Comprehensive Guide to Utilizing a 2-Post Lift
In the world of automotive repair, the use of hydraulic equipment is essential for lifting vehicles and heavy components. Most automotive shops are equipped with hydraulic or electric/hydraulic lifts that enable vehicles to be raised high off the ground, enhancing convenience and boosting productivity during repairs and maintenance. While hydraulic jacks are typically employed for lifting heavy parts, this guide will focus specifically on car lifts, particularly two-post lifts and storage car lifts.
Types of Lifts: In-Ground vs. Above-Ground
When it comes to automotive lifts, they generally fall into two primary categories: in-ground lifts and above-ground (surface mount) lifts. An in-ground lift is defined by its lifting mechanism being located beneath the floor, a design that was prevalent until the 1980s. However, above-ground lifts began to gain traction in the 1970s and have since become the most popular choice among automotive professionals.
Today, above-ground lifts dominate the market and include various types, with the two-post lift being a notable example. Surface-mounted lifts are typically secured to the garage floor and are powered by electric motors that operate either hydraulic pumps and cylinders or screw-type drives.
Understanding the Two Types of Two-Post Lifts
Within the category of above-ground two-post lifts, there are several styles, but they can be categorized into two main types: frame contact lifts and drive-on lifts.
car lift for sale Des Moines Frame Contact Lifts
Frame contact lifts offer the advantage of allowing the vehicle’s wheels to hang free. This design makes it easier to perform tasks related to tires, brakes, and suspension systems. Additionally, frame contact lifts provide better access to the vehicle’s underside, facilitating a variety of service tasks.
car lift for sale Des Moines Drive-On Lifts
In contrast, drive-on lifts allow for quick vehicle setup since the vehicle can be driven onto the lift without needing to adjust any lift arms to the specific lifting points. These lifts are particularly advantageous for quick services, such as oil changes. However, they tend to be more expensive due to the inclusion of runways and jacks, which are required to lift the wheels off the ground for further work. The runways also aid in ensuring that the vehicle is level, which is essential for services like wheel alignment.
Key Components of Frame Contact Lifts
Frame contact two-post lifts come equipped with adjustable telescoping lift arms fitted with adapters that contact the vehicle frame or rocker panels at designated lifting points. It’s crucial to consult the vehicle’s service manual before attempting to lift a car, as improper lifting techniques can result in damage to body, suspension, or steering components. In extreme cases, the vehicle could even fall off the lift or suffer from severe structural damage.
In 1992, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) established a standard for vehicle lifting points (SAE J2184). Many car lift for sale Des Moines manufacturers label their vehicles with decals that indicate these recommended lift points, typically found inside the front passenger door. Additionally, permanent markings on the chassis may signify lift points, often represented by a hole, a boss, or a triangular depression. The Automotive Lift Institute provides guides on lifting points, and these guides are included with the purchase of an ALI/ETL certified lift.
Lift Pad Adapters and Safety Considerations
Some car lift for sale Des Moines two-post lift adapters are designed to flip up and can be adjusted to various positions to accommodate different heights between front and rear lifting points, ensuring sufficient clearance between the rocker panel and the lift arm. Some lift pads come with screw threads for height adjustment, while others feature rubber pads. It’s essential to maintain rubber pads in good condition, keeping them free of grease and oil to prevent slipping.
When utilizing car lift for sale Des Moines height adapters, especially for sport utility vehicles (SUVs), light trucks, and vans, it’s vital to use proper height adapters to ensure adequate clearance between the lift arm and rocker panel. Using makeshift adapters is discouraged, as they can compromise safety.
Safety Protocols for Two-Post Lifts
For flip-up style lift pads, they should either face towards or away from each other, forming a “V” or “A” shape. For instance, if the front adapters lean towards the front of the vehicle, the rear adapters should lean towards the rear, and vice versa.
Wheel Contact Drive-On Lift Advantages and Usage
car lift for sale Des Moines Wheel contact drive-on lifts differ from frame contact lifts in that they support all four wheels. These lifts utilize runways instead of lift arms and can be paired with roller jacks positioned between the runways to facilitate lifting the wheels for service work. These jacks, whether powered by air or hydraulics, are essential for lifting one end of the vehicle, allowing for wheels-free maintenance.
When utilizing a wheel contact lift, it is critical to ensure that the front tires are centered on the runways, equidistant from the edges. These lifts often feature secondary roll-off protection stops at both the front and rear. Once the vehicle is positioned, manual wheel chocks should be employed to prevent it from rolling.
Key Benefits of Wheel Contact Drive-On Lifts
1. Safety During Engine Removal: A vehicle can be safely lifted even if its engine has been removed, eliminating the risks associated with a shifted center of gravity that can lead to unbalanced loads.
2. Accessibility: The center of the vehicle’s underside is easily accessible, which is particularly beneficial for exhaust system and transmission repairs.
3. Quick Service: The absence of lift adapter setup allows for rapid servicing.
4. Essential for Wheel Alignment: Keeping the wheels in contact with the runways is vital for conducting wheel alignment and exhaust work.
Installation of car lift for sale Des Moines Two-Post Surface Mount Lifts
The rise of above-ground surface mount lifts began in the 1970s, with these lifts installed entirely above the concrete floor. Each model has distinct foundational requirements; generally, a minimum concrete depth of 4 inches with a compressive strength of at least 3000 PSI is required to support the anchor bolts. For lifts with higher rated capacities, a minimum depth of 6 inches may be necessary.
Proper installation is critical, as anchor bolts must be torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications and checked periodically as per the maintenance guide provided with the lift. For instance, most two-post lifts designed for up to 10,000 lb. capacities require anchor bolts measuring 5.5 inches in length and ¾ inch in width, with a minimum embedment depth of 3.25 inches.