Tire Lifts Are Going Green
While inground vehicle lifts have long been the preferred choice among tire dealers, environmental concerns have caused many architects to recommend surface lifts.
Traditional inground lifts use copious amounts of hydraulic oil transferred from an inground tank through underground piping. A leak can cause hundreds of gallons of oil to seep into the soil.
Rotary says its new inground MOD30 addresses these issues: it requires half the hydraulic oil used in traditional lifts, 45 gallons vs. 90 gallons; also, it’s contained in a six-foot deep steel enclosure so there’s no exposed piping.
This enclosure is coated inside with a quarter-inch thick polyurethane sealant that protects against electrolysis and harsh contaminants for the 30-year life of the lift. The lift also features a patented liquid detection system to signal the technician when more than five inches of liquid accumulates in the lift housing. Built-in access ports allow for easy fluid evacuation, says the company.
To alleviate safety concerns, the new lift comes with galvanized shutter plate trench covers. Instead of relying on a technician to manually put a trench cover over the pit after moving the front piston, the lift’s self storing system automatically adjusts to keep the pit covered at all times, preventing workers from falling in.
This lift also features an LCD screen to provide information to techs. A soft touch membrane keypad for input and a microchip to process information is included.
Impact Wrenches for Tight Spaces
Remember the large, heavy, unwieldy impact wrenches we used to use? Well, you don’t have to handle those wrist breakers anymore thanks to impact wrench makers who have downsized the weight of their tools and increased the power.
For example, Chicago Pneumatic says its CP7740 impact wrench is the most compact and lightweight wrench in its class, with a high-performance dual chamber motor, magnesium components and a lightweight magnesium housing.
With a weight of just 2.7 lbs, a length of 6.3 inches and more than 500 foot-pounds of maximum torque, the CP7740 is lightweight, compact and powerful, says the company.
At Ingersoll Rand, the new Thunder Gun pushes out 5.4 cfm at 10,000 rpm along with 625 foot-pounds of torque.
Another offering from IR is its most powerful impact wrench capable of matching the Thunder Gun at 625 foot-pounds. Weighing just 5.25 pounds and with a length of 7 inches, this model features an oil bath spring hammer clutch mechanism built-in for ultimate power, high durability and reduced vibration, the company says.
Also part of this package is a differential regulator with four positive power settings in forward and ultimate power in reverse. The wrench’s contoured elastomer handle grips for improved comfort and ergonomics. This is a tool that’s at home in both automotive and light truck applications, according to IR.
