Automotive lifts, including car lifts, truck lifts, or motorcycle lifts, are a vital piece of equipment in any garage. In fact, you can get one for your home garage or commercial repair shop to raise almost anything with wheels, in almost any configuration, but you'll need to choose wisely. Each model is designed specifically to hold a certain type of vehicle, and if you ignore this fact, it can be dangerous or even deadly.

Before you choose one, take some time to get familiar with the many different types of hoists and their features. This will make it easy for you to find the one that works the best for the job you have in mind and keep you safe at the same time.

Vehicle lift

A portable automobile lift includes a plurality of portable lifting columns and a portable power unit. Each lifting column includes a column base, a post extending upwardly from the column base, a lifting carriage moveably mounted on a forward side of the post, and a hydraulic actuator connected to the lifting carriage for movement of the lifting carriage along the post. Each column base comprises a respective base plate connected to a lower end of the respective post. The base plate anchor bolt receiving holes extending therethrough for receiving respective anchor bolts. Each column base further includes a pair of wheels positioned to engage a ground surface rearward of the base plate for ease of portability of the columns. The lift also includes a safety lock assembly that automatically engages during upward movement of the lift to prevent unintentional lowering or falling of the lifting carriage.

Automotive lifts come in a large number of different styles. Some are designed specifically for small garages while others are made for large, professional garages. In both of these categories, some styles are built with long-term storage in mind. Here are a few of the different styles of car lifts you might be looking at.

Hydraulic Car Lifts

Mechanics who use their automotive lifts frequently often select this style. These models utilize the power of hydraulics to raise and lower a vehicle. Hydraulic lifts provide an added level of safety along with their ease of use. Specifically designed liquids that are run through cylinders and pumps power the action.

Some models combine the power of electricity with hydraulics. These are the most popular types of automotive lifts available since the power runs the hydraulics. They have great stability for storage and work quickly and easily enough for frequent professional and amateur mechanics as well as some professional storage companies.

Post Style Automotive Lifts

- Portable Automotive Lifts: When you want to make repairs on the go, or need a lift for car shows and similar types of events, this style is ideal. They are small, light, and easy to move around, giving you the freedom to get the job done quickly and easily no matter where you are.

- Turf Equipment, ATV, and Motorcycle Lifts: When you're working on specialty equipment, you need specific lifts in order to do the job safely and efficiently. Motorcycle lifts are the best option for your favorite two-wheeled toy because they are designed specifically for this purpose; other styles are simply an accident waiting to happen. Turf and ATV platforms are ideal for machines because they bring the equipment up to a comfortable height while leaving you room to work on the undersides as well as giving you room to change the heads in the front.

- Two-Post Car Lifts: These are small enough to fit into a small garage or shop bay while still leaving you with room to work on the vehicle. For heavier vehicles, choose an asymmetrical design for added security.

- Four-Post Truck Lifts: The extra posts not only make this style sturdier, but they're also a better choice for commercial repair bays because of the added convenience of driving the vehicle on and off the platform.

- Scissor Car Lifts: Professional and amateur mechanics both love this style of automotive lifts because of their ability to handle more weight and longer vehicles while still giving you enough space underneath to give you access to the undercarriage.

- Pit Truck Lifts: These are ideal for a busy automotive garage or for areas where space is at a premium because they sit flush with the floor when not in use. They also give you lots of space to work and can be either mounted in the floor or completely portable.

- Storage Lifts: Single and two posts hoists are the best choice when storing any style of vehicle for any length of time. Some of these models are completely freestanding while others will require anchoring, but either way, you'll find these to be a secure and safe option for almost any vehicle.

Mechanical And In-Ground Lifts

These are similar to hydraulic styles without the hydraulics to raise and lower the units. Rather than liquids and cylinders, this style requires the use of locks, screws, bolts, and wrenches to lift. These models are inconvenient to use. Since hydraulic models are not priced much higher than mechanical styles, this option is often left behind.

In-ground lifts are space saving and convenient, however, these features come with a bigger price tag. These are the styles seen in big repair shops. The lift is stored at a level that is level with the floor so that cars can be parked on top overnight. They also work well for commercial applications because they add floor space when they aren't being used to prevent damage caused by crowding.

Space-saving garage models are reserved for the indoor storage of multiple vehicles. These car lifts give the user the benefit of storing one vehicle on top just inches from a second one stored underneath. Showcase lifts have added features and appealing finishes. They are designed to complement the vehicle they are storing specifically for show purposes. They are often seen at places such as professional car shows and auto dealers. Both the garage and showcase units come in a few different styles.

Automotive lifts come in all different configurations, and choosing the right one will make a world of difference when it comes to actually doing the repairs. Simply match the right piece of equipment to the right job and you'll discover just how quick and easy repairs can be.

Automotive Lifts Available at www.cnausland.com