• Two-post or four-post lifts, scissor lifts or pit lifts are commonly used in automotive shops.
• Warehouses can need hydraulic dock lifts, pallet lifts, or goods lifts. *Personnel lifts or boom lifts are frequently used at construction sites to do high work.

Calculate the maximum weight that you will have to lift on a regular basis and multiply it by at least 20-25%. The overloading may shorten the life of the equipment and negate safety.

CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE LIFT TYPE

Hydraulic lifts come in various forms; selecting the correct type ensures efficiency and operational safety.

• Scissor Lifts: The scissor lifts are perfect in vertical lifts in workshops, warehouses and assembly lines. Stable and having a smaller footprint.
• Hydraulic Goods Lifts: These are actually popular in factories, storage facilities and buildings that have many floors. These are created to transport heavy materials across levels.
• Two-Post/ Four-Post Lifts: This is a popular lift in automotive service centres. Lifts Two- post lifts give easy access under the vehicle; four- post lifts are more stable when dealing with a heavier vehicle.
• Dock Lifts: Ideal loading dock lifts are used in loading docks and they enable a smooth movement of goods between a truck and the warehouse floor.
• Hydraulic Platforms and Table Lifts: These come in handy where one needs to deal with an assembly area where one needs to raise and lower the table.

Matching the lift type to the task ensures smoother operations and avoids unnecessary costs.

EVALUATE LIFTING HEIGHT AND PLATFORM SIZE

Consider the maximum height the lift should reach and ensure it aligns with your facility's layout, ceiling height, and workflow requirements. Likewise, the platform or table size must accommodate the load dimensions. For instance, goods lifts require platforms designed according to pallet or trolley sizes, while vehicle lifts must match wheelbase widths.

CHECK POWER SOURCE AND INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

Hydraulic lifts could either be electrically powered, manually pumped or be a combination of both. Most industrial lifts need to have a stable supply of 3-phase (although smaller portable units can operate on a single-phase supply). Assess the conditions of installation which include:

• Floor strength and required civil work
• Space for the lift structure
• Accessibility for maintenance
• Whether a pit is needed

Professional site evaluation can be used in the selection of a lift that will be easily fitted into your work space.

PRIORITISE SAFETY FEATURES

Safety should be non-negotiable when investing in hydraulic equipment. Look for:

• Overload protection systems
• Emergency lowering features
• Non-slip platforms
• Mechanical locks
• Guardrails
• Safety interlocks
• High-quality hydraulic cylinders and hoses

Adherence to the applicable industry requirements guarantees the operators safety as well as durability.

CONSIDER BUILD QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE

High quality and durable frames, corrosion-resistant material and components help to minimise downtime and extend the life of the lift. Select a manufacturer that has a good support of after sales services, ready supply of spare parts and frequent maintenance services. A low maintenance lift with long service cycles can be much more economical in the long-term.

BUDGET WISELY

Price is a major factor, however, by selecting a lift based on its cost, the reason behind this choice can cause a problem in the future. Concentrate on value, durability, safety and warranty. An investment on high quality hydraulic lift means better performance, fewer breakdowns and safer working environment.

To make a good choice of hydraulic lift, it is important to balance the needs of application, safety, cost, and long-term performance. With the above factors considered, you will have a certainty purchase that will increase productivity and smooth and safe operations in the future.

Other Link: Single-Acting vs Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders: Key Differences and Uses