How does a Car Hoist work? The Ultimate Guide
Have you ever pondered how mechanics get cars in the air to service? A car lift, or hoist, as they are sometimes called, is a useful tool found in automotive repair facilities and even single-car garages. A car lift will elevate the customer’s vehicle to allow the undercarriage to be serviced, inspected, or repaired easily.
Whether you are an automotive repair professional or a DIY person, understanding how a car lift works and how to use it safely and properly will save you a lot of time and possibly save your life.
What is a Car Lift?
A car lift is a mechanical piece of equipment that is utilized to elevate a car off the ground and allow the user to access part of the undercarriage of the vehicle. Car Lifts are used in repair shops, service centers, and residential garages in urban settings where garage space is limited. Car lifts also allow for car repair services that would otherwise create dangerous working conditions, or are difficult for the user to perform (i.e, oil changes, brake jobs, exhaust work, suspension work, etc.)
Furthermore, car lifts allow for the organisation of the work environment and take up less floor space than a standard vehicle parkade, which allows the user to work on multiple vehicles in a designated space.
How do Car Lifts operate?
Car lifts work by means of mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic raising and lowering of the vehicle in a smooth and safe manner, depending on the configuration of the car lift. There are various versions of car lift designs; however, the basic function remains the same. The operator will drive the machine entirely onto the hoist/platform or between the lift arms set up. Positioning will only matter to the lift/load balance if the vehicle is completely raised.
Securing the Vehicle
The vehicle will be secured by adjusting the:
– Lift pads
– Wheel chocks
This secures the vehicle and prevents unintentional damage or injury to the user from the vehicle moving while raising the vehicle to the intended position.
Lifting the Lift
Once the vehicle has been secured, the lift operator engages the lift through either hydraulic, compressed air, or motorized methods to begin to lift the secured vehicle as evenly as possible. Safety locks will automatically engage at pre-determined intervals meant to prevent unwanted release.
Accessing the Undercarriage
Once the vehicle has been lifted, the mechanic can feel confident in accessing the undercarriage systems as planned. Lifting the lift to an even level maintains the stability of the vehicle and full access under the vehicle for making repairs to the areas of interest.
Lift Types
Vehicle lifts may be configured to any of the vehicle configurations based on function, vehicle type, and shop size with respect to potential repairs.
Two Post Lifts
The two-post lift is the most common vehicle lift, often located in professional automotive service shops. The two different posts are positioned to allow for the car to be positionable.
Pros:
– Outstanding access beneath the automobile for any repairs and inspections.
– Shop friendly design to save space.
– Fast ascending or descending from each arm-attached drive.
Cons:
– Requires laser attention: This is hardly conducive to holding vehicles very long.
Four Post Lifts
Four post vehicle lifts utilise four columns and a drive-on lift that will also lift the vehicle. Four-posts systems are significantly more stable and lift greater weights than a two-post system. Four-post lifts are exceptional for alignment work, large/heavy vehicles, and parking vehicles as well.
Pros:
– You can drive on and off a vehicle = there is almost no preparation for the customer/owner.
– Higher weight lifting. Can accommodate larger vehicles (either with or without pallets). Great parking areas due to stacking and parking spaces.
Considerations:
– Generally larger in area than a two-post lift.
– Less access underneath the car due to the drive-on platform.
Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift utilises multiple metal supports that criss-cross like scissors, and can collapse and lift the vehicle higher than the base footprint. Scissor lifts are very good and favored for quick service shops and small garages.
Pros:
– Very compact and portable: good for a smaller area.
– Very fast setup times and very fast in use.
Cons:
– There is less clearance under the vehicle compared to a post lift.
– You cannot complete all repairs and heavy-duty repairs on a scissor lift.
Best Practices
Pre-Lift Inspection
Check for distractions: Look in and around the lift area to check for debris, tools, or other vehicles close by.
Inspecting lift: Always visually check cables, locks, and hydraulic components for wear and leaks.
Verify load: Never exceed the manufacturer’s claimed load capacity.
Securing the Vehicle
Positioning: The vehicle must be centered and balanced on the lift.
Safety lock: At a minimum, locks must be actuated before lifting and while working under the vehicle.
Verify secure: When vigilant, you can rock the vehicle a little, or a couple of centimetres to verify security and ensure it won’t fall or shift.
During Operation
Stay Focused: Be alert and fixated on the lift, be aware, and do not get distracted.
Overload: Overloading is simply overworking the lift system and exponentially increases the probability of issues/failures occurring.
Observation: If the lift is nearly the same height and is not lifting level, stop immediately.
After
Lower slowly: To remain in control of the vehicle, lower in a regulated manner.
Clear work area: Don’t lower the vehicle all the way until satisfied that the tools, foreign objects, junk, or debris from the work area are out of the lift.
Lock out: Power off the lift, disconnect or lock out the lift out electrically, and cleanly lock out for safe, when safe when working on the vehicle.
Using the lift properly is not only to comply with legislation, but also to work safely, protecting yourself, employees, and your investment.
Picking a Lift for the Garage
When determining what lift to buy for your garage, it is important that you take into consideration the work being done, the space, and the type of vehicle serviced.
Professional workshop environments usually opt for a two-post lift, which is more flexible if you need to do servicing under the vehicle.
As far as vehicle lift equipment, the two-post lift is regarded as optimal.
For enthusiasts and collectors, four-post lifts are preferable, as they are also better for storage as well as heavy-duty stability.
If you are working at home in a smaller or tighter space, scissor lifts are great, particularly if you don’t want to put in a lift permanently and you want quicker access for maintenance.
Buy from a reputable supplier that can support you with the installation and follow-up service, and they provide compliance with Australian standards, of being “safe.”
Are You Ready to Upgrade the Garage?
At Joel’s Garage Gear, we are about delivering reliable, durable, high-quality equipment designed for our Australian working conditions and environments. From hoists to tool boxes to detailing equipment, Joel’s designed every product exactly for you to work smart, safe, and efficiently.
Don’t settle for less than the best. We don’t settle, and we would encourage you not to settle for less than the best products for your garage.
Joel’s Garage Gear is committed to you; it’s time for you to quit saying that’s average or “that will do”. Reach out to us today to update your lifts and products so they are fit for work.
