Car lifts offer numerous benefits in certain establishments that work with vehicles, which range from the safety of personnel to the use of space.
The mechanical workshops, as well as the different establishments that work with cars, must have the appropriate tools and equipment for the safe handling of the units. Among the essential machinery that cannot be missing in this class of places are car lifts , which are extremely popular and necessary for maintenance, repair and accommodation of vehicles.
1. What are car lifts for?
As its name indicates, car lifts have the main objective of facilitating the lifting of the car. It is the most used machinery in mechanical workshops and service centers. Although its use is mostly linked to maintenance tasks, there are also car lifts for parking lots. The purpose of the latter is the accommodation and handling of cars for the use of space.
Likewise, an automotive lift can be of great help for private use inside a garage. In some countries, car lifts are gaining popularity with people who need extra space in their homes to store their vehicles. Although it requires a higher investment compared to buying an awning or a car cover, it prevents you from leaving your car exposed or out in the open.
Next, Proautoenthusiast.com presents the different types of car lifts that exist in the market. Although hydraulic car lifts are not cheap, it is important to invest in the right equipment so as not to compromise the safety of people or the unit itself.
2. How an automotive lift works
Shop lifts or a car parking lift system work on the same principle as a hydraulic jack. That is, they are based on a mechanism similar to the jack you use to lift your car and change a tire.
In general, its operation revolves around a hydraulic piston, which is actuated by oil that is stored in a cylinder. The latter is connected to a system that is responsible for pumping the liquid.
3. Types of elevators
· Hydraulic lifts with 2 columns
These workshop car lifts are based on a pair of heavy-duty supports or arms. This type of automotive lift is very popular in service centers for the overhaul and maintenance of cars and tractors. Its operation is quite simple, especially in the case of hydraulic lifts with 2 symmetrical columns, where each of the arms supports 50% of the weight. In the case of the asymmetric ones, the main benefit is that their rotating arms facilitate access to other parts of the car.
· 4 post elevators
In case you are looking for car lifts with greater load capacity and support, 4-post car lifts are the right option. They are widely popular within public parking lots as well as some professional car washes. In the market, there are car lifts for parking lots that are specifically designed to maximize the space available in the area, in addition to the fact that they are usually more compact than the previous ones.
· Alignment elevators
Among the different car lifts we also find the so-called alignment car lift . It is recognized for the ease of assembly, in addition to the fact that it is also focused on a particular objective: to facilitate the alignment of the wheels. In this case, the tires rest on a narrow track that has anti-slip plates to make turning easier.
· scissor lifts
There are many workshops and specialized maintenance centers that prefer scissor lifts . This name is used to name car lifts that raise cars using a mechanism similar to that of an accordion. In the market, it is possible to find models that allow different heights and capacities.
4. How to choose the right car lift
To choose the right car lift it is essential that you take into account several factors. The first thing you must determine is the use that you are going to give to the machinery. This is essential to define the load capacity you need in the workshop, parking lot or private home. Even within the same maintenance center, there are lifts intended for the repair of small cars and others for larger vehicles.
Normally, car lifts allow cars to be lifted between 1 and 2 meters high. However, do not rule out the possibility of choosing one with a higher elevation, as this will facilitate a wide variety of jobs.
Also consider the activation speed, which refers to the time it takes to fully raise or lower the unit. While long lift times are acceptable in a private garage, garages and parking lots should opt for short lift times to speed up work and maximize productivity.