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While ATVs are often used for both recreational and industrial endeavors, it is crucial to regularly service ATVs for optimal use.

As you consider buying a lift for your equipment, such as an ATV, we don’t recommend buying on impulse. Alternatively, we recommend exploring your lifting options and learning about their benefits of before deciding on a particular make or model. In the content below, we discuss four benefits of an ATV lift for maintaining and repairing your small equipment machinery.

What is an ATV Lift?

An ATV lift is a type of small equipment shop maintenance (SESM) lift. Smaller in frame than a traditional auto lift, these lifts perfectly accommodate smaller equipment or vehicles such as ATVs, motorcycles, lawnmowers, golf carts, and more.

While it is important to properly utilize the lift machinery to effectively service your ATV, you must also consider protecting your auto lift investment. By doing so, your SESM lift will properly perform the following functions for an extended lifetime:

• Height adjustability
• Prevent tip overs during service via strategic tie down slots included in the platform
• Full access for front and rear wheel service
• Operates off shop-air compressor
• Load capacity extends from 1,000 to over 25,000 pounds, depending on the requirements of your specific application
• Designed to last a lifetime
• Improves productivity within the shop or garage
• The ability for 360-degree rotation allows for use between the work and the workbench
• When lowered, no obstruction exists, ideal for parking directly over the lift
• Superior operation and safety compared to above-ground scissor lifts
• Optimal for a beautiful platform and ideal for showroom displays

4 ATV Lift Benefits

This lift type offers countless applications from cleaning to showcasing. However, in terms of servicing your ATV and other small machinery, equipment, or vehicles, there are four main benefits to utilizing an ATV lift.

#1. Ease of Service and Visibility

Like servicing any portion of a vehicle, auto lifts help the mechanic view every component with ease. Similarly, whoever makes the repairs to your ATV must be able to clearly detect and identify every gear and leak. With the installation of an ATV lift, both routine maintenance and emergency repairs will take a fraction of the time.

#2. Comfortable Work Environment

Servicing and maintaining ATVs demands priority before returning them to their original rotation. However, as vehicles and small motored equipment are serviced, repair technicians often need to bend down or work on their knees to repair a specific motor or other components. As repairs are continually made, mechanics can experience chronic pain, fatigue, or even lasting injury.

Therefore, effectively prevent injury and inconvenience by using ATV lifts to make repairs simpler and more time-effective. With the option of adjustment, it can be brought to any desired height and increase the technician’s comfort level and safety. Furthermore, certain hydraulic SESM lifts collapse into the floor. This feature allows a safe process of parking the ATV directly on top of the lift.

#3. Storage

Like four-post automotive lifts, ATV lifts can provide convenient storage during time in which you leave your ATV idle. For example, if you do not ride during the winter, your ATV can be stored on the lift itself to create more available floor space below. Limited obstruction is an essential feature for shops and home garages alike.

Lift storage prevents air pressure loss in the tires and any unwanted de-conditioning while not in use. Therefore, by storing your ATV on the lift, you increase the likelihood of it remaining in the same condition later in the year.

#4. Load Capacity

Hydraulic SESM lifts are manufactured to sustain and effectively lift a load capacity of nearly 2,000 pounds. However, to ensure lift safety, be sure to select an ATV lift that can withstand double the weight of your heaviest ATV. By doing so, you will ensure a safe and secure maintenance process while utilizing the lift.

Discover ATV Lift Benefits at SVI International

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, 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.

Auto lifts are very safe machines when used correctly. However, there is a potential for danger if they are not used correctly. To ensure both you and your employees are safe when using an auto lift, you should follow the established safety protocol. This article lays out the common safety rules for using an auto lift. Read on to learn more about safely using an auto lift.

Inspect Your Lift Daily

One of the most important things you can do to ensure safe auto lift operation is to inspect your lift daily. While this may seem a little excessive at first, it is important to note that your auto lift’s parts can break or go out of alignment without you noticing. Thoroughly inspecting the auto lift every day ensures that it will be safe to use for the next day of work.

Make Repairs Promptly

If one of the parts on your auto lift breaks or wears out, it is important to make repairs promptly. Putting off repair or replacement can not only keep the lift from working as it should, but it may also create a dangerous work environment. Even if it seems like a minor repair, you should take care of the problem before using the lift again.

Don’t Override or Block Open Controls

Auto lifts generally have self-closing lift controls. This functionality ensures that the auto lift can be operated safely. However, some people are in the habit of overriding or blocking open controls. This may seem like a more convenient way to use the lift, but it is unsafe. It is important to never override or block open the controls of your auto lift.

Never Use the Lift with People Inside the Car

This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but every year people become injured because they were in a car that was being lifted and an accident happened. Using the lift when there are people inside the car is dangerous for multiple reasons.

Firstly, if a person is inside the car when it is being lifted, the vehicle’s center of gravity will be altered. This makes the vehicle unstable on the lift. Secondly, anybody inside a car that has been lifted risks falling off the lift and injuring themselves if they try to get down before the car has been lowered. Keep your team safe during work and always adhere to this rule.

Keep the Lift Area Clean & Clear of Debris

It is important to always keep the lift area clean and clear of debris. If someone slips and bumps into the auto lift, this could be dangerous. Of course, it is likely that a quality auto lift would hold a vehicle securely enough so that bumping into the lift will not cause any harm. Still, it is important to keep the lift area (and the rest of your work area) free from debris and residue to prevent avoidable accidents.

Be Careful to Avoid Hitting the Adaptors, Axle Supports, & Lift Arms

When positioning the vehicle on the lift, it is important to avoid hitting the adaptors, axle supports, and lift arms. If you hit the lift, this could damage the components. Even if the impact does not actually damage the components, it could knock them out of alignment, potentially preventing the lift from working properly or creating a safety hazard in the future.

