Setting up a vehicle lift is a multifaceted process that requires careful consideration to ensure optimal performance and safety. One of the first steps in this process is determining the most suitable location for the lift within the service bay. The positioning of the lift plays a crucial role in its effectiveness and ease of use, so it’s essential to make informed decisions based on the vehicles you intend to work on.
Begin by identifying the largest vehicle you expect to lift, such as a long crew cab dually pickup. To do this, bring the vehicle into the service bay and park it in the desired position, which will serve as a reference point for the lift’s columns. Take the time to evaluate the surrounding space, considering walking areas, cabinets, workbenches, and any other obstacles that could impede movement. The car lift for sale Des Moines lift columns should be aligned based on the size of this largest vehicle, ensuring that smaller vehicles can also fit without difficulty.
If the specific vehicle is not available at the time of setup, there are some general guidelines to follow. A good rule of thumb is to position the lift columns approximately 10 to 12 feet away from the front wall of the bay. This spacing will create enough room for the vehicle and provide a few feet of workspace in front. For asymmetric lifts, a distance closer to 10 feet from the front wall is advisable. These lifts typically operate on a 30/70 loading split, meaning that 30% of the vehicle will be positioned in front of the lift columns. This configuration generally requires around 4 to 5 feet of space, allowing for workbenches and pedestrian walkways.
Conversely, if you are using a car lift for sale Des Moines symmetric lift, you might consider setting the columns about 12 feet from the front wall. In this arrangement, the load distribution is usually 50/50, resulting in about 6 feet of space in front of the columns for access and tools. Ultimately, the final positioning of the lift columns may need to be adjusted based on the unique constraints of your workspace. In situations where space is at a premium, using the largest vehicle as a guide will help maximize the available area.
It’s also worth noting that car lifts equipped with supersymmetric arms can accommodate both symmetrical and asymmetrical lifting. Therefore, it’s important to plan accordingly based on your specific needs. Additionally, most lift manufacturers recommend maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 inches from any significant cracks or seams in the concrete floor, so consulting the installation manual for detailed guidelines is advisable.
When determining where to install the car lift for sale Des Moines lift columns, it’s essential to consider the center of gravity of the vehicles you’ll be lifting. This aspect varies depending on whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and whether the lift is symmetric, asymmetric, or supersymmetric. Generally, the center of gravity for rear-wheel drive vehicles is located beneath the driver’s seat, while for front-wheel drive vehicles, it tends to be slightly forward, underneath the steering wheel. This knowledge can assist you in accurately placing the lift columns to accommodate the center of gravity for different types of vehicles.
In commercial settings, it’s common to position the power unit column on the passenger side of a car lift for sale Des Moines two-post car lift. This arrangement allows the operator to maneuver the vehicle into position, exit the car, and set the lifting arms on the driver’s side before walking around to the passenger side to complete the setup. This approach not only enhances workflow efficiency but also saves time.
Once the lift is installed, a critical maintenance step is to bleed the hydraulic cylinders to remove any trapped air within the hydraulic system. This procedure is particularly important for two-post car lifts with direct drive hydraulic cylinders. To bleed the system, raise the lift approximately 12 inches off the ground and locate the bleeder screw situated on top of either hydraulic cylinder. By loosening this screw slightly, you can allow trapped air to escape while ensuring that the screw remains secured. Once car lift for sale Des Moines fluid begins to flow without air bubbles, tighten the screw back down. This process should be repeated for the other cylinder as well. Following this, lower the lift completely and perform several lift cycles to help any remaining air find its way back into the cylinders. After this, lower the lift again and raise it to about 12 inches, repeating the earlier steps to ensure no air is left in the system.
For lifts featuring a “chain over cylinder” design, you can effectively bleed air by cycling the lift up and down several times. When the car lift for sale Des Moines lift is fully lowered, hold the lowering valve for around 10 to 15 seconds during each cycle to enable any trapped air to return to the reservoir tank, allowing it to vent properly.
Synchronization of the lift’s cables is another essential maintenance task. These cables play a vital role in ensuring that both hydraulic cylinders raise and lower the lift evenly. Proper adjustment of the lift cables allows for equalized hydraulic pressure on both sides, maintaining a level lift during operation.
After installing the cables per the manufacturer’s instructions, raise the lift slightly so the top of the lift carriage is visible. This visibility allows you to access the adjustment nut located on top of the cable. While lifting, pay attention to which side’s lock engages first and check the tension on each cable. Both cables should have similar tension; if one is tighter than the other, it can cause issues with the lift. Adjust the nut on the side where the lock engaged first to raise the opposite side and achieve balance. Make small adjustments, checking the locks periodically to ensure they engage simultaneously.
It’s natural for the cables to lose their initial equalization after lifting several vehicles, mainly due to stretching. Therefore, regular inspections and adjustments are necessary to maintain proper synchronization. Consulting the car lift for sale Des Moines operator’s manual will provide you with a detailed schedule for required maintenance and inspections, which should be carried out by a qualified lift inspector following manufacturer guidelines and current safety standards.