TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to lifting apparatuses and associated methods, and more specifically, lifting apparatuses used in lifting fuel tanks for assembly onto vehicles.

BACKGROUND

In order to install fuel tanks on vehicles during assembly, the vehicles are typically lifted to an elevated position to provide greater access to underneath the vehicle. Lifting the vehicle to the elevated position also provides greater space for locating a fuel tank under the vehicles. The fuel tanks must then be lifted and held in place for installation. However, the fuel tanks are heavy and difficult to lift and install manually. To this end, a lifting apparatus may be used to lift the fuel tank for an installation operation. What is needed are other fuel tank lifting apparatuses that are useful in lifting and installing fuel tanks on vehicles.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a fuel tank lifting apparatus includes a first lifting apparatus including a first lifting base and a second lifting base that is connected to the first lifting base by a first actuator. A positioning mount is fixedly mounted to the second lifting base. The positioning mount is configured to support a fuel tank thereon. A powered fastening gun is fixedly mounted to the first lifting base. The first actuator raises and lowers the second lifting base relative to the first lifting base. A second lifting apparatus comprising a second actuator that raises and lowers the first lifting assembly.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a fuel tank using a fuel tank lifting apparatus is provided. The method includes moving the fuel tank lifting apparatus toward a vehicle. The fuel tank lifting device includes a first lifting apparatus including a first lifting base and a second lifting base that is connected to the first lifting base by a first actuator. A positioning mount is fixedly mounted to the second lifting base. The positioning mount is configured to support a fuel tank thereon. A powered fastening gun is fixedly mounted to the first lifting base. The first actuator raises and lowers the second lifting base relative to the first lifting base. A second lifting apparatus includes a second actuator that raises and lowers the first lifting assembly. The first lifting apparatus is lifted using the second lifting apparatus with the fuel tank carried by the first lifting apparatus.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

