Lifts Car

Lifts Car

Safety Instructions Before Using Vehicle Lifts

Lifts are used to raise a vehicle on a stable platform, allowing automotive mechanics unrestricted access to inspect and repair the underbelly, transmission and wheels of the vehicle. Multiple vehicle lifts are standard equipment in most auto repair shops. In addition, some automobile enthusiasts install lifts in their homes for vehicle storage.

Prior to 1920, only service pits were available for repairing and doing preventive maintenance on the undersides of vehicles. The hydraulic auto lift was invented in the 1920's to reduce the time and equipment needed to hoist vehicles off the ground. Depending on the design used, .today's vehicle lifts can raise up to 50,000 pounds and can cost between $9,000 and $45,000. Installation not included.

In the beginning, there were no industry standards and vehicle lifts varied in design and construction. After World War II, there were only fifteen auto lift manufacturers in the United States. They recognized the need to develop standards to guide the industry. In 1947, the U.S. government issued its first set of standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration developed its own regulations in 1974.

Today, there are three major manufacturers of heavy lifts: Mohawk Resources Ltd. of Amsterdam, NY; Advantage Lift Systems based in San Diego, CA; and Rotary Lift in Madison, IN. Electric controls for lifts are standard, and lift features vary according to price and model. They vary depending on where they make contact with the vehicle, usually the axles, frame or wheels. They include single-, two-, four-post, and scissors lifts. The single- and two-post lifts are ideal for small trucks and cars. The four-post auto lift is used for most commercial and transit vehicles. The scissors lift saves space by having the posts in the middle of the lift, operating like an open pair of scissors.

Over the years, the structure of the automobile body has changed. Vehicles previously built onto underbody frames are now being constructed into frameless or unibody styles. Lifts have evolved to better handle the structure of newer vehicles. Rotary, for example, has developed the three stage lift. It has three telescoping sections, giving it a greater range of extension and retraction than other lifts. As a result, it can reach a broader range of vehicle pick-up points. It has become the preferred lift of many vehicle manufacturers, including Honda, Volkswagen and Audi.

Despite changes in the design of lifts over the years, many injuries and accidents occur annually. This is usually due to human error rather than any flaw in the lift design. The most simple things often lead to disaster. Auto mechanics sometimes fail to keep the lift area free of debris, grease/oil and obstructions. Not paying close attention when working around the lifts or allowing untrained individuals to use them are two more potential problems. Some forget to wear the right safety gear, including goggles, a hard hat, and steel toed boots.

Proper use and maintenance of the equipment is essential. Blocking or overriding the controls is dangerous. The manufacturer's rated capacity is shown on the nameplate affixed to lift. Despite this, some mechanics use the lift to hoist vehicles that exceed the weight limit.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Mistakes made before the vehicle is lifted are accidents waiting to happen. The lift arms must be properly positioned before the vehicle is raised. If the center of gravity of the car is not on the center of the lift, cars may tip off. With some vehicles, removing or installing items may cause a critical shift in the vehicle's center of gravity and result in instability. Mechanics should always refer to the lift manufacturer's recommendations. If there is not ample overhead clearance space, the vehicle may be crushed. Mistakes also occur when the transmission is not in neutral, doors are not securely closed or the ignition is not turned off. Some repairmen fail to lock the lift into place before going under it. Others raise the car while someone is inside the vehicle.

Numerous accidents occur during the lifting process. The vehicle should be loaded on a lift carefully. Mechanics should ensure that the lift supports are in contact with the manufacturer's recommended lifting points. When a secure contact is made, the lift can be raised to the desired working height. If work will be done under the vehicle, the lift should be raised high enough for its locking device to be engaged.

Before lowering a lift, the mechanic should ensure that everything is removed from under the vehicle. Locking devices should be disengaged before the lift is lowered.

About the Author

More from this author at: mycar-magazine.com

Lady Lifts Car 1925 $49.99 Lady Lifts Car 1925 - Giclee Print

3br - Short walk to lifts $270 Comfortable condo located at the base of The Canyons ski resort. Provides easy access to lift. Quiet location with Hot Tub, one car attached garage, washer and dryer, ski storage, jetted tub in master, one king bed, one queen bed, and two twins....

Chair Lifts $29.99 Jessica Peterson Chair Lifts - Photographic Print

Shark SV780 VX33 Pet Perfect II Cordless HandVac Vacuum Cleaner 18V Recharge Base, Motor Brush lifts upholstery hair & dirt carpet, car mat, auto seat $69 Shark SV780 VX33 Pet Perfect II Cordless HandVac Vacuum Cleaner 18V Recharge Base, Motor Brush lifts upholstery hair & dirt carpet, car mat, auto seat

Love Lifts Up $10 Love Lifts Up

Theseus Lifts the Stone $39.99 Theseus Lifts the Stone - Giclee Print

Webber Lifts Table $49.99 Webber Lifts Table - Giclee Print

Strong Man Lifts Weight $39.99 Strong Man Lifts Weight - Giclee Print

Hand Lifts Receiver, 1948 $49.99 Hand Lifts Receiver, 1948 - Giclee Print

Ski Lifts at a Resort $34.99 Tim Laman Ski Lifts at a Resort - Photographic Print

Base For S/Sx Lifts Base Stand For S/Sx Lifts. $91.99 BASE FOR S/SX LIFTS BASE STAND FOR S/SX LIFTS.

