Considering adding a lift - thoughts on 2-post vs. 4-post?

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halfafish

halfafish

Damn those rabbits, and their holes!
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I am considering adding a lift to my shop. My work area is 20x40 with about 10' at the far end being taken up with workbenches and storage. So that leaves 20x30 as the workable area for a lift. I would welcome any thoughts on the pros and cons to both lift styles, and why you like it or don't like it.

My thoughts on a 4-post lift...
PRO:
I can store one car up while working on another car underneath it.
It should be super stable.

CON:
It takes a lot more floor space.
It will severely restrict access from the shop door, which means I may struggle getting the table saw out and other large items in.
You can't work on wheels/tires/brakes etc in the raised position.

Thoughts on the 2-post lift...
PRO:
It is relatively compact.
It doesn't take a ton of space.
I would have a lot of flexibility in placement and can get other vehicles in the shop.

CON:
Is it dangerous if the vehicle is not at the perfect balance point?
Not as simple for long term storage of another car up.

Your input is appreciated,
Zach
 
I'm contemplating a lift too and leaning toward a four post. Mainly for the reason of safety as my sons will be there unsupervised. It is without a doubt better for storage, and the weight will be distributed over four pads as opposed to two. You also don't have to anchor a four post in case you need to move it for any reason.
 
I've had a 11,000 lb rated Challenger 2 post lift for 2 years. The lightest car I lifted was a stripped out 65 Valiant convertible. The heaviest was a tie between my 2007 Ram 1500 (4940) and my 75 Power Wagon (4890) The Power Wagon was longer and taller. The lumber rack prevented me from lifting it as high as I wanted but the truck was stable.
The choice really comes down to what tasks you expect to perform. The 4 post is great for oil pan work, exhaust work, transmission, 3rd member, gas tank, etc. Any time you deal with anything where the tires come off, it is LESS convenient than a 2 post by a long shot. EVERY time you walk under the car, you'll have to duck under the 4 post deck. About the only thing I see as an advantage with the 4 post is that the deck serves as a nice place to set tools and parts. With a 2 post, you'd need a wheeled cart or something.
I do not question the stability of the lift. Mine seems great. In the instances where a 2 post lift arm is in the way, I have tall jackstands to use where I can actually hold the car up to 6 feet offof the ground and lower the lift to the ground.
 
I have a 2 post and for some projects it gets in the way. I can only imagine working around a 4 post....... As for safety, get a couple of screw stands to stabilize your projects.

2 post all day long.......

JW
 
I have a 4 post and it's great. I use it for working on suspension all the time as it has a sliding jack under it. Also leave a car on it with another one under it. In my opinion it's a much better choice than a 2 post.

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Leadfoot said:
I'm contemplating a lift too and leaning toward a four post. Mainly for the reason of safety as my sons will be there unsupervised. It is without a doubt better for storage, and the weight will be distributed over four pads as opposed to two. You also don't have to anchor a four post in case you need to move it for any reason.
Click to expand...
Agreement,with Leadfoot,here....
Four post,would be my choice....I have sold lifts,and quite frankly...those two posts scare the baracus out of me...Four post takes up room,but safety calls"" old school ''....out of me ,here... I have wrenched on both,seeing a 5500-6000 pound late model pickup flex(on two) steel arms ,scares me to death.
 
I have a 2 post Atlas lift I bought from Greg Smith Equipment. I haven't had any problems with it and as long as you have at least 3000 PSI 6" thick cement and you are careful with the installation (make sure all of the cement dust is vacuumed out of the holes and I added epoxy as well) you shouldn't have a problem. Good Luck
 
I've worked with both and prefer the two post lift. EVERY dealership in the city uses two post lifts, that says a lot. Safety is dependent on the operator. Some people can't be trusted with a sharp pencil.
 
I have a 9000lb Challenger 2 post lift, in service now at my home shop for 16 years. I have had 10,000lb dually trucks on it. They ALWAYS underrate the lifts, because they know people will test their limits. Mine gets used a lot, with never a problem. I have 14'2" ceiling in the lift bay, So I used a 2ft extension on top, in case i wanted to get a Conversion van or something, all the way up to wallk under...
 
Looked at lifts 2/4 post..... my pole barn 40x30 is multi use/storage//marginal ceiling height //really didn't want to commit to a perm fixture/ I have trans jack/engine lifts ect///went with the 7000lb quick jack by bend pack/does everything I needed to do including// lifting my 6500lb empty f350///5700lb dodge 1500 van and NOT hitting doors like a 2 post lifts!!! plus my version is the 110 volt Portable with a generator!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
4 post with a hydraulic jack on each end.Drive right up on it .Do not have to crawl around placing the arms in the correct position to balance the car.Bought one from greg smith equipment with 2 jacks best thing i ever bought no problems in 6 years it is a atlas brand
 
4 post great for storage.Kinda tough to work around.All in what you are used to.Had them both,sold the 4 post, use the 2 post daily.
 
2 post. You can pick up a body or pick-up box off a frame. But everybody gets into different stuff. A couple pole jacks eliminates some of the worries on a 2 post.
 
I have a Bendpak 10,000 lb 2 post lift with a clear floor, and asymmetrical arms to open the doors. While you do have to set the arms on a 2 post, I like it better in every respect. A 4 post is always there, taking up that bay. A 2 post can move the unused arms out of the way. 4 post has the ramps the car has to get up, even when the car is disabled. The 4 post has the beam across the front, making it difficult to use an engine lift. 4 post you have to buy the jacking table to get the wheels off. 4 post are more expensive. Good luck working on a 4 post under the car with all that lift in the way. If you want to work on the car that's under the 4 post, better hope the lift goes high enough to clear the bottom car's hood being opened, and your head. When using a 2 post, it's recommended to check the balance before lifting the car very high. A small shake will tell you if the car is stable. And last, if someone's going to use the lift who is not capable, they shouldn't be allowed to use it. These are my reasons for buying a 2 post. And never buy cheap!
 
Whether you decide on a 2 or 4 post.....you'll NEVER regret your decision to buy a lift!!!!!
 
I've had a 2 post 10K certified Eagle lift for almost 4 years. And I love it. One thing to consider is how high your ceilings are? Mine used up every bit of 13'6" on the side wall.
 
I'm still undecided, and you guys aren't helping much. I might have to get one of each. Anyone have concerns about letting your suspension dangle for winter storage?
 
2 post all the way.
4 post always seems to be in the way either when working on the car(exhaust) or just empty

You just need a 4" thick 3000psi pad for any 9000lb lifts.
Lift Duster.jpg
 
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