GUEST EDITORIAL
A two-post above-ground lift is one of the
most common and productive pieces of shop
equipment for a fl eet. But, it’s important
to consider the appropriate features needed
for your operation before making a purchasing
decision.
Comparison to other lift types
While some like the convenience of driving on
a four-post, scissor or parallelogram lift , when
comparing the amount of shop space needed
for these lift types, a two-post lift takes up less
space. Additionally, given so much work is done
with the tires hanging free, there’s no need to
also purchase optional wheels-free rolling jacks
for tire and brake service for a two-post lift .
Next, consider the wide-open work spaces
under a two-post lift versus a drive-on lift , as
50 Fleet Maintenance | June 2018
the runways for drive-on lift s always seem to
be in the way when replacing brake lines and
other under-vehicle components. A two-post
lift has no under-vehicle obstructions.
Regardless of lift type, adhering to safety
guidelines is critical. Many, but not all, lift
manufacturers opt to become members of the
Automotive Lift Institute (ALI). ALI members
must meet the one and only nationally recognized
safety standard for vehicle lift s. To verify
a lift meets ALI standards for safety, look
for a gold ALI certifi cation label affi xed to the
lift itself.
Additional considerations
Th ere are a number of factors to consider when
selecting the appropriate two-post lift for your
shop. Th ey include:
Lift capacity
Two-post lift s range in capacities from 6,000 to
30,000 lbs. Th is does not necessarily mean the
full weight of the vehicle is always distributed
evenly. Sometimes the bulk of the load will be
at the front or rear of the vehicle when the lift is
raised. For instance, if you service Ford F-450s
loaded with a welder, tools or a one-man bucket
the truck may weigh 11,000 lbs, but more
than half the weight is in the back half of the
vehicle. If the rear axle weighs 7,800 lbs, not
over-loading the swing arms is a critical safety
issue since no individual arm of any two-post
lift is made to lift more than one quarter of the
total lift ’s rated capacity. In the 7,800-lb rear
axle weight example, each of the rear two arms
is holding 3,900 lbs. Multiplied by four lift ing
arms, that means a lift with a minimum capacity
of 15,600 lbs is needed. Always know the
weight on the heavy end of your service trucks.
Design and construction
Lift s were once all made from forklift C-shaped
channels, to replicate the design similar to how
forklift s go up and down several hundred
times a day. Years ago, some lift manufacturers
changed to a much lighter design and went
away from forklift mast type-C with sealed roller
bearings design. Th ere are several manufacturers
using the lighter design methods, as well
as manufacturers that still design lift s with the
traditional C-shaped channels.
In addition to column construction, review
lift ing function. Th ere are a number of options
available on vehicle lift s, including direct-drive
lift ing, chain lift ing or cable lift ing. Like the
example of column design, direct drive lift ing
eliminates the all-too-common wear of a cable
lift . Worn cables and cable pulleys cost shops
in the form of bay downtime, service calls and
cable/pulley replacements every few years.
Warranty
Th e construction of the lift s being considered
relates to the manufacturer’s warranty. Like
anything, a better made machine lasts longer.
In the two-post lift business we have seen
warranties as long as 25 years, and some as
short as one year. In a conversation with the
nation’s largest independently owned tire store
chain, Les Schwab, we learned their philosophy
was to spend more upfront and purchase lift s
that last “forever.” Les Schwab has over 450
stores in the western U.S. “Because some stores
are so remote, we don’t expect a service man
to be available in an hour, so we buy lift s that
never cause us problems,” said Rick Martin,
manager, shop equipment, Les Schwab.
Safety features
It’s been said 1,000 times: never use a jack
without a jack stand. Lift s are no diff erent, and
should always be lowered onto the mechanical
safety locks. But how do you know if your techs
have lowered the lift onto the locks?
Th e answer is a pressure gauge calibrated to the
vehicle’s weight, also known as a weight gauge.
If the weight gauge reads zero, your techs are
properly using the lift .
Th e weight gauge can also provide validation
of service. If a customer comes in concerned
about a bad tune-up, or the vehicle pulling, you
can place the vehicle on the lift to show the
actual vehicle weight.
Finally, a weight gauge can assist shops
with analyzing parts usage. With a weight
gauge, you can show the vehicle owner of a
1-ton truck how much his truck really weighs
when your service records show the installation
of less expensive brake pads. Better
tires or brake pads as well as load levelers
versus shocks help your shop evaluate the
parts used on vehicles. A weight gauge can
be the “show and tell” to validate the need for
better components.
Conclusion
Th e right two-post lift can help make your
shop more productive and more profi table.
Prior to your next lift purchase, investigate
the diff erences in lift brands, how they’re
built, the warranties off ered and the components
they’re built from. With this additional
research, the next lift purchase decision
becomes one you’re proud of rather than
regretting in a few years.
Considerations
when buying a
two-post lift
Features to look for when
making a purchasing decision.
By Steve Perlstein
PRESIDENT, MOHAWK LIFTS
A leader in vehicle lifting technology, Mohawk Lifts, offers
environmentally safe above-ground garage lifts, ranging
from 6,000- to 240,000-lb capacities as well as many
lift accessories for this equipment. All Mohawk Lifts are
proudly designed, welded and manufactured in the U.S.
» Two-post lifts
range in capacities
from 6,000 to
30,000 lbs. It is
important to note
that while the
full weight of the
vehicle may fit these
parameters, it is
critical to determine
if the weight is
distributed evenly.
For instance, the
bulk of a work
truck load may
be at the rear of
the vehicle while
the lift is raised.
Photo courtesy of Mohawk Lifts