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Rotary is well-known for its high-quality car lifts, truck lifts, and other auto repair shop accessories. The company’s huge selection of above-ground and in-ground lifts makes it easy for any auto repair shop owner to find the lift that best meets her or her needs and budget. However, it’s not enough to just buy a great lift. Regular Rotary lift troubleshooting can help you save money and maintain your reputation as an auto shop your customers can trust for efficient, high-quality maintenance and repairs.

Hydraulic System Problems

Hydraulic system problems include heat degradation, air contamination, and mechanical problems. Many of these issues arise due to wear and tear, but some can be caused by improper lift usage and maintenance.

Common Symptoms

Leaks and odd noises are common symptoms of hydraulic lift problems and should be investigated right away. Other common symptoms include an overly hot hydraulic chamber, instability in lift movements, and lift stalling and slanting.

Causes and Solutions

Cranking noises are typically caused by mechanical problems. Such noises may be accompanied by stalling and slanting. In some cases, a quick fix such as tightening bolts may solve your problem. In other instances, you may need to call in a professional to check and repair the lift. On the other hand, a lift that is making cracking or knocking sounds most likely has an air contamination problem. This can be fixed by opening air valves to allow air to come out.

If the lift’s hydraulic chamber is too hot or the lift’s movements are unstable, you’ll need to check the reservoir liquid, release excess air from the air valve, and clear out any dirt build-up. If these measures don’t work, check the heat exchanger and cooling compartment to see if these parts need repair or replacement.

Natural Wear & Tear

The average car lift lasts between 15 and 20 years. However, you can extend the lift’s lifespan by looking out for signs of wear and tear and addressing them right away to prevent potential problems.

Identifying Signs of Wear

Signs of wear and tear include worn-out or damaged bearings, seals, hoses, and fittings. Fluid leaks and odd noises are also signs that your lift may need some care and attention.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Regular visual inspections will help you catch problems right away. Check lifts even if they are working properly to ensure nothing needs fixing or replacing. Keep the lift clean, don’t overload it, and follow Rotary’s maintenance guidelines for your specific lift model.

Electrical System Failures

Proper Rotary lift troubleshooting and maintenance can help avoid many common electrical system problems. However, even a properly maintained lift can experience electrical system failures if your area has a blackout or experiences power surges.

Diagnosing Electrical Issues

Crackling noises, electric sparks, and overall system malfunctions are signs that something is wrong with your lift’s electrical system. To find the root cause of the problem, you’ll need to check the lift’s wiring, fusing, and switches.

Repairing and Preventing Electrical Failures

If there are signs that your lift’s electrical components are faulty, hire an electrician to repair the damage. Attempting a DIY repair job can be dangerous unless one of your mechanics is a professional electrician who is familiar with repairing electrical problems on car lifts.

Regular maintenance can prevent a lot of electrical problems. It’s also wise to get a yearly lift inspection even if there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with the lift. OSHA strongly recommends such inspections as they can help you catch potential problems before they become serious.

Safety Lock Malfunctions

Safety locks prevent damage to vehicles and serious injuries to mechanics. Never use a lift if even one lock isn’t working properly.

Identifying Malfunctioning Safety Locks

Safety locks and other safety features such as auto-spotting and variable equalization should be checked every single day. Examine these as the lift is being moved up and down. Make sure the locks are engaging and disengaging as they should. Check the locks and back-up locks to make sure they’re clean.

Steps to Fix Safety Lock Issues

Lubricate and clean locks as needed. If the locks still don’t work properly, check the Rotary lift troubleshooting guide for your lift model to see what needs to be done to address the problem.

Mechanical Alignment Issues

Two-post, four-post, and scissor lifts may experience mechanical alignment issues from time to time. Rotary lift troubleshooting will help you identify and diagnose problems right away to prevent accidents and damage to customer vehicles.

Signs of Misalignment

Signs of mechanical misalignment include uneven lifting, strange noises while raising or lowering a lift, and difficulty operating the lift.

Correcting Alignment Problems

Make sure bolts are tight, and lift parts aren’t worn out. Look for visible signs of damage on the lift and repair or replace parts as needed. Check the owner’s manual to find out more about your lift’s calibration requirements. Lift calibration can not only rectify current mechanical alignment problems but also prevent future ones.

