it increasingly difficult for users to enter and exit vehicles while they were positioned on the lift.

Recognizing the need for a more car lift for sale Des Moines user-friendly solution, lift engineers began designing an alternate arm configuration to allow for a more practical arrangement of the lift columns. Their innovative approach involved the creation of an asymmetric arm configuration, which would enable the above-ground lift columns to be placed closer together while still facilitating easy access for drivers and passengers. The solution was to design shorter arms for the front of the lift and longer arms for the rear. This asymmetric design would allow the front arms to clear the vehicle’s front section, creating a more accessible entry point.

When preparing to lift a vehicle, the process would start by positioning all four arms to face towards the rear of the lift. The vehicle would then be pulled forward between the columns until roughly thirty percent of the car was positioned in front of the columns, while about seventy percent remained behind them. After this initial positioning, the shorter front arms would be pulled forward to align with the appropriate forward lifting points on the vehicle. Subsequently, the longer rear arms would be moved forward to meet the correct rear lifting points. This configuration not only allowed for wider opening of the driver’s door, facilitating easier access, but also improved overall functionality when entering and exiting the vehicle.

However, as car lift for sale Des Moines manufacturers began to adopt this new asymmetric arm configuration, some encountered significant challenges with structural integrity. Specifically, it became apparent that certain lift columns and carriages were not adequately equipped to support the weight applied at the far ends of the longer rear arms. Instead of addressing this issue by enhancing the structural strength of their carriages and columns, some manufacturers opted for a different solution: they “turned” their columns. This adjustment effectively brought the center of the columns closer to the lift pads located at the ends of the longer arms. Unfortunately, this modification resulted in a significantly narrower drive-through width, which could limit the types of vehicles that could be accommodated.

In contrast to this approach, our car lift for sale Des Moines lift designs prioritize the structural integrity of the columns and carriages through advanced engineering and the use of high-quality materials. By constructing our lifts with “heavy-duty” components, we eliminate the need to turn the columns, thus preserving the full drive-through width. This design ensures that our lifts can accommodate the widest range of vehicles while still allowing for easy entry and exit. Our commitment to building durable and efficient lifts means that we do not employ turned columns, and we stand behind the functionality and versatility of our symmetric column designs.

It is important to note that a base plate lift, despite having short front arms and long rear arms, cannot be classified as a true asymmetric lift. While a base plate lift may feature these arm configurations, it does not possess the necessary attributes to function as an asymmetric lift. To properly load any vehicle onto an asymmetric lift, all arms must be positioned to face the rear of the vehicle. This critical step ensures that the vehicle can be accurately and safely lifted.

When positioning a vehicle for lifting, the vehicle is moved forward between the columns until the front wheels are located just past the front side of the columns. The two shorter front lift arms are then adjusted to approximately a ninety-degree position relative to the columns, allowing the lift pads to be placed beneath the appropriate front lifting points. Following this adjustment, the longer rear arms are moved to extend toward the back of the vehicle, with the lift pads positioned under the correct rear lifting points. This precise configuration of arm positioning is crucial for optimal lift performance.

In contrast, if there is a raised metal plate on the floor between the two car lift for sale Des Moines columns, it would hinder the ability to move the front arm pads to face the rear of the vehicle. Achieving this asymmetric lift configuration requires that the car lift for sale Des Moines arm carriages are elevated sufficiently to allow the front arms to clear the base plate. However, if the arms are raised too high, the lift pads may be positioned too high to effectively clear the underside of many low-slung or average-height vehicles, leading to complications during the lifting process.