5 Pieces of Equipment You Need for the Perfect Garage Setup
Do you like fixing up cars? Whether it’s a hobby or a full-fledged business plan, mechanic skills go hand in hand with a great garage setup. If you’re a mechanic or car enthusiast, you know that the right tools are important to get the job done.
Looking to invest in some gadgets for your garage or shop? Check out these must-have garage tools so you can be prepared for any repair or maintenance challenge that comes your way.
Air Compressor
A high-capacity air compressor is essential for some of a mechanic’s tools of the trade. Pneumatic hand tools like sanders, pressure washers, impact wrenches, and more require compressed air to function.
Consider not only the capacity of your air compressor but also how ergonomic it is. Having the ability to move your compressor around the shop easily will add to the versatility and usefulness of your purchase.
Engine Hoist
If you plan on rebuilding or replacing engines, a hoist is a must. Many models fold away when not in use, and some can roll the engine out away from the engine bay for easier access during repairs and maintenance.
When not being used for engines, hoists can have many other purposes as well. For instance, moving heavy parts out of truck beds, and relocating bulky equipment around the shop. Obviously, having a hoist can save your back and make big tasks much easier.
Lift Table
Lift tables are important ergonomic and multi-purpose surfaces that can adjust to the height or weight of many large car parts. A heavy-duty steel lift table can function as a welding station, machining station, assembly area, parts transport, and more.
A lift table ensures you can work on the same project from any position. With custom tables available, you can choose a design that best suits the needs of your garage too.
Instead of taking up space with several different workstations, consider using a lift table as a mobile station around the shop. Lifts with wheels can move to your area and save floor space, allowing you to make dynamic use of your garage layout.
Vehicle Lift
Being able to get underneath a car for diagnostics and inspection is essential for a mechanic. Vehicle lifts not only make the undercarriage of a car more accessible, they also make working on the underside of any vehicle safer and more efficient than jacks or other alternatives.
Parts Washer
Whether you’re getting your classic car ready for a car show or just need to de-grease some tools or automotive parts, a parts washer is invaluable.
Keep bushings, carbs, bearings, and other necessities from being greasy and gunked up so you can work efficiently and cleanly. These handy basins come with a pump and spigot built in, and many fit right on your worktop.
A Garage Setup Built to Last
Investing in good, high-quality equipment and tools will save you money and time in the long run. Set yourself up for success with durable and long-lasting tools and equipment for your workspace. This will ensure each extra dollar can go toward future investments for your perfect garage setup.
If you’re looking for top quality lifts and lift tables, Lange Lift can help. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on cutting-edge design and manufacturing to suit your needs. Contact us today!
Top 5 Benefits of Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace
Around 1 million people take time off work every year because of musculoskeletal injuries. Unfortunately, many of these injuries could have been avoided with the use of ergonomics in the workplace.
By providing ergonomic solutions, employers can limit the number of workplace injuries that occur. But that’s not the only reason to use ergonomic solutions in your work environment. There are many benefits of using ergonomic equipment and protocols.
Keep reading to learn the top five.
1. Reduce Workers Compensation Payouts
One of the ways an ergonomic workplace can help your business is by reducing the amount that you have to pay in workers compensation. By preventing injuries, you can avoid these unnecessary costs.
Work-related injuries have indirect costs that come with them as well. These can often be higher than the actual compensation payout.
2. Lower Insurance Costs
The more often your employees need to use their insurance to cover work-related injuries, the more everybody will end up paying for insurance. You can save your company and employees some money by switching to a more ergonomic environment where injuries don’t occur as often.
Here’s a great example of how this works:
A small manufacturing company is currently spending $75,000 annually on direct and indirect insurance costs. They invest in an ergonomic lift that costs $5,000 and reduces claims by 10%.
In the first year, the company saves around $15,000. The lift has already paid for itself and saved them an additional $10,000. Over the next five years, they’ll save an additional $75,000, which is more than enough to replace all of their equipment with more ergonomic options.
3. Increase Employee Engagement
Lower insurance costs aren’t the only way that ergonomics can help employers save money. An ergonomic environment can help employers and business owners make money in several ways.
