Car Info

The auto hoist or lift as it is known in some countries has come a long way in the last few years when it comes to safety devices, but the cheaper lifts even if fully compliant are rubbish and to be avoided.

I make this statement as a hydraulic expert who has rebuilt many hydraulic rams for hoists, bulldozers, front end loaders and more.

The problem with cheap hoists is seal quality, machining and metallurgy all of which are sub standard in cheaper hoists.
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Mobile column lifts are the most versatile of the many types available for heavy duty applications. They require no installation. They have sufficient capacity to lift any vehicle in the fleet. They do not require a dedicated bay. And, they can be used wherever a suitable foundation and power are available.

Many new mobile lift models have appeared on the market in the past few years, and given their common and fairly simple operation (they raise and lower) manufacturers have sought ways to distinguish their lifts from the others. This has lead to a number of alternate designs, beginning with hydraulics, and now includes higher lifting capacity, weighing capability, adjustable forks, battery power, and wireless control. Each alternate is worth considering, and in some applications one or more might be useful, but purchasers should not overlook the fundamental design of the lift. It is still the most important consideration.

Early mobile lifts had mechanical screw type drives for reasons that continue to make them the best choice today. They are self-synchronizing and their design facilitates the use of redundant safety systems.
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It really goes without saying that the most important point in operating any type of automotive lifts, be it a 2 post lift, 4 post lift or other vehicle jacks, is safety. Yet, in many cases it is an area that we tend to overlook, until an accident occurs. Here’s a quick look at some of the major safety tips in using a car hoist in your shop or garage.

It may surprise you to know that most hoist or lift accidents occur not due to the equipment failing, but to human error on the side of the operator. This is according to the governments Bureau of Labor Statistics. What are the most frequent mistakes that operators make?

It’s from trying to lift a vehicle well over the capacity of the auto lift, as well as people walking under a vehicle that has been lifted up. Unfortunately, accidents such as these are tragic, yet avoidable in most every case.
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