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27 January 2021

Any car service station starts with choosing car lifts. They are an integral part of any car service station. And auto service owners often rack their brains when choosing this equipment.

Let us analyze what types of car lifts exist and what they are needed for.

Car lifts come in the following types:

A single-post lift is typically used by garage and private workshop owners, as well as in small auto services. It has compact dimensions, which does not take up much space in the repair area, and a low price, which is economically advantageous.
A two-post lift is one of the most common types of equipment in an auto service. These lifts come in electromechanical and electrohydraulic versions. In electromechanical lifts, an electric motor drives a worm shaft through a gearbox or belt, resulting in the movement of lifting carriages to raise or lower the car. In electrohydraulic lifts, the electric motor rotates a hydraulic pump that creates pressure in the hydraulic system, and oil is supplied under pressure to the hydraulic cylinders. The vehicle is then lifted.
A four-post lift is a structure of four posts connected by beams, on which platforms are mounted. These lifts, like two-post ones, come in two types: electromechanical and electrohydraulic. The latter have two types of platforms: locksmith (smooth) and a platform for setting camber and toe. A lift for adjusting camber and toe has recesses for turntables and rear compensating plates.
A scissor lift has a platform on which the car is placed and crossed arms located underneath it. When the arms straighten, lifting occurs. The platform is raised and lowered using a pneumatic or hydraulic system  by pulling one of the two ends of the arms connected in the middle. These lifts have various platforms: short ones – for lifting by the sills, long ones - for directly lifting the entire car. The long ones are also adapted for adjusting camber and toe.  Using a scissor lift significantly saves space.
Plunger lifts (one of the most expensive), reliable, easy to operate, but require a deep foundation. They consist of a special block with hydraulic cylinders inserted into the floor. Ramps or platforms are attached to the ends of the hydraulic cylinder pistons, which are slightly raised above the floor. If necessary, the lifting devices are hidden and the space is freed up — only the platforms or supports are visible. The structure is made without support columns, which allows unimpeded work with the car. When it is necessary to engage the lift, the plunger mechanism is extended from the floor by the operator’s command. Plunger lifts can have one, two, or four plungers. A single-plunger hydraulic lift with a large lifting capacity is used for working with trucks.

Purpose of lifts.

    A car lift is necessary when carrying out maintenance, regulations, and repairs. With the help of lifts, cars are raised to the required height and held there while work is being carried out. Platform car lifts have an additional function — they can be used to adjust wheel alignment angles.

Choosing a lift.

    The market offers a wide variety of car lifts from both Russian and foreign companies. The correct choice of the product brand should be made taking into account financial capabilities, scope of application, and the specific needs of the customer. At the same time, the following should be taken into account:

• the dimensions of the space and the dimensions of the area intended for equipment installation;
• the power of the electrical network;
• the design features and operational characteristics of the equipment;
• the speed and height of lifting (when buying a lift for individual use, this point can be neglected).

The technical characteristics of the selected lift modification must provide conditions for servicing (lifting and holding) a larger number of various car brands. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the reliability, operability of the units, completeness, and operational characteristics.

For car service stations with limited space, it is preferable to choose plunger lifts, which are installed deep in the floor, or scissor lifts. When they are used, the spaces in the box are not cluttered.

Car lifts in Kazakhstan for auto services and car service stations.

Source: https://sto-avto.ru/