EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW
The different types of vehicle lifting
equipment available for the shop
There are a number of vehicle lift options available for
shops that repair and maintain vehicles.
F
or any facility maintaining and
repairing vehicles, vehicle lift -
ing equipment is imperative to
effi cient operations. Th ere are
a number of vehicle lift options
for shops – whether that be heavy duty
equipment and trucking facilities or light
duty repair shops.
When it comes to choosing the most
appropriate vehicle lift s for a maintenance
or repair facility, Dr. Jean Dellamore,
President, Stertil-Koni USA, says there
are three aspects to consider:
• Th e type of vehicles serviced.
• Th e most common maintenance and
service work performed.
• Shop budget.
According to ALI (Automotive
Lift Institute), common lift types are
grouped into the following seven
lift categories:
• Two-post surface mounted lift s.
• Multi-post runway lift s.
• Low/mid-rise frame engaging lift s.
• Scissor lift s.
• Parallelogram lift s.
• In-ground lift s.
• Mobile column lift s.
Two-Post Lifts
Two-post surface-mounted lift s are the
most popular type of lift used today,
says ALI.
6 | Lift Supplement | SEPTEMBER 2017
Two-post lift s are typically frameengaging
and have above-ground swing arms
which travel up the two columns to lift the
vehicle. A variety of accessories and adapters
are available to allow for diff erent functions,
such as wheel-engaging operation.
Two-post lift s are most oft en used for
general maintenance on light and medium
duty vehicles. Th is lift type is a versatile
option for many shops, allowing full
access underneath the vehicle.
Multi-Post Runway Lifts
Most commonly confi gured as a four-post
surface-mounted lift , multi-post runway
When using a frame-engaging
lift like a two-post surface lift,
it is crucial to make sure you
know where the manufacturer’s
recommended lifting points are
for the vehicle you are going
to service.
Photo courtesy of Stertil-Koni
lift s allow the vehicle to be driven onto two
runways and lift ed by its tires, providing
full access to the underside of the vehicle,
ALI says.
“Four post lift s off er very low drive
on-height and are ideal for low-ground
clearance vehicles,” says Stertil-Koni’s
Dellamore.
Four-post lift s can also be confi gured
to perform wheels-free services.
Th is lift type is used primarily for quick
preventative maintenance and inspections.
In addition to common use for light
duty vehicle work, he adds the these types
of lift s can also be used to service a variety
of commercial vehicles, including three-