Are your workshop’s vehicle hoists compliant?

What you need to know about Non Destructive Tests for car lifts

As an employer you are responsible for showing a duty of care towards your employees. You want to sleep at night knowing that you have done all you can to keep your staff safe.

One safeguard that’s widely recommended in the industry is to have your hoists undergo a Non Destructive Test (NDT) after 10 years of operation. An NDT is also recommended in the Australian Standards AS/NZS2550.9 and AS2550.1.

At Levanta we take safety very seriously. We believe that if you have followed the recommendation of the Australian Standards you are have safeguarded yourself and your business in the best possible way – while demonstrating you have done everything you can to comply to the standards.

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It’s not only an important safety consideration. Australian law stipulates that you must ensure compliance for your workshop by having an NDT for every hoist.

Automotive workshop safety for your staff, customers, and equipment

A Non Destructive Test is an x-ray of the structure of the hoist including all the welds to check structural integrity. With the weight of vehicles and the amount of work a hoist typically does each day, it’s important to check that your hoists have no chance of failure.

Non Destructive Testing isn’t just a matter of “do it once and then forget it”. After your hoists’ first 10 year NDT, you will need to have an NDT done every 5 years to ensure there is no further deterioration as time progresses.

So even once your hoists have first been tested (and you’ve paid for any faults to be rectified), you’ll still need to make allowance for subsequent future expenses.

And it’s not just the price of testing to factor into your thinking. There’s business downtime and the cost of parts and labour to consider too.

Some car dealerships find it easier to write their hoists off over 5-8 years, which gives them an easy option to simply replace hoists as they approach the 10 year age mark.

An alternative to NDTs for your vehicle workshop

Instead of committing to the expense of a mandatory NDT – along with the indeterminate cost of rectifying whatever faults are found – it may be a better business choice to instead simply outfit your workshop with all-new hoist equipment.

With the latest gear, your workshop will enjoy many benefits over your former setup, such as increased efficiency, greater appeal to qualified staff, and better ability to meet your OEM’s Corporate Identity requirements.

To help you decide whether an NDT or new hoists is the best option for your business, we’ve put together a free checklist that runs through the pros and cons of each alternative.

It’s not a sales pitch. It’s designed to be an accurate summary of your options as a workshop business owner or manager, to help you make the right decision for your situation.

Find the best way to ensure your workshop is compliant

To find out more about whether an NDT or a new fitout of workshop hoists is the best option for your business, get in touch with Levanta today. Our garage equipment experts will explain your options and help you decide on the best way forward for your workshop business.

Call Levanta now on 1300 577 541 or contact your local branch here to find out more about the latest technology vehicle hoists for your vehicle workshop.

A guide to workshop pit design, specification and standards

Reducing the risk for your workshop business

Levanta’s consultants, along with our design & fabrication team, have looked through the Australian Standards and consulted with Safety Inspectors nationally to try to come up with an acceptable advice article, as there is nothing in OHS legislation that specifies the requirements for lighting, power, extraction or other safety measures in a pit. That’s why it’s necessary that you ensure a risk assessment is carried out for your business.

It is however important to note the Act and Regulations which form law:

Reference can be made to Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 – Sect 19 for unguarded vehicle pits and safe systems of work and REG 3.11 for signage and warnings for falls into the pit.

Under the Act, employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment.

Carrying out a risk assessment for your service pit

In this free guide the Levanta team discuss the factors that should be considered in a risk assessment at your business reduce any risks present from carrying out work in a service pit.

We look at the key hazards for working in and around vehicle service pits and look at areas for risk reduction in your workshop.

Download your copy today.

Contact Levanta for more information about workshop pit design

To find out more about risk assessments for service pits, get in touch with Levanta today.

Call Levanta now on 1300 577 541 to find out more about service pits for your vehicle workshop.

How to plan a successful heavy vehicle workshop fitout

Everything you need to know to ensure a better workshop design

When you set out to design a new heavy vehicle workshop fitout, you’ll want to include the best practice standards for every area, right from the start.

Whether your workshop is in need of a refurbishment, an expansion, or a complete new fitout, the key to a successful (and profitable) end result is planning.