First of all, when your employees see that you care about them, they will become more engaged in your company. Engaged employees care about your business and will work harder to help the company succeed. You may see employees arriving on time consistently, staying later without complaint, and offering ideas to help your business improve.
4. Boost Employee Morale
Being in pain makes for a miserable work experience. So, if you want to instantly improve the morale of your employees, start implementing ergonomics. As they physically feel better, their emotional state will improve as well.
This can help your business in unexpected ways. Happy employees speak positively about your company, which helps with your brand image. It can also help draw in new prospects as they hear great things about the way you treat your employees.
5. Improve Productivity
There are two ways ergonomics can improve productivity in the workplace. On a day-to-day basis, decreased pain will help employees do their jobs more quickly and efficiently. They’ll also need to take fewer breaks.
Productivity is also reduced when people need to take time off. This can also be prevented with ergonomic systems in place. When everybody is healthy and able to work, your company can continue to function like a well-oiled machine.
As you already know, the more productive your business is, the more money you’re able to make. You may be surprised at how quickly an investment in ergonomic equipment can pay for itself.
Want to Learn More About Ergonomics in the Workplace?
Now you know how ergonomics in the workplace can help you save money by lowering costs and helping your employees. To learn more, check out our blog. Or, if you’re ready to invest in ergonomic equipment for your workplace, see our many product offerings.
5 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Small Lift Table
Are you in the market for a small lift table? If you are, you’re probably deciding which lift you should buy.
Small lift tables take up minimal space but you’ll want to make sure the table you choose has the capacity you need. Some small tables can lift more than 1000 pounds, while others cannot.
If you’re having trouble finding a lift table that can perform the way you need it to, you may need to go with a custom lift table.
Whatever you’re looking for in a lift, there are several things you should consider before purchasing. Read on for five questions you should ask yourself before making a decision.
1. What Type of Small Lift Table Suits My Needs?
Several types of lift tables exist, and you’ll want to determine which is best for you. To do this you’ll need to consider how the table will operate.
If you’ll be working in an environment without access to power outlets, look into battery-powered lifts. Choose the power options and other functions that work for what you need.
2. How Much Weight Do I Need Lifted?
Weight requirements should always be considered when looking at small lift tables. Think of what you’ll be lifting. Whether its goods or people, you’ll need to have the right weight-lifting power.
If you aren’t sure of the weight you’ll be lifting, at least make sure the lift platform is large enough to meet your size requirements.
3. What Do I Need the Lift Table For?
When comparing lifts, consider the intended purpose of your purchase. If you only need to lift small parts from time to time, your needs will be very different from someone lifting constantly.
As you look at various lifts, ask yourself if they are feasible or if you need something else (you can always contact our expert team for help!). And, if you’ll be working in a freezer, make sure the lift has the correct fluids to work properly in that environment.
4. What Safety Features Are Required?
If you’ll be using your lift table in an industrial area, make sure you know what safety features are required in your workplace.
If you’ll be using the lift in your own workspace, consider what features you want in place. Lift tables help prevent common workplace injuries on their own, but additional safety features are never a bad idea.
5. Does the Lift Have the Working Capacity I Need?
This question is especially important if you’re wanting to purchase a small lift table. Determine what your needs are, then compare tables against those requirements.
If the lift will be used for large amounts of time each day, make sure it has the ability and power to do so without wearing down too quickly. And if you need the lift to be portable, make sure you choose one that offers that capability.
Focus On Your Needs
Whatever your needs are, keeping these questions in mind will help you choose the right lift table for your shop. Take all aspects of use and ability into consideration before making a purchase.
While many lifts will be tempting because of low prices, don’t react too quickly. Doing so may land you with a lift that doesn’t meet your needs.
To discuss your specific lift table needs, contact us today.
Which Industrial Lift System is Right for Your Project?
Congratulations! You started a business. You have a product that is going to take off. Problem is, you can’t move it.
Whether it’s a stack of crates or one big machine that you need moved, sometimes you just need the right equipment to do the heavy lifting. If you are new to a business and aren’t sure which lift system would suit your next project, here’s a handy guide to help you choose.
