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.