Necessary Equipment
- Rotary Hammer Drill or Equivalent
- 3/4” Masonry Drill Bit
- Hammer
- 4-Foot Level
- SAE/Metric Open-End Wrench Set
- SAE/Metric Socket and Ratchet Set
- Hex-Key / Allen Wrench Set
- Large Crescent Wrench
- Large Pipe Wrench
- Crow Bar
- Chalk Line
- Medium Flat Screwdriver
- Minimum 25-Foot Tape Measure
- Needle Nose Pliers
Important Notice
Follow these instructions for correct installation and operation of your Hydraulic Repair Near Me lift. Non-compliance can cause serious injury and void the warranty. The manufacturer is not liable for any damage due to improper installation or use. Read the entire manual before installation.
Site Selection
Before installing your new Hydraulic Repair Near Me lift, consider these factors:
- Lift Location: Utilize architectural plans if available. Ensure adequate space by comparing layout dimensions with floorplan requirements.
- Overhead Obstructions: The installation area should be free from overhead obstructions like heaters and building supports.
- Floor Condition: Inspect for cracked or defective concrete where the lift will be installed.
- Indoor Installation: The lift is designed exclusively for indoor use.
Floor Requirements
- Install the lift on 3000 PSI concrete, at least 150mm thick, extending at least 1.5m from anchoring points.
New concrete must cure for a minimum of 20 days.
- Dangers:
- Do not install or use on asphalt or surfaces other than concrete.
- Avoid expansion seams, cracked, or defective concrete.
- Consult a building architect before installing on a second or elevated floor.
- Do not install or use outdoors.
Hydraulic Repair Near Me Installation Steps
- Check the packing list for missing or damaged parts.
- Follow the 3-view drawing for installation. Mark the installation range of the lift columns with chalk.
- After marking the lift column positions, drill 150mm deep holes with a rotary hammer drill for the expansion bolts, ensuring the drill does not shake. Clean each hole with a vacuum cleaner or wire brush.
- Insert expansion bolts into the drilled holes, tapping them in with a hammer. Check the vertical alignment of the columns and adjust if necessary. Tighten the nuts to a torque of about 80N.M.
- Install the lift beam between the columns, ensuring all bolts are tight.
- Attach the power unit to the POWER SIDE post, and connect the hydraulic hoses as per the diagram, ensuring all fittings are tight.
- Install the limit switch as shown in the instructions, checking its function at a height of 70.8” (1800mm) and adjusting if necessary.
Adjustment
Preparation: Ensure the Hydraulic Repair Near Me post’s top is upright using a plumb. Fill any gaps between the baseplate and ground surface with iron plates or concrete, then tighten the anchor bolts.
Adjustment Process: Check power connections and ensure all bolts are tightened. Test the lift’s upward and downward movements.
Synchronization Adjustment: Test and adjust the tensile force and balance of the steel cables.
Loading Test: Verify the hydraulic system’s functionality under heavy weight.
Maintenance Notes:
- Lubricate all bearings, hinges, lock latches, and moving parts monthly.
- Replace hydraulic oil annually, maintaining the oil level at the upper limit.
- Inspect steel cables every three months and contact the manufacturer if there are any issues.
- Check the integrity of the safety system daily.
A car lift is an incredibly useful tool for any DIY car repair and maintenance enthusiast. These lifts, while not suitable for everyone, significantly simplify many car repairs, especially since a lot of work on modern cars is done from underneath. Using jacks and crawling under the car can be exhausting, and I’ve always admired the ease with which mechanics in professional auto shops work on cars, whether changing tires or repairing engines and transmissions. It has been my lifelong dream to have my own car lift at home, and nowadays, they are affordable and easy to install.
Car lifts vary in design and functionality. Broadly, they come in three types:
- Hydraulic Repair Near Me In-Ground Lifts: These are large structures with a central hydraulic cylinder underground, supporting four arms to lift the car. They are space-efficient but limit access to the car’s center and require extensive installation, including deep excavation.
- Four-Post Lifts: The simplest to install, these lifts are like large beds that elevate the car. Some models are mobile. However, they offer limited access to the vehicle, especially for wheel work, and consume considerable garage space.
- Two-Post Lifts: A balance between the first two types, these lifts offer excellent vehicle access and are more space-efficient. Installation takes about a day. This is the type I chose, and this article shares my experience setting it up. Having used it for a week, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. I wish I had installed it years ago!
I selected the Hydraulic Repair Near Me, a robust and reasonably priced lift ($1400) capable of lifting up to 8000 lbs, which is more than sufficient for my cars. The main challenge with these lifts is their size and weight. Shipping is complex and expensive, often requiring pickup from a local distributor with a large rental truck. I managed this process myself, with assistance at the depot for loading.
At home, I disassembled the lift on the truck for easier unloading. Installing the lift solo is challenging due to its weight, but manageable with careful planning. The posts need to be bolted securely to the floor, which requires at least 4 inches of solid concrete. The installation process involves marking and drilling holes for the bolts, setting up the hydraulic system, and ensuring no leaks in the connections.
The lift’s hydraulic system needs a 220-240 volt electrical connection, which might require professional installation for safety. After assembling, testing for leaks is crucial before fully installing the hydraulic cylinders and setting up the lift.
The final steps include installing the balancing wires and ensuring the lift operates smoothly. The result is a highly functional and space-efficient car lift, transforming the way I work on my cars. The biggest challenge was shipping and unloading, but the installation process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.
Regardless if you’re a hobbyist taking their home shop to the next level with a new lift, or a commercial mechanic, be sure to exercise workplace safety!