Lifts, Jacks & Stands
Hydraulic lifts, floor jacks, jack stands and the rise of the modern service bay.
Who invented the hydraulic automotive lift?
Short answer: Peter J. Lunati of Memphis, Tennessee is credited with inventing a hydraulic automotive lift in 1925.
Peter J. Lunati of Memphis, Tennessee is credited with inventing a hydraulic automotive lift in 1925. His invention led to the founding of Rotary Lift, which became one of the best-known lift manufacturers. Always follow the equipment maker's safety instructions and support a raised vehicle on rated stands.
When was Rotary Lift founded?
Short answer: Rotary Lift traces its origins to 1925, when Peter Lunati developed a hydraulic lift for servicing vehicles.
Rotary Lift traces its origins to 1925, when Peter Lunati developed a hydraulic lift for servicing vehicles. The company grew into a major supplier of automotive lifts for service stations and dealerships. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack; use rated jack stands and follow the maker's instructions.
What were in-ground lifts?
Short answer: In-ground lifts have hydraulic cylinders installed below the shop floor.
In-ground lifts have hydraulic cylinders installed below the shop floor. They were common in mid-century service stations and dealerships for lubrication and undercar work. Use caution: check the rated capacity, use the correct lift points and follow the manufacturer's safety warnings.
Why did above-ground two-post lifts become popular?
Short answer: Two-post lifts are installed on the floor surface, avoiding the excavation needed for in-ground lifts.
Two-post lifts are installed on the floor surface, avoiding the excavation needed for in-ground lifts. They became popular because they are easier to install and provide open access to wheels and undercarriage. For safety, read the operator's manual, stay within the rated capacity and wear eye protection.
When was the Automotive Lift Institute founded?
Short answer: The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) is a trade association founded in 1945 to promote the safe design, construction, installation and use of automotive lifts.
The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) is a trade association founded in 1945 to promote the safe design, construction, installation and use of automotive lifts. ALI certification became widely recognized in the industry.
How did ANSI/ALI ALCTV become the lift standard?
Short answer: ANSI/ALI ALCTV is the American National Standard for automotive lift construction, testing and validation.
ANSI/ALI ALCTV is the American National Standard for automotive lift construction, testing and validation. It became the reference for lift safety certification, administered with the Automotive Lift Institute.
What were grease pits?
Short answer: Grease pits were trenches in the floor that allowed mechanics to work under vehicles.
Grease pits were trenches in the floor that allowed mechanics to work under vehicles. They were common before lifts became widespread, and they presented risks such as falls and fumes.
What were drive-on ramps?
Short answer: Drive-on ramps raise a vehicle so a mechanic can access the underside.
Drive-on ramps raise a vehicle so a mechanic can access the underside. They have been used for oil changes and inspections and remain popular for home use.
Who invented the hydraulic jack?
Short answer: The hydraulic jack is based on Pascal's principle, and Joseph Bramah developed hydraulic press technology in the late 1700s.
The hydraulic jack is based on Pascal's principle, and Joseph Bramah developed hydraulic press technology in the late 1700s. Hydraulic jacks for vehicles became common in the twentieth century. Use caution around raised loads and follow the equipment maker's inspection and safety guidance.
How did bottle jacks become common for trucks and equipment?
Short answer: Bottle jacks are compact hydraulic jacks shaped like a bottle.
Bottle jacks are compact hydraulic jacks shaped like a bottle. They became common for trucks, equipment and some cars because they lift heavy loads in a small package. Users should inspect jacks before each use, never exceed the rated load and support the vehicle on stands.
How did the floor jack become standard shop equipment?
Short answer: Rolling hydraulic floor jacks became standard shop equipment in the twentieth century because they could be positioned under a vehicle and raise it quickly.
Rolling hydraulic floor jacks became standard shop equipment in the twentieth century because they could be positioned under a vehicle and raise it quickly. Lighter aluminum floor jacks later became popular in racing and mobile work. Jacks are for lifting only, and vehicles must be supported on stands before anyone works underneath. Technicians are trained to treat this work with caution.
Why were bumper jacks phased out?
Short answer: Bumper jacks lifted a vehicle by its bumper and were commonly supplied with older cars.
Bumper jacks lifted a vehicle by its bumper and were commonly supplied with older cars. They were replaced by scissor and post jacks because bumper jacks could be unstable, and later bumper designs were not built to carry the load. Anyone using an old bumper jack should treat it with extreme caution.
When did engine hoists become common in shops?
Short answer: Engine hoists, often called cherry pickers, use a hydraulic ram and boom to lift engines.
Engine hoists, often called cherry pickers, use a hydraulic ram and boom to lift engines. They became common in shops and garages performing engine replacements. Keep everyone clear of raised loads and follow the maker's rated capacity.
Why did engine stands become standard in rebuilding shops?
Short answer: Engine stands bolt to the engine block and allow it to rotate for access.
Engine stands bolt to the engine block and allow it to rotate for access. They became standard in engine rebuilding because working on an engine sitting on the floor or bench was awkward and unsafe.
Why did scissor lifts become popular in tire and brake shops?
Short answer: Low-rise and mid-rise scissor lifts gained popularity in tire and brake shops because they raise vehicles quickly and need little floor space.
Low-rise and mid-rise scissor lifts gained popularity in tire and brake shops because they raise vehicles quickly and need little floor space. Users should follow the maker's safety warnings and keep hands clear of pinch points.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.