It seems that the love of automobiles is as strong today as ever. From those who choose to resurrect an old gem to the folks who chase the latest trends in new style and technology, cars and trucks today are much more than just basic transportation.These vehicles will all require maintenance and repairs from time to time, and many opt to do at least some of this work for themselves.
For the automobile enthusiast who is setting up a well equipped shop, there are a wide variety of tools that will be required. From basic hand and air, to the many specialized tools, the lists can be endless. Some of these tools are required for the type of jobs that few really relish. There is something about a jack, an axle stand, and a creeper that can make even the most dedicated resent the fact that if they are going to do this work themselves, it means laying under the vehicle.
Atv
An option for those who have some room in their garage or shop is the car lift, or the car hoist as they are often called. These units can require a bit of space, depending on which model is chosen, and a well reinforced concrete floor is a must, particularly for the larger models.The garage is a good place to begin if you are not really familiar with this whole automotive lift concept. The building needs to be big enough to handle the lift. Be sure to allow for the height of the vehicle when it is raised, and allow for light fixtures, overhead doors, and heating components that might interfere with the load when the car lift is in the upper position.
The smaller versions of these lifts is called a one post lift. These are often used for garden tractors, golf carts, ATVs/UTVs, and motorcycles. Some will handle small cars, but care must be taken to ensure that they are properly loaded.
The two most popular sizes for the car and truck hobbyists are the 2 post lift, and if you have the room, the four post lift. The 2 post lift is great for smaller spaces, while the 4 post can generally handle a larger load. The 4 post load also distributes the weight of the load over a larger area and twice as many points. This can make a difference in how thick a floor will be required to support the weight of the lift and the vehicle.
There are also units designed for doing large lifts, and can be found in many of the bigger RV and truck repair shops. While it would be great to have this kind of capacity, the average garage or shop is not usually large enough to house them.
When using are car hoist it is important to keep your safety in mind at all times. Proper loading that respects the manufacturers load limits is very important. Basic maintenance will help in this regard, and will extend the working life of the lift.
These units can reduce the time required for most repairs, and make them safer and more enjoyable at the same time. For the serious hobbyist, they are well worth checking out.
Car Lift - Gear For Gear Heads
To learn more about how a Car Lift can work for you, check out The Car Lift
