News
HOME > News

4 Post Car Lift Installation Instructions Tips

Release time:2022-09-21

How Do You Install the 3600kg 4 Post Car Lift Easily and Quickly? You Need to Check Out This Article First!

Today, we will give you tips for installing and maintaining a 4 post car lift, sometimes referred to as a garage elevator. This article is useful for those who have a 4 post car lift or are about to get one. 

 

We will use Solidparking FP-360 as an example. Its 3600 kg (7,936.6 lb.) lifting capacity can smoothly park any SUV or pickup truck. 

 

Here we list the criteria and the instructions for the proper installation of the lift

 

1. Get knowing of each part.

4 Post Car Lift Parts List
The table of parts of 4 post car lift
PowerPack Parts List
The list of Power pack parts

2. Tools Required

2.1. A drill with ø10 L=100mm (minimum) wide bit and dynamometric wrench

2.2. A lifting device, such as a crane or forklift, with a minimum admissible load of 200kg. 4 post car lift casters can also be used to move the lift post-assembly, though they are not the preferred method.

2.3. Hydraulic oil with a viscosity of 46 cSt at 40℃ according to ISO 3448 VG 46 norms

 

3. Foundations

The lift must be securely fixed to the floor to be functional. Before proceeding with the assembly and installation of the machine, verify the floor is of a suitable type to withstand the lift’s full load when in use. Only install the lift on a horizontal floor, free of obstacles. The floor where the machine is to be installed should be level, un-fissured concrete, and at least 12 cm thick, built with a resistance of 25 Nm/mm², and fixed to the bottom of the lift with the aid of eight (2 per column) M10X100 dowels. 

If these conditions are not satisfied, proper foundations must be prepared with a gravel floor with a minimum thickness of at least 50 mm. The user should then lay a steel electro-welded mesh with a quadrant of 10 cm and a wire diameter equal to or greater than 8 mm on the gravel floor. A concrete layer with a thickness of at least 180 mm shall then be placed on top of the mesh.

 

4. Position of the workstation

Align the four posts into the appropriate position. Insert the support beams in the four posts. Make sure that while raising the beams/columns, the load is always properly balanced. It is preferable to use a crane to install the lift, but using a forklift is also acceptable. Position the lifting device as close as possible to the load. 

Before moving posts, ensure cables are not trapped below the post base plates. Fit the top plate prior to moving. Raise the support beam to engage on the ratchet and locate the safety block to ensure the beam cannot drop.

 
 
Car Lift Installation Tips

Make sure to install the master platform first and not to swap the position of the two platforms. The master platform must be mounted close column where the power pack is installed (master column).

Car Lift Installation Tips

Make sure that all the M16 nuts and bolts are tightened before proceeding with the installation. Start securing the lift to the ground by drilling holes (10 mm diameter X 100 mm depth). Remove any dust & debris before inserting bolts. It is permissible to use packing washers if necessary: maximum 10 mm. Fix the post into position using the supplied bolts and tighten them to the specified torque (163–165 Nm). Align the four posts using a chalk line and position them as specified. Fix the lift to the ground using M10 bolts (not supplied with the machine). Lock the bolts using a dynamometric wrench, verifying that the tightening torque is equal to 80 Nm.

5. Synchronization cables installation

Position the adjusting nut on the cable approximately halfway along the thread. The locking nut must also be tightened to prevent the adjusting nut from becoming loose while in use. Slide the cables through the support plate located at the end of the lifting cylinder.

6. Connection of the electric box.

Use a 4-wire cable with a minimal section of 2 mm² for each of the phases and of 2.5 mm² for the ground. The cable shall also have a plug compliant with the locally enforced safety laws. The connection to the electric line should be performed according to the enclosed electric scheme.

7. Connection of the hydraulic circuit

To prevent possible load fails because of hydraulic failure, a parachute valve has been installed on the lifting cylinder. This valve instantly blocks the descent of the platforms if a hose is accidentally cut. Before using the lift, it is necessary to fill the tank with oil and verify the correct assembly of the hoses connecting the hydraulic power unit to the lifting cylinder.

8. Final connections to the control circuits.

8.1. Fit the post covers.

8.2. Dress both the hydraulic pipe & ducting with plastic cable ties, ensuring they are positioned centrally between the cables to prevent any possibility of chafing.

8.3. Fit the power pack to primary post into position as shown.

 
220v car lift wiring

(The picture is just for reference)

8.4. Connect the hydraulic pump to the power pack, ensuring all hydraulic connections are secure.

8.5. Run the cable from the control box to the power pack. Make connections to motor connector block terminals (U1, V1, W1) and refit the cover plate. 

8.6. Fix limit switch into position.

 

9. Maintenance

9.1. Check the lift appearance once daily for distortion, scratches or other damage. 

9.2. Check oil levels and oil the pipe every 15 days. Examine for loose seal, leaking, or other damage.

9.3. Check whether the oil is clean every 6 months.

9.4. Check each electric part, such as the photocell sensor, control button, and emergency button, every 15 days by using the empty loading test. Determine whether the electromagnet lock slab works normally every 3 days (Empty loading test).

9.5. Check if the lift can be raised and lowered normally (Empty loading test).

9.6. Examine the bolts or anchors and other fastening parts every 3 days (Empty loading test).

9.7. Determine whether there is any damage or low lubrication on the friction points of running parts every 20 days (Empty loading test).

10. Extra Considerations

10.1. A 4 post lift jack can be added to the top of the lift to allow the vehicle’s frame to rise above the platform. 

10.2. While we used a 3,600 kg car lift for illustration purposes, it is possible to find 12,000 lb. 4 post lifts or larger to handle heavier loads. 

10.3. A 4 post alignment lift kit may be an option for those that plan to offer alignment services.

 

For the complete installation and maintenance process, please feel free to download our manual for additional reference.