Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right equipment?
Can I get help with my floor plan?
How do I know your designs are safe? And just how safe is it?
How do you handle custom and special orders?
2 -post VS. 4 -post lifts and scissor lifts
What Should the Capacity of My Car Lift Be?
What is the voltage and horsepower you use on your power units for your lifts?
I'm confused what is asymmetrical , Symmetrical , and floor plate models in the 2 -post lifts?
Do I Need a Storage/Parking Lift Vs. Automotive Service Lift?
2 Post Car Lift Vs. 4 Post Car Lift
Do I Need a Four Post Open Front Auto Lift?
what is the advantages of a scissor Lift?
is the Bodyman scissor lift portable? Can i move my car while on the lift?
Tire Changer
Questions and Answers
What type tire changer do I need?
What are types of wheels am going to change with my tire changer?
PAX tires capability of my tire changer
What type of drive system do I need my tire changer to have?
How does my tire changer work with wheels (what clamping, bead system etc.)?
Swing Arm tire changers vs Tilt Tower tire changers.
what upgrades for my tire changer (mounting helpers etc) are available?
Wheel Balancer Questions and Answers
Do your wheel balancers come with wheel weights? Where can I buy wheel weights?
If I unplug my wheel balancer will I have to recalibrate it?
How do I calibrate my wheel balancer or I can't calibrate my wheel balancer?
What if my building gets a serious power surge such as a lighting strike?
How do I choose the right equipment?
This is always a burning question for anyone having to spend their hard earned money. This is exactly why we offer so many options with our equipment and different products. We realize that our customers and their needs are not all the same. We don't try to sell you what we have or what we manufacture, we try to assist you in building what you need. Please call a salesperson and we will try to help you decide what would be the best solution for you.
We are a Canadian manufacturing company. We also support sub-contracted fabrication companies. If you own a fabrication or plastics machining business you may contact us with your enquiries and proposals.
Can I get help with my floor plan?
If for some reason you run across a piece of equipment that does not have dimensions and/or specifications listed please let us know and we will do our best to get you what you need promptly. We find that it is sometimes very helpful to provide my customers with a potential floor plan before we sell to them because generally we find that a person may have special needs. Our experience can help you with your special needs and help you spot potential layout problems before you make your final decision. Call and talk to us and we will provide you with the installation manuals you might require.
How do I know your designs are safe? And just how safe is it?
All the lifts we offer have been designed and manufactured to meet or exceed American National Standard Institute safety standards B 153.1 1990 for Automotive Lifts. Also all electrical equipment have been compared to CE requirements and ULC73. and/or current OSHA/ANSI safety requirements. And because of this we are working very closely with the Automotive Lift Institute for design purposes. We also test every lift design for "overload capacity". What this means is that the for example the 11,000lb lift you might be looking at has a 3X [33,000 lb] design strength and has been tested to at least 150% its rating [this means 16500 lbs of load has been cycled on that 11k lift]. The industry safety testing is generally only tested at 120% the rated load. This translates into a test using only 13,200 lbs. This is too close a margin for us here at Ironsmith Machine! Unless it has been tested to proper standards and has met these standards your safety might be compromised. Your safety is extremely important to us, and our lifts and other equipment are designed to exceed it.-
How do you handle custom and special orders?
When the time comes for that special piece of equipment we will be only too happy to build for you! What we will require from you is details of operation (or intended) , power available, space confinements if any, budget to work in, and a deposit is required to get started.
2 -post VS. 4 -post lifts and scissor lifts
What Should the Capacity of My
Car Lift Be?
As a general rule, the capacity of a lift is
probably the most important consideration. Overloading any lift is dangerous as
well as being bad for the lift. You should try to choose a weight capacity that
is 25% higher than the maximum weight you will be lifting most of the time. This
will give you a safety factor and lift life well beyond what you need.
What is the voltage and horsepower you use on
your power units for your lifts?
All of our lifts are run by a
220v motor at 2hp. 3ph power is available for a additional charge. We do not use
110volt units as they have proven to be unreliable. 220 volt current is very
common in most every home as it is the same as your electric stove and dryer and
most any baseboard heaters.
I'm confused what is asymmetrical , Symmetrical , and floor plate models in the 2 -post lifts?
Although these models all look similar at first glance, there are some important differences.
The asymmetric design two post lift allows you to lift the car while moving it out and away from the two posts. There is approximately 25% of the vehicle in front of the lift and the remaining 75% of the vehicle in back of the lift. This allows you to open your doors freely without the doors hitting the posts. This model is recommended if you're going to be using it mostly for lifting cars, as opposed to trucks with a long wheelbase. This can refer to the configuration of the arms or posts or both. Asymmetrical arms are shorter on the front and longer on the rear for positioning the weight as above. This is ideal for most cars and light trucks. The ISM 7A has asymmetrical arms and fixed symmetrical posts whereas the ISM 11AC has rotational posts and the arms are wide swing asymmetrical, allowing both asymmetrical and symmetrical lifting applications.
