Aftermarket June 2022

50 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2022 LIFTS & JACKS www.aftermarketonline.net H ofmann Megaplan has recently launched a new range of LUXUS vehicle lifts onto the UK market. ISN Europe Executive Chairman James Boon explained: “The LUXUS brand adopts the electro- hydraulic design which has become increasingly popular in Europe in recent years. Hydraulic lifts have long been the most common type in the US, the largest market for lifts. Cheaper to produce, they are a little more complex and time-consuming to install but LUXUS lifts are built to an extremely high standard.” Principles Commenting on Cascos lifts, James Boon said: “Cascos is one of the longest-serving lift manufacturers to the automotive industry in the world. Manufactured in Spain since 1965, the Cascos vehicle lift range, consists of 2 post, 4 post and various styles of Scissor lifts. “The principle for the electro- mechanical single and 2 post lift range is largely unchanged from the original lifts of the 1960s. The only changes that have been made have been evolutionary modifications to coincide with the vehicles they are being asked to work with. More expensive to produce, they are cheaper and simpler to install, and arguably associated with a very long life. It is not uncommon to find a Cascos lift which has been in service for 30 to 40 years.” Cascos 2 Post lifts also use SlenderTec columns, as James explained: “The principle of SlenderTec is to provide the widest useable space between the posts on 2 post lifts, yet keep the lowest possible overall width and therefore footprint of the lift. This is achieved by using solid rolled profiles of steel, rather than folded sheets of steel used by other manufacturers. These profiles are sourced from Germany and provide the most rigid, durable column in the industry. They simply don’t need to be that bulky.” Key points On key points to look out for when purchasing a 2 post lift, James observed: “Lifting capacities published by lift suppliers/manufacturers can be deceiving. Just because a lift states on the brochure that it has a lifting capacity of 4 tonnes, it doesn’t mean it will lift that weight in all situations. For example, it may be capable of lifting ‘up to’ 4 tonnes when the arms are in the optimum position for maximum lifting capacity. Yet when the arms are extended both outwards and sideways this maximum payload can reduce dramatically. “Cascos choose to adhere to Directive UNE1493/2011, which means that if you buy a Cascos lift that states it will lift 3.5 tonnes, then you can be sure that it will lift 3.5 tonnes however you position the arms. Always look for clarification of this in the user manual; if it doesn’t state that it meets that directive, then your lift isn’t quite the lift you thought it was.” He continued: “Most lifts use the cog-style locking mechanism for locking the arms into position. This means that you can only have the arms in pre-determined positions, and this can in turn vary dependent on the number of teeth the manufacturer uses. Cascos use a completely different system of lock, which provides an infinite level of positioning. This arm lock is often sold as un upgrade in the aftermarket once the teeth have broken off, but with Cascos you can be assured of the best locking system available, as standard.” On the presence of the CE logo, James commented: “Just because a lift bears the CE logo, it doesn’t necessarily mean it meets the required legislation. Lifts imported from outside the EU can be ‘self- certified’, which means you can put the CE sticker on anything, and the importer takes the responsibility. European lift manufacturers have to manufacturer to these stringent standards; They simply have no choice.” On the C4XL EVA 2x1 two post lift for electric vehicles, James said: “With Above: Cascos 2x1 EV Adaptor JACKING IT IN Take your business to greater heights with new lifts and jacks; Find out how new developments can help you take on new business