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I know the subject of car lifts ( 2 post vs 4 post) has been reviewed on here many times but since technology is ever changing I would like to see what you guys are using and recommend for a car lift for a hobbyist. I "think" the 4 post version looks safer, but I'm open to any and all suggestions and recommendations.
I know the subject of car lifts ( 2 post vs 4 post) has been reviewed on here many times but since technology is ever changing I would like to see what you guys are using and recommend for a car lift for a hobbyist. I "think" the 4 post version looks safer, but I'm open to any and all suggestions and recommendations.
Thanks,
Rex
the 4-post may be safer (but I did personally see one break loose a sheave from the frame) and more convenient to use, but I prefer a wide asymmetrical one for access to all areas underneath.
Bill
From what I have seen, the guys who use the 4 post lifts may be less aware of the potential for issues with a 4 post, while the 2 post users understand all too well what can happen if they mess up.
I view the 4 post as a good storage solution, and not a very good "work" solution. It certainly is used for "work" all the time, but it gets in the way too often.
The 2 post is a working lift (with cautions), but leaves the majority of the vehicle free of obstructions. It also can used as a "short term" storage lift, but is not ideal and can cause issues with rubber suspension bushings.
I am also pleased with the 2 post asymetrical arm lift (for most vehicles). I just wish I had not boxed myself in with the floor plate version, but have gotten use to it (have had it for coming up on 9 years).
Plasticman is correct. I have a 4 post but it is limited in use. Remember the 2 post will require more ceiling height to clear the dropped suspension if you want to put another car under it.
I'm running neither in my shop. Using a full height Mohawk USL 6000 scissor type lift. Portable, and I can roll it outside for undercar cleaning. Unrestricted access around the car, and no posts to clutter the shop. Park over it, and it disappears. Down side: expensive, and very hard to get a trans jack under the car due to the design. Plenty of room under there, though. Overall, I'm happy with it.
I have to take exception to the comments that 4-post lifts are “limited” and “not a very good work solution.” I’ve used both types and my choice is a 4-post.
In my opinion, they are more versatile and a lot safer for the home mechanic. For example, a sliding jack tray offers an easy solution for supporting an engine when pulling a transmission. A rolling jack (or two) allows you to lift wheels when required. There’s plenty of access for transmission jacks, oil drain equipment, etc. Most 4-post lifts don’t have to be bolted down and can be easily moved with a caster lift kit. I can’t recall a situation where I couldn’t work around any interference caused by the raceways.
I have both and have to say that any work gets done on the 2 post which is a Rotary brand asymmetric which works with my low ceiling height of 10.5 feet. My 4-post is an Autolifter which I don't believe exists any more. It is free standing, but only used for storage.
I could see some limited work activities being performed on the 4 post such as oil changes. My buddy just brought his 64 GTO over and put it on the 4 post to inspect a driveshaft rub issue which needed to be done with suspension loaded.
Everybody has an opinion, if I only had one lift, it would be the two post hands down.
For me one of the important questions is what type of work will be done? I do a lot of wheel/brake work. So, I'm in the process of getting that new ranger quick jack. I'm thinking it will make that type of work easier. But, not thinking that it will allow me to do much, if any, work under the car. I do not have it yet, so no real world experience with it. But, if I can toss it under the car and change wheels and brakes for a track day, I'm thinking that may be a good thing.
But, the point is if you need a lot of access under the car to make your intended projects then maybe a 2 post, if you are doing somewhat minor and storage is a concern then 4 post. But, maybe the scissor lift is the best.
I am in a somewhat unique situation, I have a pit that I am using to do the under car things. That and my garage ceiling is low, so no 4 post or 2 post in the garage. But, a mid rise scissor lift may be an option, who knows I may decide to get one of those as well LOL.
4 Post. I use it everyday for parking and storage.
Sure, I cant get the wheels off as easy, or get to some areas, but its just waht I need.
Helped a buddy do a exhaust swap on his Z06 last week. Had to maneuver the car back and forth to get the exhaust around the lift crossbar, but other than that..drive on, drive off.
I have a 9'2" celing.
My son and I "arm-wrestled" for (seems like) years 2-post vs. 4-post. I wanted 4-post, just because I had always wanted a lift, just assumed it would be 4-post. He convinced me to go with 2-post, and I am VERY glad I did.
