As the Australian transport industry embraces a sustainable and greener future, workshops are at a crossroads. They need to invest in modern equipment to service electric and hybrid heavy vehicles. Choosing the right heavy vehicle hoists and workshop solutions can improve efficiency and safety and play a critical role in a more sustainable transport ecosystem.
Like all countries worldwide, the Australian transport industry is also at a crossroads with increasing focus on sustainability and a greener future. This shift is not just related to the truck or bus engines but also on the entire ecosystem, including the workshops that service these heavy vehicles. Modern workshop equipment, including heavy vehicle hoists and accessories, is no longer just a tool for lifting trucks and buses; they are critical component in achieving and maintaining a sustainable fleet.
Facilitating the Rise of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Australia's heavy vehicle fleet is gradually transitioning to electric (EV) and hybrid models. This presents a unique challenge for traditional workshops because these vehicles have different maintenance requirements and new safety considerations. The additional weight and high-voltage components of heavy EVs and hybrids demand specialised lifting equipment. Endurequip and Finkbeiner heavy vehicle hoists and accessories provide these specialised solutions.
Endurequip Portalift is Australia's number one and only Australian-made portable heavy vehicle hoist manufacturer. Endurequip Portalift, equipped with a robust RUD chain drive system, is also the only heavy vehicle hoist supplier to the Australian Defence Force. Endurequip celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2025 as part of RUD Australia and is manufactured in a 6000m² factory in Brisbane. The Endurequip range of accessories includes vehicle ramps, vehicle stands, small wheel adaptors and other engineered accessories. All Endurequip heavy vehicle hoists have a twenty-year structural and five-year mechanical warranty, reflecting the quality and engineering credibility of the brand.
Finkbeiner, which invented the first hydraulic mobile column hoist, is a reputed German manufacturer of wireless vehicle hoists and accessories since 1927. RUD Australia is the exclusive Australian distributor of Finkbeiner. Finkbeiner hoists boast exceptional performance and long-term reliability, with a virtually maintenance-free hydraulic system. They feature wireless radio control with a better range over Bluetooth and can be used in groups of up to 20 for maximum flexibility.
By investing in the proper heavy vehicle lifting and handling equipment, workshops can future-proof their operations. They not only ensure the safety of their mechanics but also serve as a vital link in the maintenance and repair chain. This proactive approach supports the broader adoption of sustainable transport solutions across Australia, from major logistics companies to public bus operators.
Efficiency and Longevity: A Two-Fold Advantage
Sustainability is not just about emissions but also about efficiency and resource management. The lifespan and efficiency of a heavy vehicle are directly linked to the quality of its maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently, consumes less fuel (non-EV) and stays on the road longer. This is where advanced heavy vehicle hoists and workshop handling solutions come in.
Precision is critical in modern vehicle maintenance. High-quality workshop solutions allow for safe and easy access to all vehicle sections, enabling mechanics to perform repairs faster and safely. Mechanics can reduce downtime and increase their throughput using multiple workshop accessories in conjunction with hoists. Proper and timely maintenance with the right equipment helps prevent minor issues from escalating into major and costly repairs. This extends the life of the vehicle and its associated environmental impact.
Data and Analytics: The Smart Workshop
The modern heavy vehicle workshop is expected to transition into a data hub, thanks to the integration of technology into equipment that can talk to each other. Workshop equipment, including hoists, when integrated with digital technology, can become a source of valuable data. Heavy vehicle hoists can be equipped with sensors that track key metrics like lift cycles, load distribution and usage patterns.
When combined with a vehicle’s service history, the data permits a better approach to maintenance. Instead of a rigid, time-based maintenance schedule, workshops can move towards predictive maintenance. This enhances a fleet's reliability and significantly reduces its environmental impact by ensuring all vehicles are operating at peak performance, with minimal waste and downtime.
Workshop equipment is a strategic decision in a rapidly changing industry, from the bustling metros of Sydney and Melbourne to the outback towns. By choosing hoists and workshop handling solutions that facilitate EV maintenance, improve efficiency, and integrate with data systems, Australian workshops can enhance their efficiency and profits and play a crucial role in building a more sustainable future for the heavy vehicle industry.
First published on the https://www.heavyvehiclehoists.com.au/ website, which is part of the RUD Group and is duplicated on this website.
Call us at 07 3809 1300 for more information on robust, sustainable heavy vehicle lifting solutions that empower your workshop.
Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Why do you need Workshop Accessories?
Safety is critical in any truck or bus workshop. The weight of the heavy vehicles can pose a risk if the right equipment is not used for lifting or hoisting. While heavy vehicle hoists are an integral part of the workshop for raising or lowering the vehicles, accessories can play an important part when combined with the hoists. We discuss why workshop accessories such as Vehicle Stands, A-Frame Trailer Adaptors and Small Wheel Adaptors can support any workshop and how they can enhance safety and optimise workflow.
