Liftmaster: assessing the lifting options
Workshop equipment provider Liftmaster has offered advice for commercial workshops on a variety of the lifting equipment technologies available, appropriate applications, and the benefits offered by each.
“Four-post lifts are an excellent choice for lifting heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, and RVs,” said the company.
Anchored to the ground, these lifts have a high weight capacity and are ideal for jobs that require extended periods of lifting, Liftmaster says.
“Lifts can be recessed into the floor or surface mounted and can be adapted for drive through configurations. Jacking beams can easily be added to these lifts so vehicle wheels can be raised off the platforms. Lifts can be installed in a tandem configuration (one in front of the other) to allow longer vehicles to be lifted.”
Four-post lifts are available in lifting capacities from 8,000-24,000kg, with platform lengths from 8,000mm to as long as 18,000mm when using a tandem/twin lift.
Mobile column lifts are another commonly encountered lift type: “By lifting on the vehicle wheels, the lift’s design allows for maximum access to the underside of the vehicle, making them the perfect choice for jobs such as working on engines, gearboxes, and axles,” advised Liftmaster.
“Column lifts have a high weight capacity making them suitable for heavy-duty applications [and] can be used in 4,6 and 8-column configuration.”
Lifting capacities are from 3,500kg to 8,500kg per column. Cabled and wireless options are available.
“Pantograph and scissor lifts are designed for lifting trucks, buses, and other large vehicles,” Liftmaster continued.
“They use a unique lifting mechanism that allows no cross rails or torsion bars between the lifting platforms, giving maximum accessibility in the working area. These lifts have a high weight capacity and are ideal for jobs that require extended periods of lifting.”
Like four-post lifts, they can be recessed into the floor or surface-mounted, adapted for drive-through configurations, used in tandem for longer vehicles, and used in conjunction with jacking beams.
“These lifts have a high weight capacity and are ideal for commercial shops that work on large and irregularly shaped vehicles,” said Liftmaster.
Lifting capacities are from 8,000-35,000kg. Platform lengths are from 8,000m but can be extended up to 26,000mm with tandem/twin configurations.
Finally, the company highlighted inground lifts, which maintain a level workshop floor when not in use, making them a space-saving option.
“They have a high weight capacity and are designed for ease of use,” said Liftmaster.
“The inground columns, with their unique lifting saddles and accessories, lift on the vehicle’s axle or chassis leaving the wheels, engine, and gearboxes fully accessible. A fast setup time are one reason these lifts are gaining in popularity.”
Between two and eight columns can be incorporated, with lifting capacities per column of 15,000kg.
Liftmaster concluded: “Each type of lift has its own unique features that make it suitable for specific applications. Four-post lifts, column lifts, pantograph lifts, and inground lifts are just a few of the options available to commercial shops.
“Top manufacturers like Bendpak, Space, and AC Hydraulics offer reliable and high-quality products that can meet the specific needs of any business…
“Since 1985, Liftmaster has specialised in the supply, installation and maintenance of commercial vehicle equipment. We have a network of area sales managers and accredited engineers, each assigned to one of our five service centres. This means we are on hand to support the products we supply and install.”
