Aftermarket June 2022

batteries weighing anything between 500kg and 1200k, you can expect the average EV to weight around 10% to 15% more overall than its fossil fuel predecessors. This statistic alone will have quite an impact on lifting equipment, and weight distribution is every bit as important as weight capacity, meaning that the overall quality and design complexity of lifts will put pressure on low-cost lifts manufactured in the Far East. “Hofmann Megaplan is proud to introduce a new method of lifting a vehicle on a 2 post lift, mounting from underneath the wheels as opposed to pick-up points under the vehicle. Not only does this provide a much more stable lifting scenario, it also leaves the underside free for battery access and removal. Developed in conjunction with EV manufacturers, we expect this new design of Cascos lift to see quite a demand. “The 2x1 EV Adaptor is an accessory which can be fitted to new and existing Cascos C4XL and C4XL Syncro models to enable lifting from the wheel as opposed to the traditional pick-up points underneath the vehicle.” EV battery lifts James added: “Safe access and removal of an electric vehicle battery is the obvious lifting conundrum being presented with the introduction of EVs. A number of solutions have appeared on the market in recent months, and at Hofmann Megaplan we have introduced two different styles of battery table lift. Both using electro-hydraulic operation, one version with a single-plane automatic titling table uses twin hydraulic cylinders to provide 1000kg lifting capacity. Our flagship version uses a single, more powerful hydraulic system to lift up to 1500kg and incorporates a twin-plane automatically tilting table top for the ultimate flexibility when positioning and fixing a heavy component under a vehicle.” Ideal With EV sales growing month-on- month, and hybrids now a common sight in the workshop, garages will need to think about equipment that can handle these vehicles. With this in mind, a new, mobile battery lifting table for electric and hybrid vehicles has been added to the range of garage equipment available from Snap-on through their Sun, John Bean and Hofmann branded products. A spokesman for Snap-on said: “The electric and hybrid vehicle battery lift is ideal for repair centres and dealerships who are accredited to service, repair and replace battery systems on electric and hybrid vehicles. The mobile lifting table features a dual-speed electro- hydraulic system that can lift loads up to 1,200kg within a range of 800mm (min) and 1810mm (max height). The hand-held control device gives an easy way to accurately raise and lower loads. The suspended lifting platform, which has a width of 800mm and a length of 1741mm, may be extended by up to 325mm for a total length of 2,066mm, allowing it to comfortably carry heavier loads. “To increase flexibility and precision while positioning loads, the lifting platform can tilt up to 40mm and the lower platform can move up to 20mm laterally. For positioning and fixing components, the working table has 100mm x 100mm holes prepared for the pins and pads kit. The pins and pads can rotate 360 degrees and move up to 130mm laterally, giving you a lot of versatility and precision when it comes to fixing components. In addition, the lifting table can also be used to demount/mount engine, gearbox, drive axle, fuel tank and suspension of petrol and diesel powered vehicles.” Snap-on’s spokesman added: “The electric and hybrid vehicle battery lift is the latest product to be added to the garage equipment range and is ideal for workshops looking to invest in equipment to service, repair, or replace battery systems in electric and hybrid vehicles.” For more information, visit: snap-on.com/ev-lift Effective Meanwhile, commenting on MAHA UK’s 2 post lifts, MAHA UK Sales Manager, Nick Austin said: “While they differ in what they’re able to lift; Three-and-a-half and five-and-a-half tonnes respectively, these two MA STAR 2 post lifts from MAHA UK are made with the quality that its customers come to expect. “Both are made from strong and stable torsion-resistant columns of rolled H-section steel, and thanks to their spindle nut packages with self- locking thread, patent-pending ‘giraffe’ nut breakage detection and motor brake, along with their straightforward plug and play LED interface, the MA STAR 3.5 and 5.5 are simple but effective lifts in practice. There are two different types available; Symmetrical and asymmetrical, with the former offering identical lengths of telescopic arms, while the latter can be altered accordingly. If the bulk of the vehicle’s weight is central, the symmetrical MA STAR 3.5 or 5.5 is the best option, so each of the columns can handle the weight in equal measure; however, if LIFTS & JACKS Above: MA STAR two- post lifts from MAHA UK 52 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2022 www.aftermarketonline.net