Vehicle Stands
Vehicle stands act as a fail-safe support, preventing accidents if a hoist fails. In bus and truck workshops, they can be a safety net to avoid injury. Vehicle stands and ramps come under Australian standards AS/NZS 2538:2016, which mandate their design and safety. Vehicle stands can free up hoists for other vehicles and optimise productivity. Vehicle stands can provide easier maintenance access, such as tyre changes and brake repairs. Since they are adjustable, they can be set at any height, allowing comfortable access and reducing physical strain.
| Feature | Safety Benefits | Convenience Benefit |
| Secondary Support | Prevents collapse from hoist failure; Reduces crushing risk | Frees up hoists for other vehicles/tasks |
| Adjustable Height | Ensures vehicle stability during work; Supports working at a comfortable height | Offers flexible working heights for various repairs |
| Stable Base | Enhances overall vehicle stability; Prevents tipping or shifting | Improves access for undercarriage work (tyres, oil, brakes, exhaust) |
| Clear Markings (Load Capacity, Warnings) | Provides clear guidance for safe use; Prevents overloading | Easy identification of safe use parameters |
| Robust Materials | Withstands heavy loads; Ensures structural integrity | Ensures long-lasting, reliable performance |
| Compliance with AS/NZS 2538:2016 | Meets mandatory safety standards; Provides peace of mind | Happier team morale |
A-Frame Trailer Adaptors
Endurequip A-Frame Trailer Adaptors are available with ratings up to 12 tonnes and are compatible with 89mm and 111mm Kingpin sizes. They enable easy trailer lifting for brake and exhaust system repairs.
These adaptors allow the workshops to service a broader range of trailers using current hoists. They offer a safe solution without special adaptors. They are designed for ease of use and stability, ensuring safe lifting of trailers.
Small Wheel Adaptors
Want to service smaller-sized vehicles? Small Wheel Adaptors (SWA) can do the job. When fitted with SWA, your heavy vehicle hoists can lift smaller vehicles such as cars, small trucks and minibuses. With a capacity of 2 tonnes (when used as a pair), SWAs offer a cost-effective alternative to separate car lifts, enabling workshops to service mixed fleets and expand into general automotive repair.
Click here for the Endurequip range of Workshop Accessories.
Safety, Efficiency, and Compliance
Australian workshops are required to comply with health and safety laws and Australian Standards. Compliance can be beneficial in not just preventing accidents or injuries but also reducing legal liabilities. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance are paramount.
A well-organised workshop with accessories can boost productivity, service bay utilisation, and workflow. Your heavy vehicle hoists can service a wider range of vehicles and are also freed for continuous use. Accessories help with quick turnaround times, better quality work, and increased daily service capacity.
Choosing high-quality, certified equipment from Endurequip or Finkbeiner ensures integration with your heavy vehicle hoists. Your additional investment can yield returns in the long term by enhancing safety, improving morale and boosting profitability.
| Possible Hazard | Accessory | How it Mitigates | Safety/Efficiency Outcome |
| Vehicle Collapse/Instability | Vehicle Stands | Provide secondary support; act as a fail-safe against hoist failure; ensure vehicle stability | Prevent injuries, reduce downtime and repairs and ensure compliance |
| Injuries | Vehicle Stands | Create a stable working environment under lifted vehicles, preventing drops | Prevents injuries; improves worker confidence |
| Falls from Height | Vehicle Stands, A-Frame Trailer Adaptors, Small Wheel Adaptors | Allow mechanics to work at comfortable, stable heights, reducing fatigue | Improves working conditions; reduces risk of falls and injuries |
| Manual Handling Strain | Vehicle Stands | Support vehicles at heights, reducing bending, lifting, and fatigue-inducing postures | Reduces injuries; improves comfort and productivity |
| Limited Access/Inefficient Workflow | Vehicle Stands, A-Frame Trailer Adaptors, Small Wheel Adaptors | Free up hoists for continuous use; expand the range of vehicles/trailers that can be serviced; streamline setup and access | Increases workshop productivity; expands service capabilities; optimises space utilisation |
| Equipment Damage (Vehicle/Hoist) | Small Wheel Adaptors, A-Frame Trailer Adaptors | Ensure proper load distribution and secure engagement, preventing stress on hoist components or vehicle damage from improper lifting | Extends equipment lifespan; reduces repairs to vehicles and hoists |
Elevate Your Standards and Your Success
Workshop accessories support heavy vehicle hoists, enhancing safety, optimising efficiency, and driving profitability. Our Vehicle Stands, A-Frame Trailer Adaptors, and Small Wheel Adaptors are indispensable to any heavy vehicle workshop. They support safety and vehicle stability and are compliant with Australian standards. The accessories also offer convenience and versatility by maximising hoist utilisation, streamlining jobs and boosting productivity. They can also reduce strain on mechanics and create a productive workforce. By investing in our accessories, you can help to create a safe and efficient environment, not just for your employees but also for your customers.
For more information on robust, Australian-compliant heavy vehicle lifting solutions that empower your workshop, call us on 07 3809 1300.
Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
If you ask automotive workshop owners, operations managers or fleet managers what their biggest challenge is, the answer is easy - Hiring people and retaining them. Like many industries in Australia, the automotive industry is facing a skills shortage, which is echoed by the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). This ongoing issue can have critical repercussions on the automotive industry, impacting productivity, safety, upskilling the existing workforce or migration of skilled workers.
Read more about skills shortage on the Australian Trades website - Trades Skills Shortage
So, what can we do to tackle this pressing problem?
The Challenge of Attracting New Talent
To bridge the existing skills gap, we need to market the industry as an appealing career choice for a new generation.
Investing in Our Existing Workforce
Attracting new talent is crucial, but we must empower the existing workforce with new training and continuous development.
The Critical Role of Quality Equipment
The effectiveness of any workshop in attracting and retaining talent is also tied to the quality of its equipment. Modern workshops require reliable, safe, and versatile equipment, including heavy vehicle hoists to handle various vehicles, from trucks to buses and road trains.
This is the reason why leading hoist brands like Endurequip and Finkbeiner are essential to any workshop.
By investing in high-quality hoists, workshops can enhance productivity and safety for their current team and attract new mechanics.
Securing Our Future
The skills shortage in the Australian automotive industry is a multi-faceted challenge. By proactively promoting the heavy vehicle industry, investing in comprehensive training for new and existing technicians (especially in emerging technologies like EVs), and equipping workshops with the best equipment, we can attract the next generation of talented individuals. This collective effort will not only keep our essential heavy vehicles operating smoothly but also secure a bright future for the Australian automotive sector.
For more information on robust, Australian-compliant heavy vehicle lifting solutions that empower your workshop, call us on 07 3809 1300.
This blog is shared from the Heavy Vehicle Hoists website - https://www.heavyvehiclehoists.com.au.
Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Australian Made Week is celebrated from 19 to 25 May. Support Aussie businesses by buying Australian-made products.
Endurequip Portalift has been proudly manufactured in Brisbane. It is the only Australian-made mobile heavy vehicle hoist made using Australian steel and parts. We are proud to support local jobs and the wider community in Australia. Buy Australian-made products this week to give back to Aussie businesses.
Why buy Australian-made? Read our blog published a few years ago - Why buy Aussie and Local.
Watch our video below:
This news is shared from the RUD Australia website.
Article copyright to RUD. Australian Made logo and trademarks are the property of the Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL) and used under licence and permission. Check their website here.
In the demanding environment of Australian workshops, selecting the right heavy-duty vehicle ramp is critical for efficiency, safety, and return on investment. Vehicle ramps can be integrated into workshops and are engineered to handle substantial weight capacities. By facilitating smoother vehicle access, they reduce manual handling risks and can contribute to long-term cost savings and return on investment.
When paired with Endurequip's Portalift Hoists, RUD Heavy-Duty Vehicle Ramps offer a streamlined solution for servicing trucks and heavy vehicles.
Key Benefits of RUD Heavy Duty Vehicle Ramps
Enhanced Workshop Efficiency - RUD’s vehicle ramps are designed to reduce vehicle turnaround time, allowing workshops to service vehicles more quickly and get them back on the road. By easy integration with Portalift Hoists, you can eliminate the need to reposition adjustments when servicing different vehicles.
Optimised Workshop Processes - The design of the vehicle ramps ensures that no manual positioning adjustments are required for various vehicles. This feature enhances the efficiency of workshop floor operations and processes, allowing for a more streamlined workflow.
Improved Safety Standards - The RUD vehicle ramps increase safety by minimising manual interaction on the workshop floor without the risk of traditional pit systems. This approach reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Return on Investment - Investing in RUD’s vehicle ramps can yield a return on investment in less than two years.
Versatile Integration with Hydraulic Jacks - RUD's vehicle ramps can be integrated with rails to support hydraulic jacks in workshops requiring additional lifting capabilities. This versatility allows for a wide range of servicing options.
Complementary Workshop Equipment
To further enhance workshop operations, consider pairing vehicle ramps with other Endurequip products:
These accessories ensure a comprehensive solution for all heavy vehicle servicing needs.
Selecting the Right Vehicle Ramp
When choosing a heavy-duty vehicle ramp, consider the following factors:
RUD's heavy-duty vehicle ramps are designed to make your choice easier and ensure a reliable and efficient solution for your workshop
Visit our stand #297 on the Plaza Level, Brisbane Convention Centre from 15-18 May 2025 for details about our Australian-Made Endurequip Portalift and German-Made Finkbeiner wireless truck hoists, accessories and workshop handling solutions.
Contact Endurequip
Our vehicle ramps are available in two options: An 8m Standard Ramp with a 14t capacity and a 10m Premium Ramp with a 20t capacity. For more information on selecting the right heavy-duty vehicle ramp for your workshop, contact our team at 07 3809 1399 or email us.
Investing in quality equipment like our vehicle ramps can significantly enhance your workshop's efficiency, safety, and profitability.
Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
