Hydraulic systems allow for serious heavy lifting to be done. They are utilised in passenger lifts as well as product lifts and even vehicle lifts as a highly efficient method of transferring both passengers and products between levels.
With so many different types of hydraulic lift systems to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one is right for your business. Here are some interesting facts about some of the different types of lift and how they work:
Water Power
Water and oil hydraulic lifts work on the same principle – the incompressible liquid fills the pistons and the tubes of the machine, applying constant pressure, which causes the pistons to lift.
Force = Pressure x Surface Area
This is the equation used to calculate the size of an object you are able to lift. If the piston has a larger surface area then it will be able to exert more force, allowing you to lift bigger objects.
Opposites Attract
Hydraulic lifts work by utilising two pistons that work in opposition to each other. When force is applied to one piston, the pressurised fluid pushes the other piston up.
Economy and Car Sizes
Two-post auto lifts are most efficient on small to mid-size vehicles, but some heavy-duty lifts can support much larger vehicles.
Large Vehicles and Trucks
When lifting large equipment and vehicles a four-post lift is used to provide stability and load-bearing ability. For those who service trucks, buses or vans, then this type of hydraulic lift is invaluable.
Mobility
Mobile column lifts provide great adjustability and versatility and can be set up easily.
Wheel Fit
Two-post, four-post and mobile columns lift vehicles by its wheels using fitted wheel forks. By having adjustable wheel forks, you can service more vehicle types using the same lift system.
Friction
Hydraulic platform lifts are a preferred system because they produce minimal friction. Because of the pressure of the incompressible fluids, you won’t have to spend much time and money repairing any damage that is caused by friction.