When you can’t decide what equipment you may need or more importantly want, who better to ask than someone with professional experience.

Besides a heated garage with secure and easy access, if that’s not a contradiction. I have always wanted to be able to ride on to a workbench with out toppling off. I found that lift (EG600NANO), with an automatic wheel clamp, I don’t even need to put the bike on it’s stand.

I have my tyres fitted and wheels balanced at a local dealer and have always admired the ease with which they apply their trade. While I fully support local businesses, to be able to have access to a T520 Tyre Changer with the ProArm assist would be the dream. I have used a manual wheel balancing jig for years but again their motorcycle wheel balancer is quick and easy especially on my Duke’s single sided wheels.

All this being said – after a good ride all the washing; drying (GREAT TIP – I air dry all the nooks and crannies with an air gun off my mobile compressor) and polishing, my back does ache a bit so being able to lift my bike to the perfect height would be the biggest boon along with the fitted cabinets and workstation.

so will this cost me an arm and leg?

Surprisingly the price difference between good kit and not is not as great as you might think. Buying professional grade equipment that will last and is supported – in the long run is choice I would rather make. 

Now where’s the best place to start ?

Many motorcycle workshops may be missing out. With a minimum requirement of 3.2 x 4.6 metres plus a couple of other necessities such as; good access, parking, a viewing area (live or screen)…could mean your workshop benefits from another vital revenue stream.

To begin application is easy (CLICK HERE for the form).

• Crucially you’ll need a company with the expertise and experience to supply and install the equpment.
• Equipment that is approved, of quality design and manufacture, preferably fully supported and warrantied
• A good contractor to affect the groundworks (please note do not attempt any groundworks until you have ‘Approval in Principal’ from the proper authority.
• Adequate training for your examiner and centre manager
• Regular calibration of equipment (6 monthly)

Once you have, get ready to publicise your service. Not only is the MOT a vital service – the potential repairs and service work along with building a solid customer base will hopefully stand you in good stead for the future.

Many motorcyclists are enjoying extended riding days and sales of used bikes are hitting record figures. New bikes continue with healthy sales despite the supply chain suffering. Newer used bikes are selling like hot cakes. Most have complete service histories of these many will find their way for service, repair and tuning to independent workshops.

Rider beware!

If you are going to be taking your machine in for work, don’t forget to ask whether they have motorcycle diagnostic equipment and the latest software to cover your bike. Some bikes will flash up a service light at the slightest movement of a body panel or twitch of an added electrical accessory. Getting an after market accessory? Make sure the bikeshop is able to implement the change and keep your electronics sweet.

The most savvy motorcycle workshops will already be offering a full diagnostic service, those that don’t will be missing out on your business. A recent survey revealed that once a new bike has undergone a couple of visits to the main dealer customers are more likely to seek out a local specialist, one that is able to offer a ‘one-stop’ workshop. The last thing they want is cost and time needed to revisit the main dealer just to get a dash light switched off.

Any workshop whether a main dealership or independent must be aware of the new technicalities of the battery powered vehicles. Not only can the power cells extremely heavy and cumbersome they can be susceptible to damage if mishandled, which can be expensive.

Not only mechanical workshops will need suitable battery lifts

An often overlooked issue with EV cells and their complex wiring looms is that they can be damaged or have their optimal use shortened when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods. For example in temperature controlled paint booths when paint.

Why anyone would risk using equipment not designed specifically for the job is sometimes hard to understand. Workshops do need to be aware of a number of factors;

Electric Vehicles also known as EV need specialist lift for handling batteries, motors and transmissions.

Ideally these lift should have 

• A solid platform that also allows access to fixings and components
• Self levelling for awkward situations
• Omni-directional high load wheels with integral brake for accurate positioning
• Easily accessible controls on the lift and ideally remote control
• Electro hydraulic ram system with integral safety features
• Ability to be used with other lifts
• Built in electrical insulation
• Good design from a reputable manufacturer using premium components
• CE certification as a minimum for compliance
• Solid after sales support and product knowledge

When you put all these things together and invest in a piece of equipment your workshop will have the confidence to operate on EVs.

How do you decide where to get your mowers serviced? what should you look for in a service centre?

Each year thousands of grass cutting machines cover hundreds of thousands of miles and cut tons and tons of grass cuttings. All of this work takes it’s toll on such machinery and servicing and repair becomes paramount. While some companies have in-house workshops there are also many independent service centres that work on Quads, ATVs, Mowing equipment and ground care machinery. The list vital components for any equipment workshop should start with safeguarding the health and safety of the technicians and operators. Lifting equipment must have as a minimum CE certification. When buying lawnmower workbenches and scissor lifts deal with a reputable company that supply well made equipment using quality components. 

Why would you even consider purchasing a piece of capital equipment from a company who do not offer in-depth knowledge and local support? 

Cheap equipment is cheap for a number of reasons; materials used, build quality, design, after-sales support etc. When selecting a mower lifting table and before you maker a decision consider; 

• brand origin
• lifting capacity
• lifting height
• electro hydraulic
• foot pump
• pneumatic
• remote control
• availability of spares or consumables
• warranty
• recommendation

With the proliferation of information and reviews on the internet make sure you do your homework. Try not to be caught in the ‘buy cheap, buy twice trap’ when you choose workshop equipment make sure it’s something upon which you can rely!

No matter what you are lifting in the workshop it pays to lift safely. The Health and Safety Act of 1974 was designed to minimise the risk of injury in the workplace and ensure basic safety and working practices are followed.

Professional workshops these days are becoming more and more technically demanding. gone are the days of the ‘oily rag’ establishments. Today’s Technicians need to be able to operate heavy machinery safely. While the car industry has had to work with heavy lifting gear the motorcycle mechanic has for too long been confronted with working on rickety benches or even on their knees. Higher specification motorbikes mean the level of basic workshop equipment required has risen. Nowadays a good bike shop is a brightly lit and it’s service and repair areas are festooned with the specialist tools, some of which are brand and even model specific. The latest digital diagnostic devices and gizmos are vital too. But the true workhorse of the modern motorcycle workshop is the BIKE LIFT. It is essential to be able to safely and securely lift motorcycles to a height that provides optimal work height, proper adjustment and access to all the major components. When considering a good motorcycle lift you need to consider;

• Practical and efficient
• Scissor lifts are generally more space efficient
• Ease of Use – Electro-hydraulic or pneumatic operation
• Remote controller
• Quality of materials
• Origin of equipment
• Certification and conformity  – vital for your workshop insurance
• Warranty
• After sales service
• Optional components
• Reputation of supplier

When you buy a lift for your workshop or for your technicians – remember this piece of equipment will enable your technician to work; safely, more efficiently, profitably. This lift will be used to elevate expensive machines that maybe the customers’ pride and joy. That customer is more likely to appreciate your works when they see just how professionally you operate.