Then the issue of brand: I went with a Tuxedo, 11,000 lb. direct drive, asymmetric, $1950. Installed it myself, took a couple days working sporadically. I only have 4" slab, NO REBAR! -- just mesh. Had some concerns about stability so I bought a couple tripod jacks "just in case..."
I've had the '66 (still under construction) on the lift working on taillights, bumpers, grille, brakes, etc. Easy lift to operate, plenty of undercar access, no more lying on my back...
I have to take exception to the comments that 4-post lifts are “limited” and “not a very good work solution.” I’ve used both types and my choice is a 4-post.
In my opinion, they are more versatile and a lot safer for the home mechanic. For example, a sliding jack tray offers an easy solution for supporting an engine when pulling a transmission. A rolling jack (or two) allows you to lift wheels when required. There’s plenty of access for transmission jacks, oil drain equipment, etc. Most 4-post lifts don’t have to be bolted down and can be easily moved with a caster lift kit. I can’t recall a situation where I couldn’t work around any interference caused by the raceways.
I have a 4-post lift and it is what is right for me. Yes, the rolling bridge jacks make it much more versatile -- but a pair of those can approach the cost of the lift itself
I have both and have to say that any work gets done on the 2 post which is a Rotary brand asymmetric which works with my low ceiling height of 10.5 feet. My 4-post is an Autolifter which I don't believe exists any more. It is free standing, but only used for storage.
I could see some limited work activities being performed on the 4 post such as oil changes. My buddy just brought his 64 GTO over and put it on the 4 post to inspect a driveshaft rub issue which needed to be done with suspension loaded.
Everybody has an opinion, if I only had one lift, it would be the two post hands down.
Jim
I have both. My 4 post lift is great for storage, but I feel as though I have more room to work on just about everything on the Mohawk A-7.
I prefer my 4-post Backyard Buddy. I've had it for 15 years without issue. And I didn't have to secure anything to the floor as I would have had to with the 2-post versions. You learn how to work around the ramps being in the way. I have a sliding jack tray and use it quite a bit. There is ALWAYS a car on the lift - once you have one, you'll see how many friends you REALLY have. Everyone wants time on my lift, but I don't mind. I paid $2800 for it, picked it up myself, brought it home on a car trailer, and installed it with 2 other guys in 5 hours on a Saturday.
Love it. I also put it up a couple of feet, put a tablecloth over one of the ramps, and I stand inside the ramps and use it as a bar for parties and picnics. I put 4 bar stools up to it and it's great.
Thanks for everyone's input. Now...............is there one manufacturer who would get the nod for "best one for the money" ?
Thanks,
Rex
Best by far IMHO is Bendpak. Look at the local car repair shop. They likely have Bendpak. I have 3 Bendpaks. If you want to save money buy a used Bendpak. I bought a $3000 Bendpak for $2000 the same price as other very inferior lifts. Bought a $4000 Bendpak for $2500. Bought a $3000 new Bendpak as well. All 4 post. Sold my 2 post as I don't like to get down on my knees under the car to position lift points. I especially like the idea of hidden cables many others do not have.
About 2 months ago I too wrestled with 2 post vs 4 post. I decided that if I were storing cars it would be a 4 post, but because I have the room I went for a non assymetrical 10,000 Bendpak so I can lift my Chevy Duramax if I wanted to. I can also drive my trailer between the posts so the only loss to my shop space is about 2 sq ft where the posts are bolted to the floor. I set the posts at the wider distance and I can get in and out of the C1 with ease. We installed it ourselves.
I bought a 12 drawer Craftsman tool box which doubles as a portable work bench under the car along with a cordless LED flood light from NAPA. I also will be picking up a couple of adjustable tripod jack stands from Harbor Freight to use whenever I'm pulling the transmission just for piece of mind.
It's amazing how clear the access is underneath the car.
I own 2 direct lifts 4 post (pro park). I have never felt the need for a 2 post. I do quite a bit of my own work, actually most, I still am pleased with my decision. I have access to a couple of buddies 2 post lifts if so desired. It was a difficult decision, but am pleased now.
05-19-2015, 09:06 AM
OT - car lift