You’ll need a workshop design that:

  • Allows the maximum vehicle throughput
  • Enhances workflow efficiency
  • Meets all workplace health and safety regulations
  • Complies with all Australian standards
  • Impacts on the environment as little as possible
  • …all while meeting your budget and deadlines. Easy!

It’s a lot to get your head around. And as a busy Workshop Service Manager, you’ll no doubt want to be as hands-on as possible during the all-important design phase. After all, noone knows your customers, your business, and your machinery like you do.

Yet with your day-to-day responsibilities for your business, you can’t simply drop everything to devote the necessary time to planning and managing a new workshop fitout. So how do you make sure your new workshop fitout will meet your business’s needs, now and for years to come?

Plan for a more profitable workshop fitout with Levanta

To give you a head start on your workshop planning process, we’ve put together this comprehensive workshop fitout guide.

We’ll share some of the key considerations of good heavy vehicle workshop design, and show you how with a little forethought and planning, you can make the process as smooth as possible – and ensure the best return from your investment.

Click the image above to download your FREE eBook now

What’s the best hoist for safely lifting Toyota 4WDs in your workshop?

Your guide to 4 post hoists and knuckle lifts

Nearly all incidents in Australia where a vehicle falls off a hoist involve ‘trucks’ – or other vehicles with an uneven centre of gravity – being lifted with a 2 post hoist. In Australia a Toyota LandCruiser is often the guilty party.

The 79 Series with a light or empty tray is the worst offender, however empty Troop Carriers and 100 Series are not exempt.

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This challenge is also exacerbated when your technicians unbalance the vehicle by removing heavy components such as crank casing, transmission etc, or exert themselves on a tight bolt at the front or rear of the vehicle.

So what’s the best way to lift 79 Series LandCruisers safely in your vehicle workshop?

Toyota Japan issues timely warning for lifting LandCruisers

In their vehicle manuals, Toyota Japan issues a caution that swing arm and plate type (belly lift) hoists should not be used for lifting some of their vehicles. This includes the Toyota 79 Series LandCruiser, and the 100 Series LandCruiser unless fitted with independent front suspension.

These model LandCruisers are dangerous to lift on a 2 post hoist due to their lifting points and centre of gravity. If a 79 Series was presented for service with a load in the tray, or with heavy tooling on board (consequently moving the centre of gravity further back), there is no reason why the vehicle can’t be lifted safety.

However, you can appreciate that in the ‘real world’ conditions of your busy vehicle workshop, that’s far from always being the case.

Toyota Japan’s warning places a lot of responsibility on your workshop foreman in allocating bays and repairs correctly; as well as the technician loading and working on the vehicle.

A better alternative for safely lifting Toyota 79 Series and 100 Series LandCruisers could be to outfit your workshop with a quality 4 post hoist or knuckle lift.

Your options for safely lifting Toyota LandCruisers

A good quality four post or platform type (scissor or knuckle lift), installed in the best possible location, with either a built-in pantograph lift or dual jacking beams (so that wheels can be removed and rotated), is a realistic, safe and workable option.

Depending on your workshop and client base, your options could include:

4T 4 post hoist with jacking beams

The HD-9 Series is a great space saving 4 post hoist. With a lift capacity of up to 4 tonnes, and the option of additional jacking beams, it offers you increased safety for lifting 79 Series LandCruisers.

Whilst this lift will do the job, it’s not the ideal solution. You’ll find many 79 Series utes can come in for a service whilst loaded – i.e. with toolboxes full of tools or full tradie set-ups.

6T 4 post hoist with jacking beams

The HDS-14 series is a rugged medium duty commercial 4 post hoist. It offers you a step up in productivity with a generous 6.3t lifting capacity. Just as with the 4T option, you can choose to add jacking beams to upgrade your workshop safety even further.

The HDS-14 is ideal for lifting the 79 Series LandCruiser thanks to its extra capacity, longer platforms, and greater room between the posts.

KAR45 knuckle lift

Offering maximum stability and precision, the new KAR 45 vertical electro-hydraulic knuckle lift is ideal for lifting up to 4.5T in safety. Its special frame and four fixed joint-legs give you a perfectly firm runway for every workshop loading condition.

