If you've ever wondered how car lifts don't tip over, you're not alone. There are many factors to consider, including concrete strength and base plate thickness >> more information of Mechanic Superstore 4 post lift plus. And don't forget about designated lifting points. The strength of these points is vital to prevent your vehicle from falling off the lift.
Base plate thickness
If you're using a car lift, you should check the base plate thickness. It should be at least three-quarters inch thick. The thickness of this part is important because it can contribute to the stability of a lift. A higher thickness is better for tipping protection.
There are two basic types of lifts: overhead and baseplate. Overhead lifts have moving supports, while baseplate lifts have fixed lift arms. The former require a solid concrete base to bolt to, and the latter require higher clearances. Both types of lifts require the concrete to be completely cured and free from cracks.
The thickness of the base plate is critical for the stability of a car lift. Usually, four inches is the minimum thickness for most lifts. However, this thickness may need to be increased for specific applications and different models. Also, the car lift's height will have a bearing on the thickness of the base plate.
Concrete strength
In order to prevent car lifts from tipping over, the concrete beneath them must be strong enough to hold the weight of the vehicles. In many cases, this means adding re-bar or wire mesh to the concrete slab, which will ensure that it won't crack or split under pressure. Another way to make the concrete stronger is to use expansion joints.
The slab must be at least four inches thick and have a 3,000-psi load capacity. Your building architect can advise you on the proper concrete thickness for your building. The thickness of the concrete also depends on the type of car lift you plan to install. For example, a two-post lift may require a floor thickness of 4", while a four-post lift with a greater lifting capacity may need a thicker slab.
Anchor bolt strength
In order to keep 4 post car lifts from tipping over, they must be anchored in concrete blocks. The anchor bolts should be at least 5.5 inches in length and 3/4" wide. They must also be anchored at a depth of at least 3.25" from the floor, and they must be torqued to manufacturer's specifications.
While installing the bolts, it's important to keep the drill away from the hole to reduce the amount of pressure required to drill through it. While the bolts themselves aren't very heavy, the pull-out force exerted by them is tiny compared to the vertical force of a car sitting on the slab without the lift. To calculate the amount of pull-out force, divide the bolt hole surface area by the thickness of the slab. The resulting stress is less than one thousand psi.
Designated lifting points
Designated lifting points are critical to the safety of your 4 post car lift. Car lifts are made to support the weight of a full-size vehicle, but if you don't use the correct points, the lift can tip over. The center of gravity of a vehicle isn't always the true center of gravity. If you're unsure about the proper lifting points, you can measure the center of gravity of the vehicle and locate the proper lifting points.
In addition to using designated lifting points, you must also use the appropriate lift adapters. These adapters are sold separately. You'll need these if you're working with vehicles that have recessed lifting points. Otherwise, your vehicle could slide off the arms and pads.
Another key to using a car lift safely is to know the height of the vehicle. Some lifts are taller than others, so you need to make sure your vehicle has sufficient ground clearance.