Lift Arm
Safety Instructions Before Using Vehicle Lifts
Lifts are used to raise a vehicle on a stable platform, allowing automotive mechanics unrestricted access to inspect and repair the underbelly, transmission and wheels of the vehicle. Multiple vehicle lifts are standard equipment in most auto repair shops. In addition, some automobile enthusiasts install lifts in their homes for vehicle storage.
Prior to 1920, only service pits were available for repairing and doing preventive maintenance on the undersides of vehicles. The hydraulic auto lift was invented in the 1920’s to reduce the time and equipment needed to hoist vehicles off the ground. Depending on the design used, .today’s vehicle lifts can raise up to 50,000 pounds and can cost between $9,000 and $45,000. Installation not included.
In the beginning, there were no industry standards and vehicle lifts varied in design and construction. After World War II, there were only fifteen auto lift manufacturers in the United States. They recognized the need to develop standards to guide the industry. In 1947, the U.S. government issued its first set of standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration developed its own regulations in 1974.
Today, there are three major manufacturers of heavy lifts: Mohawk Resources Ltd. of Amsterdam, NY; Advantage Lift Systems based in San Diego, CA; and Rotary Lift in Madison, IN. Electric controls for lifts are standard, and lift features vary according to price and model. They vary depending on where they make contact with the vehicle, usually the axles, frame or wheels. They include single-, two-, four-post, and scissors lifts. The single- and two-post lifts are ideal for small trucks and cars. The four-post auto lift is used for most commercial and transit vehicles. The scissors lift saves space by having the posts in the middle of the lift, operating like an open pair of scissors.
Over the years, the structure of the automobile body has changed. Vehicles previously built onto underbody frames are now being constructed into frameless or unibody styles. Lifts have evolved to better handle the structure of newer vehicles. Rotary, for example, has developed the three stage lift. It has three telescoping sections, giving it a greater range of extension and retraction than other lifts. As a result, it can reach a broader range of vehicle pick-up points. It has become the preferred lift of many vehicle manufacturers, including Honda, Volkswagen and Audi.
Despite changes in the design of lifts over the years, many injuries and accidents occur annually. This is usually due to human error rather than any flaw in the lift design. The most simple things often lead to disaster. Auto mechanics sometimes fail to keep the lift area free of debris, grease/oil and obstructions. Not paying close attention when working around the lifts or allowing untrained individuals to use them are two more potential problems. Some forget to wear the right safety gear, including goggles, a hard hat, and steel toed boots.
Proper use and maintenance of the equipment is essential. Blocking or overriding the controls is dangerous. The manufacturer’s rated capacity is shown on the nameplate affixed to lift. Despite this, some mechanics use the lift to hoist vehicles that exceed the weight limit.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Mistakes made before the vehicle is lifted are accidents waiting to happen. The lift arms must be properly positioned before the vehicle is raised. If the center of gravity of the car is not on the center of the lift, cars may tip off. With some vehicles, removing or installing items may cause a critical shift in the vehicle’s center of gravity and result in instability. Mechanics should always refer to the lift manufacturer’s recommendations. If there is not ample overhead clearance space, the vehicle may be crushed. Mistakes also occur when the transmission is not in neutral, doors are not securely closed or the ignition is not turned off. Some repairmen fail to lock the lift into place before going under it. Others raise the car while someone is inside the vehicle.
Numerous accidents occur during the lifting process. The vehicle should be loaded on a lift carefully. Mechanics should ensure that the lift supports are in contact with the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points. When a secure contact is made, the lift can be raised to the desired working height. If work will be done under the vehicle, the lift should be raised high enough for its locking device to be engaged.
Before lowering a lift, the mechanic should ensure that everything is removed from under the vehicle. Locking devices should be disengaged before the lift is lowered.
