September 2, 2010
How to Buy: Auto Lift
If you’re employed in the wheel alignment business, the most important major tool for your garage is the alignment lift. By using an alignment lift, you are able to lift automobiles in order to examine the suspension and steering mechanisms, in addition to checking out the alignment.
An alignment lift increases efficiency for wheel alignment tasks because it has characteristics that make tasks less tiresome, such as turn plates and slip plates. Slip plates are required for tasks involving independent rear suspensions, making it possible for these to descend to their normal ride height. Turn plates are used to inspect caster and toe-out when the wheels are turned to one side or the other.
The turn plates must be flush with the ramps of the alignment lift, so that there are no bumps when the car rolls over them. Alignment systems that are equipped with a 3-D camera and wheel-mounted targets require the vehicle to roll back and forth to check for wheel run-out. This process is difficult to do if turn plates are causing bumps in the ramps.
When unused, both slip plates and turn plates must be locked to prevent their turning. Manual locks are hard to use, but on alignment-type lifts, the locks are pneumatic. This means plates can be locked and released by the activation of a button.
Turn plates made of stainless steel are the best kind, since they are unlikely to corrode. You will also want to check to make sure the bearings are made of plastic, since these are resistant to rusting.
Unlike other types of lifts, the alignment lift features a drive-on ramp, and this means the wheels will be on the ramp at all times. This is a good thing when aligning wheels, because the full weight of the vehicle rests on its suspension system. The wheels must not be left suspended in mid-air!
Depending on what types of vehicles on which you will work, there are various lengths of drive-on ramps available. Drive-on ramps can be long enough and wide enough to hold smaller trucks and large passenger cars or vans. If you purchase an above-ground alignment lift, the ramps must be long enough that the end of the vehicle doesn’t scrape when moving on and off the ramp. Pickups with extended cabs require very long ramps, unless you include a ramp extension.
These are all factors you must take a look at when choosing an alignment lift for your shop. Since an alignment lift is essential to do alignment work, you must decide wisely.
For more information on vehicle lifts, you can go to Vehicle Lift . Other garage equipment can be found at gesusa.com.
Filed under Maps n Directions by Sanjay