When planning hoist maintenance, remember there isn’t one set service interval for every vehicle hoist. As a rule, start with the manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule, then look at how hard the hoist is working.
A hoist that’s being used all day, every day is going to need more attention than one that’s only getting occasional use.
The same goes for older equipment, hoists working in tougher workshop environments, or equipment that’s already had a few repairs.
The important thing is not to wait until the hoist gives you a reason to call someone.
A hoist can still work when something isn’t right
This is where things can get tricky.
A hoist doesn’t necessarily stop working when a component starts wearing it.
It might still lift and lower vehicles, but you could start noticing things like:
- Strange noises
- Uneven lifting
- More movement than usual
- Locks not engaging properly
- Slower operation
- Visible wear or damage
Sometimes the change is obvious. Sometimes it’s so gradual that everyone in the workshop gets used to it. That’s not something I’d ignore.
If a technician says, “The hoist doesn’t sound right,” or “It’s moving differently”, it’s worth getting it checked. It might be nothing major. But it’s better to find out early.
So how often should you service it?
Start with the manufacturer or supplier’s recommendations.
Then look at how the hoist is actually being used.
Ask yourself:
1. How often is it used?
A hoist that’s going up and down dozens of times a day is doing a lot more work than one that’s used a handful of times a week.
2. What are you lifting?
A workshop working mainly on passenger cars is going to put different demands on its equipment than one regularly lifting utes, vans or heavier vehicles.
The hoist should always be used within its rated capacity, of course, but the type and amount of work it’s doing are still worth considering when you’re planning maintenance.
3. How old is the hoist?
Older doesn’t automatically mean bad.
We’ve got plenty of older equipment that continues to do the job because it’s been looked after properly.
But as a hoist gets older, its condition and repair history become more important.
If you’re constantly fixing the same bits, that’s probably worth looking at.
4. What sort of environment is it working in?
Workshops aren’t exactly gentle environments for equipment.
Dust, moisture, dirt, and general workshop grime can all take their toll over time, depending on the equipment.
So again, there’s no point treating every hoist the same.
5. What do you check during service?
A proper hoist service isn’t just a quick check to make sure it goes up and down.
The checks will vary depending on the hoist, but things like this need attention:
- Lifting mechanisms
- Hydraulic components
- Cables and chains
- Safety locks
- Lifting arms
- Pads and adaptors
- Anchors
- Structural components
- General wear and damage
You’re looking for anything that’s worn, damaged, loose, deteriorating or not operating as it should.
And some of the things we find aren’t necessarily obvious to the person using the hoist every day.
That’s the value of getting the equipment checked properly.
You can pick up a problem while it’s still a relatively straightforward repair instead of finding it when the hoist is needed and isn’t available.
➤ Book a service or compliance inspection with us today to protect your workshop from costly downtime
Don’t wait for the scheduled hoist maintenance if something changes
This is probably the simplest bit of advice.
If something changes, don’t wait.
If the hoist suddenly sounds different, moves differently or doesn’t feel right, get someone to look at it.
You don’t have to assume it’s a major problem. It could be something minor. But you won’t know until someone checks it.
And if you’re running a busy workshop, that’s a lot better than finding out you’ve got a problem when there’s a vehicle sitting on the hoist and another job waiting to go into the bay.
What about older hoists?
This is another one where there isn’t a simple yes or no.
An older hoist doesn’t automatically need replacing.
If it’s in good condition, properly maintained and still doing the job, there may be no reason to replace it just because it’s old.
But if you’re regularly repairing it, losing workshop time because of breakdowns or struggling to get parts, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture.
At some point, you need to ask: Are we actually saving money by keeping this thing going?
Sometimes a repair is the obvious answer.
Other times, the money you’re spending on repairs and downtime would be better put towards newer equipment.
It’s worth looking at the whole picture rather than just the cost of the next repair.
Servicing isn’t the same as certification
One thing that does get mixed up is servicing and certification.
They’re two different things.
Servicing is about maintaining the equipment and checking its condition.
Certification and inspection are about checking the equipment against the legal requirements that apply to it for safe use in the workplace.
Think of it like a WOF and a vehicle service: having your car serviced doesn’t mean it has automatically passed its WOF, and the same applies to a vehicle’s hoist.
Both need to be part of your equipment maintenance plan.
So what’s the answer?
Start with the manufacturer’s recommended service interval. Then consider how often the hoist is used, what it’s lifting, its age, condition and the environment it’s working in.
And if something doesn’t look or sound right, don’t wait for the next service.
Get it checked.
A bit of preventative maintenance is usually a lot easier to deal with than a hoist that’s suddenly out of action when the workshop is flat out.
Most workshops don’t need another reason to lose a bay.
Look after the hoist, and it’ll be there when you need it.
Regular hoist maintenance can help identify wear and developing issues before they turn into bigger problems or unexpected downtime. If your vehicle hoist needs servicing, certification or a closer look, get in touch with the Hoist & Garage team. We can assess the equipment, identify what it needs, and help keep it in good working order.
Reach out to the Hoist & Garage team today. Call us at 0800 436 436 or email us at bookings@hoistandgarage.co.nz.