Click here to find out more about minimum bay sizes for auto service hoists

Choosing the right hoist for the job

When selecting a lift for your workshop, you should consider:

  • The available width and bay length
  • Appropriate air supply
  • Working room
  • The lift platform’s length, width, and height
  • Vehicle turning circles
  • The proximity of other hoists, services and building structure

Remember: if you choose to install a new 4 post or similar hoist, your goal is to safely lift 79 & 100 Series LandCruisers. Don’t compromise the success of your decision by attempting to get more out of the hoist and also using it for small cars or vans, etc.

By not using your new hoist solely for servicing the 79 & 100 Series, you could cause frustration and delay in your service offering to customers.

More ways to lift 4WDs safely

Along with installing the right model of lift in your workshop, there are a number of things you can do to improve safety for your employees, customers, and their vehicles. These include:

Additional training on hoist operation

With new hoists comes the need for additional training for all users on the correct loading and operation of four post hoists.

Fitting additional safety accessories

When recommended by the manufacturer, you should take care to use the correct accessories with your hoist, including props.

Installing wheel stops on lifts

To ensure the 79 Series LandCruiser is stopped in the correct place for safe lifting, make sure that wheel stops are fitted and marked.

For more information on your options for safe vehicle lifting, call Levanta now on 1300 577 541 or fill out the contact form here.

3 things to consider when choosing a four post hoist

Our workshop experts show you how to get the right hoist

If you’ve decided to buy a four post hoist, the Levanta team say congratulations! The sturdy, rugged nature of these lifts will make it easier and safer for you to service vehicles than ever before.

Of course, all brands and models of four post hoists are not alike. That’s why it’s important to consider the following 3 points when choosing the best vehicle hoist for your needs.

1) What type of vehicles will you be servicing most regularly with your four post hoist?

What types of vehicles do you find yourself servicing in your workshop most often? For small, narrow vehicles, you should look for a 4 post hoist with an adjustable platform that can be made narrower as you require. On the other hand, if you mainly service large, wide vehicles, you should choose a larger hoist with higher capabilities.

2) Look for the longest four post hoist ramps available

Many people underestimate just how long platforms really are when servicing vehicles. But short ramps and low profile vehicles do not mix — which is a lesson you’ll learn quickly if your four post hoist accidentally scrapes the underside of a customer’s car. Remember: you can always get a high vehicle on a long ramp, but not the other way around!

3) Insist on four independent safety locks

Safety locks for 4 post hoists are currently a grey area in the Australian Standards. Technically, you can get away with only having one safety lock; but this isn’t the best option, as it leaves you open to potential danger if that single safety lock was to fail. Ideally, you should look for a hoist that has four independent locks (one in each column).

To speak to a car hoist expert about choosing the right model for your workshop, Levanta on 1300 577 541. We are always in the mood to talk about vehicle lifts! 

5 tips to ensure your car hoists increase your workshop’s efficiency

How to choose the right auto lift for your workshop

Much the same way as any long-term investment for your business, purchasing a car lift or hoist calls for careful planning and consideration, to give you the maximum ROI from your equipment.

As a helpful guide to Levanta’s huge range of two-post and four-post auto lifts and scissor lifts, we’ve put together the following pointers on picking the right model of car lift for your garage.

1) Consider your available floor and ceiling space

Of course, adding a car lift to your workshop will not only require sufficient floor space, but also enough overhead clearance to let you raise a vehicle off the ground. So before you begin browsing our range of car lifts, make sure you take the time to measure your available space both horizontally and vertically to ensure the lift will fit in your garage and be able to go through the full range of motion even with a vehicle on board.

2) Keep in mind the size of vehicles you’ll be lifting

Your new vehicle lift should have the power and capacity to safely accommodate the size and type of vehicles your workshop most often services. If you service only certain makes, this might mean choosing between only a few specific car lift models. On the other hand if you’re a generalist workshop (and if your budget allows), you’ll be able to service a much bigger variety of vehicles by investing in the biggest four-post lift you can afford.

3) Do you need both storage and parking from your new car lift?