The symmetric design two post lift has the most drive thru width between the posts than the asymmetric design two post lift. This model is ideal for lifting vehicles that have a long wheelbase. This model can be used for lifting just about any standard truck or car as it centers the long weight mass. The ISM 16S and ISM 20S are symmetrical both posts and arms.
The floor plate model two post lift ISM 7FS is designed for applications where there is less than 12 feet of ceiling height clearance. This model is ideal for lifting both cars and trucks. It has symmetrical posts and asymmetrical arms.
does the ISM14k 4 post lift come
with a caster kit, drip trays, and a jack tray? Are these items available for
these lifts?
The ISM14K is a commercial lift designed for
regular service and alignment service duty. The ISM14K has to be anchored to the floor and a caster
kit is not usable. They also do not come with any drip trays or a jack
tray and these items are not available for these lifts. The ISM14K is sold
with (2) ISM BJ7 bridge jacks so there should be no need of a jack tray.
Do I Need a Storage/Parking
Lift Vs. Automotive Service Lift?
Usually the need is either one or the other but if you are an automotive
enthusiast and not a repair facility you are probably going to want both. The
ISM 7GP 4 post lift combines storage with serviceability. The sliding jack tray gives you the ability to lift the vehicle off the runways
using your bottle jack, to do
tire & wheel work. Solid deck options give you the ability to store items other
than vehicles. Motorcycles, ATV’s, lawn equipment and more can be stored. How
ever this lift is not designed to be used as a true service lift but its primary
intended use is to store and not to be run up and down many many times each day as
regular duty in a service center environment.
The ISM 7SP Storage/Park single post is designed to take up the least amount of floor space by placing the post up along a wall leaving the space open to park other cars or toys. This lift is not designed to used as a service lift but as a hobbyist lift.
2 Post Car Lift Vs. 4 Post Car
Lift
Certain industries prefer different styles of lifts. A
general maintenance shop will almost always choose a two post lift because of
the generous amount of space for under car maintenance as well as tire and wheel
work can be performed with this type of lift. Most specialty shops, such as
muffler and transmission shops, will choose a four post lift because they rarely
do tire or wheel work. In the case of a muffler shop, it is important for the
suspension to be positioned as it would be with the tires on the road for proper
routing of the exhaust system. Also the Lube shop would want a 4-post or scissor "lube"
lift as these are designed for fast turnaround time. With a drive on - drive off
capability and a second level so while the oil is draining one technician can be
under completing the drain and another can be checking fluids and filling the
crankcase. This procedure can be accomplished in under 5 minutes with these
specially designed lifts. Another added
benefit to a 4 -post lift or a scissor lift is the ability to be outfitted with alignment runways.
A 2 -post lift can also be outfitted with alignment runways but these adapters
are very heavy and lower the capability of the lift capacity of a 2 post.
Do I Need a Four Post Open
Front Auto Lift?
A four post open front lift is generally used in front end alignment application
and oftentimes gives the user better access to the part of the vehicle where the
work is being performed. It is not always necessary but it is sometimes
preferred. We are currently working on a true open front design.
what is the advantages of a
scissor Lift?
A scissor lift has some very special advantages over other lifts. As all the
lifting components are under the lift it is a efficient use of bay space. Also
because of its compact design it can also be flush mounted into the floor
providing a clean clear workspace when not in use. The older garages designed
for inground lifts have a much narrower bay than newer facilities and cannot
have as many 2 post lifts installed as there was ingrounds. As 2 posts take up more
real estate than a inground, however, a scissor lift has the same width as a
inground uses, and can easily be installed in the same workspace so as to not
loose bayspace.
is the Bodyman scissor lift portable? Can i move my car while on the lift?
Tire Changer Questions and
Answers
What type tire changer do I need?
Today no one ever uses anything but a rim clamp tire
machine, with the exception of wrecking yards that are discarding the rims.
The aluminum alloy rims out there now require a rim clamp machine or a special
pad clamp so as not to
damage the valuable rim. ISM is bringing out a new semi-auto machine designed
especially for these new pad clamp and special rims. I t will also do run-flat
and all ring in tire designs.
ISM also offers a line of heavy duty options for both trucking / industrial and agricultural .
TOP
What are types of wheels am going to change with my tire
changer?
You can change almost any tire/wheel combination with the
exception of PAX systems. A PAX system requires a PAX capable machine, not all
machines can handle the high forces on the equipment cabinets so be cautious of
companies offering machine that can be used for this but in reality
were not designed with this use in mind.
The amount of PAX tires that the average repair/tire service facility would see is few
unless you have a dealership that would make it feasible to invest in the
special mounting helpers designed for this operation. Generally speaking inside clamping
capabilities of up to 22” covers a wide range of wheels but if you want to be
able to accommodate the larger custom wheels in today’s market you will need to
go up to at least 26”.
