Introduction
The Atlas Equipment TPO-9 and PRO-9D two-post vehicle lifts are designed for heavy-duty use in automotive repair and maintenance environments. These lifts are built to support up to 9,000 pounds and are intended for professional and commercial applications. Installation and operation must be carried out with precision and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the longevity of the equipment and the safety of users. The provided documentation from the manufacturer outlines essential installation procedures, foundation requirements, and operational safety guidelines. This article compiles the key technical details and procedural steps necessary for the correct installation and use of Atlas two-post lifts, based solely on the information provided in the source material.
Installation Requirements and Site Preparation
Before installing an Atlas two-post lift, it is essential to evaluate the site for proper conditions. The lift must be installed on a level floor with a minimum slope of less than 3 degrees. If the slope is uncertain, it is recommended to conduct a site survey or consider pouring a new level concrete slab. The foundation must meet specific structural requirements to ensure the lift operates safely and effectively.
Concrete Foundation Specifications
The floor on which the Atlas two-post lift is installed must be a 4-inch thick, 3000-psi concrete slab. The slab must be properly cured to ensure structural integrity. The foundation must be free of cracks within a 36-inch radius of the base plate and free of seams within 6 inches of the base plate location. These requirements are critical because the strength of the lift is directly dependent on the strength of its foundation.
The anchors used to secure the lift must be embedded at least 3 ¼ inches into the concrete. When using the standard supplied ¾” x 5 ½” long anchors, the top of the anchor must not exceed 2 ¼ inches above the floor grade. If it does, the anchor embedment is insufficient and must be corrected before installation proceeds.
Lift Placement and Clearance
The lift must be installed in an area with sufficient space to accommodate the lift's dimensions and the vehicle being lifted. The PRO-9D model has an overall height of 142.5 inches and an overall width of 140 inches. The distance between columns is 110.25 inches, and the drive-through clearance is 92.25 inches. These dimensions must be considered to ensure that the lift fits within the intended space and that there is enough clearance for vehicle access.
Additionally, the ceiling height must be sufficient to accommodate the lift's maximum height when fully extended. The height shut-off for the PRO-9D model is at 134.5 inches. Users must confirm that the ceiling allows for the full range of motion of the lift without interference.
Unloading and Initial Setup
Unloading the Atlas two-post lift requires careful planning and the use of heavy-duty lifting equipment. The manufacturer emphasizes the importance of having extra help or lifting equipment available during this process. The lift is typically shipped in multiple parts, including the columns, power unit, and cylinders, which must be unpacked and assembled in sequence.
Step-by-Step Unloading and Assembly
Position the Lift Near the Installation Site: After unloading, the lift should be moved to the intended installation location. This ensures that the assembly process can begin without unnecessary movement of heavy components.
Remove Packaging Materials: The shipping bands and packing materials should be carefully removed. The power unit and cylinders are typically unpacked from the top of the lift.
Unbolt and Assemble Components: The upper column must be unbolted from the shipping brackets. The up-rights (Item #20 in the parts list) must be unbolted from the columns and assembled to the column (Item #19 in the parts list), as illustrated in Figure 4 of the manual.
Install Cylinders: The cylinders must be unpacked, and the oil port on each cylinder must be opened by unscrewing the black plastic cap. The carriage should be moved up approximately 20 to 25 inches to allow the cylinder to be inserted from the bottom. The oil port must face the backside of the column, and the notch on the bottom of the cylinder must align with the hole in the center of the base plate.
Position and Square the Columns: The columns must be positioned facing each other with 105 inches between the base plates. To ensure the columns are square, diagonal measurements should be taken from corner points on the base plates. The measurements must be within 1/4 inch to confirm the columns are properly aligned.
Drill Anchor Holes and Install Anchors: A 3/4-inch diameter concrete drill must be used to drill anchor holes in the main side column. The anchor bolts must be driven into the holes using a block of wood or rubber mallet. The anchor must be installed to a minimum depth of 4 inches to ensure maximum holding power. Drilling through the concrete (rather than the anchor itself) is recommended to facilitate anchor installation if the threads are damaged.
Safety Protocols and Operational Guidelines
Before operating the Atlas two-post lift, all users must thoroughly read and understand the safety procedures and operating instructions in the manual. The manual must be kept near the lift at all times and must be reviewed by all operators.
Pre-Operation Safety Checks
Inspect Bolts, Nuts, and Fittings: Before raising any vehicle, all bolts, nuts, and hose fittings must be double-checked to ensure they are secure and in good condition.
Lower the Lift onto Locks Before Entering: Before entering under the vehicle, the lift must be fully lowered onto the locking mechanism to ensure it is stable and secure.
Never Allow Entry Under the Lift During Operation: No one should be allowed under the lift while it is being raised or lowered. This is a critical safety rule to prevent serious injury.
Proper Use of the Equipment: The manual explicitly states that it is not intended to provide instruction on lifting methods for individual applications. The information provided is for the operation and maintenance of the lift as a standalone unit or when used in conjunction with other equipment. Any proposed application outside the specifications must be documented and submitted to the manufacturer for approval.
Warranty and Liability
The Atlas two-post lift comes with a warranty that covers structural components for five years and operating components for one year. The warranty applies only to the original purchaser and does not extend to defects caused by ordinary wear, abuse, misuse, shipping damage, or improper maintenance. If a part is found to be defective, the manufacturer may repair or replace it at their discretion, provided the part is returned to the factory with freight prepaid.
The user assumes full responsibility for any equipment damage, personal injury, or alteration of the equipment that occurs as a result of misuse or deviation from the manufacturer's guidelines. The warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied. The manufacturer is not liable for any special, consequential, or incidental damages resulting from a breach or delay in the performance of the warranty.
Shipping and Delivery Considerations
Atlas Automotive Equipment partners with multiple freight carriers to provide cost-effective shipping solutions. If a customer is unable to unload the lift at their location, the product may be shipped to a freight terminal for pickup. The customer and their sales representative will work together to identify the nearest freight terminal.
The manufacturer cannot guarantee delivery dates or times, even if the product is in stock and picked up the same day payment is received. Customers who require delivery on a specific date are advised to order two weeks in advance or to visit one of the manufacturer’s warehouses for pickup. Atlas Automotive Equipment does not reimburse for forklift rentals or compensate for missed deliveries or delivery appointments.
Conclusion
The installation and operation of an Atlas two-post lift require strict adherence to technical specifications, safety protocols, and procedural guidelines. The foundation must be structurally sound, the lift must be properly assembled, and all safety checks must be performed before operation. Users must understand the limitations of the equipment and the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and effective use. By following the detailed installation steps and safety procedures outlined in the documentation, users can ensure that their Atlas two-post lift functions reliably and safely for years to come.