Choosing the Right Lift System
The first thing is to analyze exactly what you need to lift. Here are some things to consider when choosing a lift system:
- Note the size, or the footprint, of the item to determine the appropriate size of the table.
- How heavy is the load? Most tables can lift items from 1,000 to 6,000 pounds and can go up in 500-pound increments.
- Will the load be consistent or will the lift system be used for various items?
- Does the load contain special items, such as food or anything explosive?
- What vertical lift will be required?
Now that you have a basic idea of what you need lifted, it’s time to decide which type of lift is best for you.
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are one of the most common lift systems in the industry. Their name comes from the “x” shape of the legs between the base and the platform.
- Scissor lifts are very versatile and can be used for many different jobs. They are meant to work in small spaces, like between rows in a warehouse. They are often used to lift workers who need access to high spaces.
- They aren’t considered the heavy lifters of all lift systems, as they can only lift up to 1500 pounds.
- Most scissor lifts have a vertical height of 150 feet.
Boom Lifts
Boom lifts are more expensive than scissor lifts, but they definitely have their advantages.
- While scissor lifts can only be lifted vertically, boom lifts can work horizontally as well. Their arms can reach anywhere from 10 to 180 feet, and they have a radius of 360 degrees.
- A boom lift consists of a bucket hooked onto an extended arm that is controlled from a grounded base.
- These lifts are used for accessing areas that are hard access. For example, over a sound stage when lights are being installed.
Hydraulic Lifts
Hydraulic lifts come in various options, such as manual powered or battery powered.
- There are many different kinds, so finding exactly what you need isn’t a problem.
- A hydraulic lift system works via hydraulic cylinders that move up and down.
- Hydraulic lifts are used in almost every industry, from automotive to shipping to waste removal.
- Hydraulic lifts are especially useful for lifting very heavy objects like cars.
Specialty Lifts
Some products will need specialty lifts. For example:
- If you handle food, you need a stainless steel lift to comply with USDA food standards.
- If you work in a cold storage, a special hydraulic liquid may be necessary.
- Sometimes your lift will need to stop at precise locations. This can be accomplished by adding a limit switch or a photo eye.
Let’s Do Some Heavy Lifting
No matter what job needs to be done, we can help you find the perfect lifting equipment for your business. We have many different options and even offer specialty lifts.
What Employees Need to Remember When Using Lift Tables
Using special equipment like a mechanical lift can improve productivity rates significantly.
In fact, here are just a few of the ways lift tables can transform a work environment:
- Machines like this transform the energy levels and efficiency of your employees.
- Lift tables take the stress off your employees’ bodies.
- These powerful machines lighten a team’s load significantly and allow employees to focus on other details.
Yet, they don’t come without their own risks. Here are a few things your employees should keep in mind when using these tools.
1. Protection Comes First
Make sure your employees are wearing the proper protective gear. They should never have any loose clothing on, and they should always be wearing helmets.
Also train them to be aware of their surroundings. Proper safety measures aren’t just about clothing, but the working environment as a whole. Every employee should be following a strict process when handling a lift table. This establishes an easy-to-follow routine, which can lower safety risks.
Another good measure to take is to avoid areas of high danger. Tell your team to never put their hands or feet in the scissors mechanism. Remind them it’s not okay to walk under a lifted table, either.
2. Secure the Load
Always remind your employees to secure their loads before they lift anything. It doesn’t matter if they are lifting something relatively small or if they are close to reaching a table’s weight limits. Either way, they need to make sure whatever is going up is doing so safely.
This might seem like an extra step to some people, but in truth, it can be a lifesaver. Remember, a small wood pallet can be dangerous if it falls at the right angle or speed. Even worse, something much heavier can come crashing down when it’s not properly secured.
The more your employees get used to double-checking for capacity and security, the less people will get hurt. Train them to lift a table with patience and to watch for signs of a load becoming unstable.
Don’t ever allow a lifted table to be moved, and be sure to avoid windy conditions.
3. Do Routine Maintenance Checks
Another good thing to keep in mind is to take advantage of time between jobs. When employees aren’t actively working with lift tables, they should be working on a table’s parts.