If you need to make the most of your available floor space, you could be better off investing in an “all-rounder” lift that can handle parked vehicles. Some lifts, such as the HD-9 Series, are designed to offer you a storage or parking area as well as a means of providing easy access to the underside of a vehicle.

4) Should you choose a portable car lift?

If you’re working within a smaller space, there are still car lift options available to you. If you don’t have space to permanently install a car lift, you may be able to choose from our range of specialty car lifts and scissor lifts. They don’t require installation, and can be moved into your workspace only when needed.

5) Check the manufacturer’s warranty on your car lift

Before you commit to buying any car lift, it’s worthwhile taking the time to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Your car lift will soon be central to the way you work, so it’s important to understand what’s covered in the event of a breakdown.

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Some car hoist manufacturers offer more comprehensive coverage and better service than others, so do your research and choose a brand with a great reputation. For example, the XPR Series of 2 post hoists come with a 5-2-1 warranty (five years on the lift structure; two years on the hydraulic cylinder(s) and power unit; and one year on labour).

Need advice on vehicle lifts? Talk to Levanta

Having the right car or truck lift in your workshop can help improve your business’s productivity and safety – and help you offer a better service to your customers.

To find out more about our range of car lifts and how they can help make your workshop safer and more efficient, call Levanta on 1300 577 541 or use the contact forms for your local office here. 

4 ways car hoists offer you improved efficiency (and profits!)

What’s the benefit to your workshop business?

Efficiency is a common goal for most Australian businesses. And in a car or truck workshop, efficiency most often means getting cars in and out as quickly as possible (otherwise known as high vehicle throughput).

One of the major decisions you can make to increase the efficiency of your workshop business is having the right car hoists or lifts. In this news post, we take you through the top four ways vehicle hoists can improve your business’s efficiency – and your bottom line.

1) Reducing the required prep time per vehicle

With a more versatile heavy-duty lift, your workshop will be able to service commercial trucks as well as small passenger vehicles, without the need for downtime while you perform a special setup.

Thanks to your versatile high-capacity lift, no matter what type of vehicle comes into your workshop, your technicians will be able to get it up on the lift and ready for servicing in a matter of minutes.

2) Offering easier access for vehicle servicing

By raising a vehicle on a lift such as a Levanta’s 4-post hoists, your technicians will have much better access to “trouble spots” such as the suspension, diff, and other areas compared to when the vehicle is simply raised on a jack.

Your technicians will also be able to work on a lifted vehicle while standing up, rather than having to lay flat on a creeper. This also makes it much easier for them to access hand tools and other necessary auto service equipment more quickly and efficiently.

3) Allowing you to offer a wider range of workshop services

By installing large-capacity hoists that can safely service many types of vehicles, your business can expand into new markets and offer a wider range of services. In turn, this will bring more customers through the doors – leading to increased revenue and profits.

4) Helping you attract quality employees

One thing we’ve noticed over the years is that auto technicians will actively seek employment in a workshop that’s fitted out with the best equipment. This is because they know that by working with the most modern, up-to-date vehicle servicing gear, they’ll not only add to their skills, but also have the best chance of career success.

This means that when you equip your workshop with high quality auto hoists, you’ll not only give yourself the best chance of attracting more talented employees, but also of retaining them for longer. This can save your auto service business some of the costs of finding and training new employees.

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Talk to Levanta for the right car lift for your workshop

At Levanta, we understand that as a workshop business owner, you always have an eye on efficiency and the bottom line. So to make sure your car or truck workshop is performing at its best in both areas, choose quality auto lifts from Levanta and help your technicians do more in less time.

To find out more about our range of car lifts and how they can help make your workshop safer and more efficient, call Levanta on 1300 577 541 or use the contact form for your local office here. 

8 tips to ensure car lift safety in your workshop

Keep your hoists in top working order with Levanta’s helpful guide

Car hoists have become the must-have equipment for every Australian light vehicle workshop. Modern car lifts are designed to be easy-to-use, safe, and a more comfortable way for your technicians to repair or service vehicles.

