Hydraulic Repair Iowa - Social Proof
410 Freel Dr Ste 102, Ames, IA 50010 515-292-2599
  • Understanding Each Hydraulic Repair Near MeComponent:
    • 4 Post Car Lift Component Overview
    • PowerPack Component Catalog
  • Required Equipment:
    • Drilling tool with a ø10 L=100mm bit and a torque wrench
    • Lifting apparatus (crane or forklift) capable of handling at least 200kg; alternatively, 4 post car lift casters can be used for post-assembly movement
    • Hydraulic fluid, 46 cSt viscosity at 40℃, complying with ISO 3448 VG 46 standards
  • Foundation Requirements:
    • Ensure a robust connection to the floor
    • Confirm floor suitability for lift’s full load
    • Installation should be on a level, uncracked concrete surface, minimum 12 cm thick with a strength of 25 Nm/mm²
    • For insufficient conditions, prepare a foundation with a gravel base of at least 50 mm, a steel mesh, and a concrete layer of at least 180 mm thickness
  • Workstation Setup:
    • Properly align and insert support beams in the four posts
    • Use a crane or forklift for installation, keeping the load balanced
    • Ensure cables are free and secure the top plate before moving posts

Car Lift Installation Advice:

  • Prioritize installing the master platform; avoid swapping platform positions
  • Tighten all M16 nuts and bolts before installation
  • Drill holes for securing the lift; clean the area before inserting bolts
  • Use packing washers if needed; secure posts with supplied bolts and align using a chalk line
  • Lock bolts with a torque wrench to the specified torque
  • Synchronizing Cable Setup:
    • Adjust and secure the adjusting nut on the cable
    • Route cables through the support plate at the cylinder’s end
  • Electric Box Connection:
    • Use a 4-wire cable, adhering to local safety standards
    • Connect according to the provided electrical scheme
  • Hydraulic Circuit Connection:
    • Ensure parachute valve installation on the lifting cylinder
    • Fill the tank with oil and check hose connections
  • Final Control Circuit Connections:
    • Install post covers and secure hydraulic pipe and ducting
    • Attach the power pack to the primary post
    • Connect hydraulic pump to the power pack
    • Run the cable from the control box to the power pack and make necessary connections
    • Install the limit switch
  • Maintenance Schedule:
    • Daily lift inspection
    • Biweekly oil level and pipe checks
    • Semiannual oil cleanliness checks
    • Biweekly checks of electrical components
    • Regular tests for lift operation, bolt security, and friction point condition
  • Additional Options:
  • Option to add a 4 post lift jack
  • Availability of heavier load capacity lifts
  • Consideration for a 4 post alignment lift kit

Four Post Car Lifts

For lifting heavier vehicles, four post car lifts are often the go-to choice over two post lifts due to their superior lifting capabilities. At North American Auto Equipment, we provide a diverse range of four post car lifts from various manufacturers, catering to different needs and budgets.

These lifts are especially favored for their ease of use, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to install them in home garages. Unlike two post lifts, four post car lifts do not necessitate floor anchoring. Additional advantages of four post car lifts include:

  • Mobility: Many four post car lifts are designed to be movable and typically include a caster kit.
  • No special wiring needed: The motor type used in four post car lifts allows for installation without complex wiring requirements.
  • Simplified vehicle loading and positioning: The design of four post lifts facilitates easier loading and positioning of vehicles, with runways that allow for straightforward drive-on access without the need to exit the vehicle or manually adjust lifting arms.

However, there are some potential downsides to consider with a 4 post lift:

  • Space requirements: Four post lifts occupy more space than their two-post counterparts, which could be a significant factor in smaller garages.
  • Limited lifting height: In garages with lower ceilings, two-post lifts may offer a higher lifting capability compared to four post models.

Installation and Placement of Hydraulic Repair Near Me 4-Post Auto Lifts:

The setup and installation of 4-Post above-ground auto lifts are contingent on their intended location within your facility. Key considerations include the ceiling height and choosing bays with ample vertical clearance for the best functionality.

Additionally, appropriate electrical wiring is crucial for the Hydraulic Repair Near Me lift’s motor operation. The required wire gauge depends on the motor’s horsepower and the distance between the lift’s power unit and the power source. For 4 post commercial-grade auto lifts with 220 Volt single-phase motors, a 30 amp service and a minimum of 10 gauge wire are necessary. Hobbyist lifts typically require a 110 Volt grounded power supply with 30 amps service, and it’s advisable to use a 10 gauge extension cord when needed.

Choosing the Wiring Route for Auto Lifts:

The placement of electrical wiring for Hydraulic Repair Near Me auto lifts, either above (ceiling-run) or on the ground, is a matter of preference. Ceiling-run wiring tends to maintain a more professional look in the bays. This method involves running wires from the ceiling directly to the power unit, allowing for precise lift positioning. Enclosing the dropped wires in a neat cover enhances the professional appearance. Additionally, ceiling-run wiring simplifies potential lift relocation within the shop.

In contrast, ground wiring demands precise placement near the power unit column, with the likelihood of accurately positioning it on the first attempt being about 50%. Mistakes in ground wiring installation require starting the process anew.

In your body shop, effectively repairing vehicles post-accidents necessitates the right tools. Often, accidents lead to wheel misalignment, necessitating alignment services in addition to body work, painting, and other restorations. For this purpose, having an alignment machine like theHydraulic Repair Near Me model with its eight-camera system and FastClamp wheel clamps is beneficial.

When addressing vehicle damage, considering an early alignment can be insightful, especially for assessing the vehicle’s frame. The Hydraulic Repair Near Me hydraulic system forms a rectangle around the vehicle, creating a 360-degree measurement field once the wheel clamps are in place. This system not only provides front wheel setback information but also calculates rear wheel setback angles using additional rear measurements. These insights are crucial for detecting discrepancies in wheelbase measurements and axle offsets, helping to determine if the vehicle’s frame is irreparably bent.