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.