Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions we get asked about the design, installation and maintenance of our custom-made car parking lifts.

Do you sell lift for home use or just commercial purposes?

Yes, we sell to home users and business users. Strongman’s roots are deep set in the classic car sector, looking after enthusiasts and specialist classic car garages with initially a limited range of specially built car lifts and ramps. We now have a superb range of lifts that still suit every enthusiast particular needs, but also the widest range of car parking lifts for the whole of the motor industry, offering an unrivaled selection to suit just about everyone’s needs and budgets

Do you offer ongoing maintenance packages after you have installed the car lift?

We offer full service packages to suit the customer needs, be it a twice yearly service for commercial workshops to an every other years for the lifts that are not so frequently used.

If you have purchase a lift or self install we can also offer at the time of purchase an on-line telephone support package.

We also carry a wide range of spares for all our lifts ranging back over 15 years, endeavouring to keep Strongman lifts working long after the other companies lifts have ground to a halt.

In this world of continually ‘Buy it-break it-replace it’ we strongly believe that a big financial investment like a car lift needs to be kept working as long as possible, for the owner and for the welfare of our planet

Do you manufacture in the UK?

We use a range of suppliers; from China, European Suppliers and Ireland, with smaller component production capabilities within the UK. Some of the primary trade-offs inlcude quality, production capabilities and speeds, and of course - costs.

We work with each of our customers to get the best solution for their use-case; talk to us about your project requirements.

Do you install lifts?

Yes we have teams of fitters that go around the country fitting and also servicing the thousands of lifts we’ve sold, year round.

How high does the ceiling need to be?

This is an FAQ when customers are looking to buy car parking lifts. The simple answer is the height of the two vehicles plus the depth of the lifting platform, often around 120mm /4½” then a further 150mm 6” to allow the locking mechanism to work. There are way around these but if it’s tight, best to draw us a diagram and email it in.

For 2 and 4 post lifts the answer is less complex, the minimum will be the heights of the posts, but the main decider is will the ceiling height allow you to get under the car? If not consider one of the ever popular mid-rise lifts that will get you off the floor and from crawling under the car.

Do your lifts need special oil?

All our lifts use the most commonly used hydraulic oil ISO32 sold by motor factors, farm equipment suppliers, and on line shops.

Do you offer finance-leasing options?

We do not offer Finance-leasing options, however we can recommend a number of Leasing companies who specialise in this field and have established good working relationship with. Particularly with businesses where the spreading of the installation cost can be spread over an number of years makes perfect sense and permits the business to take advantage of the large tax incentive to invest in capital equipment. Check with your accountant and take his advice.

Private leasing has changed over the past few years and is less popular than it once was, as other funding options have become available.

Please email or call with your details

Do you have lifts in stock?

Yes, we hold a range of our most popular lift models in stock across our UK storage facilities for rapid dispatch.

However, stock levels can change daily, and specific configurations or colours may have a lead time. We always recommend contacting us for the latest availability on the model you need. Planning ahead is the best way to secure your required installation date.

Do your lifts run off domestic 240v mains power?

Yes, nearly all our maintenance lifts and parking lifts run off normal 240v single phase mains power. You should be an electrician to check out the wiring and fit a replacement motor rated breaker onto your RCD board though

How safe are your lifts?

Very safe, all our lifts meet UKCA regulations, and are built from quality steel and high quality components, often featuring additional safety.

We have low clearance cars, will they get on your lifts?

Sports cars, track cars and many exotic cars need special consideration when putting them on any car lift- but do not fear you are not the first we have been there before. Years of experience have taught us these sorts of cars need special treatment and consideration. We have a range of options specially designed to help get your low rising car on and off our lifts safely. Send us an email or give us a call explaining what you are looking to achieve and we’ll work out the best solution for your individual needs.

Can you provide training on how to use and maintain your lifts?

After the installation customers are shown how to use and maintain their lifts. All our skilled installations teams will weight test the lift/s and show the customers how the lift should be used and how it needs to be maintained.

