Rotary Lift recommends having the appropriate adapters on-hand to properly lift all the vehicles a shop services. Adapters are available in a variety of styles, including auxiliary adapters used with vans and trucks (top) and polymer pad adapters designed to protect undercoated surfaces (bottom). Many adapters can be stored on the lift column using an adapter organizer rack (shown).

After comparing manufacturers and models, and talking to technicians and other shop owners, you’re confident that you have purchased the best lifts for your shop. But have you chosen the right adapters?

With the profusion of vehicles currently on the road, it’s impossible to find a single two-post surface lift or inground lift that can properly pick up every light and medium-duty vehicle without the help of adapters. Vehicle lift adapters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are thread-up, flip-up, slide-on and stacking adapters. Some use polymer pads and others are designed for metal-to-metal contact.

“To do the job right, you need the right equipment,” explains Ron Lainhart, Rotary Lift parts and service manager. “Technicians are creative. If the lifts they’re using can’t reach the pick-up points on a vehicle they need to service, they’ll make due with a jury-rigged solution. This not only voids a lift’s safety certification but can also put the lift operator and vehicle at risk. The better idea is to stock the adapters technicians need to properly raise the vehicles they’re working on.”

Adapter choice is dictated by the type of lift, the vehicles to be picked up and technician preference.

Lift type: The adapters selected must be compatible with the lift on which they’ll be used. Check with the lift manufacturer for adapters available for each lift. Remember that like vehicle lifts themselves, adapters can be third-party certified to meet ANSI/ALI ALCTV-2006 safety standards. Certification ensures that the adapters meet industry standards for strength, quality, structural integrity, functionality and safety. A list of certified adapters is available from the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) at www.ali-directory.org.

Application: Adapters are often necessary for picking up trucks, SUVs, vans, minivans and sports cars. Certain vehicles, particularly more “exotic,” high-end sports cars, require their own special adapters. If your shop regularly works on any of these vehicles, be sure to have the appropriate adapters on-hand.

Preference: As with all tools and equipment, many technicians have personal preferences regarding lift adapters. Technicians may be more willing to use the adapters if you buy the style they prefer.

For more information about the full line of vehicle lifts and adapters available from Rotary Lift, contact your local distributor, visit www.rotarylift.com or call (800) 640-5438.