As the old saying goes, "Keep pushing the cart until it breaks," but we absolutely cannot run our two post car lifts that way. The cost of one major repair could cover years of maintenance. As shop owners, we need to be smart and invest our effort in daily care. Here are my "Three Axes" of maintenance secrets, honed over the years—follow them to save a lot on repair bills.
First Axe: Daily "Two Checks". Before the crew starts work, a five-minute routine is all it takes: First, check the floor for any oil stains or water spills, and clean them up immediately to prevent slips. Second, check the columns and lifting carriages for any obvious impacts, deformation, or unusual noises. This simple habit helps us spot potential risks early.
Second Axe: Weekly "Two Tightens and One Lube". Pick a quieter afternoon and get your apprentice involved: The "Two Tightens" are checking and tightening the anchor bolts to prevent the equipment from loosening due to vibration, and checking the tension of the steel cables or chains to ensure synchronized, non-tilted lifting. The "One Lube" is crucial—lubricate all moving parts with dedicated oil, including the lifting carriages, chains, steel cables, and mechanical safety locks, to keep them operating smoothly.
Third Axe: Monthly/Quarterly "Deep Maintenance". This one requires serious attention. Check the hydraulic fluid level and quality; if it's black or foamy, replace or top it up promptly. Thoroughly clean out the grease and debris from the tracks to ensure smooth operation. The most critical step: you must perform a self-test of the safety lock system—raise the two post car lift unloaded and pause at every lock position to manually check if it securely engages. This is a responsibility to our customers and, more importantly, to the safety of ourselves and our employees.
Folks, making maintenance a habit is the best cost control. Stable equipment and faster bay turnover are the keys to a long-lasting, prosperous business.
