Commercial Truck suspended on a RotaryLift

5 Signs You Need to Repair Your Rotary® Lift

When was the last time your Rotary® Lift was inspected? Several months ago? Over a year ago? If so, it’s possible that your lift is undergoing stress due to deteriorating components and will need to be repaired in the near future. However, if you’ve noticed any of the following five signs in your Rotary® Lift, it’s best if you schedule repairs sooner rather than later.

1. Leaking Fluid

When a cylinder starts leaking fluid, it could be due to contamination of the fluid, worn-out seals, or both. You can usually identify a leak when you start to see oil seeping out of the top of the cylinder after raising and lowering the lift.

Another major issue involving leaking fluid is hydraulic drift. Internal cylinder leaks may result in fluid being unevenly distributed. This imbalance of fluid could cause a Rotary® Lift to slant and remain slanted until the problem is fixed.

2. Safety Features Not Working Properly

Every Rotary® Lift model will have its own unique set of safety features, including auto-spotting, variable equalization, and dual-locking. Even if just one safety feature is malfunctioning, it’s best to consult Rotary®’s troubleshooting guidelines for further assistance or get help from an authorized Rotary® Lift repair provider. Do not use your automotive lift if any safety feature is malfunctioning.

3. Visible Signs of Wear or Damage

Concrete slab cracks or fissures, worn-out adapters, excessive wear areas on components, and deteriorated cables usually present visible signs of impending failures. Inspection of lifts should be performed daily to look for signs of equipment fatigue and wear.

4. Lift Operating Slower Than Normal

Lifts that ascend and descend slower than normal indicate a serious issue with one or more of the following:

  • Plugged Cylinder
  • Low Air Pressure
  • Clogged Valve
  • Water or Air in the Compressor Tank

Valves that are clogged with contaminated fluid should be cleaned with solvent before replacing the old fluid with clean fluid. If the valve remains clogged, replace the valve with an OEM part.

5. Lift Won’t Raise

The last sign to look out for is a lift that won’t raise. Leaking cylinders or valves, damaged pumps, and water or air in the compressor tank are the primary reasons why a lift rises slightly before stopping or doesn’t rise at all. Another possible cause could be air in the oil. Try bleeding the cylinders, inspecting the oil seal for damage, or checking for a clogged inlet screen. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to request services from an authorized Rotary® Lift repair provider.

Avoid Problems With Regular Maintenance & Inspections

While some signs are immediately visible, others may remain hidden until the lift suddenly stops working. That’s why daily inspections are essential and will ultimately help you prevent downtime, safety hazards, and costly repairs.  

When inspecting your Rotary® Lift, be sure to check fluid levels and do a visual inspection for leaks, corrosion, and general wear and tear. You’ll also want to ensure that no components are missing or loose. Any annual inspections should be performed by an ALI-certified inspector, as they have a better understanding of how to perform safety and pressure tests.  

In addition to performing visual inspections every day, you can reduce repairs by regularly performing these maintenance tasks:

  • Cleaning Debris Off of the Hydraulic Lift Table
  • Lubricating Pivot Points & Rollers
  • Looking for Stress Cracks Around Anchor Bolts
  • Checking the Torque of Anchor Bolts
  • Evaluate Cylinder Movement (No Halting or Sticking)

The frequency at which your Rotary® Lift needs serviced depends on the model number. Some lifts require three-month maintenance inspections, while others can go six months before an inspection is needed.

Identifying Your Model

You can find your Rotary® Lift model number on the power unit column. The identification of the model is on the nameplate that is attached to the power unit column. If requesting parts for your lift, you’ll also want to have your power unit serial number available, which is on the side of the power unit itself.

Let Allied Handle Your Rotary Lift Repairs

Automotive lift repairs can quickly become dangerous if not performed by a professional. If your Rotary® Lift needs repaired or inspected, get help from our professionals at Allied. Founded in 1963, Allied is an authorized supplier and repair provider of Rotary® Lifts. All of our technicians are ALI-certified and can service all types of automotive lifts, regardless of make or model. 

If you need help repairing or inspecting your Rotary® Lift, fill out our online form today to schedule a service appointment.