Position Lift Supports According to the Vehicle Manufacturer’s Specifications

Every vehicle has different specifications for the placement of the lift supports. It can be easy to assume that all vehicles have the same specifications when it comes to positioning the lift supports, but this assumption can lead to an unsafe work environment, unsteady vehicles, and potentially deadly accidents.

In January of 2020, a Hartford, Connecticut mechanic was mortally injured when a vehicle fell of a lift and onto him due to poor vehicle-lift positioning. Even if it seems like a pain, it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for each vehicle you place on the lift in order to avoid any and all safety issues.

Remove Materials Before Lowering the Lift

While the vehicle is up on the lift, there will inevitably be tools, parts, and more items under the vehicle. It can be easy to forget something when you go to lower the vehicle back down. This is why you should always double-check to ensure that nothing remains under the vehicle before you lower it. Failing to do so can result in both damaged vehicles and broken equipment. 

Contact SVI International, Inc. for High-Quality Lift Parts

If you need high-quality lift parts, SVI International, Inc. is here for you. We make a wide selection of parts for most of the auto lift models on the market. We also make parts for auto lifts that are no longer available from the manufacturers.

You can contact us through our website to learn more about our services and the parts we offer. One of our knowledgeable associates will contact you promptly to give you the information you need about our parts and services. Contact us today for all of your auto lift part needs.

In any industry, surviving and thriving involves identifying and responding to trends. In some cases, change occurs unexpectedly, and rapid adaptation must occur to stay afloat. However, when periods of transformation or disruption are predicted to occur, business owners have the unique opportunity of understanding trends and preparing for the future.

The automotive mechanic industry is no different. New trends are on the horizon – some could have a significant impact on auto shops. In the blog, we aim to help auto shop owners understand upcoming auto mechanic trends in the U.S. and prepare accordingly. Let’s dive in!  

1. Vehicles Are More Reliable

Due to updated, optimized technology and mechanics, vehicles that are being produced today are more reliable than before. For example, synthetic oils are designed to last for a long time without being changed. Automotive shop technicians will need to stay on top of trends to complete work on new vehicles correctly.

2. Vehicles Have Better Telematics

Newer vehicles have increasingly complex telematics. As vehicle owners with sophisticated mechanical systems search for a trustworthy repair shop, knowledge of telematics plays a significant role. Do your technicians have the expertise to repair technologically-advanced systems?

3. Electric Vehicles Are Becoming Popular

In recent decades, electric vehicles are one of the most significant technological advancements in the automotive industry, and they are steadily becoming more popular. In fact, electric car sales are predicted to increase quite significantly in upcoming years.

Of course, as more electric vehicles are purchased, driven, and worn, repair is required. Hybrid cars, a combination of electric and ICE vehicles, also need repair. As electric and hybrid vehicles break down, drivers will search for trusted, highly-skilled technicians with knowledge of their vehicle. Auto shops have the opportunity to capitalize on this need by training technicians to become specialists in emerging markets.

4. Older Vehicles Are Being Driven

Even though newer vehicles are more reliable, new vehicles are not the only automobiles on the road. In fact, one marketing resource suggests that there will be 76 million vehicles older than 16 years in the U.S. this year. Additionally, automobiles 5 years and older on the road are predicted to increase by 25%, while automobiles 12 years and older may increase by 15%. The length of time that vehicles are being owned is increasing.

What does this mean for auto shop owners? You may see an increase in older vehicles requiring repair, maintenance, or upgrading.

5. Automotive Technician Retirement

Across the board, many knowledgeable shop technicians are nearing retirement age. As automotive shops anticipate the widespread retirement of experienced employees, shop owners should be on the lookout for well-equipped, well-trained automotive technicians to fill significant gaps.

6. Cars Are Being Leased

In recent years, Americans have leaned towards leasing rather than purchasing vehicles. This trend is expected to increase this year. Leased automobiles do not require as much maintenance and repair from automobile repair shops.

Auto repair shop owners looking to create a thriving, growing business should consider specializing in emerging markets. As trends change, the door will be open for more business. Additionally, auto repair shops can pursue partnerships with local car leasing companies to maintain a supply of customers from Americans who are leasing vehicles.

Automotive Marketing Tips

As these trends shape the future for automotive shops, how can shop owners begin to respond and prepare?

• First, diversify! As mentioned, expanding your shop’s expertise into the emerging markets will broaden your customer base. For current technicians, this will involve investing resources in continued education. Beyond emerging markets, technicians should have the expertise to repair technologically advanced computer and telematics systems.
• Next, make sure you have an internet presence. Consumers are most often looking online for auto services first, and it is critical that your shop has a professional, trustworthy, and reputable digital presence to vouch for your business. Typically, consumers will interact with your website or read your reviews before ever speaking with you face-to-face. The world is trending online, and your shop must meet the customers where they are in order to thrive.

SVI International: Automotive Repair Specialists

Managing a successful automotive shop involves numerous components – and high-quality, trustworthy equipment is an important factor. At SVI International, we are automotive specialists, leaders in repair parts for automotive lifts and industrial equipment.

Auto shop owners commonly browse our shop for brand new automotive lifts, automotive lift repair parts, shop exhaust removal products, brake lathes parts, and tire changer parts. Our offering is extensive, and our response time is one-of-a-kind.

At SVI, we understand that your auto shop cannot be “out of commission” for long. Time is money. This is why we provide on-time delivery from our three “ready-ship” warehouses in Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Still have questions? We would love to help. Get in touch with our team 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.