Five Types Of Automotive Lifts

Five Types Of Automotive Lifts

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Whether working on your roadster in the garage or servicing a bus in the auto shop, reliable vehicle lifts are used to get under the vehicle and give it the appropriate care and attention it needs. Different types of automotive lifts are available depending on the type of vehicle, but no matter what type of lift is used, the proper safety precautions must be taken in order to prevent injury on the job. Always be sure to wear the appropriate safety gear, and be alert and aware of your surroundings when working beneath large vehicles. Below are various types of auto lifts commonly used in the auto repair industry.

In-Ground Vehicle Lifts:
The most widely-used lifts before the 1980s, in-ground lifts are assembled below the ground level, with one or more pistons used to lift the vehicles for service. Depending on the size of the car, one or two pistons are commonly used for smaller passenger vehicles, while three or more pistons are often needed for transit coaches, fire engines and other larger vehicles. When in-ground lifts are not being used, they remain below ground and allow for more floor space.

Parallelogram or Scissors Vehicle Lifts:
For heavy vehicles, such as box trucks and busses, parallelogram or scissors vehicle lifts can be used. These two lifts are similar in that they are surface mounted and their assemblies involve drive-on runways that lift the vehicle. Parallelogram lifts move the vehicle forward or backward as the unit raises and lowers, while scissors lifts raise and lower vehicles completely vertically.

Wheel-Engaging Mobile Lifts:
Moveable wheel-engaging automotive lifts are especially useful when working with longer, unconventional types of vehicles, such as transit busses. The vehicle is raised and lowered on mobile lifting columns, which can be used in sets of two, four, six or more. Electric power units interconnected with each other allow for synchronized operation.

Two- and Four-Post Surface Mounted Lifts:
Two-post auto lifts are very common, as they can be used to lift a wide range of vehicle sizes without taking up too much space. Four-post lifts have a drive-on feature, making it convenient in muffler and oil change shops that must service many different cars in a short period of time. The additional stability also makes it possible to store vehicles on the lift.

Identifying the appropriate lift for your task is crucial in maintaining safety throughout your job. Be sure to carefully read all of the specifications on any lift equipment that you purchase, and never exceed load limitations. If you're unsure about what lift you should be using, talk to a service representative before making your purchase.

About the Author:
Doug Climenhaga writes for SVI International (http://www.sviinternational.com), a Chicago based company that sells automotive lift parts. SVI International specializes in automotive lift repair parts for nearly any type of lift, from car and truck lifts to bus and custom lifts. SVI will design and manufacture lift parts that are no longer available elsewhere.



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