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Vehicle
Lifts –
using a lift is the best way to ensure quick, efficient and safe under-car
repairs. Both Owners and Technicians benefit from using vehicle lifts.
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| Business owners benefit from improved productivity.
Shop owners have reported productivity increases of 30%
from stalls with a vehicle
lift when compared to stalls without lifts.
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| Technicians using lifts have many advantages when
working with a lift; better light
and visibility make it easier to spot problems and perform needed maintenance.
Equipment and tool boxes can be rolled within easy reach of the
technician making the workplace safer
and more efficient.
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Purchasing the
correct lift for your shop…
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| An educated decision now will save you costly corrections later. A
variety of Lift designs are offered because shop owners have different service
applications. Different lift
designs and features can make your service job easier and safer. Manufactures
prices can vary greatly depending on style
of lift so purchase wisely.
Your individual needs will dictate which Lift best suites your shop.
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Approximate Vehicle Weights and other Dimensions
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(
taken from manufactures brochures )
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Vehicle Weight Groups |
G.W.R.
unloaded
weight |
G.V.W.R.
Mfg. Max.
Loaded weight |
Vehicle
Wheelbase |
Max.
Overall
Length |
Cab
Height |
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PASSENGER CAR |
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| Pontiac Firefly |
1,900 lbs |
- |
93" |
164" |
55" |
| Ford Escort |
2,500 lbs |
- |
98" |
175" |
54" |
| Chrysler Neon |
2,400 lbs |
- |
104" |
172" |
55" |
| Ford Taurus |
3,390 lbs |
- |
109" |
199" |
56" |
| Jeep Cherokee |
4,900 lbs |
- |
102" |
168" |
64" |
| GMC Suburban |
4,900 lbs |
- |
107' |
170" |
66" |
| Chrysler Concorde |
3,470 lbs |
- |
113" |
202" |
56" |
| Buick |
3,900 lbs |
- |
103" |
189" |
54" |
| Cadillac |
4,050 lbs |
- |
114" |
210" |
56" |
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VANS |
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| Dodge Caravan |
3,700 lbs |
5,150 lbs |
119" |
200" |
69" |
| GMC Safari G350 |
5,559 lbs |
9,500 lbs |
155" |
239" |
83" |
| Dodge Maxi Wagon |
4,665 lbs |
9,000 lbs |
128" |
231" |
80' |
| Ford Econoline E350 |
5,340 lbs |
9,500 lbs |
138" |
232" |
83" |
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PICK-UP TRUCKS |
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| Ford150 Supercab |
4,410 lbs |
6,000 lbs |
156" |
242" |
68" |
| GMC Sonoma |
3,860 lbs |
5,150 lbs |
123" |
205" |
65" |
| Dodge 1500 Clubcab |
4,660 lbs |
6,400 lbs |
155" |
244" |
72" |
| Dodge Ram 2500 Clubcab |
5,210 lbs |
8,880 lbs |
155" |
244" |
75" |
| Ford 250 Supercab |
4,965 lbs |
8,880 lbs |
156" |
235" |
75" |
| GMC Sierra (Silverado) Crewcab |
6,315 lbs |
10,000 lbs |
169" |
251" |
76" |
| Ford 350 Crewcab |
5,430 lbs |
10,000 lbs |
156" -
172" |
249" |
78" |
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLES |
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| Dodge 3500 Chassis Cab |
5,570 lbs |
11,000 lbs |
138" -
163" |
245" |
78" |
| GMC Savannah G 3500 |
4,752 lbs |
12,000 lbs |
138" -
177" |
279" |
83" |
| GMC P Chassis (no cab) |
4,486 lbs |
14,100 lbs |
110" -
178" |
305" |
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| Ford F350 Motor-home Chassis |
5,950 lbs |
15,200 lbs |
178" -
190" |
318" |
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| Ford F550 Super Duty |
6,795 lbs |
17,500 lbs |
141" -
201" |
286" |
83" |
| Capacity :
Vehicle weight / length / height
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| First Determine what type of Vehicles you intend to lift. Consider
Current as well as future work loads. The lifting weight is very important and
you need to thoroughly think your need through before you purchase.
You never want to overload a lift.
See chart above.
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| Space Restraints :
Shop Size / Ceiling height
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| Space limitations are an important part of any decision. Measure your
ceiling, it may determine what style or model lift you need to use. Consider
your shop environment, your working patterns, how many lifts you need and the
floor space required by the various models.
Keep in mind placement of tool boxes and portable equipment being moved
through out your daily activity.
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| Lift Design:
Type of Service to be performed / Shop Size / Future Plans
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| What is the primary service your shop performs? Will
future growth change the style of lift you are currently considering? Do
you own the Building or are you Leasing Space? Will
future expansion require moving lifts?
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Options / Accessories |
| Even if not purchased with your Lift you should know what accessories are
available either as Factory installed or Field installation add-ons.
Lift options that will allow up-grade accessories can be very cost
efficient.
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| Safety:
Certification / Manufacture
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| Look for lifts built according to the strict safety standards of
Automotive Lift Institute, Inc. (ALI). Companies
who manufacture equipment often make decisions based on their assets and
reputations. Be aware of a manufacture who is not a member of a
safety over sight organization.
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| Name-brand Lifts vs. lesser known brands?
Reputable companies with an interest in repeat business are less
motivated to build low price
equipment and more inclined to build their equipment for longevity and customer
satisfaction. When a company’s assets or their reputation is at stake, they
seem more to make decision motivated by safety and quality rather than by price.
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| Installation:
Professional Installer / Self Installation
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| Does your purchase require Professional Installation or are you able to
install yourself? If installation is mandated by an outside firm make sure you
know ahead of time and calculate your cost accordingly. If you want to do your
own installation does the manufacture provide proper installation information? |
| Price
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| All lift styles do not cost the same.
Prices can vary greatly. Why?
They are not all manufactured the same way, quality of components differ,
and materials used are not always
the same. Marketing, Advertising
and Operation overhead cost vary. When the lowest price is the major concern in
manufacturing you need to look at what was sacrificed |
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ROI |
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Return on your Investment may be more important than your invoiced price.
A wisely purchase piece of equipment, costing a little more, when spread over
the life of its use can actually cost you less.
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