How Does an In-Ground Vehicle Lift Work?
An in ground vehicle lift is a vital piece of equipment for a modern vehicle service facility such as a car wash or an auto repair shop. Having said that, an in ground lift installation is an expensive proposition, and therefore, not a decision that should be made without proper forethought.
In this blog, we will give an overview of how an inground lift works and other relevant information that will enable car wash facility owners mulling an infrastructure upgrade to make an informed decision.
Features and advantages of an inground lift
An inground lift is used to raise vehicles to a certain height, which allows vehicle service personal to get complete access to all parts of the vehicle, especially the chassis and the wheels, which are often difficult to reach in more traditional setups. Once the car is lifted up, its wheels and undercarriage can be cleaned thoroughly. The in floor lift also facilitates easy lubrication of vehicles and facilitates repairs to the chassis without any hassles.
The lift is operated through an air control valve, which makes it not only easy but also safe to operate. These lifts are fairly easy to install and set up. They can be operated within a covered facility as well as out in the open, making it flexible and versatile to use.
The in ground vehicle lift is extremely durable and low maintenance, provides smooth and long lasting service, and, with the right configuration, capable of effortlessly lifting vehicles weighing up to 35 tons. This impressive lifting capacity allows it to be used for wide range of vehicles from small cars to heavy duty trucks.
Lifting mechanism of an inground lift
An inground lift, as the name suggests, is installed below floor level, with an H-shaped rail hoist assembly on which the vehicle rests being almost flush with the level of the floor. The rails support the undercarriage of the vehicle, firmly attached to a circular head assembly. In some cases, a mesh type hoist can be attached to the rails, supporting the wheels, and not the chassis.
The rails themselves are raised or lowered on cylindrical posts that are operated through a hydraulic power system. When the system is activated, hydraulic fluid is pumped through the cylinder, forcing it to move up or down. The entire operating mechanism is underground, keeping the surface clean and uncluttered. An in floor lift usually comes with one, two, or three posts, depending on the car service facility’s space and requirements. The posts are high-quality, anti-rust chrome plated cylinders, operating at a working pressure of 12 bars. A one-post assembly can handle up to 8 tons, a two-post up to 25 tons, and a three-post up to 35 tons.
Positioning vehicles on an in ground vehicle lift
Positioning vehicles on an in ground vehicle lift is a fairly simple process. The vehicle is moved into position, with the wheels resting on either side of the lift. The head assembly attaches to the chassis at the right point or points before the vehicle is lifted, keeping the vehicle stable and safely secured when it is an elevated position.
Usually, in large car wash facilities, multiple lifts can be placed alongside each other, with sufficient space provided on both sides. This allows the facility to service several vehicles at the same time.
Operating an in ground vehicle lift
Operating an in ground vehicle lift is an easy and safe process. An air control valve activates the hydraulic powered lifting mechanism, raising or lowering the cylindrical posts underneath the vehicle. Vehicles can be raised up to a maximum height of 1600 mm, which allows ample head room for service personnel to clean the wheels, sides and undercarriage.
Selecting the right inground lift
Selecting the appropriate inground lift depends on several factors such as available floor space at the facility, the kind of vehicles that it usually services, and the level of technology one is prepared to invest in.
Depending on the service requirement, large car washes can be fitted with many inground lifts. It makes sense to invest in multiple units if the car wash sees a large volume of customers.
The type of vehicles that the car wash or auto repair facility usually services on a regular basis dictates the kind of lift that it needs to install. For example, if the majority of vehicles coming in are cars and small trucks, a one-post or two-post setup will be sufficient. However, if the facility services mid-range to large trucks, it will need more lifting power, and in such cases, a heavy duty three-post lift will be required.
Depending on the car wash’s budgetary constraints, it can invest in a simple in ground vehicle lift or advanced ones where the posts can be moved via remote control to position under the vehicles.
Conclusion
In ground vehicle lifts are important for vehicle service facilities to ensure that complete service to the vehicles are possible. These lifts are constructed of robust materials offering superior lifting power, durability, efficiency, and flexibility. They allow vehicle service facilities such as car washes or auto repair shops to service several vehicles simultaneously, which helps increase throughput, and therefore, revenue. They are low maintenance and energy efficient, which helps in cutting costs.
While deciding on installing them, facility owners must take into consideration that a certain amount of floor space will be required and that the floor will need to be excavated to fit all the components.
About SABTECH
SAB TECH is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality in ground vehicle lifts. The company’s expertise in hydraulics technology enables it to build exceptional lifts with world class materials and high-tech components. If you are considering upgrading your vehicle service facility, reach out to their experts to figure out which type of in floor lift is most suitable for your facility. Apart from helping you select the right lift, SAB TECH will also help you with your in ground lift installation as well as take care of all your maintenance requirements.
