Snap-on said it Blue-Point Wheel Lift Assist (YA1714) can do most of the manual lifting of tire and wheel assemblies from the vehicle to the tire changer, from the tire changer to the wheel balancer and from the wheel balancer back to the vehicle.
“Our innovative Blue-Point Wheel Lift Assist virtually eliminates manual lifting of tire and wheel assemblies,” said Mike DeKeuster, product manager for Snap-on. “When used properly, it not only minimizes effort, but it eliminates wheel balancer shaft damage and bending. By listening and working with our customers, we have designed a product that will help make them more productive and keep them safer in the workplace.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, in 2005 there were 15,680 nonfatal injuries and illnesses to automotive technicians and mechanics. Overexertion accounted for 21.6% of those nonfatal injuries and more than half of the overexertion injuries were due to lifting objects. One-third of the injuries were directly involved with tires and wheels. Snap-on’s new product has the potential to decrease these types of back injuries, its maker said.
The Blue-Point Wheel Lift Assist works on passenger cars, light trucks and the 19.5-in. truck wheel and tire assemblies commonly found on medium-duty vehicles. It can hold up to 130 lbs. of tire/wheel weight, tires 24- to 36-in. in diameter and can lift a tire/wheel over 29 in. high. It automatically adjusts for different tire sizes and helps the user in the alignment of tire and wheel assemblies to the hub studs.
Customers can find out more about by visiting http://www.snapon.com/WheelLift or by calling toll free 877-SNAPON-2 (877-762-7662).
