Vehicle hoists are produced by a number of manufacturers globally. They come in a range of configurations and are designed to meet the particular needs of the workshop. For instance there are models that are designed for use where the ceiling height (e.g. Shorty lift) may be an issue, there are models that are completely mobile (e.g. Specialty lifts) and individual lifting machines that can be linked together electronically and used on trucks and buses.
Generally they come in the following types and groups:
- Four post lifts (top left)
- Two post lifts (top right)
- Single post lifts
- Inground lifts
- Scissor lifts
- Parallelogram lifts
- Mobile or specialty lifts
Each of these types have one common feature that should always be adhered to:
NEVER exceed the safe working load for the lift and always follow the manufacturer loading and operation instructions.
All lifts used in automotive workshops must have a safety locking device built into the design to ensure that the lift cannot collapse when it it raised with a vehicle on it and it is essential that the locking device is engaged when the lift is raised before anyone is allowed to proceed with a task underneath the vehicle.
Most jurisdictions require the lift to be registered with the local safety and health inspectorate, are generally required to be inspected and certified as fit for use on and annual basis. If unsure look for the manufacturers identification plate and a
current registration label before using the lift.
Vehicle jacks are used to lift the vehicle and/or to support large components when removing or fitting them from/into a vehicle. They must always be used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are in full working order. They are available in a range of configurations:
- Trolley jacks
- High lift (or farm) Jacks
- Bottle jacks
- Air Jacks
- Scissor Jacks
- Fork Lift Jacks
- Sliding bridge jacks
- Transmission jacks
Each of these are designed for a particular application and should NEVER be used for a job for which they not recommended, for instance the small scissor jack provided with a vehicle for the purposes of changing a road wheel in a roadside flat tire situation should NEVER be used to support the vehicle that requires a person to get underneath the vehicle to complete any task.
All jacks should be regarded as a lifting tool and NOT a supporting tool, they should always be used with support of axle stands which are designed to take the weight of the vehicle when they are positioned correctly under the vehicle.
Axle stands are types of weight supporting equipment, they are used with vehicle jacks and are designed to take the weight of the vehicle when they are positioned correctly under the vehicle.
There are a range of types, each of these are designed for a particular application and should
NEVER be used for a job for which they not recommended. They normally come in matched pairs and should be used in those pair whenever possible.
Stands are load rated, and should only be used for loads less than the rating indicated on the stand.
Engine hoists are designed to be used for lifting engines and other large components during removal and/or fitting to a vehicle. They are generally provided with adjustable legs and arms and the position of these determines the safe load carrying capacity of the hoist. In addition the hoists are normally used with chains and/or straps which are also load rated. It is important that the equipment together with the chains and/or straps are not used to lift engines or components outside of these limitations as accidents can occur as a result.
