Two-post lifts are the workhorse of most independent shops, and a well-cared-for used unit can absolutely be worth buying. But two-posts are also where we see the most dangerous used-lift mistakes — because the whole vehicle balances on four arms and two cables. When someone calls us about a used 2 post lift for sale, this is the walkaround we do before we tell them yes or no.
Start with brand and model
Two-post lifts fall into three buckets: known name brands (Rotary, Forward, Challenger, BendPak, Mohawk), reputable imports with a real US parts channel, and no-name barn finds. If the data plate is missing or unreadable, treat it as a no-name and price accordingly. On a named brand, the model number tells us the capacity, the column style (symmetric vs asymmetric), and the arm design. All three matter. A used 2 post lift for sale with mismatched arms — two front and two back from different generations — is a common problem and a real deal-breaker unless replacement arms are still available for that model.
Cables and equalizer system
On any used 2 post lift for sale, this is the single most important system to inspect. Two-post lifts use cables or chains under the top rail (or through the floorplate on baseplate models) to keep both carriages moving together. This is the single most important thing to inspect. Look at each cable at both terminations for broken strands — even one broken strand condemns the cable. Check the sheaves for grooving; a sharp lip on a sheave will eat a new cable in months. Confirm the equalizer cable is tensioned evenly on both sides. If the carriages do not rise perfectly together at low load, the cables are stretched, out of adjustment, or a sheave has a problem.
Hydraulic cylinder and hoses
One column has the power cylinder; the other is slaved by cable. Look at the powered cylinder for rod pitting and any oil seep. A little dust on a rod is normal, active fluid on the outside is not. Then trace the hydraulic hose from the cylinder to the power unit — two-post hoses live in a rough environment (under vehicles, through the top rail on overhead-style lifts) and they crack, chafe, and get rot at the crimp. A cracked hose is not expensive to replace, but a hose that lets go under a loaded lift is a very bad day.
Arm restraints
Every used 2 post lift for sale that was built to ANSI/ALI ALCTV has arm restraints — a mechanism that locks the four arms in position once the lift picks the car off the ground. Older designs use a toothed gear and pin. Newer designs use a spring-loaded pawl. Cycle each arm through its full swing with the lift at working height and confirm the restraint engages every time. Missing arm restraints, disabled arm restraints, or worn gears with rounded teeth are all reasons to walk unless you can source replacement parts.
Column plumb and structure
Sight down each column with a good level. Columns must be plumb — if a car has been driven into a column and bent it, you will see it here. Check the base plates for cracks in the welds, especially around the anchor holes. Concrete anchors sometimes pull and take a chunk of concrete with them; look for spalled concrete around the base. On overhead-style two-posts, check the crossbar and shutoff switch. On floorplate models, check the plate itself for damage where techs have driven over it.
Locks, latches, and safety devices
Every carriage on every column must have working mechanical safety locks. Cycle the lift up through every lock position; every lock must engage with a clean click. Cycle it back down through the release. Any lock that hangs, chatters, or will not seat is a real repair. The safety on a two-post is what stands between the car and the floor if a cable or a cylinder ever failed — there is no negotiating with a bad lock.
Concrete at the destination
Your used 2 post lift for sale is moving. Your concrete has to meet the manufacturer’s spec — for most 9,000 to 12,000 lb two-posts, that is a minimum of 4.25 to 6 inches of 3,000 PSI concrete at 28-day cure, no expansion joints under the base plates, and a level floor within about 1/4 inch across the footprint. If your slab is thinner than spec, you either pour a pad or you find a different lift. Insurance carriers care about this after an incident.
Install and anchoring
Moving a two-post is a real project. Each column weighs 1,200 to 1,500 lb, the top rail or floorplate has to come out cleanly, the hydraulic power unit needs to be drained, and the concrete anchors have to be new on install — you never reuse anchor bolts. Plan for a professional install if this is going into a production shop, and plan for the correct anchor torque, which is on the data plate. We install two-posts across Iowa and can quote pickup, move, and install as a single number if that makes life easier.
Get an inspection
Before you close on any used 2 post lift for sale, get eyes on it. Our lift inspection service walks cables, cylinders, locks, arm restraints, hoses, columns, and anchoring against the manufacturer’s service manual, with a written report you can share with insurance. If you want to see how a new two-post compares on the total number after install and move, our two-post buying guide and two-post lift collection give you a real apples-to-apples.
Rule of thumb on price
A named-brand used two-post in good running order is worth roughly 40 to 55 percent of new-with-install. Below 40 percent, expect at least one repair. Above 60 percent, buy new — you get warranty, current controls, and factory-matched arms. If you found something in between and want a second opinion on whether the used 2 post lift for sale is worth it, send us the data plate and a few photos.
Call our install team at 800-674-9302. We will help you evaluate the unit you found, price out an inspection, or quote a new lift delivered and installed. You can also head back to the home page to see the rest of the shop.
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