The Molnar Four Post Hoist, models 3585 and 4488, is a vehicle lifting device designed for examination, repair, and maintenance purposes. Manufactured by Molnar Engineering Pty. Ltd., these hoists are built with high-quality materials and workmanship, adhering to AS/NZS 3000 electrical standards and AS1418.9 for vehicle hoists.

Function Description:

The Molnar Four Post Hoist is designed to lift vehicles, providing access to their undersides for various service tasks. It operates using a hydraulic system and a series of wire ropes and locking mechanisms to ensure safe and stable lifting. The hoist features a drive-on platform design, with options for drive-through operation. Operation is always controlled from Post No. 1, where the power pack and electric motor are mounted. The system incorporates safety rails, limit switches, and a load-holding control handle to ensure secure operation.

Important Technical Specifications:

Electrical Connection: Optional 240 Volt Single Phase.
- Full Load Current (Motor 2.2kW 240V Single phase model CWC3640F): 12.4 Amps
- Minimum Cable Size: 2.5mm 2 core + earth
- Circuit Breaker: 1 phase 32 Amp 10kA (Recommended Clipsal 4CB132/10 or equivalent)
- Voltage Operating Range: -6% to +10% of motor nameplate voltage (225V to 264V for 240V operation).
- Cable Length: Guide for maximum 30m. Longer runs or areas with low supply voltage require voltage drop calculation.
Hydraulic Oil: Castrol Hyspin AWH46, Shell Tellus T46, Mobil DTE 25, BP Bartran HV46, or equivalent.
Floor Requirements:
- Compressive Strength: Minimum 25Mpa reinforced concrete slab.
- Reinforcement: 6mm x 200mm x 200mm square mesh F42 grade.
- Minimum Thickness: 100mm.
- Levelness: Floor must be flat and level at post bolt-down points. Maximum level differences: 15mm on length, 8mm on width. For wheel aligning equipment, an absolutely level and horizontal plane is essential.
Safe Working Load (SWL): Must not be exceeded. Vehicle weight plus contents/load must be within SWL.
Jacking Beam (Molnar JB 87 - Optional):
- Capacity: 2000 kg
- Minimum Height: 75 mm
- Lifting Travel: 280 mm
- Maximum Saddle Spacing: 1250 mm
- Net Weight: 78 kg
- Fittings: 2 Support Pads, 2 Saddles
Wheels Free Rails (Loading Procedure):
- Maximum Load per Rail: 2000kg
- Distribution: 60/40
- Minimum Span: 2900mm (for 4000kg car mass)
- Minimum Span: 300mm (for 2600kg car mass)
- Lifting a car at the center of the rails is not advisable for stability reasons.

Usage Features:

Operation Control: From Post No. 1, with the power pack and electric motor mounted there.
Raising Platform: Depress the RAISE BUTTON until the desired height is reached. Engage the platform locking lever to the ON position. Lower the hoist slightly until pawls engage on all posts.
Lowering Platform: Raise the platform approximately 20mm by depressing the RAISE BUTTON. Disengage the platform locking lever to the OFF position. Lower the hoist by moving the lowering lever downwards.
Vehicle Positioning: Vehicles must be correctly positioned for stability and evenly balanced on the hoist. Manual wheel chocks must be used.
Safety Precautions:
- Only authorized persons who have read and understood the manual may operate the hoist.
- Ensure the hoist area is clear of personnel and obstructions before operation.
- Personnel must not ride on or stand under the hoist until it is locked into position.
- Take care when running a vehicle's engine on the hoist; ensure wheels are chocked and the handbrake is engaged.
- If damaged, the hoist must be inspected by a factory-authorized service agent before further use.
Installation: Requires a suitable, level reinforced concrete slab. Posts must be vertical and square to transverse beams. Wire ropes must be correctly installed and tensioned. Hydraulic hose connections must be tight, and the hydraulic tank filled to the oil level line. Electrical wiring must be connected by a licensed electrician if required by local regulations.
Wheel-Free System (Optional): Models with this system have specific installation instructions for safety rails and additional transverse beams.
Drip Tray (Optional, Model 44880DRPT): Designed to collect hydraulic oil. Support tabs on top, slides over Ramp Brace Strap. Must be pushed down as low as possible to avoid crushing by the Cable Block.

Maintenance Features:

Daily Check: Safety mechanism function.
Monthly Check: Safety mechanism operation, condition of sheaves, shafts, shaft locks, wire ropes, and overall cleanliness.
3-Monthly Check: Inspect Drip Tray for oil; recycle or dispose of oil. Clean the outside of the Drip Tray. Filling with absorbent material may assist oil disposal.
6-Monthly Check: Oil leaks from cylinder, pipe joints, and anchor bolts. Inspect wire ropes for wear, rust, and broken wires. Wire ropes must be replaced if the visible number of broken wires exceeds 10 in any length equivalent to 20 times the rope diameter (e.g., 10 broken wires in 260mm for 13mm rope), or if a strand is broken, or if the rope is physically damaged.
Yearly Service: Full service and safety inspection by a competent person. This must be recorded. Failure to perform this voids warranty. Includes removal of pulleys for inspection and cleaning of bushes.
2-Yearly Service: Hydraulic oil replacement (irrespective of usage). Fill hydraulic tanks to oil level line with recommended oil.
Lubrication: Smear wire ropes once per month with acid-free grease to prevent rust.
Oil Changing:
1. Lower hoist to the ground.
2. Clean oil tank with approximately 7 liters of paraffin-based cleaning oil.
3. Raise and lower hoist without load once.
4. Drain flushing oil and refill with recommended hydraulic oil.
Topping Up: If the hoist does not reach maximum height or the motor does not switch off automatically, it may indicate insufficient oil. Lower the hoist and replenish with recommended hydraulic oil.
Troubleshooting (Fault Chart): Provides common faults, probable causes, and remedies (e.g., loose joints, worn hydraulic seal, internal valve leak, damaged cable, incorrect wire rope tension).
Betabite Hydraulics Assembly Instructions: Detailed steps for cutting, preparing, and assembling hydraulic tubes and fittings to ensure a leak-proof joint.

Molnar 3585 - Safety Rail and Power System Installation

Table of Contents