| Lifts are used to raise a vehicle on a stable | | | | including Honda, Volkswagen and Audi. |
| platform, allowing automotive mechanics | | | | |
| unrestricted access to inspect and repair the | | | | Despite changes in the design of lifts over |
| underbelly, transmission and wheels of the | | | | the years, many injuries and accidents occur |
| vehicle. Multiple vehicle lifts are standard | | | | annually. This is usually due to human error |
| equipment in most auto repair shops. In | | | | rather than any flaw in the lift design. The |
| addition, some automobile enthusiasts install | | | | most simple things often lead to disaster. |
| lifts in their homes for vehicle storage. | | | | Auto mechanics sometimes fail to keep the |
| | | | lift area free of debris, grease/oil and |
| Prior to 1920, only service pits were | | | | obstructions. Not paying close attention when |
| available for repairing and doing preventive | | | | working around the lifts or allowing |
| maintenance on the undersides of vehicles. | | | | untrained individuals to use them are two |
| The hydraulic auto lift was invented in the | | | | more potential problems. Some forget to wear |
| 1920's to reduce the time and equipment | | | | the right safety gear, including goggles, a |
| needed to hoist vehicles off the ground. | | | | hard hat, and steel toed boots. |
| Depending on the design used, .today's | | | | |
| vehicle lifts can raise up to 50,000 pounds | | | | Proper use and maintenance of the equipment |
| and can cost between $9,000 and $45,000. | | | | is essential. Blocking or overriding the |
| Installation not included. | | | | controls is dangerous. The manufacturer's |
| | | | rated capacity is shown on the nameplate |
| In the beginning, there were no industry | | | | affixed to lift. Despite this, some mechanics |
| standards and vehicle lifts varied in design | | | | use the lift to hoist vehicles that exceed |
| and construction. After World War II, there | | | | the weight limit. |
| were only fifteen auto lift manufacturers in | | | | |
| the United States. They recognized the need | | | | An ounce of prevention is better than a pound |
| to develop standards to guide the industry. | | | | of cure. Mistakes made before the vehicle is |
| In 1947, the U.S. government issued its first | | | | lifted are accidents waiting to happen. The |
| set of standards. The Occupational Safety and | | | | lift arms must be properly positioned before |
| Health Administration developed its own | | | | the vehicle is raised. If the center of |
| regulations in 1974. | | | | gravity of the car is not on the center of |
| | | | the lift, cars may tip off. With some |
| Today, there are three major manufacturers of | | | | vehicles, removing or installing items may |
| heavy lifts: Mohawk Resources Ltd. of | | | | cause a critical shift in the vehicle's |
| Amsterdam, NY; Advantage Lift Systems based | | | | center of gravity and result in instability. |
| in San Diego, CA; and Rotary Lift in Madison, | | | | Mechanics should always refer to the lift |
| IN. Electric controls for lifts are standard, | | | | manufacturer's recommendations. If there is |
| and lift features vary according to price and | | | | not ample overhead clearance space, the |
| model. They vary depending on where they make | | | | vehicle may be crushed. Mistakes also occur |
| contact with the vehicle, usually the axles, | | | | when the transmission is not in neutral, |
| frame or wheels. They include single-, two-, | | | | doors are not securely closed or the ignition |
| four-post, and scissors lifts. The single- | | | | is not turned off. Some repairmen fail to |
| and two-post lifts are ideal for small trucks | | | | lock the lift into place before going under |
| and cars. The four-post auto lift is used for | | | | it. Others raise the car while someone is |
| most commercial and transit vehicles. The | | | | inside the vehicle. |
| scissors lift saves space by having the posts | | | | |
| in the middle of the lift, operating like an | | | | Numerous accidents occur during the lifting |
| open pair of scissors. | | | | process. The vehicle should be loaded on a |
| | | | lift carefully. Mechanics should ensure that |
| Over the years, the structure of the | | | | the lift supports are in contact with the |
| automobile body has changed. Vehicles | | | | manufacturer's recommended lifting points. |
| previously built onto underbody frames are | | | | When a secure contact is made, the lift can |
| now being constructed into frameless or | | | | be raised to the desired working height. If |
| unibody styles. Lifts have evolved to better | | | | work will be done under the vehicle, the lift |
| handle the structure of newer vehicles. | | | | should be raised high enough for its locking |
| Rotary, for example, has developed the three | | | | device to be engaged. |
| stage lift. It has three telescoping | | | | |
| sections, giving it a greater range of | | | | Before lowering a lift, the mechanic should |
| extension and retraction than other lifts. As | | | | ensure that everything is removed from under |
| a result, it can reach a broader range of | | | | the vehicle. Locking devices should be |
| vehicle pick-up points. It has become the | | | | disengaged before the lift is lowered. |
| preferred lift of many vehicle manufacturers, | | | | |