It’s also a good idea to check your shop floor for signs of concrete damage. If you see cracks, chips or other signs of damage, talk to a contractor or structural engineer.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Rotary Lift?

If your lift has serious problems, consider the cost of repair vs. the cost of replacement. If the lift is relatively new and the parts are inexpensive, then lift repair is a good choice. On the other hand, buying an expensive new part for an old lift often isn’t a good idea.

A lift that’s over fifteen years old will likely need more care, attention, and maintenance than a newer model. Consider not just the cost of the parts, but also time and lost work hours. A new in-ground, two-post, or four-post lift that runs smoothly with minimal maintenance will allow you to take on more customers than a lift that needs continual attention.

Parts & Lifts SVI Offers

SVI offers a huge selection of Rotary lifts and parts, including parts for popular models such as the SPOA10, SPOA9 100 Series, SMO14, and SM122-110L. Contact us at your convenience for more information, price quotes, or to place an order for the items of your choice.

What are the primary differences between a 2 post vs 4 post lift? One may be tempted to say, “Well, the number of columns, of course,” and leave it at that.

However, 2-post and 4-post auto lifts are designed with specific strengths for differing applications. When considering which to purchase, these strengths are important to understand. While one lift is not objectively superior to the other, choosing the correct lift for your application is absolutely vital. For example, whether you are repairing cars from your garage or from a high-end auto shop will play a role in your decision. In the content below, we will compare both lifts – hopefully, leaving you with extensive knowledge and a clear decision.

2-Post Auto Lifts

Two-post auto lifts are frame-engaging, meaning they lift the vehicle utilizing specifically intended lift points on the vehicle’s undercarriage. Because two-post lifts have four arms, they can accommodate a wide range of lift points.

Usually, two-post lifts feature a 220-volt motor.

Two-post lifts are commonly found in auto shops, excellent for drive in, fix it, and drive out situations.

These lifts are durable yet small, ideal for repair shops with multiple active lifts – or an enthusiast’s own personal garage.

Two-post lifts provide a wide range of use. Technicians can easily perform undercarriage repairs – lift height generally allows easy access to the engine, transmission, etc. Furthermore, frame-engaging lifts leave the suspension exposed, making for simple wheel changes and brake repair.

Because two-post lifts raise vehicles via lift points, they provide greater access to the undercarriage in low ceiling garages than wheel-engaging lifts.

Due to their relatively light load capacity – as compared to four-post lifts – two-post lifts are excellent for small vehicles, such as light trucks, vans, and cars. Most two-post lifts have a maximum load capacity of about 20,000 lbs., important information to keep in mind when considering which lift will be ideal for your desired application.

Two-post lifts can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The primary difference between both lift varieties is the vehicle’s position in relation to the lift columns. Symmetrical lift columns are positioned symmetrically to the vehicle. Asymmetrical lift columns are usually positioned at an angle to the vehicle. Both lifts leave minimal space between the car and the columns, often resulting in car door denting. To avoid destruction, repair shop owners and auto enthusiasts should consider utilizing denting protection, such as DoorJammer car door protection, to eliminate costly damage, reduce stress, and prevent lost revenue.

Generally, two-post lifts are less expensive than four-post lifts, making them a good home garage option for any vehicle owner on a budget.

Two-post lifts must be anchored to the ground. While this aids in durability, it severely limits mobility. However, if you plan to keep the lift sedentary, the two-post lift is a good option.

4-Post Auto Lifts

Four-post auto lifts are wheel-engaging; vehicles can drive directly onto runways before use. Because the height of the tire must be accounted for in wheel-engaging lifts, they are not ideal for low ceiling shops.

Usually, four-post lifts feature a 110-volt motor.

Four-post lifts are excellent for a wide variety of vehicles, from small cars to trucks.

Drive-on lifts are easy to utilize. The operator must drive onto the lift, no meticulous positioning of arms into lift points required.

These lifts are a favorite of home repair shops and automotive enthusiasts because they double as storage units. Four-post auto lifts are readily utilized to store multiple cars in a small space, directly over each other.

Four-post lifts are also a favorite of automotive repair shops. These units provide easy access for undercarriage work. With the use of rolling jacks, technicians can adjust the vehicle to perform wheel and brake work.

