Automotive lifts are found in most urban cities. You see them being used by mechanics to raise vehicles for bottom access. In the past, most vehicle lifts were of the in-ground type. These days, most garages use surface-mounted lifts, which are bolted to the floor and utilize a hydraulic pump or a screw-type drive powered by an electric motor.
Here are the different types, available from garage equipment supply dealers:
In-Ground
This type of car lift is assembled below the floor of the garage. It consists of one or more pistons, depending on its maximum weight capacity. Lifts with one or two pistons are used to lift compact, mid-sized and full-sized cars. Lifts with three or more pistons are used for larger vehicles, such as RV's and busses.
Two-Post Surface Mounted Lifts
The most common automotive lift utilized today is called the "Two Post Surface-Mounted Lift." On each column, there are lift arms. These are controlled hydraulically, electronically, or mechanically.
Multi-Post Runway
The most common type of Multi-Post Runway lift is the four-post mounted lift, which is extensively used by oil change, transmission, and muffler service shops. You’ll find this type of car lift in wheel alignment service stations as well. The car is driven onto the two runways and raised, exposing its underside.
Low/Mid Rise Frame Engaging
This type of vehicle lift engages the vehicle’s frame while lifting. There are two ways this type may operate. One way is scissor-style, moving straight up. Another is parallelogram-style, moving forward or backward, while lowering or raising. This type is commonly used for wheel, tire, and brake services, as well as auto body repair.
Drive-On Parallelogram Auto Lift
The Drive-On Parallelogram Lift is a surface-mounted lift. It has two runways where the wheels of the car should be placed. It has a lifting mechanism that moves the vehicle a short distance forward or backward while lowering or raising. The direction depends on the way the lift is mounted.
Scissors
The Scissors Auto Lift can either be of a fixed-pad type or a roll-on frame/underbody engaging type. It has a lifting mechanism that’s similar to the parallelogram lift. The main difference is that the scissor lift goes up and down, on a straight vertical path.
Movable-Type Wheel Engaging Lift
This type of lift is used for vehicles that are longer than conventional cars, such as trucks or buses. It consists of several lifting columns in sets of two, four, six, or more. Columns can be moved and connected with other columns so that their movements are synchronized.
To shop for automotive lifts and other garage tools and equipment, visit Garage Equipment Supply USA.
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