SYSTEM DESIGN

How Does a Single-Post Above Ground Lift Work?

A single post above ground lift is designed to raise cars and trucks for easy access to wheel
assemblies and the underside of the vehicle. A single post above ground lift is normally features
an innovative design with a single-column and a mobile "pallet jack" style that allows you to
move it anywhere you need it.
The lift consists of one upright columns, four adjustable arms attached to a carriage assembly,
one hydraulic cylinders, an electric/hydraulic power unit, and a variety of hoses, pulleys, and
cables. There are several European manufacturers building above ground lifts that use an
extruded screw/nut configuration powered by an electric motor.
The single post above ground lift was developed for automotive facilities that were unable to
install in-ground lifts. Many automotive service centers are built over rock (and excavation is
impossible or impractical) or buildings located on property with a high ground water table. The
single post above ground lifts is also the perfect choice to replace an inoperable in-ground lift,
thereby avoiding down-time and the removal/installation mess created with an in-ground lift.
Most single post above ground lifts are powered by an electric/hydraulic power unit.
The power unit is an assembly of the following main component parts:

Electric motor (usually 220 Volt single phase 60 HZ). The preferred electric motor should
offer maximum torque while drawing the least amount of amperage. A high horsepower
motor is NOT an advantage over a lower horsepower motor delivering the same torque.
Hydraulic pump mounted below the motor assembly (with preset valve pressure limit)
Plastic reservoir for the hydraulic fluid
Dump valve handle to allow hydraulic fluid to flow into the reservoir from the hydraulic
system.

When the power button on the electric motor is pressed, the electric/hydraulic power unit
delivers pressurized hydraulic fluid (through hydraulic hoses) to the cylinder (located in the
columns). The pressure of the hydraulic fluid is regulated by the factory preset pump valve.

The pressurized hydraulic fluid flows to hydraulic cylinder through the hydraulic hose. These
hoses are routed either over the top of the lift (through the overhead beam found on an overhead
two post above ground hoist) or on the floor (covered by the diamond plate base plate found on
base plate two post above ground lifts). The hydraulic cylinder on the "smart" column (the
column with the power unit attached) will receive hydraulic fluid before the hydraulic cylinder
on the "off" column.
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