VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions Buying a Lift for the Shop

OK, I'm getting close to decision time. I would like to ask those of you who actually HAVE a lift (and therefore some experience with them) -

It seems like all the so-called "Hobbyist Lifts" or "Home Shop Lifts" tend to be 4 post models. Most guys I know that buy one get a 4 post model.

Why? What is wrong with a 2 post lift? Seems like it gives better access to the bottom of the vehicle, and takes up less floor space for other things in the shop. Most commercial shops seem to favor 2 post lifts.

What do you think?

That would depend on whether you want to lift from the frame or the wheels.

And... with a four post lift, you don't have to mount it to the floor. And... you can move it any time that you want.

Two post lifts need to be anchored, and it's forever. :-)

I thought about this a while before I decided to get the 4 post model. It gives me more options like I have a couple of 2x8 planks and a jack stand cut to fit in the recess in the inside areas of the ramps, this lets me raise a wheel or jack up the engine to change mounts. There is complete access to the under carriage of all three cars, 28 sedan, 53 2 door and the 4 door 68 Impala Sport Sedan. I raise it up to a convienient height to use my office chair on casters, a service cart on casters with the transmission jack for transmission ,driveline and clutch work. AND I can store a full sized car under one that is on the lift without having to worry about balance and the suspension hanging down loose. I have the casters that are designed to allow you to move the lift with a car loaded on the lowered lift, that feature is one I don't use anymore, it is a BIG job moving the steel wheeled castors on my concrete floor. Bolt the four post down solidly on the floor for stability.

Don, I have a two-post lift and have been super happy with it. I work on my '29-'32 cars and modern cars on this lift without a problem. I can access the entire underside of the cars easily, it's very stable, and I can drive another car under one that's on the lift when I need the space. Another advantage: When doing a brake job, tire rotation, or wheel work -- all four wheels are off the ground at once with no need for a bridge, lifts, etc.

I like my two-poster, but in the end I think it's really a matter of preference. Either type will work.

All the Best, Chip

Let me preface by saying I don't own a lift but I've used both types extensively over the years. A two post lift requires a strong anchor point meaning a strong floor. 4" thick concrete is usually not strong enough. My preference is a four post with a jack bridge. The only advantage with a two post is you don't need a jack bridge to get the sprung weight off of the wheels. Sometimes you want the weight on the wheels and you can't do that with a two post. My 2 cents.

I have researched this topic myself 5 years ago. For best all around work on the car the 2 post lift is the easiest to use.
I have used both 4 and 2 post lifts for 10 years now at my Antique Car Class at our local Tech College.
Chances are that once you purchace a 4 poster you probably won't be moving it anyway. Pick a good spot in your garage and leave it there. Then there is no reason to move it, 2 poster or 4 poster.

If you are going to store a car, go with the 4 poster. In my opinion, the 2 poster takes up less room and is more versitile. You don't have to purchace the expensive cradel and lift system for the 4 poster and you have to move that thing up and down the track everytime you want to work on the front or rear of the underside. It in nothing but a head banger.
Inexpensive Tall jack stands work if you need to hold axels and engines while the car is up in the air.
2 posters are easier to work under because you don't have all that iron along sided of the car to maneuver around.
My new garage was built with the lift in mind and the floor has 2 footings 30" dia. by 3 ft thick under the standard 4" concrete floor. So I don't think that it will be moving anytime soon.

I have a four post.
As stated above the biggest advantage is to store two cars in one spot when not in use.
I have not banged my head when working on a car, however, I do seem to bang it a lot when I'm accessing the car stored below.
I find the ramps handy to lie tools on while working on the car.

I have a 4 post drive on because I can use it for my 51 Ford Tractor, my 4 wheeler and my Dixie Chopper Mower for blade sharpening, grease job, etc. My Dad ran service stations for 40 + years and we had both types of lifts. Strictly for car work the two post frame contact is very handy, but not good for storage or other equipment. Dale

I also have a four post lift. It is not too difficult to work around the limitations. Also don't have to worry about putting pads or blocks on the ends of the arms to keep from crushing rocker panels or exhaust systems. No need to worry about getting the vehicle properly centered so it lifts straight and does not slip off the arms. I have never bolted my lift down. In fact have moved the lift outside the shop when the vehicle tops are likely to get too close to the ceiling. I have a '28 that is 7 feet tall!

Having used lifts as part of my employment both types have limitations but the stability of the 4 post tends to get my preference.
Tony

Hi again, I would spend enough to get a USA made lift. The price of the bargain basement ones is attractive but the quality is not there.

Mine was made in Cleburne, Texas. I picked it up at the fab shop where it was built. Unfortunately the Economic downturn of 2009 killed the business.