Car elevator: types, features, application

Car elevators are installed both in private garages, and at large Service stations. There are models designed for passenger cars and large vehicles. Carrying capacity is the main criterion by which to choose such equipment. Also take into account the design, type of control and other factors.

Types of car lifts

Devices for lifting cars differ in design:

• Hydraulic car elevators - cylinders are filled with oil with the help of a pump and lift a platform or brackets with support points on which the car is fixed.
• Mechanical car elevators with screw bases. From the rotation of the shaft, a nut with a platform attached to it moves up or down on it.
• Combination elevators are based on the scissor principle. The lifting height depends on the length of the segments. The load on the platform is fixed at the desired height by a locking system. Such units are the most spacious in the unfolded and folded form. Often for their placement create niches in the floor.

Car elevators differ in the number of supports, which affects mobility, the way of fixing the vehicle, the carrying capacity. The device consists of racks, the base of which is mounted with anchor bolts to the concrete. To the supports the lifting mechanism is attached. The main types of rack elevators:

• One-post stationary elevators work with a load of up to 2 tons. Apply a single rack to lift a car from one side. To raise the car completely, use a minimum of 2 units. Often in these systems, the vehicle is fixed by the sill or wheels.
• Two-post elevators with a lifting capacity of up to 8 tons. Most models have no platform.
• Four-column car elevators are designed for lifting heavy trucks.

Hydraulic car elevators equipped with plunger cylinders are the most compact. They are buried in the floor for the sake of convenience and space saving.

Additional characteristics

Car elevators are chosen depending on the overall height of the structure, its weight, method of fixation and the following factors:

• Carrying capacity - how much weight the elevator can support. For the service station the optimal indicator is about 5 tons. Then you can use it for both cars and trucks.
• Lifting speed is 1-2 minutes. Electromechanical devices work faster than fully mechanical ones.
• The maximum height to which the platform moves - 4 meters. Often 2 meters is the optimal height. There are tire elevators that lift the car to a low height on one side. Mobile models car owners can transport in the trunk in case of emergency wheel replacement.
• Clearance is a measure of the height of the platform from the floor in its lowest position. It is 95-110 mm. Some models have a clearance of 70-90 mm. These elevators are designed for vehicles with low overhang or clearance.
• The control system is manual or mechanical. Manual models to some extent involve physical force of the operator. In semi-automatic devices the pressure is pumped by a pump or electric motor. This facilitates the work of the operator and speeds up the process.

In order to change a wheel, a one-post mobile elevator is enough. If the repair of cars is carried out, you need a sturdy structure, designed to lift the transport completely. Depending on the weight and dimensions for the service station choose at least two-post structures and additional equipment for tire fitting.