Mohawk Vehicle Lift Installation and Safety Guide

This article details installation, safety, and operational considerations for Mohawk vehicle lifts, specifically the Model ML-220, System IA, and System IA-10. The documentation emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety instructions and proper installation procedures to ensure safe and reliable operation. These lifts are designed for indoor use and require a concrete foundation meeting specific compressive strength requirements. Proper preparation, including verifying ceiling height and utilizing recommended tools, is crucial before installation.

Safety Precautions

Mohawk vehicle lifts require strict adherence to safety precautions during installation, operation, and maintenance. The documentation consistently stresses the importance of reading all instructions before commencing any work with the equipment. Care must be taken to avoid burns from hot parts. Any equipment found to be damaged – including damaged cords – must be examined by a qualified technician before operation.

The documentation highlights the need for constant reminders to lift operators regarding safety procedures. Users are advised to post safety information in a visible location. Daily inspections are recommended to ensure unobstructed clearance and identify any potential issues. Operation of the lift with obstructions present is explicitly prohibited.

Lift Environment and Installation Location

Mohawk explicitly prohibits the outdoor installation of its standard lifts. These lifts are approved for indoor usage only, specifically within a normal garage environment. Any application involving exposure to additional environmental effects, such as paint booths, wash bays, or extreme temperatures, requires consultation with Mohawk’s engineering department to determine if modifications are necessary to accommodate the specific conditions.

Installation requires a concrete foundation. The documentation specifies that the lift should not be installed on any surface other than concrete conforming to minimum compressive strength requirements. The documentation does not specify the exact compressive strength. The floor should be level, and significant slope differences should be addressed prior to installation.

Pre-Installation Inspection

Before installing a Mohawk lift, a thorough inspection of the repair shop bay is essential. Each bay is unique, and a systematic check is necessary to prevent oversights. The documentation emphasizes the importance of being familiar with part names and understanding how the unit is assembled and how individual parts operate before beginning the assembly process.

Specific items to verify include the availability of appropriate power supply cords and ensuring adequate ceiling height. The documentation warns that ceiling height, or overhead hydraulic line height, must be greater than the total lifted height of the tallest vehicle, accounting for both maximum vehicle height and the lift’s stroke. Failure to ensure adequate overhead clearance may result in damage to equipment, the vehicle, or bodily injury.

Installation Procedures

The documentation stresses the importance of reading the installation manual in its entirety before beginning the installation process. The installation instructions detail procedures for using WEJ-IT anchors and carriage stops. Hydraulic line connections require the use of specific wrenches, including 11/16 inch and 5/8 inch wrenches.

The documentation references drawings MAN511, MAN512, and MAN513 within the parts manual, which provide additional visual guidance during the installation process. The parts box contains a copy of safety information that should be posted for operator reference.

Bleeding Procedure and Diverter Valve Operation

After installation, a bleeding procedure is required. To initiate this, the up button on the power unit is engaged. The documentation instructs users to observe the carriage. Once the main and off-side carriages have reached full height, the unit should continue to run for ten seconds.

The documentation also describes diverter valve operation, though specific details are limited. It reiterates the general safety principle of never operating the lift with obstructions present.

Recommended Tool List

The documentation provides a recommended tool list for installation and maintenance. This list includes:

  • 1 - 1/8 inch wrench and socket (for WEJ-IT anchors)
  • 15/16 inch wrench and socket (for carriage stops)
  • 11/16 inch wrench (for hydraulic lines)
  • 5/8 inch wrench (for hydraulic lines)
  • 1/2 inch wrench (for hydraulic lines)

The documentation does not provide a comprehensive list of all necessary tools, but highlights those specifically required for key installation steps.

Power Unit Specifications

The Mohawk Model ML-220 utilizes a Bucher Model M-4509-0194 power unit. The power unit is vertical in type and operates at 6-1/2 inches and 4000 P.S.I. for 28 days. The motor voltage is not explicitly stated, but the documentation provides a Full Load Amp (F.L.A.) rating of 13.9. The minimum motor horsepower is 2 1/2.

The System IA and System IA-10 models utilize a vertical power unit with a 4-1/2 inch capacity, operating at 4000 P.S.I. for 28 days. The F.L.A. at rated capacity is 13.9, and the minimum motor horsepower is 2 1/2.

Packing List Contents

The packing list for the Model ML-220 includes a parts box, a shim bag, a lifting pad, a small parts bag, and various other components detailed in drawings MAN511, MAN512, and MAN513. The System IA and System IA-10 models include a parts box containing a bleed valve assembly and other components detailed in drawings MAN231 and MAN232.

Two-Post Limitations and Adapter Usage

The documentation references limitations and adapter usage for two-post lifts, but does not provide specific details. Users are directed to refer to the Mohawk manual for information specific to the lift.

Pre-Operation Checks and Lifting Procedures

Prior to operating the lift, pre-operation checks are essential. These checks should include verifying unobstructed clearance and inspecting the lift for any signs of damage or malfunction. The documentation emphasizes the importance of following established lifting procedures to ensure safe and secure vehicle elevation.

Conclusion

Mohawk vehicle lifts require careful installation and adherence to safety guidelines. The documentation emphasizes the importance of indoor installation on a concrete foundation, thorough pre-installation inspections, and proper bleeding procedures. Regular inspections and adherence to recommended tool lists are crucial for maintaining safe and reliable operation. Users should always refer to the Mohawk manual for detailed instructions and specific information related to their lift model.

Sources

  1. ELEVADOR
  2. Mohawk ML-220 Manual
  3. Mohawk IA Manual

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