The installation of an auto lift is a lot easier than the installation of a jack or jacks. Before you start installing your lift, you should check out pricing and safety features and read up on proper placement and equalization. You should also ensure the safety of the vehicle and yourself.
Safety check
Before installing a car lift, you should perform a safety check to ensure its safety. Inspect all of the lifting points for damage and corrosion. If the vehicle lift requires hydraulics, check that all cylinders are empty. Also, check all safety locks and hydraulic systems before using the lift. Lastly, test the lift by placing the least-loved vehicle on the floor and releasing hydraulic pressure. If the vehicle lift is not stable, you should adjust the control cables.
The lifting platform should be equipped with an automatic safety lock, which engages when the lift is raised. This prevents sudden free fall and minimizes the wear and tear on suspension components. Before lowering a car lift, ensure that the safety locks engage and release independently.
Placement
Before installing a car lift in your shop, it's important to understand how to properly place it. You should begin by checking the dimensions of your building to ensure the lift will fit properly. You should also consider the thickness of your concrete slab and its condition. Ideally, you should select a lift that matches the shape and size of your shop.
Next, decide how much space the auto lift will take up. Generally, two feet of clearance are ideal between the lift and the side walls. Having less space than this will make it difficult for technicians to walk under the lifted vehicle. The lift should be installed with enough clearance above the ceiling, as well as around the workstation.
Equalization
When installing a car lift, you should be sure to consider equalization, the system that enables the cylinders of the lift to work in relative unison. These lifts often use equalization cable assemblies to ensure the rise and descent of the lift arms is equal. Equalization cables are installed between the carriages and routed in the same manner as hydraulic lines. It is important that you pay attention to the lower pulleys, and remember to lubricate the whole chain once a week. It is also a good idea to lubricate the corners of the inside posts. This will ensure that the arm restraints and other moving parts work properly.
Equalization should be checked daily by visually inspecting the cables. Do not let the cables remain in the same position for longer than six months without being adjusted. Lift cables should also be replaced every four to five years. In addition to regular checkups, you should visually inspect the lift before each use and check for any obvious defects. Ensure that all locking mechanisms and other parts of the lift work properly. Operators should also lubricate chain rollers and grease carriage tracks inside the lift towers. Moreover, they should check the cable tension every week and every six months.
Locking or tagging out of service
The process of locking or tagging out of service when installing car lifts involves communication, coordination, training, and the identification of energy sources and controls. An authorized person, or AP, is a person qualified to control hazardous energy sources. A system is a group of machines, equipment, processes, or other components of an installation that is intended to be used only by authorized personnel.
Lockout procedures should be carefully followed by all employees, including those who are under supervision. Moreover, these procedures must be developed for each piece of equipment that is being used. These procedures should be followed to ensure worker safety and prevent accidents.
Electrical planning
Before installing a car lift, it is important to plan for the electrical needs of the lift. Many car lifts require 110v or 220v electrical wires, so it is important to consider how much current they will draw. The initial draw will be similar to an air conditioner, but it will decrease after the lift has been in operation for a while. Also, remember to give the motor enough headroom to avoid tripping the circuit breaker.
If you're installing the lift outdoors, you need to ensure that the electrical work meets local codes. This means using GFI circuit breakers and watertight conduit to keep electrical lines safe. Additionally, the lift must be installed on a concrete pad.