Ski Lifts, Stuben, Austria $129.99 Panoramic Images Ski Lifts, Stuben, Austria - Wall Decal

Teaching the Explosive Lifts (DVD) $62.64 Teaching the Explosive Lifts presents a detailed overview of how to teach the basic techniques involved in performing the explosive lifts and in exercises designed to assist in the explosive lifts. Featuring two separate video programs—The Explosive Lifts and Assistive Exercises for the Explosive Lifts, the DVD covers the grip, body mechanics, and exercise techniques for the Romanian dead lift, Olympic-style pull, power snatch, and power clean. Produced in cooperation with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Space Shuttle Discovery Lifts Off $24.99 Space Shuttle Discovery Lifts Off - Photographic Print

The Space Shuttle Atlantis Lifts off $24.99 The Space Shuttle Atlantis Lifts off - Photographic Print

Utilizing Combination Lifts (DVD) $44.73 Utilizing Combination Lifts demonstrates and explains the concepts and techniques involved in combination lifting. Featured exercises range from beginner to advanced and are suitable for use in general fitness programs all the way up to advanced athletic conditioning programs. Among the topics covered in the DVD: rationale for the inclusion of combination lifts in your training programs, definitions of different combinations such as basic combination lifts, hybrid lifts, and complexes, and barbell and dumbbell variations for various exercises. Produced in cooperation with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Love on the Lifts $2.99 Winter Break super-secret perfect cocoa recipe: 8 oz steamed whole milk (no skim! doesn't work!); 2 tbsp. dark cocoa powder (big scoops); 1 tbsp. sugar (can't be too sweet); 4 dried, crushed mint leaves (or 1 tbsp. mint syrup). Stir thoroughly. Add mint swizzle stick. Combine with cute ski instructor, or brother's cute best friend, or cute guy you never noticed was so cute...Enjoy.

Surface Lifts $7.39 No Synopsis Available

Ski Lifts Silhouetted, Banff, Canada $19.99 Rick Rudnicki Ski Lifts Silhouetted, Banff, Canada - Photographic Print

Look For Fork Lifts Sign $20.19 Look for fork lifts signs remind employees to stay alert and keep the workplace safe. Wording - DANGER LOOK OUT FOR FORK LIFTS (forklift symbol) Color - Black / Red / White Header - Danger Language - English Material - Aluminum, Steel, Plastic, Foam Adhesive, Adhesive Vinyl, Magnetic Size - 7" x 17" Lifetime Guarantee available with optional Duroshield Topcoat

Performing Olympic-Style Lifts (DVD) $44.73 Performing Olympic-Style Lifts presents a detailed overview of the basic fundamentals involved in properly performing the three Olympic lifts—the clean, the jerk, and the snatch. In an easy-to-understand and -follow style, the DVD explains and demonstrates step-by-step instructions for executing each specific lift. The DVD also discusses the key safety factors attendant to Olympic lifting. In addition, the DVD review how to perform several auxiliary lifts that can be done in conjunction with the Olympic lifts, including pulls, squats, and dead lifts. Among the topics covered: learning objectives, demonstrations of Olympic lifts, benefits of Olympic lifts, the clean, the jerk, the snatch, and auxiliary lifts.

Mountain Horse Heel Lifts $6.95 When your boots are too tall, you need the Mountain Horse Heel Lifts. These handy heel wedges give you a little extra height to avoid discomfort in breaking in tall-boots or wearing boots that a just a bit too tall.

He Who Lifts The Skies $12.99 "Take a fresh look at the biblical accounts of Nimrod and the Babel rebellion! As the Genesis Trilogy continues, Annah and Shem are distraught to learn that their youngest son, Aram, has abandoned the Most High and now worships the mortal Nimr-Rada, the one they call "He-Who-Lifts-the-Skies." Could he really be the Promised One?"

Teaching the Olympic Lifts (DVD) $44.73 Teaching the Olympic Lifts presents a detailed sequence of exercises and drills for teaching the clean, jerk, and snatch exercises. The DVD features step-wise progressions that offer coaches the capacity to train athletes of various ability levels. Key points for ensuring proper execution of exercises are demonstrated, allowing coaches to confidently incorporate these explosive exercises into the training programs for their athletes. Among the topics covered: the importance of power development, proper terminology as it relates to the Olympic lifts, teaching progression for the clean, teaching progression for the jerk, teaching progression for the snatch, and complexes and combination exercises. Produced in cooperation with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.