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Having the right tools is crucial for completing any job efficiently, and an auto lift is an essential piece of equipment for your home or garage. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a car enthusiast, you likely recognize the significant benefits that a vehicle lift can bring to your workflow.

From the old air-driven lifts to modern and safety-focused designs, car lifts have evolved to ease the laborious task of working underneath vehicles. These devices save space in garages and provide a clearer work area for quicker turnarounds without sacrificing quality.

In this article, we’ll explore the various types of auto lifts, their pros and cons, and why you should consider adding one to your garage or workshop. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Basic Car Lift Styles

Car Lift For Sale Car lifts come in various styles, but most fall into two main categories based on how they lift the vehicle: by the frame or by the wheels. The most common frame-engaging lifts are two-post hoists, while wheel-engaging lifts are typically four-post hoists. Additionally, consider factors like lift height, load capacity, and speed, along with the height of your garage.

This refers to how quickly a lift can raise or lower a vehicle. Home use generally allows for slower speeds, but workshops often require faster lifts due to the high volume of vehicles.

This is the maximum weight a lift can handle, determined by the lift’s strength and the number of supporting columns.

This is the maximum height a lift can raise a vehicle. It’s crucial if you need to work on the vehicle’s underbody. For instance, a lift with a maximum height of four feet is suitable for wheel work but not for underbody repairs.

Other lift styles, such as portable and scissor lifts, will be discussed later.

Before delving into these options, consider the following questions to find the best lift for your needs:

– What types of vehicles will you work on? SUVs, trucks, cars, or motorcycles?

– What is the weight of your vehicle?

– What are the dimensions of your garage or workshop?

– How stable is the concrete slab where the lift will be placed?

– What repairs will you perform? Do you need access to the vehicle’s hood?

– Do you need to clean the floor underneath the lift?

Consider the Lifespan

Car Lift For Sale Vehicle lifts in high-use environments like dealerships or workshops experience more wear and tear compared to those in home garages. If you’re purchasing a lift for professional use, plan for eventual replacement, typically every decade, to keep up with modern standards. Older models often incur higher maintenance costs, and newer versions usually offer better efficiency and lower running costs.

For home use, a second-hand model can be a good option, as there’s less strain on the lift and parts are easier to maintain.

Quality Over Price

Quality should always take precedence over price. While mass production has made some options more affordable, a vehicle lift is a significant investment, and it’s crucial to choose high-quality models. Though they may seem more expensive, quality lifts reduce the need for repairs and replacements.

A high-quality lift also ensures greater safety compared to cheaper, less reliable options. Let your decision be guided by quality and safety rather than just the lowest price.

Car Lift For Sale  Review Your Lift’s Specifications

Remember the questions you considered earlier? Now is the time to apply those answers. Not all lifts are created equal, and some may not be suitable for your vehicle. Check the lift’s specifications to ensure it can accommodate your car, including its maximum weight capacity. This information is typically listed on the nameplate attached to the lift.

Also, verify that the lift’s dimensions provide enough headroom for your vehicle when it’s raised. Ensure there’s sufficient space to maneuver and work around the vehicle while it’s suspended. Follow the OEM’s guidelines for lifting points, as these are the recommended areas to contact when lifting your vehicle.

Don’t Overlook Accessories

Consider adding accessories such as attachments and adapters to enhance your lift’s functionality. Ensure that all accessories are ALI Certified and meet AUS certification standards. Each accessory should be specifically designed for the model of lift you plan to upgrade.

Why is certification important?

Certified accessories ensure compliance with high standards and are crucial for maintaining your lift’s warranty. Using non-certified accessories can void your warranty if the original configuration is altered. Therefore, always choose certified accessories for your lift.

Main Types of Car Lifts

Selecting the right car lift for your garage or workshop can be challenging. With the above considerations in mind, you’re ready to explore the main types of car lifts. Although lift styles vary by country, we’ll focus on the common types used by car enthusiasts and garages.

Car Lift For Sale Two-Post Car Lift

The two-post car lift is the most popular and is widely used in garages and maintenance shops. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t occupy much garage space. The two-post lift comes in several variants:

Car Lift For Sale Symmetrical lift: This lift holds the vehicle evenly with equal sections at the front and rear. However, the narrow space between the car and the posts can make it difficult to open the doors when lifted.

Car Lift For Sale Asymmetrical lift: Designed to solve the door-opening issue of symmetrical lifts, the asymmetrical lift allows for a 30-degree rotation, providing easier access to the vehicle’s interior.

Car Lift For Sale  lift Advantages of Using a 2-Post Lift

A high-quality 2-post lift can raise nearly any vehicle, providing excellent access to the underbody. It is suitable for both modern and older cars. 

Investing in a commercial-grade two-post lift for home use ensures durability and longevity. Even in commercial environments, these lifts are built to last. 

One of the main attractions of two-post lifts is their affordability, typically ranging from $2,000 to $2,500.

Disadvantages of Using a 2-Post Lift

While commercial users generally find two-post lifts reliable, there are some drawbacks for home users:

A two-post lift requires a ceiling height and space of approximately 12 feet. Even though some models are slightly over 10 feet wide, they may still be too large for a typical home garage.

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