Components

PIT STYLE

Stand-Up vs Sit-Down (chair) Pit

The stand-up setup enables technicians to move freely within the pit, utilizing a platform or stepstool to access customer vehicles. The floor depth is usually around 6 feet. To better understand how two technicians of varying heights (5'9" and 6'4") can operate within this space, please refer to the following visualization:

https://sites.google.com/shinnbuildings.com/automotiveservicepits/semi-pits

The sit-down (chair) configuration, known as the QuickPit™, is designed to enable technicians to work comfortably from a seated position. Utilizing a specially designed tall, heavy-duty piston, the chair can be effortlessly raised to a level where technicians can easily access and service the vehicle undercarriage. In instances requiring extra clearance, such as with trucks equipped with lift kits, technicians can simply stand up from the chair. One significant advantage of the QuickPit™ is that technicians can conserve their energy by working while seated, allowing them to focus on servicing customer vehicles efficiently. Additionally, technicians greatly appreciate this system, which can help retain talent within your shop, as opposed to them seeking employment at lube centers with standard-basement systems that require constant walking on catwalks with hands raised overhead.

Which system is right for you? Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the culture of your establishment. Both systems are equally effective.

PIT COMPONENTS

Flooring System

The diamond tread flooring features a classic pattern that offers both comfort and traction for your pit floor. Made from solid polyvinyl, it's highly durable and long-lasting. This flooring protects your pit floor from corrosive substances like antifreeze, oil, salt, and battery acid, maintaining its pristine appearance. Cleaning is easy, with options including sweeping or hosing down. The flooring is anchored using aluminum angle to ensure it stays in place.

Pit Floor Draining System

A below-ground concrete-formed reservoir is situated at the front of the pit and is shielded by two powder-coated metal grates. Positioned atop the larger grate is the in-pit waste-oil tank. In the event of a tank leak, any spillage would be contained within the reservoir below. The second grate is easily removable and placed in front of the in-pit waste-oil tank. Emptying the reservoir is a straightforward process: just insert a sump or shop vac hose.

The pit floor is designed with a gentle slope that directs liquids towards the below-grade reservoir, ensuring positive drainage. This configuration allows liquids to drain into the reservoir either actively or passively. Begin the cleaning process by removing any large debris from the pit, including the chair system track if you have the QuickPit™ system, and then proceed to spray down the floor with water. For grease or oil stains, you may need to use additional detergent. However, it's important to note that harsh chemicals can potentially discolor the diamond plate aluminum, so it's advisable to test them on a small piece of diamond plate aluminum before using them in the pit. Finally, be sure to wipe down the aluminum once the floor is cleaned.

Walls System

The pit walls are clad in robust diamond-plate aluminum sheeting, which is not only durable but also visually attractive, designed to reflect light. Corner pieces of diamond-plate aluminum are custom-bent to cover the pit corners. Securely installed using special concrete anchor bolts, the aluminum can be easily removed for replacement if damaged. This diamond-plate aluminum contributes to the high-tech appearance of the pit, which customers love.

Stairs System

The stairs are constructed to be solid and highly durable, custom-built using sturdy powder-coated bar aluminum for the stringers and steps. Kick plates are crafted from specialty-formed diamond plate aluminum, enhancing the reflective qualities of the pit. Step covers are made from a high-grit safety tread fiber material, providing superior traction, crucial in an oily environment. These steps are designed to be easily removed when access to the area underneath the stairs is required.

Vehicle Guide Safety Rails System

The vehicle guide safety rails are designed to extend 3 inches above the floor surface and are custom-manufactured from powder-coated bar aluminum, securely bolted to the concrete. These rails serve three main functions: 1) The 3-inch raised section helps prevent vehicle tires from entering the pit. 2) The top channel of the rail supports the aluminum pit covers. 3) The lower rail channel facilitates the smooth rolling of the oil pan. Typically, the rails are powder coated in safety yellow for visibility.

In-Wall Storage Niches

From a safety standpoint, it's crucial to eliminate all obstacles from the pit floor that could pose a tripping hazard, especially in the stand-up pit design, or hinder the chair system. Many quick lube operations need to keep essential tools and supplies on the pit floor for servicing customer vehicles. Additionally, as a safety precaution, oily rags left on the floor can potentially combust spontaneously, creating a fire hazard. To mitigate this risk, they should be stored in a special safety can that restricts airflow to the rags, preventing combustion. However, the accessible placement of the can itself can become a tripping hazard or obstacle for rolling chairs in the pit.

The pit system includes two standard niches formed out of concrete and positioned near the pit front, where the technician conducts oil changes. The left niche (viewed from back to front) serves as a rags niche, featuring a special cabinet. The top shelf is designed to hold fresh rags, while the bottom area accommodates a safety can for oily rags, keeping it nearby but off the pit floor. The second niche, located on the right (viewed from back to front), is intended to store tools and/or common sizes of oil filters. Each of these cabinets is powder coated for durability.