Where do you get your lift names from?

The simple answer is they are nearly all bridges built by Thomas Telford. For those who don’t know who he was, he was arguably the first ever engineer and a true pioneer and using a word too often misplaced nowadays; a true genius, and our engineering hero. He was Scottish hence the number of Scottish names in there.

What do we need to know about having a lift?

Depending on the site and what usage the liift/s are going to get, consideration needs to be given to safety! We recommend that some time is given to using and maintaining your lift, it is after all is a big and heavy piece with hydraulic and electrical components.

Identify the risks involved in using the machinery and equipment.

Self-installation: When the lift installation has been completed, have it signed off and checked.

Compile a maintenance schedule- this will vary from customer to customer and vary widely depending on the ramps’ useage. Strongman can assist in this. A record must be kept of maintenance carried out and any matters arising.

Undertake & maintain a risk assessment effective for the equipment, the site layout and environment and it’s usage.

Written records need to be kept of all these stages

How much does my lift need servicing?

The frequency depends on three factors:

Legal Requirements: In most regions (like the UK under LOLER), your lift must pass a formal "Thorough Examination" (a safety inspection) at least once every 12 months. This is a legal requirement. If the lift is used for moving people, this is required every 6 months.

Manufacturer's Schedule: This is for preventative servicing (like checking oil, hydraulics, and moving parts). Most manufacturers recommend a schedule based on use, which is typically quarterly (every 3 months) or twice a year (every 6 months).

Usage: Lifts under heavy, daily use will require more frequent servicing than those used infrequently.

Many users find a service contract is the easiest way to manage this, as it bundles the required legal inspections and the preventative servicing into one plan.

I have a unique space or restricted height. Will your lifts fit?

This is a very common challenge, and we can almost always find a solution. We offer two ways to ensure a perfect fit:

Check Specifications: We have detailed technical specifications and measurement drawings for all our lifts. If you send us your measurements (height, width, and depth), our team can provide expert guidance on which models will work for your space.

Schedule a Site Survey: The most reliable method is to schedule a site survey. One of our specialists will visit your location, take precise measurements, and recommend the best and safest lift for your specific needs.

Can I have my lift in a custom colour?

Yes, custom colours are an option. Here are the best ways to do it, ranked by durability:

Factory Finish (Recommended): The preferred option is to have your lift professionally powder coated in your desired colour at the factory. This provides the most durable, high-quality finish. Please note that this is a special order and will extend the lead time.

Local Powder Coating: We can also arrange for the lift components to be powder coated at a specialist facility in the UK before delivery.

DIY Repainting: You can repaint the lift yourself with spray cans or brushes. However, be aware that this type of paint finish is far less rugged and will not be as durable as a professional powder coat.

I am planning a new build. Can you help?

Yes, absolutely. Involving us at the new build stage is ideal.

We can support you through the entire process, from the earliest design concepts to long-term support:

Planning & Design: We work with your architects and builders to provide all necessary technical drawings, dimensions, and specifications (like power requirements or pit dimensions) to ensure the lift is perfectly integrated into your plans.

Installation & Commissioning: Our team handles the full installation and official commissioning of the lift, ensuring it meets all safety standards.

Lifetime Support: We provide comprehensive service contracts to keep your lift maintained and compliant for its entire working life.

Do you make bespoke equipment?

Yes, we create fully bespoke lifting solutions.

Our team thrives on solving complex challenges. We can take your project from a simple concept to a fully commissioned, custom-built lift.

Full Design Consultation: We work with you to understand your exact operational needs, space constraints, and safety requirements.

Custom Features: This can include anything from non-standard platform sizes and increased load capacities to unique control systems or integration with other machinery.

Expert Manufacturing: We partner with "cutting-edge" specialist engineering and fabrication facilities to build your lift to the highest standards.

Full Project Management: We oversee the process from design and manufacturing to installation and final commissioning.

If you have a specialist requirement that an "off-the-shelf" lift can't solve, please contact our technical team to discuss your project.