Hydraulic car lifts are an essential component in any auto repair shop. These versatile devices come in multiple sizes and dimensions, making it easy for you to find the make and model that best meets your needs and budget.
What is a Hydraulic Car Lift?
A hydraulic car lift is any car lift powered by hydraulic fluid. These lifts were first invented in 1925 and subsequently modified and updated as new technology enabled lift manufacturers to improve the original design.
What Are the Common Hydraulic Car Lift Dimensions?
Hydraulic car lift dimensions vary depending on the lift make and model you pick for your shop. Car lift dimensions for smaller lift models tend to be between 108 and 148.5 inches high and about 132 inches wide. Arm length ranges from 680 to 1,300 mm and the distance between the columns is about 102 inches. These lifts tend to require a minimum ceiling height of 12 feet. Larger models, on the other hand, can be up to 200 inches long and have a column height of about 88 inches. The width between the posts is about 100.2 inches.
How Many Types of Car Lifts Are There?
There are about nine different types of car lifts, but some are far more common than others. The lifts typically used in most car repair shops are two-post, four-post, and scissor lifts.
Two Post
Two-post car lifts are easy to install and only require minimal maintenance. They’re ideal for working on cars, SUVs, and light trucks as they allow mechanics to access the vehicle’s undercarriage, engine, body, and wheels with ease.
Four Post
Four-post car lifts can hold more weight than two-post car lift models. This makes them ideal for auto repair shops that service commercial vehicles. These sturdy lifts work well for undercarriage work, engine work, and bodywork. They can also be used for jobs such as wheel alignment and tire changes if you have a rolling jack or alignment kit to go with the lift.
Scissor Lift
Scissor lifts get their name from the X-shaped steel structures that enable the lift to raise or lower a vehicle. These lifts can be used to work on both personal and commercial vehicles. Most scissor lifts are fixed to the garage floor to keep vehicles stable, but some models are portable, allowing car shop owners to move the lift around or even out of the shop.
What to Know Before Installing a Hydraulic Car Lift
One of the first things you need to know before installing a hydraulic car lift is the amount of space you need for the job. Check the hydraulic car lift dimensions before finalizing the purchase. Additionally, bear in mind that you need not only space to fit the lift but also space for mechanics to walk around a vehicle on the lift. You’ll also want to know how the lift works, the type of care and maintenance it needs, and where to find reliable replacement parts.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Car Lift?
You’ll want at least two feet of extra space around a car lift to allow workers to repair vehicles. Additionally, you should have at least one foot of ceiling space once a vehicle is placed on a lift and raised. There should be no fans or light fixtures in this additional space to prevent accidents and/or damage to customer vehicles. Allow about six feet of space under a lift to enable mechanics to work comfortably under the vehicle.
Steps for Installing a Car Lift
The first step in installing a car lift is to prepare your shop for lift installation. Check your concrete flooring; it should be at least four inches thick to hold the weight of a lift. Read the owner’s manual for your lift and make sure you have all the tools you need for the job. Finally, choose a spot for lift installation that meets your needs and the lift’s specifications. Consider both your current and long-term needs to make sure the lift will serve you well for the foreseeable future.
Hydraulic Car Lift Installation Tips
Start by anchoring the lift to the floor. Make sure the anchors are secure and then assemble the lift components. Finally, install the cables, lines, hoses, and arms. Test your lift before you start using it to make sure everything is in good working order.
Consider Lift Height and Width
Your owner’s manual will tell you the height and width of your lift model. However, you also have to consider how high the lift can raise certain vehicles. When in doubt, measure the vehicle’s height to make sure you can raise it completely off the ground. Width is yet another important factor to consider, as you may need to use multiple tools to repair or renovate a vehicle, and you’ll want ample space for the job.
Invest in High-Quality Car Lift and Safety Parts
A car lift can last between fifteen and twenty years. This is especially true if you install the lift properly and maintain it in accordance with the instructions in the owner’s manual. Buying high-quality lift and safety parts also plays an important role in proper maintenance, as the right part won’t put a strain on the lift and will allow you to operate the device without problems.
Follow a Budget
Set aside some money each month to repair and replace lift parts. Once a year, you should switch hydraulic hoses, rollers, cables, chains, and sheaves. Hydraulic cylinders and the motor should be replaced as needed. If the car lift can’t be raised or lowered properly, you may need to replace the air latch cylinder, cable latch, and/or air switch.
SVI International Has the Hydraulic Car Lift Parts You Need
SVI stocks tens of thousands of top-tier parts for multiple range lift models. These include truck and bus lifts, specialty lifts and cylinder products, and hydraulic tubing and fittings. We offer same-day shipping to make it easy for you to get needed parts without delay. Get in touch with us to get price quotes and place an order.