Chair System (For the 4'H QuickPit™ System)

The chair system consists of a durable aluminum racing-style chair, covered by an oil-resistant removable/replaceable vinyl cover. Connected to a special base via an office-chair-like piston system, the chair can be easily raised or lowered to the appropriate height for the technician to work on the vehicle overhead. The chair base is mounted to a specialty track system, offering the right balance of resistance to prevent accidental movement while allowing effortless mobility for the technician. The track is securely bolted to the floor but can be easily detached for cleaning purposes if necessary.

One of the primary advantages of the chair system is that it enables the technician to work comfortably seated, helping them conserve their energy.

Waste Oil System

The waste oil system is comprised of the following parts: In-Pit Waste-Oil Tank, Oil Pan, Diaphragm Pump

The in-pit waste oil tank holds roughly 50 gallons of fluid and has a rectangular footprint which allows it to sit strategically atop of the fluid reservoir at the pit front. The diaphragm-pump is mounted to the top of the waste-oil tank.

The waste-oil pan is designed to easily roll on the rail system. In order to empty the oil pan, the oil pan is pushed as far it can go toward the front pit wall. Once the oil pan stops in place, the technician will turn an attached ball-valve and the oil in the oil pan will drain by gravity into an opening in waste oil tank - the process takes about 15 seconds to drain for a full oil pan. A screen-tipped suction tube is inserted into the waste-oil tank and the other end is attached to the diaphragm pump.

The diaphragm pump connects the line to the suction tube to the waste oil line, which is connected to an out-of-pit bulk waste-oil tank.

Aluminum, Bi-Level Platform (for the Stand-up Model)

A lightweight aluminum platform, measuring approximately 34 inches wide by 4 feet long (adjustable to ensure sufficient clearance for maneuvering), with two steps, each measuring 2 feet long by 7 inches high. The in-pit platform caters to technicians of different heights, offering ample surface area for servicing while enabling unrestricted movement while working on the vehicle above. If the platform is not suitable for a particular task, it can be effortlessly rolled out of the way to another area of the pit.

OPTIONS

Additional Diaphragm Pump

We typically recommend acquiring an additional diaphragm pump to keep on standby in case the in-pit diaphragm pump malfunctions. This investment is worthwhile as it greatly minimizes downtime.

Low-Voltage LED Lighting

While the LED lights are optional, they offer considerable value and are highly recommended. Pit lighting serves as crucial safety illumination, especially in the stand-up pit where there's a heightened risk of tripping over items on the floor. These lights are bright enough to illuminate the undercarriage, and for more intricate tasks, inexpensive headlamps can be utilized. Furthermore, the lighting tends to serve as a bit of a showpiece for customers—the LED lights reflecting off the aluminum attract attention and give the pit a very high-tech appearance.

Wheel Service using a Pit Lift

You have the option to install a specialized pit lift that allows servicing wheels while positioned atop the pit. Tire rotations, being quick to perform and highly profitable, can significantly boost your revenue. We partner with BendPak for their P9000LT (surface mount) and P9000LTF (flush mount) models, which you can acquire directly from BendPak and have installed by one of their authorized technicians. We handle the coordination of the pit hardware installation alongside the lift installer, as the lift fluid divider is typically installed beneath the stairs.

Pit Covers

We produce a lightweight aluminum pit cover available in 3-foot sections, designed to fit seamlessly onto the rail system. Our cover is safe for walking on but not for driving. We utilize high-grip aluminum boards known as dock boards, commonly used in aquatic marinas for their non-slip properties, which are powder coated safety yellow to match the rails. It's worth noting that many insurance companies may require the covering your pit when not in use.

Diamond Plate Aluminum Pegboard Tank Cover

The diamond-plate tank cover, featuring predrilled peg-board holes, attaches to the waste oil tank located at the front of the pit. This offers two primary benefits: 1) It introduces another reflective surface, enhancing pit lighting (all pit walls are lined with diamond-plate aluminum, but the waste oil tank is flat black); 2) It offers additional storage space for items that are beneficial to have on hand but shouldn't clutter the workspace, such as our supplied battery-operated grease gun.

Pit Cameras

Some owners of quick lube shops choose to install pit cameras that transmit video to screens located in the bay or the waiting area. The aim is to reassure customers about the quality of work being carried out.

MISC

Pit Penetrations

The standard penetrations into the pit are as follows:

Low voltage line (typically run in from the pit rear and under the stairs)
Waste oil line (typically run in from the pit front)
Air line (to operate a diaphragm pump and release the lift locks)
Venting pipe - plumbed at the bottom of the pit.
Hydraulic line (if installing a pit lift) - plumbed into the pit rear and then through the pit walls to lift pads.

Venting

Venting may be required by local code. The venting will typically be run to the pit rear.

Pit Project Photos

https://sites.google.com/view/shinnprojects/vehicle-service-pits

Pit Information

https://PitSystems.com

https://sites.google.com/shinnbuildings.com/automotiveservicepits/quick-lube-pits