Yet, like a lot of heavy equipment in many industries, car hoists can be dangerous if used incorrectly. We asked Levanta’s car hoist team for their advice on the best ways to use this useful workshop equipment in safety. Here’s what they advised.

1. Read the owner’s manual before you begin

Every different brand of car lift will have different features, and call for different safety precautions. So take the time to read the owner’s manual provided by your auto lift manufacturer before you begin using the hoist.

2. Check the specific “lifting points” of the vehicle you’re working on

Every different car or truck will have different lifting points. Make sure you know exactly where they are with the help of an approved resource such as a reputable website or OEM’s reference manual before you start work.

3. Never exceed your vehicle lift’s maximum capacity

It sounds like a “no-brainer” but it’s worth stating again: never be tempted to exceed the weight-bearing capacity of your auto lift, even for a short while. It’s simply not worth the risk.

If you do find your workshop consistently needs a higher capacity auto service lift, Levanta have an extensive range for you to choose from. Check out Levanta’s vehicle hoist range here.

4. Don’t rely on a single lift arm to bear all the vehicle’s weight

When considering the maximum capacity of a car hoist, be aware that it must be divided equally among the number of arms your lift has. A single lift arm shouldn’t be expected to bear excessive weight, such as a vehicle’s entire mass. This is especially important if you’re working with vehicles that have uneven weight distribution between their front and rear axles.

5. Choose an auto lift with automatic safety locks

Automatic safety locks will prevent the sudden lowering of your car lift from the raised position – an obvious advantage. So make sure the car service lift you choose has this crucial safety feature.

6. Always engage your lift’s safety features before starting work

A good quality car hoist will come complete with many safety features, such as wheel chocks, arm restraints, and anti-sway blocks. Yet these safety features don’t work if they’re not engaged – so make sure you use them before starting work on the vehicle.

7. Stay up-to-date with your lift maintenance

To keep your car hoist in the best condition, there are different maintenance and safety checks you should perform every day, every week, and each month. See Levanta’s car hoist maintenance checklist here for a comprehensive list of regular maintenance activities.

8. Have your car hoists serviced annually

It’s not just good sense – it’s the law. In Australia, you must have your workshop’s car hoists serviced by a certified technician every 12 months.

An easy way to ensure your car lifts are serviced on time and to budget is with an ongoing service plan from an experienced provider. Levanta’s flexible service plans let you know your equipment is always compliant with Australian standards – while making it easy to budget for your hoist servicing. Find out more about flexible service plans here.

Find out more about car hoist safety with Levanta

By sticking to these eight car hoist safety tips, you can ensure your workshop’s vehicle lifts give you good service for years to come.

Want to know more about safety for your workshop’s car hoists? Talk to the vehicle hoist experts Levanta on 1300 577 541 or with your local branch’s contact forms here. 

How to plan a successful workshop fitout

Everything you need to know to ensure a better workshop design

When you set out to design a new auto workshop fitout, you’ll want to include the best practice standards for every area, right from the start.

Whether your workshop is in need of a refurbishment, an expansion, or a complete new fitout, the key to a successful (and profitable) end result is planning.

You’ll need a workshop design that:

  • Allows the maximum vehicle throughput
  • Enhances workflow efficiency
  • Meets all workplace health and safety regulations
  • Complies with all Australian standards
  • Meets your OEM’s Corporate Identity standards
  • Impacts on the environment as little as possible
  • …all while meeting your budget and deadlines. Easy!

It’s a lot to get your head around. And as a busy Fixed Operations Manager or Workshop Service Manager, you’ll no doubt want to be as hands-on as possible during the all-important design phase. After all, noone knows your customers, your business, and your Dealer Principal like you do.

Yet with your day-to-day responsibilities for your dealership, you can’t simply drop everything to devote the necessary time to planning and managing a new workshop fitout. So how do you make sure your new workshop fitout will meet your business’s needs, now and for years to come?

Plan for a more profitable workshop fitout
with Levanta

To give you a head start on your workshop planning process, we’ve put together this comprehensive workshop fitout guide.

We’ll share some of the key considerations of good workshop design, and show you how with a little forethought and planning, you can make the process as smooth as possible – and ensure the best return from your investment.

Click the image above to download your FREE eBook now!