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Buying an auto lift is a tremendous and rewarding investment for your business. Regardless of this being your first or fifth auto lift purchase, many factors need your consideration.

It is not recommended that one should impulsively purchase such a critical piece of equipment and machinery. From understanding your shop and budgeting limitations to researching lift manufacturers and warranties, acquiring a new auto lift requires shop and business owners a great deal of forethought. In the content below, we explore the top ten things you should know before buying a lift for your auto shop.

Measure Your Shop’s Ceiling Height

Before buying a lift for your auto shop, consider the height of your workspace. Does your shop have low ceilings? In order to ensure a safe lift installation, your shop’s ceiling height must measure at a minimum of 11 or 12 feet, with clearance for overhead hazards such as lights and fire alarms. The higher your shop’s ceiling is, the wider selection of auto lifts you can choose from.

Determine Your Available Floor Space

Though ceiling height may not be a cause for concern, assess the remaining floor space available for the installation of a new auto lift. You may purchase the greatest lift for your auto shop only to find out it’s physically impossible to feasibly install it in your cramped floor space. It is imperative that you measure as many times as needed for you to guarantee that a lift will not only fit but also provide the necessary room to adequately service vehicles. If you are unsure about the minimum space requirement for your new auto lift, consider contacting a local and reliable installer.

Clarify the Intended Purpose of Your Lift

Consider the most common vehicle types your shop services. Are they pickup trucks, motorcycles, or traditional, compact and SUV cars? Making a wise auto lift purchase depends on assessing and determining your typical load capacity, needed lift height, and desired lift speed.

Select the Type of Lift You Anticipate Purchasing

Despite a singular purpose, individual car lifts feature unique lifting mechanisms, bringing strength to various applications. Exploring a complete guide to the different types of car lifts will be in your best interest when considering your intended purposes. For your reference, the main types of car lifts are the following:

• Frame Engaging Lifts
• Two-Post Surface Mounted Lifts
• Four-Post Lifts
• Drive-On Parallelogram Lifts
• In-Ground Lifts

After assessing your shop’s ceiling height and available floor space, you can easily eliminate auto lift types unsuitable for your conditions and applications.

Calculate Your Total Spending Budget

It is important that you get the best value from a newly purchased lift. Often, the car lift best suited for your shop’s needs is neither the least expensive nor the most expensive lifts available. Once you determine the exact type of lift needed for your business, explore the different costs to determine what you can afford. From the lift’s price to warranty and installation expenses and fees, map out your entire spending budget before buying anything to avoid creating a financial burden for your business.

Forecast Necessary Lift Maintenance

Each lift model comes with its own maintenance specifications and schedule. With the model you intend to purchase, explore its weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance tasks necessary to preserve your auto lift investment. Doing so can help you determine which lift best suits your maintenance schedule and capabilities.

Research the Lift’s Manufacturer and Reputation

A lift is only as reliable as its manufacturer. Before purchasing a lift or any automotive machinery, research and verify the validity of the product’s manufacturer and how long they have been in the industry. Assess client reviews in search of any claims that the product was faulty or that the company is known for scamming unsuspecting customers.

Review the Warranty Plan

Regardless if you purchase the world’s most reliable auto lift, repairs and maintenance will be needed as wear and tear accrues over time. Prior to buying a lift for your auto shop, take some time to review and understand what type of warranty it comes with. Typically, warranties are standard applications to a lift purchase with the option to extend coverage for additional years or even the lift’s lifetime. Manufacturers who offer standard warranties with the purchase of each lift show that they stand behind the products they make.

Solidify the Installation Plan

The great question here is this: Who will be responsible for the lift’s installation? Will you hire a team to drill through your concrete, bring in machinery to transport the lift to your shop, and complete the entire process? If so, be sure to find a reliable installer who will protect your new equipment and guarantee a sound installation. If you intend to assume the responsibility of installing the lift on your own or with your shop’s employees, take the necessary time to develop a thorough plan of action and determine a realistic completion date.

Locate the Lift’s Replacement Parts

One would hope that after purchasing a new lift, you wouldn’t need to worry about replacement parts for quite some time. However, researching the availability and accessibility of spare and replacement parts for your lift’s model helps immensely, especially once your warranty expires. Before buying a lift, explore where you could order replacement parts and how soon they could be delivered. Purchasing older models of an auto lift may save you on expenses at the forefront. However, when you cannot find the necessary replacement parts for outmoded lifts, you might be re-thinking your lift purchase.

SVI International: High-Quality Auto Lifts and Replacement Parts

Finding a reliable auto lift supplier with high-quality products doesn’t have to be difficult. At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of repair parts for all types of automotive lifts. Besides traditional, every-day parts, SVI is known in the industry as the problem solver – tackling specialty lift concerns with innovative products. Our supply of high-quality products can play a significant role in protecting your auto lift investment. We’re just a phone call away. If you have questions, concerns, or need help placing an order, please reach out at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.