Keep a checklist of things to look for on your tables. Show your team the red flags of a faulty table, and run a few checks with them. This should include everything from the platform stability to the cables.
Also, check the hydraulics and tell your team to do a look-over around the area they are working in.
Once you are confident they know what to check for, let them take the reigns. Check in with them every once in a while to make sure they are keeping maintenance up to standard.
Avoid Accidents with Lift Tables
When it comes to any project, safety should always be a top priority. No matter how big or small of a job, the most important assets you have are your employees. Train them to work with lift tables correctly in order to keep accidents to a minimum.
For more on the value of quality hydraulic tables, click here. If you have any questions about using your lift tables, please do not hesitate to drop us a comment below or contact us today.
How to Choose the Perfect Scissor Lift for Your Project
As you’ve probably noticed, scaffolding has been fading away into history. Scissor lifts are quickly becoming the preferred choice for professionals who do a lot of high-elevation work.
Scissor lifts are more cost-effective and save time. If you’ve ever spent an entire day setting up scaffolding, then another day taking it down, you know how much production time is lost. A scissor lift also provides greater reach and weight capacities.
But how do you choose the right lift for your job? From the push-around models to the mighty diesels, there are many options.
In this article, we’ll cover the different lifts available for different occasions. The right one for you is just around the corner.
Now, let’s talk scissor lifts.
Overview
A scissor lift comes in many sizes and shapes. The most common are designed to lift materials and workers to heights that ladders can’t safely reach. They also come in smaller sizes for uses like lifting pallets or other heavy objects to lower heights.
Depending on the work you need to get done, you can find lifts that range in lift height and power.
Let’s take a look a few specific types.
Low-Level Lift
These work great when used in indoor workspaces such as garages, hangers, and warehouses. They’ll typically reach heights between 20-25 feet and are powered by an electric motor or air. They’re also light and designed with smooth wheels to help reduce stress on indoor flooring.
High-Level Lift
High-level scissor lifts reach heights you can’t get to on low-level models. They’ll reach over 90 feet high, which can be needed on high, outdoor jobs. Some are electric powered. Others are gas or air powered. The option you choose will depend on your specific work environment.
Outdoor Lift
In reality, any lift can be used outdoors. However, there are some specific design features that make these lifts more suited for outdoor work. Lifts designated for use outdoors are typically high-level lifts that access electric wires and telephone wires.
They boast robust pneumatic tires that can handle a rough outdoor terrain, and because they’re powered by a gas or diesel engine, outdoor lifts aren’t restricted by an electrical connection or short battery life.
Dock Lift
These are the little cousin to a traditional scissor lift. They still use the scissor design to move, but they’re much smaller and for lighter loads. They allow for quick and easy loading and unloading of bulky items.
Dock lifts are designed to be extremely mobile and come in a wide array of designs.
When you need a lift to provide moving power for heavy loads from the warehouse floor to a trailer truck bed, dock lifts are the way to go.
Find Custom Scissor Lifts at Lange Lift
When you’re ready to find the perfect lift for your application, we’re here to serve you. Choosing the right custom scissor lift can turn any difficult job into a much easier endeavor.
If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
Get in touch with us and let’s discuss your specific lift needs and how Lange Lift can be your solution. Remember, we have the products that lift the world.
5 Advantages of Using a Hydraulic Lift Table
Hydraulic lift tables are changing the way many industries operate from construction to welding and moving to lumber work. These powerful machines can carry up to 2.5 tons of weight with ease. They are reliable, lasting tools here to make your life much easier.
No matter if you need a little lifting help or a stable working space, these tables can do the job.
Here are five advantages of investing in a hydraulic lift table.
1. Better Employee Safety
In any physical working environment, employee safety should be the top priority.
Many employees develop back pain over extended periods of heavy lifting. The repetitive motion wears on their muscles and joints and can take years to fully recover. Employees under these conditions can also suffer sudden injury. This can happen when the body is tired or one uses an incorrect form to lift something.
The injuries are lasting, painful experiences and may cause an employee to be out of work or an employer to deal with worker’s comp.
All of this can be easily avoided when a table does the lifting for you.
2. Improved Productivity Rates
Additionally, a table can usually get the lifting done much quicker than an employee.
