Keep your Mohawk in top shape with these maintenance tips

Mohawk has built its reputation on providing the safest, most durable, reliable, and low maintenance lifts available.

LOW maintenance doesn’t mean NO maintenance. Check out these tips to keep your Mohawk in top shape for years to come — some facilities touting over 30 years in service and still going strong!

Daily

Wipe down or clean all moving parts. It is not recommended to grease the inside of the channel on the post, or swing arm restraints. If oxidation is occurring, use a light lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent)

Weekly

• Clean the cylinder’s wiping seals and the base of each post to remove any weeping oil and dust.
• Check fluid levels — when the unit is fully lowered, the fluid level will be 1/2 inch below the breather cap port. Use Dextron VI as replacement fluid.
• Lubricate the arm restraint assemblies as needed to ensure free and smooth operation (do not use grease).
• Cycle unit to full height and bleed approximately 30 seconds.

Monthly

• Inspect lifting and hydraulic components for deformation, wear or corrosion.
• Check for loose fasteners and hydraulic fittings. Tighten as needed. 
• Inspect anchor conditions for any possible corrosion. Inspect the floor for any signs of fatigue or fractures.

Semi-annually

• Qualify or re-qualify technicians/personnel in the safe operations of your lift.
• Lubricate lock body main pivot pins. Remove with snap ring pliers when fully lowered and clean lock pivot pin and lock body hole. Spray pin with a light lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent), then reassemble, ensuring smooth motion.
• The carriage bearings — where they ride against the channel sections — should be cleaned and lubricated using slip plate or light lubricant (WD-40). Note: The main carriage bearings are factory lubricated and sealed, they do not require any periodic lubrication. However, if additional lubrication is desired, it is recommended to use CAM2 multi-purpose #2 grease (part # 86035) or an equivalent. Use approximately 2 ounces per bearing.

Annually

• Check your hydraulic fluid volume annually. Every ten years replace and bleed the hydraulic fluid. Always clean funnel and filter. Use Dexron VI hydraulic fluid.
• Inspect all bearings for unusual or excessive wear and replace if needed. Remove the swing arm restraints and thoroughly clean. Use a light lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent) and reinstall. Do not use grease.
• Get your lift inspected annually from an ALI-Certified lift inspector.
• Safety always comes first! The number one reason vehicles fall from lifts is user error. Keep your techs properly trained with an annual online course by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI). OSHA and other safety and health regulations require lift safety training for anyone who operates an automotive lift.

About Mohawk

Mohawk is U.S.A’s premium manufacturer of vehicle lift solutions for fleets in government, commercial, and industrial settings. Mohawk’s popularity is based on a combination of industry-leading safety systems, long-lasting durability, and the most inclusive warranty in the lift industry. Mohawk Lifts are proudly designed, welded, and manufactured in the U.S.A. since 1981.