prepping a used Mohawk lift for install

[jetlag]

I picked up a used Mohawk system 1 lift a few weeks ago, from one of the gov't surplus auctions. This lift has been sitting outside for a couple of years, so it's going to require a little TLC and futzing to return to service. I'll clean it, paint the arms, and make a decision on whether or not to paint and install new decals on the columns. First things first, need to do a fair bit of cleaning.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/35925208@N06/37317939751/in/dateposted-public/" title="mohawk serial plate"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4392/37317939751_3973d0d0af_z.jpg" width="360" height="640" alt="mohawk serial plate"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/35925208@N06/36608439474/in/dateposted-public/" title="mohawk on ground"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4433/36608439474_2ce42892a7_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="mohawk on ground"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[phy6]

Looks great. I'm also shopping for a used 2 post lift. Which gov't auction site did you use? I picked up a used Eagle 4 post lift on ebay years ago, it's been great. Now I want a clear floor 2 post for other types of projects, like getting cars on and off a chassis table and changing tires, or lifting the cab/bed off a truck easily.

First I installed the lift and made sure it worked. Then I cleaned mine up with wirebrushes and WD40 as a light solvent, then wiped the powdercoat with acetone to get it prepped for paint. I taped off the chain and safety rods with foil. A lot of the powder coat had come off where wet salty tires had been. Then I used a cheap HF HVLP gun and Rustoleum white thinned down with mineral spirits. It brightened it up a lot and made it look really clean. Several years later, it's about due for a touch up paint job. I might try Majic Tractor Implement paint with their reducer and hardener since it worked so well on my chassis table.

 

[chrispyny]

Those lifts are made by proud americans 40 minutes from me. They are great great lifts. So glad to see you refreshing one and putting it back to work. I bet most parts are still available from them directly.

Good luck. Post when done.

 

[jetlag]

Looks great. I'm also shopping for a used 2 post lift. Which gov't auction site did you use?

This was on Public Surplus. I generally check in with Public Surplus, Gov Deals, and Proxibid weekly, and our local CL daily. This one was listed as a "post lift" in fair condition. No other info. No manufacturer information, nor load capacity. There were a couple of crappy photos, neither of which showed the Mohawk logo, but it was obvious to anyone who's used one exactly what this was.

I've been shopping for a lift for a few months. I really wanted a Mohawk, but couldn't justify the cost for a new one, considering I'm just a retired hobbyist. But, I'm also trying to teach my sons a little about auto repair and customizing, and absolutely would not trust their lives to a cheap Chinese lift. I almost bought a new Worth lift, but this Mohawk came up on Public Surplus, and I got lucky. I does need a little care, but that's exactly the kind of thing I like to do.

These are hard to find used, but they're out there. Watch for auctions from tech colleges, or state/county maintenance shops.

 

[Paperman]

What anchors are you planning to use? MH says Wej it only. Others around the world say epoxy and go. What says the GJ junkies?

 

[larry_g]

Do you know the age of this unit?

If it were me I would would inspect/replace all rollers. Inspect/lube all chains and cables. Clean and lube all pivot points. Check the cylinders for seeping or leaks. Flush and change the hydraulic oil. Clean or replace filters/screens in the hydraulic unit.

Then paint and polish.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Paperman]

His sticker says certified 1998. I can tell you that I have 2 units that were bought new in late 81 or early 82' so they have to be some of the first lifts they produced. They have been in daily use since then, maybe a few weeks off for vacations but daily use for 35 years. Still working flawless!!!

 

[jetlag]

It's about 20 years old, but I don't think much (if anything) has changed on the system 1 since they upgraded the columns with the gussets, and increased the rated capacity from 9000 to 10000. I've drained the old hydraulic fluid, and am giving the lift a good cleaning. Mostly, I'll be focusing on making sure everything is working correctly. I will likely paint the arms, but have no plans to paint the posts.

 

[jelk151]

This is the same lift I have in my garage and love it. I used wejit bolts but I was able to have about 15 inches of concrete under where the columns sit. You shouldn't have any problems.

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[FieroSS]

I also picked up a Mohawk System 1 out of an old highway department shed. If you email Mohawk your serial number they can tell you exactly when it was built and will send you the appropriate manual for that year. They were very responsive and it seems like any part I might need was available from them. Even rebuilding cylinders. Mine was also outside for a while but cleaned up quite easily and I've NEVER had a problem with it for the last year and a half.

The manual specifies a chain dimension to see if the chains are stretched. I can dig it up for you if you'd like. Also disassemble the lock preload springs in each carriage, clean and regrease. Mine were sticky with old grease and would sometimes not reactivate the locks. It was a little tricky to do once the lift was actually installed. Also clean and grease the unlock mechanisms on each side. It really ***** to mess with them with later on.

Mine didn't come with anchors so I used Hilti wedge anchors. They were awesome. Biggest thing with wedge anchors in concrete is cleaning the holes REALLY well so there is NO dust on the walls of the hole so the anchor can bite in when torqueing instead of slipping. Use a round brush and a compressed air nozzle that reaches the bottom of the hole. Scrub the hole with the brush, stick the nozzle to the bottom THEN start blowing air while lifting it out of the hole. This blows dust OUT of the hole. Do this 3-4 times and your anchors while tighten right down.

This is the only picture I have on this phone. Its a great piece of equipment and I love it.

-Tim

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[FieroSS]

I wanted to check which anchors I bought. I used Hilti KB-TZ 3/4" x 5 1/2"

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[jetlag]

We've used Hilti and Redhead wedge anchors in other machine installations with good results. More important than the manufacturer of the bolts (Hilti, Wej-it, etc) is using good tools to drill the holes in the concrete. Underpowered drills or dull bits will make a mess of the holes, and then problems might arise up with wedges that won't bite.

 

[FieroSS]

Very true; a quality bit and a GOOD rotary hammer drill is very important.

I have the manual as a PDF on my computer; here is the page regarding chain inspection.

My lift is a 2006 model

-Tim

 

[Falcon67]

Very true; a quality bit and a GOOD rotary hammer drill is very important.

-Tim

HF hammer drill and a Bosch 3/4 bit made short work of my lift install, including holes that went 6"+ down and at least one nicked a bar pretty good. Punched through 4000PSI like a sharp twist drill through a 2x4.

 

[jetlag]

According to Mohawk, my lift was built in '04, and the PDF manual i have is the correct one.

 

[Strouty]

Mohawk is a very rugged lift, I have not installed mine yet, but someday I will get around to it.

 

[moparkid440]

Hey question for you. Did you have the concrete poured before you installed the lift?
The reason I ask is do you have 2 separate pads that you poured or 1 long one? I poured 2 large separate pads (1 for each post) about 16" deep. I have the A7 7k lb capacity.