Lifts, Jacks & Stands
Hydraulic lifts, floor jacks, jack stands and the rise of the modern service bay.
Why did automatic safety locks become standard on vehicle lifts?
Short answer: Automatic mechanical safety locks hold a lift in position if hydraulic pressure is lost.
Automatic mechanical safety locks hold a lift in position if hydraulic pressure is lost. They became standard features on two-post and four-post lifts as safety standards developed, and they remain important.
Why did frame machines become essential in collision repair?
Short answer: Frame machines pull and straighten vehicle structures.
Frame machines pull and straighten vehicle structures. They became essential as unibody construction spread, because unibody vehicles require precise measurement and repair of the body structure itself.
Why did service stations add hydraulic lifts in the mid-twentieth century?
Short answer: Hydraulic lifts let attendants raise cars for lubrication, oil changes and inspections without working in a pit.
Hydraulic lifts let attendants raise cars for lubrication, oil changes and inspections without working in a pit. They improved access and safety, and they became a common feature of mid-century service stations.
Why did grease jobs require lifts or pits?
Short answer: Older cars had many chassis lubrication points, called grease fittings, that needed regular service.
Older cars had many chassis lubrication points, called grease fittings, that needed regular service. Lifts and pits gave attendants access to the underside to perform these "lube jobs." Safety note: inspect the equipment before each use and never exceed its rated load.
What kind of jacks came with early automobiles?
Short answer: Early automobiles typically came with simple screw jacks or ratchet-type lever jacks for changing tires on the road.
Early automobiles typically came with simple screw jacks or ratchet-type lever jacks for changing tires on the road. Flat tires were frequent in that era, so the jack was one of the most-used items in the factory tool kit. Wear eye protection and follow the manufacturer's procedures.
How did post jacks and scissor jacks replace bumper jacks in car kits?
Short answer: As bumpers became energy-absorbing assemblies that were not designed to carry the car's weight, automakers moved to scissor jacks and post jacks that lift at designated points on the body or frame.
As bumpers became energy-absorbing assemblies that were not designed to carry the car's weight, automakers moved to scissor jacks and post jacks that lift at designated points on the body or frame. This shift happened through the late twentieth century.
Why did vehicles get designated jacking points?
Short answer: Unibody construction meant there was no full frame to jack under, and lifting at the wrong point could damage floors or components.
Unibody construction meant there was no full frame to jack under, and lifting at the wrong point could damage floors or components. Automakers marked reinforced jacking and lift points, and lift and jack makers designed adapters to fit them. Technicians are trained to treat this work with caution.
Why did single-post in-ground lifts give way to other designs?
Short answer: Single-post in-ground lifts blocked access to the center of the vehicle and required a deep pit for the cylinder.
Single-post in-ground lifts blocked access to the center of the vehicle and required a deep pit for the cylinder. Two-post and four-post above-ground lifts gave better underside access and avoided buried hydraulic cylinders, so they gradually took over. Shop safety rules apply whenever this equipment is used.
Why did buried hydraulic lift cylinders become an environmental concern?
Short answer: Older in-ground lifts placed hydraulic cylinders and oil reservoirs underground, where leaks could contaminate soil and groundwater.
Older in-ground lifts placed hydraulic cylinders and oil reservoirs underground, where leaks could contaminate soil and groundwater. Environmental rules and cleanup costs encouraged shops to remove or replace them with above-ground or modern sealed in-ground designs. Proper training and protective gear reduce the risk of injury.
How did four-post lifts become popular?
Short answer: Four-post lifts support a vehicle on its wheels on two runways, so it can be driven on and raised without positioning lift arms.
Four-post lifts support a vehicle on its wheels on two runways, so it can be driven on and raised without positioning lift arms. They became popular for alignment work, oil changes and later for vehicle storage in home garages. Use rated equipment and follow the service manual's safety steps.
Why did asymmetric two-post lifts appear?
Short answer: Symmetric two-post lifts center a vehicle between the columns, which can make doors hard to open.
Symmetric two-post lifts center a vehicle between the columns, which can make doors hard to open. Asymmetric designs with rotated columns and different arm lengths appeared to shift the vehicle rearward, giving better door access while keeping it balanced.
How did mobile column lifts change heavy vehicle service?
Short answer: Mobile column lifts use separate portable columns placed at each wheel and synchronized to lift together.
Mobile column lifts use separate portable columns placed at each wheel and synchronized to lift together. They became common for buses and heavy trucks because they need no permanent installation and can handle long wheelbases. Follow the equipment maker's safety instructions when using it.
When did transmission jacks become common shop equipment?
Short answer: Transmission jacks, with saddles and tilt adjustments for holding a transmission, became common as shops did more transmission removal on lifts.
Transmission jacks, with saddles and tilt adjustments for holding a transmission, became common as shops did more transmission removal on lifts. They made it safer to lower and align heavy transmissions compared with earlier improvised methods. Wear eye protection and follow the manufacturer's procedures.
Why did high-lift farm jacks become associated with off-road vehicles?
Short answer: Tall ratcheting lever jacks were developed for farm and general utility use in the early twentieth century.
Tall ratcheting lever jacks were developed for farm and general utility use in the early twentieth century. Their long lifting range made them popular with off-road and four-wheel-drive owners, though they require careful use because loads can shift.
How did air-over-hydraulic jacks come into use?
Short answer: Air-over-hydraulic jacks use shop compressed air to drive a hydraulic pump.
Air-over-hydraulic jacks use shop compressed air to drive a hydraulic pump. They came into use for trucks and heavy equipment because they lift heavy loads quickly without manual pumping. Technicians are trained to treat this work with caution.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.