Give yourself a lift
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When workshop flexibility is required, the many types of lift can often provide the answer. Peter Watt looks at some of the possibilities
• In the continuing drive for workshop efficiency, a stumbling block is frequently the layout of the workshop premises. The traditional pit has its own benefits, but if flexibility is needed it can also prove an inconvenience. An alternative way of providing access to the underside of a vehicle while retaining some freedom, is to raise it in the air using a lift.
A by-product of using a lift is that the fitter is given amounts of space and light unknown in the depths of a pit, further increasing his productivity. To assess the options open to those considering investing in some form of lifting equipment, Workshop has been looking at the products offered by a selection of suppliers.
Tecalemit is one of the leading lift manufacturers, and has a range that should cover most needs. For raising the whole vehicle in a busy fleet workshop, its series of above-ground platform lifts is ideal for roll-on/roll-off servicing.
Called the ComTec range, the lifts feature a synchronised jacking screw system to raise the platform to whatever height the fitter requires. The lifts are available in a variety of load capacities, from the four-post four-tonne lift to the six-post 16tonne lift. The lifts have a number of safety features including mechanical locks which holds the lifts in position until the motor is restarted. Tecalemit also offers a range of jacking beams and pit jacks, which play a supporting role for platform lifts and pits respectively. The jacking beams are hydraulic in operation, and have capacities ranging from one to 12 tonnes. The pit jacks come in eight or 12-tonne models, and can be fitted either to the edges of RSJ members or to the sides of a pit.
Where workshop functions require lifts to be easily removable, the ComTec below-ground lifts are suitable. The rams virtually disappear beneath the ground when not in use, and are powered by air-hydraulic or electro-hydraulic means depending on capacity. The lifts range from the two-post nine-tonne model up to the three-post 48-tonne version.
There is plenty of foreign competition in the commercial vehicle lift market, and HTC of Nottingham can supply three ranges from Continental manufacturers. Stertil-Koni is a maker of foundationfree hydraulic platform lifts, and the twoor four-post lifts have capacities ranging from 2.2 to 20 tonnes. A particular feature is their compact construction.
For use with the lifts is the Nenab range of pneumatic jacking beams with capacities from 1.5 to 40 tonnes. HTC also offers a selection of air trolley and bottle jacks from Pasquin. Capable of raising loads from 1.5 to 90 tonnes, the jacks come in single-stage lift to six-stage lift. Some models are only 165mm high at rest, which enables them to lift even the lowest of vehicles.
Another supplier of imported lifts is the Garage Equipment Maintenance Co Ltd, better known of as GEMCO. The Danish manufacturer Stenhoj has three types of lift for commercial vehicles. The DSL is a modular system of platform lifts, and can have four, six, eight or 12 posts with capacities ranging from 16 to 48 tonnes, Each post has its own motor, and the motors are electronically linked together through a central control box, which ensures that the platform remains level.
The lengths of the platforms on the DSL can be tailor-made, and as on other systems, the width is adjustable to suit the track of the vehicle. A smaller platform lift, the DS 4 Maxi, is a four-post eight-tonne lift and is suitable for lighter vehicles.
For even greater freedom of access to the vehicle, the Stenhoj All-Purpose lift is a below-ground lift with two or three rams and a capacity of up to 80 tonnes. The rams are electronically linked, and allow vehicles of different lengths to be accommodated. The Free-Wheel lift is a more simple version, with one or two posts and capacities from three to 24 tonnes. The other range offered by GEMCO is the Sefac range of mobile column lifts. Mobile columns can be moved to the vehicle rather than vice versa, which means they can be positioned anywhere, and can be adjusted to suit all sizes and shapes of vehicle. Another advantage is that once a vehicle has been lifted, it can be supported on axle stands, and the lifts moved to be used elsewhere.
The columns are available in five different versions according to the lifting capacity required, with axle loads from 10 to 24 tonnes. The columns are connected electronically to ensure they are correctly synchronised, and precise lifting control is provided by an electromagnetic brake. A full range of accessories is available for the columns, including complete platform assemblies allowing use as a drive-on unit.
It is clear that the range of lifts now available allows workshop space to be utilised effectively. Whatever the type of your vehicle, manufacturers should be able to provide a system that suits your requirements. All the excuse you need to give yourself a lift!
Turbo numbers are listed below.