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OPTIONS & ADD-ONS

Lift considerations to
maximize productivity

Shops can make the most of vehicle lifts by prioritizing lift attributes based on need.
by Steve Perlstein

Photo from Mohawk Lifts

ometimes it is necessary
to purchase a 1/2 " socket
because that specific tool is
needed. Yet, most technicians have
an adjustable wrench, a multitool,
and vise grips. The socket is made for
one specific job while the others are
made to do many things. Vehicle lifts
are no different. Having a lift with the
flexibility of a multitool can open up
revenue opportunities and increase
shop productivity.
No shop wants to turn away or outsource work because they do not have the
proper equipment to service the vehicle;
saying 'no' to a job is sending revenue
away. Proper planning when it comes to
the shop's lifts, however, can keep more
work in-house. Below are some items to
consider when selecting a lift to keep your
shop as productive as possible.

TWO-POST LIFT CONSIDERATIONS
Lift capacity. Many shops have a 10,000lb capacity two-post lift. It is important to
consider, though, that per the Automotive
Lift Institute (ALI) and Lifting It Right,
a two-post lift should never exceed 1/4
of the rated capacity on any one swing
arm. A 10,000-lb capacity is fine if the
shop only services light passenger cars,
and it may be adequate for a half-ton
pickup such as a Silverado 1500 or F-150.
However, if the truck is a larger F-350 or
F-450 work truck with a welder, service
body, or toolboxes, a 10,000-lb capacity two-post lift cannot safely raise that
vehicle because the rear arms would be
overloaded. A 13,000-lb ambulance can
overload a 15,000-lb capacity lift since

10 I Vehicle Lift Guide I March 2021

the rear axle weighs about 8,000 lbs.
Were this the case, the lift should be at
least a 16,000-lb capacity model.
Lift arms. Two-post lifts require
about four to ten minutes per vehicle to
properly position each of the four swing
arms. Multiply that by five cars per day,
five days a week, and positioning arms
can add up to 80 hours each year of
unproductive repair time (plus the wear
on your knees). Some lift brands offer
options that allow technicians to avoid
positioning the swing arms when they
are not necessary for the vehicle being
serviced. For example, when servicing the
front brakes on a car, the rear arms would
not need to be set. Another option allows

This lift option allows technicians to convert a
two-post frame engaging lift to a drive-on lift
which leaves the wheels hanging free.

technicians to convert a two-post frame
engaging lift to a drive-on lift which
leaves the wheels hanging free. Of course,
when all arms are needed, these options
can be removed.
Truck adapters. Shops that service
vehicles with running boards require
truck adapters. Some lift manufacturers include adapters as standard equipment while others charge extra. What is
most important is that ALI requires each
option for certified lifts to be listed and
certified. Research on Autolift.org shows

http://www.Autolift.org

PTEN_0321

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