How to Choose the Right Mobile Column Lift for Your Vehicle Workshop
We’ve talked before about the benefits of Mobile Column Lifts — from flexible workshop layouts to space-saving storage and outdoor use.
But if you’re looking to invest in your next big piece of kit, it’s not always easy to pick the right option.
Here’s everything you need to know about the different models of our mobile column lifts — and the features that can help you find the right fit.
What Do Mobile Column Lifts Have in Common?
At a high level, there’s a lot that’s the same between each of our Mobile Column Lifts. And the biggest benefit should go without saying: they’re all mobile!
No matter which one you choose, you’ll get the full flexibility of a lift that’s not fixed — giving you the option to free up space, rearrange your workshop layout, and pack your lifts away in storage when you don’t need to use them.
Here’s what you’ll get with each of our mobile column lifts:
- A lifting capacity of 7,500kg per column (some pre-owned models may be 7,000kg).
- The option to use the lifts in sets of 4, 6, or 8 columns.
- Options to fit a broad range of wheelbases.
Now that we know what the standard is, we can start to talk about the differences.
Here are the questions you need to be asking:
Is Your Workshop Tight on Space?
One of the biggest attractions of a mobile column lift is how it helps you make more of the space you have. You’re not committed to a fixed installation taking up space, and that gives you more flexibility with the way you set up and change your workshop layout.
But if you’re running a workshop that’s particularly small, there’s a bit more to it than just the space of the vehicle itself:
You need to think about the space around the lift — the footfall through your workshop, and the other vehicles and equipment that might need moving.
So if you’re planning to set up a mobile column lift in a cramped space (and especially in close proximity to other jobs and equipment), the T8DC Cable Free Column Lift could be your best bet.
With a full charge from a single phase 230V power supply, you’ll get a large number of lifting cycles from the T8DC — without any excess cables on the floor that could get in the way.
That means a reduced risk of slips and trips, less time spent finding a safe arrangement — and less chance of damage to the cables themselves.
Will Your Vehicle Lift Be in Constant Use?
If you’re running a workshop with plenty of extra space — or you’re lifting in an area that’s far away from other activities — you might not need to go for a cable-free lift.
And while the T8DC comes with a large number of lifting cycles, there’s still a bit of downtime while you connect the lift to recharge its power, often overnight. If it’s constant use, that downtime will happen more frequently.
So if you’re lifting all day and the cables aren’t an issue, then the T8AC Cabled Mobile Column Lift could be the best choice for your throughput and efficiency.
Do You Need to Lift in a Wash Bay?
There are plenty of galvanised options for fixed-installation lifts. But if you’re working outside or in a wash bay — and you need the flexibility of a mobile lift — there’s really only one solution:
The G8AC Washbay Mobile Column Lift.
You’ll get the same full features of the standard mobile column lifts, with the same lifting capacity, configurable column sets, and adjustable wheel forks.
But the G8AC also comes with sealed bearings and galvanisation — making it the only mobile column lift that’s suitable for wet work.
The columns themselves come with an IP rating of IP67, which means they’re dust-tight and waterproof up to an immersion of 1 metre of water.
And the power sockets and cases come with rating of IP66 — making them dust-tight, and protected against powerful water jets.
Are You on a Limited Budget?
If you’re a smaller workshop with a tighter budget, it might not always make sense to invest in the latest new technology.
That’s especially true if lifting vehicles is only a small part of what you do — or if you have an existing fixed lift, and you’re looking for a mobile lift as an additional option that you’ll only use on rare occasions.
If that’s the case, a Totalkare Pre-Owned Mobile Column Lift could be the best choice for you.
All of our pre-owned mobile column lifts come with the same exceptional Totalkare standards for safety and reliability. Our expert engineers carry out an exhaustive refurbishment process that involves stripping, repairing, and replacing components — as well as thorough load testing and inspection and an independently conducted Report of Thorough Examination to make sure your lifts meet LOLER requirements.
And the result?
You’ll get a top-notch mobile column lift that’s reliable, safe, and under warranty for 6 months — all with a significant saving on your workshop’s budget.
Want to Know More?
No matter what kind of workshop or fleet you’re running, we’ve got a mobile column lift that’s right for you.
Check out our full range of Mobile Column Lifts in our online shop — or talk to one of our vehicle lift experts to help you find exactly what you need.
This article was originally published by Totalkare Ltd.
