The Ultimate Two-Post Lift Daily Inspection Checklist

Two-post lifts do most of the heavy lifting in the average repair shop, which is exactly why they deserve a few minutes of attention every morning. Use this two-post lift daily inspection checklist as a starting point, and always follow your lift manufacturer’s manual where it is more specific.

Before the first vehicle goes up

Arms and restraints

• Arm restraints engage and hold when the arm is loaded, and release when the lift is fully lowered.
• Lift pads and height adapters are present, undamaged and the correct type for the lift.

Cables, chains and sheaves

• Equalizer and lifting cables show no fraying, kinks or broken strands.
• Sheaves turn freely and cables are seated in their grooves.

Safety locks

• Locks engage evenly on both columns as the carriage rises. You should hear them click on both sides.
• Lock release cables or handles work and return properly.

Hydraulics

• No fluid leaking from the power unit, hoses, fittings or cylinders.
• The lift raises smoothly, without jerking or unusual noise.

Structure and anchors

• No cracks, bends or damaged welds on columns, carriages or arms.
• Anchor bolts are in place and the concrete around the base plates is not cracked or spalling.

Controls and surroundings

• Controls return to off when released.
• The overhead shut-off bar (on clear-floor models) stops the lift when contacted.
• Warning labels and the capacity decal are present and readable.
• The work area is clear of debris, fluids and stored parts.

When something fails

Any failed item that affects safe operation means the lift stays down. Tag it, lock it out and report it the same day. Do not let the next technician “work around it.”

Make the checklist stick

A checklist on the wall gets ignored. AutoLift Pro puts the checklist for each lift type on the technician’s phone, requires photos for failed items and records the result against that specific lift. See how this fits into the wider ANSI/ALI ALOIM standard and our guide to preventing lift accidents.