If you are working in construction, this means you can get more material up on the structure rather than loaded around the site. For welding or assembly areas, the ability to easily adjust your working space can significantly boost how many pieces you work on per day.
The machine is not here to replace your people. Rather, it can ease everyone’s physical workload and be an effective tool to make a job go by smoother.
3. Access to Sharper Angles
Those who plan to use their hydraulic lift table as a working space will be pleased to see the new angles they have access to.
The machine can handle heavy weight for extended periods of time, and it only takes a push of a button to adjust its height and angle. This means you can bring whatever you are working on as high as you want for inspection and lower it back down to get to work. You may find this new perspective opens doors in your creativity when welding or your precision in construction cuts.
4. Mobile-Friendly Machinery
Many labor jobs require employees to work on-site, and locations often vary based on the project.
Having a lift table in your mobile toolbox can transform the way you operate on a site. It brings all the benefits mentioned above right to the place where your work matters most.
Investing in this tool shows you care about the final results, and you’re passionate about finding the best way to complete a project.
5. Cost-Efficient Investment
Speaking of investment, don’t let the price tag delay your decision. Hydraulic lift tables basically pay for themselves in the long run.
When you take into account the value of employee safety, the more projects you can complete thanks to increased productivity, and the accuracy of such projects, the decision is almost a no-brainer.
Plus, these tools are built to last. Their longevity can have you breathing easy for years after your initial investment.
Choose Your Hydraulic Lift Table
Stop waiting to take the standard of your work to the next level. With one tool, you can improve the quality of your employees’ working conditions and the efficiency of clients’ final results. Your hydraulic lift table is the missing tool you need to take on more work with less stress.
Ready to choose the perfect table for you? Contact us today to make your decision and place an order!
Why You Need a High Quality Lift Table
Are you looking to buy a lift table? Whether it’s for loading and unloading vehicles, feeding machines in a production process, or inspecting heavy machinery, you need to make sure you choose a model that’s high quality.
In this article, we’ll tell you why. Read on to find out why a lift table is worth investing in.
Reasons to Buy a Quality Lift Table
Safety
Regardless of what your lift table is being used for, safety should be your number one concern.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration at the US Department of Labor receives numerous reports of accidents involving hydraulic lifts, some of which can be fatal.
Safety measures need to be in place not only for the use of lift tables, but also for their maintenance. This is because when raised, this kind of heavy machinery can be dangerous. Employees can be easily crushed and killed when performing repairs if the lift isn’t properly supported and fixed in place. If an accident does occur, you might have to pay for worker’s compensation, too.
Cheap models are made with low-quality parts and are less reliable. When a potential accident could be that dangerous, it’s not worth taking the risk.
Durability
Lift tables are often used to move heavy objects, and the last thing you want is for a part to break or fail in the middle of doing that. A high-quality machine uses better materials and is more reliable. It also requires less maintenance.
When it comes down to it, high-quality machinery works better and lasts longer.
Save Money
Machinery and equipment can be a costly investment. It can be tempting to buy something at the cheaper end of the scale in order to cut your costs. However, this could end up being a more expensive route in the long run.
If you have to regularly make repairs to your lift table or replace it altogether, you will have to keep shelling out long after you make your initial purchase.
It may seem counterproductive to save money by buying a more expensive model, but it really works. If you buy a high-quality piece of equipment to start with, you won’t have to worry about paying more later.
Ease of Use
A good hydraulic table is designed with ergonomics in mind. This means that it’s easy for employees to use, requiring less bending, repositioning, stretching and maneuvering.
If users are forced to do repetitive movements like this over time, they could easily pick up a back injury. Back problems are the most common form of workplace injury in America, and employers are required to take measures to prevent them.
High-quality tables can automatically adjust, eliminating awkward movements and minimizing potential discomfort.
Choose Quality
Lange Lift has been manufacturing hydraulic lifts, scissor lifts, manual lift tables, and even custom lifts since 1934.
Our tables are made in the USA using only the highest quality parts to guarantee a long product lifespan. That’s why they’re beloved by manufacturers in a wide range of industries.
Browse our product catalog and see what we can do for you.