With the influx of business in the automotive industry, from oil changes to undercarriage maintenance and collision repair, auto shop owners may need to consider acquiring additional auto lifts that cater to their business needs.

However, before purchasing another lift, you must decide which type of auto lift best suits your business needs, whether it’s the same lift you currently use or a new lift model. Consider your load capacity, desired lift height and speed, available shop ceiling height, and accessible floor space. Does an automotive scissor lift best service your current auto shop needs? In the content below, we explore key considerations when buying a lift and discuss how to know if an automotive scissor lift is right for your operation.

What Should I Consider Before Buying A Lift?

Buying a lift requires multiple considerations outside of your anticipated budget and the reliability of the lift’s manufacturing company. Before making a decision, it is imperative that you assess a lift’s intended purpose, functionality, and placement within your auto shop.

Intended Purpose

Before purchasing any lift for your auto shop, evaluate the most common vehicle types you typically service. Are they normally pickup trucks, motorcycles, or traditional compact cars? Determining if an automotive scissor lift is right for your operation depends entirely on assessing your typical load capacity, required lifting height, and desired lift speed.

Functionality

Given that scissor lifts only function in a vertical fashion, the up and down movements typically originate from hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical systems. However, you need to explore the exact specifications your shop lift needs. Therefore, the operational functionality of a lift includes its load capacity, lift height, and operational speed.

Load Capacity

Load capacity refers to the maximum weight your lift can efficiently and safely withstand. Capacities differ based on the lift’s strength, including the size and number of columns or cylinders. As we mentioned before, take into consideration the type of vehicles you most commonly service. Assess which lift type best works with your necessary load capacity to prevent overbearing your auto lift and risking product damage.

Lift Speed

An efficient auto shop operates with lifts that raise and lower a vehicle at an optimal speed. Slower lift times work well for home garages when maintenance, repair, or body work are for personal use. However, a quick lift speed is exceptionally important for high volume repair shops, as long as the speed is regulated for safety.

Lift Height

Lift height is essential when considering again the types of vehicles you service and the maximum height you need the lift to hoist the vehicle. Height is important to consider if your operation often completes undercarriage repair. For example, a lift with a maximum hoist of four feet works best with wheel or body work, however, it does not suffice when underbody maintenance is required.

Placement

Once you decide on desired lift applications and functionality, placement is another important consideration. You will find it difficult to accurately select the right lift for your operation if you do not map out your available ceiling height and floor space.

Available Ceiling Height

In conjunction with the lift’s height, consider also the available ceiling height of your auto shop before deciding on a lift that is right for your operation. Does your shop have low ceilings? In order to ensure safe lift installation, your shop’s ceiling height must measure at a minimum of 11 or 12 feet, with clearance for overhead hazards such as lights and fire alarms. The higher your shop’s ceiling is, the wider selection of auto lifts you can choose from.

Available Floor Space

Are you not concerned about the available ceiling height? That’s great! Have you evaluated your shop’s available floor space to see if you have room for the installation of a new auto lift?  Although you may purchase the greatest lift for your operational needs, you cannot install it with cramped floor space. Therefore, measure the available floor space where you intend to install the new lift as many times as needed to guarantee that a lift will fit and provide the necessary room to adequately service vehicles. If you are unsure about the minimum space requirement for your new auto lift, consider contacting a local, reliable installer.

The Benefits of Automotive Scissor Lifts

Purchasing a scissor lift is especially beneficial for auto shops with low ceilings, as you can control the exact lift height desired. As a scissor lift differs from a four-post lift, the lift only takes up the necessary space to effectively service a car, without the use of installed external posts. Once you return the lift to its original, flat position, you no longer need to worry about ceiling height or additional space as the scissor lift shrinks nearly level to the ground.

Additionally, automotive scissor lifts work well with auto shops with less available floor space. When comparing it with two or four-post lifts that require bulky posts and take up shop space, you will find it refreshing to see a scissor lift compress into a small piece of equipment on your shop floor.

Find the Right Lift for Your Operation with SVI International

Whether you decide on an automotive scissor lift, a four-post lift, or any other lift model, it’s imperative that you purchase your lift and lift replacement parts from a highly reputable company. At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of auto lifts and lift repair parts for all types of automotive lifts.

Along with providing traditional, everyday parts, SVI is known in the industry as the problem solver – tackling specialty lift concerns with innovative products. Our supply of high-quality products can play a significant role in protecting your auto lift investment. We’re just a phone call away. If you have questions, concerns, or need help placing an order, please reach out at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.

Scissor lifts commonly apply to a variety of tasks from performing building repairs to reaching materials stored in corporate warehouses.

Though it may be easy to assume a scissor lift’s general capabilities, you might be wondering what contributes to the successful operation of a scissor lift. In the content below, we explore how scissor lifts work effectively and which industries greatly benefit from their applications.