PAX tires capability of my tire changer
PAX capabilities are usually only done by a dealer and
before you take on this responsibility you should check to see if you are going
to qualify for PAX warranty reimbursement with the respective manufacturers. We
do not have any info on this at this time as these type of tires are in very
limited applications in the market place. ISM does offer special mounting
helpers for this operation and will be releasing a new changer very soon for
this application and for the ultra performance market. LINK:
What is PAX?
TOP
What type of drive system do I need my tire changer to have?
The two major types of drives are electric and air. The
most common and easily repairable is electric. It is our suggestion that you go
with an electric drive for convenience and ease of repair. Electric drive
systems are also less expensive to purchase, operate, and repair. A vane motor
is available (special order) for the ISM TC810 and the ISM W810
comes standard with air drive.
TOP
How does my tire changer work with wheels (what clamping,
bead system etc.)?
Your rim clamp changer will generally clamp on the rim
with the direct jaw pressure generated by the dual pistons. (Note, always steer
clear of a single piston set up. They have an extremely high failure rate).
Different Teflon and plastic jaw set ups are available to ensure the surface of
the rim will be mark free. This is especially applicable with expensive and
magnesium rims.
TOP
How do I figure the sizing for my tire changer
(internal /external rim, tire diameter, tire width etc)
You should size your changer according to the greatest
possible common range of rims you believe you will be working with. If you would
only change 1 set of 26” tires in a year it would probably not make sense to
spend the extra money. But on the other hand if you did spend the extra money
you would open your business up to another type of customer altogether. It is a
business decision that only you can reasonably make.
TOP
Swing Arm tire changers vs Tilt Tower tire changers.
This is usually according to the size of the tires and
wheels you are going to be working on. The larger the tires and rims the greater
the need for a tilt back. Especially if you are always doing racing slicks or
monster mudders a tilt back option would be your best choice. If you are always
doing passenger cars and light trucks a tilt back is probably not needed. Also
volume is another factor, as tilt back changers are designed to be set up on the
first wheel assembly and is then set for the remaining assemblies. The changer
tower tilts back and returns to the same location thus aiding the process as it
eliminates a few of the actions for the remaining assemblies, however each wheel
should be checked for rim to duckhead clearance on expensive rims as not every
rim is exactly the same nor is the operator going to place the assembly in
exactly the same placement as the first wheel assembly. Please check to be
sure this kind of thing is not covered by my warranty.
A swing arm changer like my ISM TC800 is an excellent choice for a regular
service center as the swing arm changers are less expensive and are very
durable.
Tire changers accessories
Some of the most helpful accessories you can get with your
changer is motorcycle adapters and mounting helpers. To accommodate large rim
sizes ISM offers an optional 'maxi' table for rims up to 28" and various
clamp adapters for ATV's and motorcycles up to 34" and down to 8". For rim
scratch protection ISM offers a composite duckhead and plastic clamp and
breaker blade protectors. Some options come
with the machines and some options do not. Your sales person can help with these
available options.
TOP
what upgrades for my tire changer (mounting helpers etc) are available?
My tire changers are set up to accept the various mounting helper(s) after purchase. If you feel at some point that you would need a mounting helper
you should be certain at the time of purchase that the machine you are
purchasing has the appropriate features you require. Beware, some companies will
tell you that their machine will accept mounting helpers as an add-on at a later
date when in reality it does not. You can see it very clearly by looking at
the upper rear part of the tower and/or the lower part of the body near the oiler. An experienced sales person will be able to point out exactly where it is
in a picture.
Wheel Balancer Questions and Answers
Do your wheel balancers come with wheel
weights? Where can I buy wheel weights?
No.
My wheel balancers only are supplied with only one 3.5oz weight for
calibrating purposes. No other weights are supplied. We also do not sell any
wheel weights. Wheel weights can usually be bought at auto supply stores and/or
tire supply stores.
If I unplug my wheel balancer will I have to
recalibrate it?
Unplugging the balancer will not
erase the memory so you would not have to recalibrate it when you plug it in and
use it again. However, if you unplug the machine and move it, it is recommended
that you recalibrate it since calibration can be location specific. Please keep
in mind that my balancers are also self calibrating. If you have unplugged and
moved the shaft then please follow the self-recalibration procedure out lined in your
owners manual. This should only take about 2 minutes.
How do I calibrate my wheel balancer or I can't
calibrate my wheel balancer?
To calibrate your wheel balancer,
refer to the owners manual that came with the machine. All of my machines are
self calibrating. If you did not receive
the manual please
download , call , email or fax
us and we will send you a copy. If, after reading
the guide, the machine still will not calibrate call us and talk to a
technician.
What if my building gets a serious power surge such as a lighting strike?
Every balancer is protected with MOV's built into the electrical system, these are the same devices used to protect any sensitive electronic device from power surges. If you suspect a lighting storm then simply unplugging your balancer might be the best protection. Also you could use a good quality power bar with surge protection built in for your peace of mind and extra protection for your investment.