Efficiency in a heavy vehicle workshop is influenced by more than the speed of an individual repair. Vehicle movement, technician access, workshop layout and having the right equipment available where it is needed can all affect how smoothly vehicles move through the workshop.
For workshops operating with an inspection or maintenance pit, a commercial pit jack provides a practical way to lift a vehicle directly over the pit. This allows technicians to carry out servicing, inspection and repair work without first moving the vehicle to a separate lifting area.
What Is a Commercial Pit Jack?
A commercial pit jack is a heavy-duty vehicle jack designed to operate within a workshop or inspection pit. The jack moves along the pit beneath the vehicle, allowing technicians to position it where lifting is required.
Pit jacks can be used during heavy vehicle maintenance and repair work, including brake and suspension work, axle servicing, wheel removal, general maintenance and inspection tasks.
How Pit Jacks Reduce Vehicle Movement
One of the practical advantages of incorporating a pit jack into a heavy vehicle workshop is the ability to carry out lifting work while the vehicle is already positioned over the pit.
Without suitable lifting equipment within the pit, a vehicle may need to be moved to another workshop bay or lifting platform when a job requires an axle or section of the vehicle to be raised.
Avoiding this can help create a smoother workflow, particularly in busy workshops where moving large truck and trailer combinations between work areas takes time and can occupy additional workshop space.
Autolift pit jacks are designed to move along the length of the pit, allowing the jack to be positioned beneath the required area of the vehicle rather than repositioning the vehicle itself. The manufacturer’s design incorporates roller wheels and ergonomic handles to assist with movement along the pit.
Twin-Ram vs Single-Ram Pit Jacks
Autolift manufactures both single- and twin-ram commercial pit jacks, providing options for different workshop requirements.
The twin-ram jack provides two lifting points for improved stability, while the rams can slide transversely for accurate positioning beneath the vehicle.
The two cylinders can also be operated independently, allowing more accurate positioning for different lifting requirements.
Autolift’s adjustable twin-ram commercial pit jacks have a 400 mm lifting stroke and use an air-over-oil hydraulic system with a fast-acting air pump.
Single-ram models may suit particular workshop requirements or end-user preferences. Selecting between configurations should take into account the vehicles being serviced, intended applications and the individual workshop.
Choosing the Right Commercial Pit Jack Capacity
EquipSpecs supplies adjustable Autolift twin-ram pit jacks in 13, 20 and 30 tonne capacities, with additional heavy-duty options available for specialist applications. Autolift’s wider twin-ram range also includes a 40 tonne model.
The appropriate capacity will depend on the types of heavy vehicles being serviced and the workshop’s lifting requirements.
Capacity is only one consideration, however. The physical dimensions and construction of the workshop pit also need to be taken into account.
Matching a Pit Jack to an Existing Workshop Pit
Existing workshop pits can vary considerably in their dimensions and construction, making it important to check the pit itself before specifying a commercial pit jack.
Before supplying a jack for an existing pit, EquipSpecs provides a detailed pit survey form for the customer to complete. Having the required measurements before ordering helps confirm fitment and reduce potential installation issues.
Autolift’s adjustable twin-ram pit jacks are available in three frame sizes covering different pit-width ranges, while the 30 tonne model can also have its frame depth manufactured to suit specific pit or workshop clearance requirements.
Can a Pit Jack Be Retrofitted to an Existing Pit?
Yes. A commercial pit jack does not necessarily need to be incorporated when the workshop pit is originally constructed.
Provided an existing pit has suitable dimensions, a pit jack can be specified for an established workshop. This allows workshops to add lifting capability to an existing inspection or maintenance pit without necessarily replacing the pit itself.
EquipSpecs can assist with both new workshop pit projects and pit jack installations for existing facilities.
Pit Jack Adapters for Different Heavy Vehicles
Autolift’s twin-ram design provides lateral movement of the rams for accurate positioning beneath the vehicle, while extensions and adapters provide additional options for different lifting applications.
The 13 and 20 tonne adjustable models are supplied with two 125 mm extensions, Vee Head adapters and Dish Head adapters, along with an adapter rack and air blow gun.
Additional extensions and adapters are available for different vehicles and lifting requirements.
Commercial Pit Jack Safety Features
Autolift commercial pit jacks incorporate three layers of safety features as standard:
- Safety lowering valves
- Anti-burst valves within the rams
- Ram lock-off handles
The pump block also incorporates a pressure relief valve designed to prevent overloading.
Optional Security Struts provide an additional mechanical safeguard once the required lifting height has been reached. These can be specified with a new jack or retrofitted to adjustable Autolift pit jacks already installed in a workshop.
Pit Jack Maintenance and Reliability
Preventative maintenance is important for reducing potential downtime and supporting the working life of commercial lifting equipment.
Autolift identifies the rams, pump block and air motor as some of the hardest-working components within its pit jacks and recommends regular preventative maintenance to support long-term operation.
For busy heavy vehicle workshops, keeping lifting equipment properly maintained helps ensure it remains available when needed.
Improving Heavy Vehicle Workshop Efficiency
A commercial pit jack can make a meaningful difference to heavy vehicle workshop efficiency by allowing technicians to lift vehicles directly over the pit, reducing unnecessary vehicle movement and keeping lifting equipment where it is needed.
EquipSpecs supplies Autolift commercial pit jacks for heavy vehicle workshops across Australia, including adjustable twin-ram models in a range of lifting capacities. We can help assess your vehicle requirements and existing pit dimensions to determine the most suitable configuration for your workshop.
Planning a new heavy vehicle workshop or looking to add a pit jack to an existing inspection pit? Contact EquipSpecs to discuss your requirements.