Ask the Expert: What capacity of mobile lift do I need for my job?

May 4, 2015
Determining the weight of the vehicle being lifted by looking at either the UVW or GVW labeled on the driver’s side at the front of the vehicle can be misleading.

Q: What capacity of mobile lift do I need for my job?

A: Determining the weight of the vehicle being lifted by looking at either the UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) or GVW (gross vehicle weight) labeled on the driver’s side at the front of the vehicle can be misleading when it comes to portable lifts. As each column supports a corner of the vehicle (by the tire), you might assume that you could simply divide the GVW/UVW by the number of columns and you have specified your lift. While this method can work, it can be equally misleading. Using a garbage truck as the example, you can expect a weight on the front axle of 20,000 lbs and the rear axles 44,000 lbs. With a total weight of 64,000 lbs and four columns a capacity of 16,000 lbs per column should be enough whereas you would actually require six columns. With 44,000 lbs of weight at the rear, you need at least 44,000 lbs of capacity.

Information provided by: SEFAC, Inc. 

Sponsored Recommendations

ZEUS+: The Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Solution for Smart, Fast, and Efficient Auto Repairs

The new ZEUS+ simplifies your diagnostic process and guides you through the right repair, avoiding unnecessary steps along the way. It gives you the software coverage, processing...

Diagnostic Pre- and Post-scan Reports are Solid Gold for Profitability

The following article highlights the significance of pre-scans and post-scans, particularly with Snap-on scan tools, showcasing their efficiency in diagnosing issues and preventing...

Unlock Precision and Certainty: TRITON-D10 Webinar Training for Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics

The TRITON-D10 lets you dig deep into the systems of a vehicle and evaluate performance with comparative data, systematically eliminating the unnecessary to provide you with only...

APOLLO-D9: Trustworthy Diagnostics for Precision Repairs

The APOLLO-D9 provides the diagnostic information and resources you need to get the job done. No more hunting through forums or endlessly searching to find the right answers. ...

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!