Lift_Guide_2021 - 9

Photo from Stertil-Koni

the fleet is typically lifting two vehicles
per day, the time saved is four minutes -
no big deal. "
Wireless operation can be appealing
because there are no cords to deal with,
which also reduces a tripping hazard in
the shop. However, fleets should remain
cognizant of potential drawbacks to wireless operation, such as potential intermittent signal interruptions.
The mobile column lift is not the
only lift type shops can benefit from.
Other types include platform, swing-arm
wheel-engaging two-post, and inground
lifts in both low-depth scissor style and
traditional vertical piston.
" Fleets need to think about what they
are lifting, the weight of the vehicles they
are lifting, any weight imbalance from
front to rear, and the services their technicians will be providing while a vehicle
is lifted, " Stertil-Koni's Feldman says.
As an example, Feldman says a shop
needing to perform quick oil changes can
benefit from a lift they can drive a vehicle
on and off of easily. A platform lift could
be a good choice.
" A platform lift is also good for
checking things like chassis and brakes
for DOT inspections, " Stertil-Koni's
Bowers adds.
Technicians may also want wheelsfree lifting to work on tires. Feldman says
an in-ground piston lift or scissor lift can
be a good choice because they engage the
vehicle frame. For all of these reasons and
more, Feldman says many facilities have
more than one style of lift. It all depends
on the unique needs of a given fleet.

TIPS TO ENSURE SAFE
AND PROPER LIFTING
Built-in safety locking mechanisms are
an important lift feature shops should
scrutinize. For instance, most of StertilKoni's hydraulic lifts have a mechanical
locking system.
" If something were to happen to the
hydraulics, while rare, the lift will literally

lock in place and become a stand, " Feldman points out. " When you listen to
our lifts go up, you can hear the locks
engaging. It's the sound of steel on steel,
and all of our customers talk about that
sound. To us, it's the prettiest sound
there is because it's the sound of safety.
Mechanical locks also make an enormous
difference in terms of the comfort level
of a technician. "
Another sound best practice is to
implement safeguards to ensure that only
authorized technicians can operate a lift.
Stertil-Koni has built-in safeguards where
users need a key fob to activate a lift.
Speaking of technicians, proper and
continual training is paramount.
" Sometimes technicians get into
a groove and want to move a little bit
quicker, " Stertil-Koni's Bowers says.
" It's important to fight that temptation to
cut corners. "
For example, Feldman says a good
best practice is to raise a vehicle about 12 "
and then pause to conduct a walkaround
and ensure that everything is stable.
" Every technician in the shop should
be trained on the proper operation of each

Arguably the most popular in a fleet setting
is the mobile column lift, mainly due to
portability and under-vehicle access.

lift they will use, " ALI's O'Gorman says.
" This lift-specific training should be
based on the lift manufacturer-provided
instructions and warning labels, as well
as the ALI publications, 'Quick Reference Guide, Vehicle Lifting Points for
Frame-Engaging Lifts, Safety Tips' and
the ANSI/ALI ALOIM [current edition]
Standard for Automotive Lifts, 'Safety
Requirements for Operation, Inspection,
and Maintenance.' "
For general lift safety training, ALI
has developed an online interactive training course entitled " Lifting It Right. " This
course can be completed on a computer or
mobile device in about an hour, in English
or Spanish.
For an easy shop reminder of basic
lift safety tips, ALI also offers an updated and expanded Automotive Lift Safety
Tips Card and new Safety Tips Poster.
Both feature 13 tips for safe lifting,
including lift operation, maintenance,
and inspection.

March 2021 I Vehicle Lift Guide I 9

Lift_Guide_2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Lift_Guide_2021