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.
