If you are thinking of modernising your workshop or building a new one, you will undoubtedly have looked at different options in choosing the most suitable motorbike lift.
But how to navigate the different models and price points?
In this article, we will analyse the characteristics of an efficient motorbike lift in order to create a checklist which can support you in your choice.
Keep reading to find out more!
Why is the choice of a motorbike lift so important?
The motorbike lift is the hub of all efficient and effective workshops.
This makes the choice a key aspect in a workshop design, and so it is essential to be familiar with the main characteristics to look for in a model.
Before moving on to analyse these characteristics, however, it is important to focus on the function that this tool covers in general terms within the motorcycle repair shop.
During the construction or refitting process for your shop, you should not overlook the layout analysis and design phase: only thanks to thorough and accurate planning which meets the concrete requirements of your mechanics will it be possible to achieve the highest levels of efficiency in your shop, and ensure customers are satisfied at all times.
During the course of the design phase, identifying the workflows and understanding as a consequence where to position the motorbike lifts is key to ensuring that the workspaces are suitable, efficient and meet the mechanics’ needs.
Ideally, each mechanic should have access to their own motorbike lift on which they can carry out all the repair, inspection and service operations requested by customers.
If this is not possible due to organisational or space constraints, installing shared workstations can be a valid solution while retaining the main goal of maximum efficiency.
Once you have completed the design phase and identified the position of the vehicle lifts, it is time to move on to actually choosing the product.
But how can you recognise a high-quality lift?
Here is a checklist of elements to take into account when making your choice!
What to take into consideration when choosing a motorbike lift
1. Materials
Analysing the materials used to manufacture the lift is essential.
Look for high-quality materials to guarantee a longer service life for this key piece of equipment and ensure it is a good long-term investment.
An Italian-made lift will provide peace of mind in terms of the build quality of the finished product.
2. Movement
Another important element is how the lift's movement is generated; this may be via:
- Pedal
- Electrohydraulic systems
In the first case, movement is entirely the responsibility of the operator, who raises the lift by pushing a pedal.
In the second case, however, the operator only needs to press a button on a dedicated control unit to raise the lift, with the electrohydraulic system doing all the work.
Whichever system you use, it is always important to check the minimum and maximum achievable heights.
Equipment which is able to reach greater maximum working heights allows mechanics to work safely and in a standing position, helping prevent back problems.
For the minimum height, or clearance, from the floor, the lower this is the lower the probability of accidents due to instability when loading and unloading the bike.
3. Safety
Like there are two ways of generating movement, there are also two different main types of safety system:
- Rack-based mechanical system
- Electrohydraulic safety system
In the first case, making the lift safe depends on the engagement of two toothed systems which lock together and keep the lift raised. By releasing the safety lever, the rack-based system in turn leaves its position and allows the lift to lower.
The second type of system, on the other hand, is managed by a valve which, by controlling the flow of oil in the pistons, ensures that the lift is kept raised and thus safe. This system also allows for a slow lowering of the lift in the event of malfunctions or short circuits.
4. Accessories
The ability to add accessories to your workshop's motorbike lift is an aspect which should not be overlooked.
The main accessories are:
- Hatches
- Ramps
Hatches allow for streamlined procedures when the mechanic has to work in the areas around the bike's wheels. These holes in the lift platform indeed allow these operations to be performed without having to remove the vehicle from the lift, reducing the possibility of incidents relating to falls/overturning.
Hatches may be at the front or rear of the lift, or both.
Ramps also help mechanics manage the vehicle with greater stability, and the closer these are to the ground, the lower the risk of accidents will be due to loss of control during bike loading and unloading.
An alternative which almost completely eliminates the risk of these incidents is to recess the lift in the workshop floor slab, thus ensuring that it is completely aligned with the finished floor level and allowing for linear movement of the bike.
In this article, we have identified the key aspects to look for in an efficient motorbike lift.
KIRO's motorbike lifts incorporate all these characteristics, and being Italian made are an effective long-term investment.
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