Get Site Ready For First Time Install
A new vehicle lift is a long term investment. This guide covers what we need from you before our engineers arrive, what happens on the day and how to look after your lift afterwards.
Your 8 point site checklist
- The part number, style, capacity and voltage match what you need.
- Your floor is flat and level, and the concrete is thick and strong enough.
- There is 600mm clear between each lift post and any wall or equipment.
- The ceiling clears the lift at full height with your tallest vehicle on it.
- A fused isolator is on the wall within 2 metres, with a single phase socket for tools.
- The delivery can be offloaded next to the install spot. Over 6 tonnes needs a forklift.
- The install area is clear.
- You have chosen how the lift will be load tested before first use.
From order to first lift
Ordering the right lift
Check the part number, lift style, capacity and voltage on your order before you confirm it. A lift ordered incorrectly has to be collected and redelivered, for a smooth experience please review.
Unsure which voltage your building has? Ask your electrician or call us before ordering.
Delivery
When will my lift arrive?
We will give you a delivery appointment date by email or phone. Someone must be on site to receive it. If the delivery is refused or cannot be offloaded, a failed delivery charge may apply.
Do I need a forklift?
A forklift on site is required for lifts above 6 tonnes capacity. For smaller lifts, tell us about your access when you order so we can plan the offload.
Where should the lift be placed?
Our engineers cannot move heavy equipment over soft, uneven or sloping ground. The lift needs to be delivered next to where it will be fitted, or moved there by you before installation day.
Who is responsible once it is delivered?
Once delivered, the lift is your responsibility for safety, security and its full value while it is on your premises, including equipment being returned or exchanged. Store it somewhere secure and dry.
Your floor
The floor is the most common reason an installation cannot go ahead. The installation engineer's decision on floor suitability is final.
Minimum concrete depth
C35 concrete mix minimum, with no cracks or seams near the fixing points.
Level
We can shim a fall of up to 15mm across the full width and length of the lift. Beyond that you will need steel plates or a new concrete pad.
On a 4 post lift, a fall between 15mm and 35mm can usually be plated if you tell us in advance. The floor between the posts must not rise or fall, or crossbeams and frames will not work correctly.
Floor fixings
Every bolt must reach its correct torque. If bolts fail, the concrete may need replacing. Resin bolts, up to 3 per post, are sometimes possible at extra cost.
Under the floor
Tell the engineers about any pipes, cables, drains or services under the slab before drilling starts.
Tiles and paint
Fitting heavy equipment can mark tiled or painted floors. Please put down protective covering.
Space and location
600mm clearance
BS 7980 requires 600mm between each post and any wall or other equipment.
Ceiling height
Measure to the lowest point, including beams, lights and door tracks.
Clear site
The area must be empty when engineers arrive. We can quote to remove or move old equipment.
Safe access
Choose a spot that meets workshop health and safety needs, with access around the vehicle.
Power and air
What electrical supply do I need?
A suitable fused isolator wall mounted within 2 metres of the lift, plus a single phase supply for the engineers' hand tools. Ask us for the exact supply your lift needs.
Will the engineers connect the lift?
No. By law our engineers cannot make the final electrical connection. They test the lift on a temporary fly lead, then disconnect it until your electrician connects it. We can quote for this using approved NICEIC subcontractors.
Does my lift need compressed air?
Some lifts use air for the safety locks. If yours does, you need a filtered, regulated and lubricated supply within 2 metres of the control unit.
Installation day
Our engineers are booked days in advance, so please have everything above ready before the date. If the site is not ready, they may have to return later, which carries a revisit charge. Cancelling close to the date also carries a charge that rises nearer the day.
Our engineers bring handling equipment, however, a member of your team may be needed to help lift parts upright.
Choose how your lift is load tested
Every new lift should be load tested to its maximum capacity before use. Pick one of four options.
After installation
Warranty
Many lifts carry a 1, 2 or 3 year warranty. It drops to 1 year without evidence of servicing every 6 months, so keep your service records.
Servicing and inspection
To meet BS 7980 and PUWER, your lift must be serviced and inspected twice a year by an approved engineer. We can quote for a maintenance and certification plan.
Training and competence
You are responsible for making sure anyone operating the lift is trained and competent. On the day, the engineer shows the staff present the basic operation and safety features. Ask us about certified on site training.
What can add cost
Most installations go ahead without extra charges. Avoid these:
- Ordering the wrong lift, or refusing a correct delivery
- A failed delivery because the lift cannot be offloaded
- Cancelling close to the installation date
- A site or floor that is not ready, needing a return visit
- A floor that needs plating, or resin bolts
- Load testing on a separate visit
Before installation we send our Site Ready Confirmation form, which lists all details for you to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my floor depth?
Your builder's plans may show it. If not, a small test core or drilling at the lift location will confirm the depth.
Can I use my lift straight after installation?
Not until your electrician has made the final connection and the lift has been load tested to its maximum capacity.
Do you install lifts on any floor?
Only on concrete that meets the level, strength and depth requirements above. The engineer checks the floor on arrival and their decision is final.
Can you help if my site is not ready?
Yes. We can quote for removing or moving existing equipment and for the electrical connection. Call us and we will talk you through it.
Speak to us before you buy
We would rather check your space before you order than send engineers to a site that is not ready.