What Are Scissor Lifts?

The name behind the scissor lift derives from the crisscross X-pattern formed from its collapsible, supporting beams. Together, the hinged beams under the work platform make the assembly look like several sets of connected scissor blades as they move up and down.

A scissor lift includes five crucial parts: the platform, base, scissor legs, hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder, and motor or alternative power source.

1. The Platform

The platform is the uppermost part of the lift, where a person or an object is positioned, to reach a desired elevation. Platforms intended to transport people include rails, whereas platforms without rails typically only transport materials. A platform comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and weight capacities, allowing you to select a model according to your lifting needs.

2. The Base

The bottom, or base, of the scissor lift consists of strong rigid brackets. Serving as the most essential component of the unit, the engineered purpose of the base is to guide the rollers at the bottom of the scissor legs. Additionally, the base supplies the necessary stability to hold everything in place and ensure safe operation.  

The base of a scissor lift depends on its intended use as some models have mobile trucks or carts for transport. However, some scissor lifts perform while stationary. Complex scissor lifts capable of elevating their platform to greater heights need strong bases to ensure they remain in place as the upper components move. Some may require fastening to a heavy, reliable platform; others are screwed to the ground.

3. Scissor Legs 

The vertical scissor legs bridge the gap between the base and platform and are what allow the lift to raise to a designated elevation. The X-shaped composition of the scissor legs allow the lift to return to a compact size when not in use.

4. Hydraulic Cylinders

Without the use of hydraulic cylinders, the operation of scissor legs is impossible. Responsible for raising and lowering the scissor lift, hydraulic cylinders actuate via high pressure. Typically, a scissor lift will have between one and four cylinders attached to it. The cylinder’s contents depend on the type of scissor lift. For example, a hydraulic scissor lift has a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid, while a pneumatic cylinder pump is filled with compressed air.

5. The Power Supply

The motor, or power supply, is a paramount component, operating both the hydraulic cylinders and the overall movement of scissor lifts. The power supply typically derives from diesel, gas, or electrical motors. Alternatively, scissor lifts may operate pneumatically with the use of a high industrial compressor. 

How Does a Scissor Lift Work?

Given that scissor lifts only operate in a vertical fashion, the up and down movements typically originate from hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical systems. The power supply provides the necessary power to activate the hydraulic or pneumatic pump, which in turn pushes out or pulls in a mechanical component in the hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder. As a result, the push and pull movements cause the scissor legs to move and propel the platform up or down.

How Do Operators Safely Use Scissor Lifts?

Operating a machine while suspended in the air automatically creates safety risks. To ensure the safe operation of scissor lifts, here are four precautionary steps to take.

Complete Scheduled Maintenance

A scissor lift operates to its fullest potential when regular repairs and maintenance are performed. To prevent any damages or excessive wear-and-tear to the scissor lift, stay on track with regular maintenance inspections.

Conduct Training for Crew Members

Before using a scissor lift, confirm that each crew member who operates the equipment is familiar with its use. As a precautionary act, hold a training meeting with your staff and demonstrate safety protocols and procedures of the scissor lift.

Clear the Surrounding Area

It’s imperative to create a wide and unobstructed path for the scissor lift to maneuver through. Removing any potential safety hazards such as electrical cords and sharp objects from the scissor lift’s path helps prevent any risk of damage to both the lift and nearby employees.

Perform a Pre-Operation Safety Check

Before stepping foot on the scissor lift, inspect the entire lift. Confirm that everything works properly, including the brakes and emergency stop button.

What Are Some Scissor Lift Applications?

Manufacturing engineers are always redesigning the scissor lift for various uses. Below, we provide two common avenues in which your shop or business can implement a scissor lift.

Automotive Industry – Above Ground Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts serve as reliable and efficient auto lifts. For the automotive industry, stationary, above ground scissor lifts offer a great value by resembling the functions of two-post auto lifts.

Warehousing Applications

Scissor lifts serve as reliable equipment for many warehouse needs. For smaller projects, scissor lifts prove efficient in the following applications:

• Lifting and transporting large quantities of heavy products such as boxes, pallets, and sheet metal with ease
• Raising a forklift to perform maintenance on the underside
• Weighing platforms to weigh heavy machinery and equipment
• Extending a work area when renovating or remodeling a deck
• Providing a safer alternative for reaching higher areas of a building as opposed to a ladder

Secure, Reliable Lift Replacement Parts with SVI International

At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of repair parts for all types of automotive lifts. Besides traditional, every-day parts, SVI is known in the industry as the problem solver – tackling specialty lift concerns with innovative products. Our supply of high-quality products can play a significant role in protecting your auto lift investment.

We’re just a phone call away. If you have questions, concerns, or need help placing an order, please reach out at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.