Because certain kinds of four-post lifts don’t require permanent anchorage into the floor, they are simple to move if needed. Typically, manufacturer-provided casters are required during moving – and are often provided upon purchase. If you do not plan to move your lift, many four-post lifts can also be permanently anchored to the ground.

Four-post lifts are usually more expensive than two-post, due to the complexity of manufacturing mechanics and materials.

Why Do You Need a Lift?

Your requirements for an auto lift will aid in deciding which is best. Here are some questions you may be asking:

Are you a vehicle enthusiast, looking to store your cars but hoping to perform little maintenance? Do you have limited space? Are you tired of having more vehicles than garage space?

If this is the case, a four-post lift is your ideal option. As mentioned, four-post lifts are durable enough to store your vehicle. Furthermore, these lifts hoist vehicles from their tires, a safer way to suspend vehicles for extended periods of time.

Do you plan to complete a wide variety of repairs on your vehicle but have a limited budget?

In this case, a two-post lift may be the best option. Provided you are okay with the lift permanently remaining sedentary.

Is ease-of-use a crucial factor?

Two-post lifts can be more challenging to utilize because correct lifting points must be identified before hoisting. However, any lift must be used with caution.

Is cost a deciding factor?

Two-posts can cost half as much as four. However, choosing the cheapest lift available is not the best option. Choose a reputable, reliable, time-tested brand. Often, the cheapest units do not adhere to strict safety standards. The extra amount one may spend on a four-post lift – or high-quality two-post lift – is absolutely worth it in the long run.

A lift is a vital piece of equipment for any auto repair shop. Thus, you’ll need to make sure that the lift (or lifts) you pick are appropriate for the type of maintenance and repair work you’ll be doing and the vehicles you’ll be working with.

2 Post vs 4 Post Lift

Two post lifts and four post lifts are the most common lift options for most repair shops. Neither lift type is better than the other; rather, you’ll need to consider various factors to see which lift is the best fit for your situation.

Type of Work

A two-post lift offers great access to a vehicle’s undercarriage, making it easy for a mechanic to work on the suspension system, tires, and brakes. A four-post lift works well if you need to do system installations. You can also use it to change a vehicle’s oil, do brake work, and rotate tires; however, you’ll need rolling jacks if you use a four-post lift for brake and tire work.

Size

The dimensions of a 2 post vs 4 post lift are similar. However, the base width varies depending on the brand and model you pick. Measure open floor space with care to ensure you have enough space for the lift of your choice. Bear in mind you’ll also need space to move around the lift. Five feet of space around your lift is ideal if you’re installing a large lift.

Price

Two-lift posts are typically cheaper than four-lift posts. However, cost can vary depending on brand name, model, and other factors.

Weight Capacity

A two-lift post can hold between 7,000 and 15,000 pounds. A four-post lift, on the other hand, can hold up to 40,000 pounds, making them ideal for auto shops that work with large commercial vehicles.

Portability

There are portable two-post and four-post lift options, but the weight limit for these lifts most likely won’t exceed 10,000 pounds. If your shop has limited space, you may want to start with a portable lift or two; however, you’ll need a stable lift before long in order to work with a wider range of vehicles.

Loading and Safety

Unsafe lift usage can result in serious injury. You’ll want to make sure any lift you use is installed on a solid concrete surface. Follow the manual when installing the lift or have a professional do the installation for you. Vehicles should always be loaded with care, especially if you’re driving a large vehicle such as a truck onto a two-post lift.

Ceiling Height Restrictions

Your ceiling should be between 11 and 12 feet high for a two-post lift. A four-post lift will need between 12 and 14 feet of ceiling height.

SVI offers high-quality two-post and four-post lifts in varying sizes, along with top-tier lift parts to suit the needs of any auto shop. Get in touch with us to find out more about our products or to place an order for the items of your choice.

SVI International, Inc

SVI International, Inc is a leading lift manufacturer and shop equipment parts provider for most vehicle lifts and equipment.

Does your shop or garage have a trustworthy lift that needs replacement parts? Instead of buying new, explore our expansive collection of high-quality repair parts. If you have trouble finding the specific part you require, it is most likely not because we don’t have it. Contact our team at (800) 321-8173 or via our online form!