Garage Equipment Supply and Automotive Lifts
March 23rd, 2010Auto lifts can be found in most urban cities. You see them being used by mechanics to raise vehicles for bottom access. In the past, most lifts were of the in-ground type. These days, most garages utilize surface-mounted lifts, which are bolted to the garage floor and utilize a hydraulic pump or a screw-type drive powered by an electric motor.
Here are the different types, available from garage equipment supply dealers:
In-Ground Vehicle Lifts
This type of auto lift is assembled below the garage floor. It consists of one or more pistons, depending on its maximum weight capacity. Lifts with one or two pistons are used for compact, mid-sized and full-sized cars. Lifts with three or more pistons are used for larger vehicles, such as RV’s and buses.
Two-Post Surface Mounted Automotive Lifts
The most common automotive lift utilized today is called the “Two Post Surface-Mounted Lift.” On each column, there are lift arms. These are controlled mechanically, electronically or hydraulically.
Multi-Post Runway
The most common type of Multi-Post Runway lift is the four-post mounted lift, which is extensively used by oil change, transmission, and muffler service shops. You’ll find this type of automotive lift in wheel alignment service stations as well. The car is driven onto the two runways and raised, exposing its underside.
Low/Mid Rise Frame Engaging
This type of auto lift engages the vehicle’s frame while lifting. There are two ways this type may operate. One way is scissor-style, moving straight up. Another is parallelogram-style, moving forward or backward, while lowering or raising. This type is commonly used for wheel, tire, and brake services, as well as auto body repair.
Drive-On Parallelogram Auto Lift
The Drive-On Parallelogram Lift is a surface-mounted auto lift. It has two runways where the wheels of the car should be placed. It has a lifting mechanism that moves the vehicle a short distance forward or backward while lowering or raising. The direction depends on the way the lift is mounted.
Scissor Auto Lifts
The Scissors Lift can either be of a fixed-pad type or a roll-on frame/underbody engaging type. It has a lifting mechanism that’s similar to the parallelogram lift. The main difference is that the scissor lift goes up and down, on a straight vertical path.
Movable-Type Wheel Engaging Auto Lift
This type of auto lift is used for vehicles that are longer than conventional cars, such as buses and trucks. It consists of several lifting columns in sets of two, four, six, or more. Columns can be moved and connected with other columns so that their movements are synchronized.
To shop for Automotive Lifts and other garage tools and equipment, and to find out more about automotive equipment, please visit Garage Equipment.
Tags: Auto, automotive, cars, Garage, Vehicle