We’ve got a huge range of vehicle lifts on offer here at Totalkare. And for some workshops and fleet owners, the options can be intimidating.
So to help narrow things down and keep the comparison simple, we’ll be taking a deep dive into two of our most popular vehicle lifts for wash bay use:
The G8AC Mobile Column Lift, and the galvanised version of the Y-MECH.
But before we dig into the differences, let’s start by looking at how they’re the same:
What Do the Y-Mech and G8AC Have in Common?
Let’s get the easy part out of the way:
Whether you choose the galvanised Y-MECH or the G8AC, you’re getting a lift that’s perfectly suited to the wet conditions of a wash bay. That’s what they’re designed for, and that’s what you’re looking for.
But there are plenty of other similar features between them. Here’s what you get with both types of lift:
- High-capacity lifting that’s perfect for most heavy-duty vehicles.
- A lift that’s suitable for a wide range of vehicle lengths.
- Full access to the central chassis of the vehicle.
- Limited access to the wheels.
- A vehicle lift that you can use outdoors.
- And an IP rating to protect against water and particles.
Now we’ve covered the common ground, let’s get into the differences between them. Here are the questions you need to ask:
Do You Need a Flexible Workshop Layout?
This is one of the biggest differences between the two lifts — and that makes it one of the most important factors to consider for your premises.
The G8AC is a Mobile Column Lift. You can set up a group of columns and start lifting anywhere (as long as you’ve got a safe space and vertical height).
If you’ve got a day in the workshop where you don’t need any lifting, you can pack up the columns and put them in storage — freeing up space for different jobs as your needs change.
(And if you later invest in new equipment that leads to a reshuffle of your workshop layout, you can move your lifting station to a new part of your premises.)
In comparison, the Y-MECH is a fixed-installation lift. It’s permanently attached to the floor of your workshop, and that means you’ll always be using it in the same location.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t have flexibility in your workshop:
The Y-MECH comes with options for a recessed installation, giving it a flush fit to the floor when it’s lowered. So when you don’t need any lifting, you can roll out some mobile equipment or workshop furniture, and set up a new work station on top of the ‘hidden’ lift.
Type of Wash Bay Lift – Is it mobile? – Can you create useable space?
- G8AC Mobile Column Lift – Yes – Yes
- Galvanised Y-MECH – No – Yes with recessed installation
How Much Weight Do You Need to Lift?
Both the Y-MECH and the G8AC are specifically designed for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, which means they’re suitable for most heavy loads.
But there are some differences — especially when it comes to the way mobile column lifts are grouped together.
Each column has a lifting capacity of 7,500kg, and they can be arranged in sets of 4, 6, or 8. That means the lifting capacity is different for different types of vehicles (depending on how many wheels the vehicle has).
Type of Wash Bay Lift – Lifting Capacity
- G8AC Mobile Column Lift – 30,000kg (4-wheel vehicles), 45,000kg (6-wheel vehicles), 60,000kg (8-wheel vehicles)
- Galvanised Y-MECH – 25,000kg – 35,000kg
How Long Are the Vehicles You’re Lifting?
Both types of lift are built for long wheelbase vehicles — the typical heavy-duty commercial vehicles you’d expect to see in a workshop or a fleet depot.
But again, there are some differences:
The Y-MECH has a platform that you drive onto. It’s a fixed length that depends on which version of the Y-MECH you get — and that means there’s a specific maximum to the length of the vehicles you can lift.
With the G8AC, you’re working in columns that attach to the wheels of the vehicle. There’s no platform, and no maximum vehicle length — you only have to think about the number of wheels on the vehicle, and the number of columns you have available.
Type of Wash Bay Lift – Maximum Vehicle Length
- G8AC Mobile Column Lift – N/A (One column per wheel)
- Galvanised Y-MECH – 6m – 13m
How Much Protection Do You Need?
Whichever wash bay lift you choose, you’re getting a piece of kit that’s been specifically designed for wet work and outdoor lifting — with the protection you need to keep your lifts running safely and reliably in a wash bay environment.
But when it comes down to the specific IP ratings (the protection against ingress of water and particles), there are some slight differences to think about.
For the Y-MECH and G8AC, there are two IP ratings you need to know:
- IP66 — No ingress of dust, and protected from powerful jets of water.
- IP67 — No ingress of dust, and protected when immersed in water up to 1 metre in depth.
Here’s how the two lifts measure up:
Type of Wash Bay Lift – IP Ratings
- G8AC Mobile Column Lift – IP67 — Columns, IP66 — Power socket, plugs, fixed and mobile cases, IP67 —Lift electronics
- Galvanised Y-MECH – Less than IP67 — Control Panel
Still Not Sure Which Lift Is Right for You?
Choosing a vehicle lift is a serious investment. And that means you need to be sure you’re making the best choice for your business.
So if you’re still undecided on your next wash bay lift, get in touch with one of our Totalkare experts — and we’ll help you find exactly what you need.
This article was originally published by Totalkare Ltd.
