How To Raise A Vehicle With A Hydraulic Vehicle Lift
Using hydraulic truck lifts isn’t hard, but there is certainly a right and a wrong way to use them. Loading, raising, and lowering the equipment all require care to ensure that you and others around you can work safely and efficiently. Here is a guideline to follow when loading and working with a vehicle lift.
Loading The Hydraulic Vehicle Lift
When using truck lifts, the engine needs to be turned off, the doors should be closed securely, and the transmission needs to be in neutral. This is also a good time to make a note of anything that could be damaged when the lift is raised, such as antennas or other features. Then, locate the areas underneath that will hold and raise it into the air. The pads can then be set into place. You may also need to use a set of adaptors so that the auto fits onto the equipment properly.
All hydraulic lifting equipment will have blocks in place to keep everything secure. Automatic chocks on the drive on end need to be checked. You will also want to make sure the permanent chocks on the other end are holding securely before starting the equipment. You will want to watch to see if the auto moves and keep an eye on the automatic blockers as you set the system into motion to ensure everything is held safely.
Before Raising Truck Lifts
When it is time to raise the system, don’t raise it all the way at first. Instead, go just until the vehicle’s weight is being held completely by the vehicle lift and stop. This is generally about a foot. This will give you one last opportunity to make certain the pads are still in the correct position and to change things if there is any movement. Adaptors need to be checked as well. If you fail to do this, force can be exerted onto the body or other parts causing extensive damage.
If there is any doubt about the security or safety of the auto, always lower it back down and make any necessary adjustments. Check it again the same way you did previously and continue to do so until you are completely sure it is safe
Elevating The Load
When it is safe to raise the load, run the system slowly and continue to decrease the speed as the auto reaches the top. Otherwise, you will jerk the equipment, which can break the seal and cause a fluid leak. It can also cause the load to shift. Once the machine is in place, lock it securely according to the operating instructions.
Hydraulic truck lifts are designed to be efficient and completely safe so long as they are used correctly. Taking extra steps to ensure everything is in place and the load on the vehicle lift is secure will keep everyone safe and prevent damage to the vehicle.
Christine O’Kelly is an author for the vehicle lift specialists at SVI International. They have been manufacturing and supplying truck lifts, car lifts, heavy-duty lift systems, and lift parts for more than 28 years.
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