Looking for a lift!!!

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Madcoy440

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What is the consensus on lifts? Two Post, 4 Post?? What do you guys have and what do you like???
 
I have a four-post in my shop, but I'd like a two-post. I'm sure if I had a two-post I'd be hankering for a four-post. It depends what you're going to use it for. Two-posts are much better for tire/wheel/brake/suspension work. Four posts are better for chassis work (i.e. subframe connectors) and the like.

Honestly, I think a two-post is only limited in that you shouldn't install subframe connectors on a car with a two-post lift. The two-post models are also easier to use when you're alone (I've never done it, but I know it wouldn't be fun to drive off the side of a four-post lift ramp).
Just my $0.02.

-Mike
 
I have had a four post " Direct lift" for 10 years now and never had a problem with it. I mainly bought it for storing two of my classic cars, but it is super handy for preforming work on the vehicles too. I use it all the time.
 
I have a 2 post Forward 10,000lb lift that I am happy with.
 
For most work under a car, for me a 2 post makes much more sense.
 
I got 2 Rotary 10,000 lb two post lifts that get used every day,Rarely miss four post lift except air suspension vehicles.(Land Rover,Lincolns..)
 

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I've had all types,, for convenience a two post is great..

If you never work on tall vehicles, (vans, 4x4's).. I found the two post with over-head cables, allowed the use of a trans jack, etc,, without fighting with an above floor tunnel, where cables go UNDER the vehicle, to the other side..

I had both kinds, side by side..

I now have, and prefer, a 2 post, cables under, and I put taller casters on my trans-jack , to clear the tunnel...

my .02
 
I thought about it a long time and bought a Bend pak two post lift. I bought the Bend pak because it's my car up there and my life under it. Not going to risk it with a cheap china junk. I went with a two post because it takes up less floor space,easy to work on suspensions,nothing in the way when pulling an engine, and I got the clear floor so it's easy to move things around under the car and asymetrical so I can open the doors.
 
My rationale is that a 4 post isn't lagged to the floor and most come with castors. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atlas-Garag...1147803310&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr


My 2 post isn't lagged to the floor, LOL

2lmrmkx.jpg
 
I have 4, 2 post in my shop plus 1 ,4 post. the 4 post is manly for car storage and my 2 post are for working because i can change tires and it just makes it much easier for me.
 
I am looking for a lift as well. (Nice Used Unit Would Be Nice)

This is want I have came up with.

2 Post:
* Are more open and cost less
* Not as safe because vehicle and be pulled off contact points (many photos on line showing so)
* Requires a thicker floor base.
* Need to get down on hand and knees to position lifting arms (Something I do not really want to do as I get older...)
* Not good for storing anothe vehicle on or under

4 Post:
* Cost more then a 2 post
* Are more safe them a 2 post and can drive on not having (No need to get down on hand and knees to position lifting arms (Something I do not really want to do as I get older...)
* In most cases floor thickness is not an issue
* Can store vehicles on and under
* With jack trays can do mostly everything a 2 post can
 
I am looking for a lift as well. (Nice Used Unit Would Be Nice)

This is want I have came up with.

2 Post:
* Are more open and cost less
* Not as safe because vehicle and be pulled off contact points (many photos on line showing so)
* Requires a thicker floor base.
* Need to get down on hand and knees to position lifting arms (Something I do not really want to do as I get older...)
* Not good for storing anothe vehicle on or under

4 Post:
* Cost more then a 2 post
* Are more safe them a 2 post and can drive on not having (No need to get down on hand and knees to position lifting arms (Something I do not really want to do as I get older...)
* In most cases floor thickness is not an issue
* Can store vehicles on and under
* With jack trays can do mostly everything a 2 post can
I agree with KP but the cost of good american made 4 post with decent pair of roller jacks is more than double the cost of 2 post.
 
I like 4 post, with movable jack bridge. It is good for suspension work. I can jack from ramps, replace parts, then remove jacks and tighten bushings. The bridge is very handy for support and jacking where needed.
The open area between the ramps is good for doing exhaust and drive shaft work.

I was fortunate to buy a US Autolifters, before they fell to Chinese units. It is 22 years old and still works like new.
 
I have a 4 post and lagged it to the floor. The concrete PSI requirement for the 2 post that I looked at scared me off. My car is pretty complete, so I only use it for brakes, oil changes, storage etc. If was going to be pulling motors all the time, then the 2 post offers more flexibilty. PS, I bought my lift from the Lift Superstore and the product is good, the customer service sucks. I ended up taking them to the BBB to get the rest of what was promised to me.
 
I have a couple of Direct Lift 4 post units. They work very well for me.
I would be afraid of smashing the top in on a two post lift.

With the jack trays it's no problem to remove the wheels and tires.

Got them from Greg Smith Equiptment
 

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two post lifts have a bar on top of it that shuts the lift off when it reaches it.there shoudn't be any chance of hitting the roof of one unless you miss to bar on top.
 
two post lifts have a bar on top of it that shuts the lift off when it reaches it.there shoudn't be any chance of hitting the roof of one unless you miss to bar on top.

Some do, some do not. Look at the photo of my outdoor lift above. But you certainly could install limit switches to protect.

id9n5w.jpg
 
A lot of the new 2 post lifts have that over height shut off bar. Your garage must have 6 inch concrete minimum. (Well the 2 I looked at these were the specs). So for me I went with the 4 post lift. It's not a covenant as a 2 post, but the 4 post needed a garage inside minimum height of 10 feet, and the shorter 2 post I looked at was 11' 4" min height. Another thing to consider is how high your garage doors are as it will have to clear the car on the hoist.
So you'll have to pick whatever meets your needs and garage space. (I went with a 4 post, my garage is 10' 6" heigh, and 24 X 34.
 

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i've been looking at getting a lift also. how much cieling to floor room do you need for a 4 post or a 2 post? my garage has a 9ft ceiling.
 
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