Hello, my name is Lucas Quam. I have been working on vehicles since I was little and have been enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Lake Area Technical Institute. I have had a job being a mechanic for 3 years now, and nothing makes my job easier than using a hoist. Mechanics are always using hoists to work on vehicles. They make doing many jobs so much easier, but it can be very dangerous if you do not set it up correctly. Failure to do so may result in damages or injuries. Today, you are going to learn how to position a vehicle on a hoist to make the job faster and easier.

Supplies

Automotive hoist and a vehicle

Step 1: Step 1: Look Up Service Information

The first and most important thing to do when using an automotive hoist, is to look up service precautions and instructions. These can be found online or in the owner’s manual. This will tell where to position the arms under the vehicle to ensure the arms are lifting from a safe and strong part. Most of the time, it will say to put the arms under the frame, or under the pinch weld. The controls on the hoist are simple. Press button to go up, and when locks are released, push the lever to go down.

Step 2: Step 2: Pull Vehicle in the Hoist

The second step

is to make sure the vehicle is parked straight between the hoist arms. When pulling the vehicle in, position the vehicle so there is the same amount of room on either side. Also, it needs to be far enough forward to get all the hoist arms under on all four sides.

Step 3: Step 3: Set Hoist Arms

Next, swing the arms under the vehicle and position them under the specified lift points. One may have to raise the hoist and lower it again to get the arms in the correct spot.

Step 4: Step 4: Test It

Once the hoist is set, lift the vehicle so the tires are a few inches off the ground. Then jounce the front and back of the vehicle to ensure it is sturdy. Then continue to lift the needed height.

Step 5: Step 5: Set Hoist on Locks

Lastly, lower the hoist and vehicle on to the safety locks. Do this by using the hydraulic release level to bring the hoist down until it stops on the lock. (Remember to raise the hoist off the locks and release them before lowering).