About the Author
More from this author at: mycar-magazine.com
Arm Lift / Brachioplasty
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YIBAO antique style Lift Arm butane lighter #058D $8.50 |
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YIBAO antique style Lift Arm butane lighter #058D $8.50 |
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YIBAO antique style Lift Arm cigarette butane gas lighter chrome #069B $10.00 |
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YIBAO antique style Lift Arm cigarette butane gas lighter gold #069A $10.00 |
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Alfred DunHill Lift-arm lighter 18k gold plated New condition $2,500.00 |
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New Ford Expedition F150 F-150 Hood Gas Lift Support Shock Strut Arms Two Pair 2 $28.99 |
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New Ford 01-05 Explorer + Sport Hood Lift Support Props Shock Strut Arms Two 2 $21.99 |
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Strong Arm 4122 Lift Support $17.46 |
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Strong Arm 6103 Lift Support $42.17 |
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Strong Arm 4366 Lift Support $22.71 |
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Strong Arm 4860 Lift Support $26.50 |
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Strong Arm 4964 Lift Support $32.74 |
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2 REAR HATCH TRUNK LIFT SUPPORTS SHOCKS STRUTS ARMS PROPS RODS W/ LARGE SPOILER $66.98 |
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STRONG ARM 4174R Lift Support $26.56 |
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STRONG ARM 4582 Lift Support $20.18 |
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Buick Rainier 04 05 SET Rear Door Hatch Strut Shock Spring Lift Rod Prop Arm $59.99 |
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Kubota B8200DT Lift Arm with Lower Lift Link $125.00 |
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11 NISSAN ROGUE TRUNK LIFT SUPPORT ARMS OEM $49.99 |
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2 New Hood Gas Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod Arm Shocks Holden Vectra 1997-2000 $33.90 |
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CAR AUTO PART Lift Support NEW HOOD $34.30 |
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FORD TRACTOR LIFT ARM 3 POINT 9N, 2N,8N, NAA, JUBILEE $49.76 |
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RV Camper Trailer Bus Gas Strut Shock Spring Door Prop Arm Lift Rod REP SL-33-40 $12.99 |
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RV Camper Trailer Bus Door Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Prop Rod Arm REP SL-14-10 $12.99 |
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STRONG ARM #4142 HOOD LIFT SUPPORT SHOCK 02 03 04 05 FORD EXPLORER $11.00 |
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STRONG ARM HOOD LIFT SHOCK SUPPORT 2005 2006 FORD F150 PICK-UP $16.00 |
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STRONG ARM HATCH TRUNK LIFT SUPPORT SHOCK 2003 2004 2005 NISSAN 350Z $43.00 |
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RV Trailer Camper Bus Van Gas Strut Rod Shock Arm Spring lift 10 IN 60# 10″ $12.99 |
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STRONG ARM GLASS SHOCK LIFT SUPPORT 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 FORD BRONCO II $16.00 |
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60# 10″ Gas Strut Shock Spring Support Arm Lift Prop Shaft Rod Tube 10IN 60lb $12.99 |
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GENIE Z30/20N AERIAL MANLIFT BOOM LIFT MAN BOOMLIFT PAINTED ELECTRIC JIB ARM $9,000.00 |
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Support Strut Prop Rod 2 Rear Window Lift Supports 4249 $23.90 |
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2 Hood Lift Supports Strut Prop Rod Saab 900 96-98 New $47.95 |
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10# 7.5″ Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Support Rod Tube Shaft Arm REP SPD-4900-10 $12.99 |
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2 NEW Plymouth Sundance Rear Hatch Lift Supports Struts Props Rods – 1987-1994 $28.90 |
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3000 watt Wensco parts cleaner real nice lift arm ss basket 8.5″x12″x20″ $1,250.00 |
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PALOMINO ALUMINUM SPRING ARM POP CAMPER LIFT ARM $125.00 |
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2 New Rear Hatch Gas Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod Arm Shocks Ford Probe 1989-92 $32.90 |
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2 Trunk Lift Support Struts Prop Rod Arm 92-99 BMW New $33.90 |
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Toro / Wheelhorse 69-9570 RH Front Lift Arm Assembly $150.00 |
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2 Trunk Lift Support Struts Prop Rod Civic Del Sol New $28.75 |
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Toro / Wheelhorse 69-9580 LH Front Lift Arm Assembly $150.00 |
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2 Liftgate Lift Support Struts Prop Rod Bronco II 84-90 $28.75 |
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2 New Rear Hatch Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod Shocks Toyota Celica 1990-93 $40.50 |
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Toro / Wheelhorse 69-7940 RH Lift Arm Support $35.00 |
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Strong Arm 4365 Lift Support $21.79 |
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Strong Arm 4849 Lift Support $22.92 |
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Strong Arm 4856 Lift Support $16.44 |
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Strong Arm 4857 Lift Support $16.44 |
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Longcase Grandfather Clock lifting arms bell hammers Longcase clock lots parts $7.89 |
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2 New Rear Hatch Gas Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod Shocks Nissan 310 GX 1980-82 $46.90 |
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2 NEW Acura Intergra Supports Struts Props Rods Arms Rear Hatch Lift Supports $31.90 |
