Latest update February 23rd, 2017 8:43 PM
What you Need to Know about Lift Safety
There’s one and only one nationally recognized standard for vehicle lifts: ANSI-ALI/ALCTV, administered by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).
If you’re in the market to purchase a lift or if you have a lift, you should be aware of the following for the safety of you and all shop employees:
- A lift must be certified
- Certification extends to options and accessories
- Use of non-certified options or accessories voids the certification of the lift
- Approved accessories are required to be listed for use by model number on ALI’s Directory of Certified Products. Accessories not found on the directory are not approved for use.
You can find these and additional safety considerations on ALI’s website. To determine if a lift manufacturer’s options are certified, go to the Directory of Certified Lifts on ALI’s website. Here are some specific examples of accessories that are commonly used in conjunction with mobile columns and two posts.
Front to Rear Bumper Adaptors should be adequate for the vehicle you are lifting (i.e. F-450/F-650).
Adaptors used on 2 post lifts need to be certified. If they aren’t then the lift’s certification is voided.
As safety is of utmost importance when lifting any type of vehicle, it is in your best interest to make sure the lift and accessories are certified and that the accessory can accommodate the weight of the vehicle being lifted. For rear heavy trucks (like utility, refuse and fire trucks) be sure to verify axle weight and that the vehicle’s center of gravity is placed on the middle of the tracks (in the case of 4 post lifts). If you have any questions about capacities of your lift or lift accessories, be sure to ask the manufacturer and verify on www.autolift.org!
Automotive Lift Journal
Since 1981 Mohawk has manufactured the highest quality, safest auto and truck garage lifts available. We say this with confidence because we have thousands of lifts in the field today that are 25+ years old, and still used everyday and will still be used for years to come. Mohawk is the #1 lift supplier for all government, state, utility, and fleet lifting requirements. Mohawk’s popularity is based on a combination of safety systems, design, construction, and the most inclusive warranty in the lift industry. Mohawk Lifts are proudly designed, welded, and manufactured in the U.S.A. Mohawk Lifts factory is located in upstate N.Y.
