Good access hoists
Page 99
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Bill Godwin
• A new range of vehicle hoists with lifting capacities from 2,000kg to 2,800kg, introduced by an Austrian equipment specialist, Michael Neste] Eichhausen, is suitable for the inspection and repair of pickups, light vans and cars.
The hoists are operated electro-hydraulically (or in the case of one model, pneumatically) and enable vehicles to be raised to a level height of 1.2m or, alternatively, to be tilted up to 25 degrees for even better working access underneath the vehicle.
The design of the Autolift comprises a folding A-frame fitted with adjustable carrier arms which, when raised, support the vehicle. The apexpivot allows the carriers to be inclined under infinitely variable hydraulic control so as to pro vide optimum working positions for locations otherwise difficult to reach.
The same maker has also added a two-post lift providing the same tilt facility to its new programme of service equipment. The latter, however, is intended for permanent installations while the Autolift is portable, and measuring only 14cm in depth when retracted, is easily stored.
The prototype of a vehicle invertor, also intended to improve the ergonomics of service and repair installations, was shown recently by a German research and development organisation. Using a principle already used in certain production processes — and to a limited extent at London Transport's former Aldenham Works — the device allows a small commercial vehicle to be rotated through 360 degrees to provide optimum working positions.
Eichhausen