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2 Boot Lift Support Struts Prop Rod Celica 94-98 New $28.75 |
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Rear Window Hatch Tailgate Liftgate Glass Gas Lift Support Shock Strut Arms 2 $29.49 |
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2 New Hood Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod Arms Shocks Mercedes-Benz ML320 ML500 $47.90 |
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2 New Liftgate Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod Shocks Mazda MPV 2000-2005 $65.90 |
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2ea 13″ 45# Nitrogen Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Tube Support Prop Rod Arm SET $23.99 |
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2 Hood Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Mark VIII 93-96 New $34.00 |
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2 Liftgate Lift Support Struts Prop Rod Navigator 03-06 $33.00 |
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1 New Hood Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Arm Shock Volkswagen Cabrio Golf Jetta $16.50 |
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New Front Strong Arm Lift Support Buick Park Avenue 2000 99 2005 2004 2003 Car $27.17 |
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1 New Trunk Gas Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Arm Shock BMW 318i 325i 325e M3 $22.95 |
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Rep Weather Guard Saddle Box Gas Spring Lift Arm Strut Rod Shock OEM # 7251-2PK $29.99 |
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0.3″ Hole Dia 10kg 22 lb Gas Spring Shock Support Lift Arm $15.47 |
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2 Hood Lift Support Struts Prop Rod Sorento 03-07 New $45.10 |
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2 New Hood Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod Shock Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer $20.90 |
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Gas Shock Support Arm Spring Lift Rod Strut Prop Leg REP Springlift SL-31-70 $12.99 |
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1 New Trunk Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Shock Damper Cadillac Catera 1997-2001 $19.50 |
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Bio-Medical Research (BMR) Arm Lift $120.00 |
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2 Trunk Lift Support Struts Prop Pontiac G6 05-07 New $34.95 |
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2 New Trunk Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod Arm GTO 04-06 $28.95 |
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2 New Hood Lift Supports Strut Prop Rod – Honda Accord 1998-2002 $29.50 |
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2 New Hood Lift Support Struts Prop Intrepid, 300M $25.80 |
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Gas Strut Shock Truck Tool Job Storage Box Lift Arm Prop rep Springlift SL-31-40 $12.99 |
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1 New Hood Gas Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Shock Honda Accord V6 1998-2002 $17.00 |
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1 New Rear Window Glass Gas Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Arm Shock Pontiac Aztek $16.50 |
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1 New Hood Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Arm Shock Lincoln Continental 1998-2002 $11.45 |
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2 Rear Window Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Expedition $19.90 |
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D0NN555DRH New Ford Tractor RH Cat. 1 Lower Lift Arm 600 800 2000 3000 4610 + $72.99 |
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1 New Rear Window Gas Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Shock Villager Quest 1999-2002 $17.45 |
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2 New Trun Lift Support Struts Prop Rod Arm Porsche 944 $37.90 |
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2 New Liftgate Lift Supports Struts Prop Rod – Chrysler Town & Country 1991-1995 $23.50 |
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Strong Arm 4678 Lift Support $19.91 |
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4.5″ X-Series Long Arm Lift Kit, 84-01 Jeep XJ Cherokee w/2.5L or 4.0L & NP242 $1,399.95 |
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4.5″ X-Series Long Arm Lift Kit, 84-86 Jeep XJ Cherokee w/2.8L & NP231 $1,399.95 |
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2003-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4WD Pro Comp 4″ Short Arm Lift Kit K3076B $815.00 |
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SET 14″ 40# Gas Strut Support Rod Shock Cylinder Prop Spring Lift Shaft Tube Arm $23.99 |
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1 New Tailgate Gas Lift Support Strut Prop Rod Shock Damper Ford Focus 2000-2004 $18.00 |
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Strong Arm 4930 Lift Support $32.74 |
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Strong Arm 6306 Lift Support $16.04 |
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Strong Arm 4995 Lift Support $26.50 |
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Strong Arm 4218 Lift Support $21.93 |
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Strong Arm 4650 Lift Support $21.08 |
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Strong Arm 4064 Lift Support $22.71 |
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Strong Arm 4365 Lift Support $21.08 |
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Strong Arm 4422 Lift Support $20.33 |
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Strong Arm 4219 Lift Support $21.93 |
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Strong Arm 4185 Lift Support $18.68 |
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Strong Arm 4584 Lift Support $22.71 |
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Strong Arm 4478 Lift Support $22.71 |
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Strong Arm 4575 Lift Support $22.71 |