Every type of automotive lift offers various configurations and features, and these distinctions set car lift for sale Des Moines Car Lifts apart from competitors. By aligning the features of these lifts with your specific requirements, you’ll find that repairs and maintenance can be remarkably straightforward.

Two Post Lifts  

The most popular choice for busy auto shops, two post lifts provide optimal access to all parts of a vehicle for servicing.

When selecting a car lift for sale Des Moines two post lift, consider whether you prefer a clear floor model or a floor plate model. All two post lifts have equalizer cables and hydraulic lines that connect the two columns, and these must be positioned either at the top of the columns (clear floor) or on the floor beneath a plate (floor plate).

Clear floor models are taller than their floor plate counterparts, so ensure you have sufficient ceiling height for installation. If your ceiling is low, you’ll likely need a floor plate model, which exists primarily for such scenarios. Generally, users favor clear floor models since they allow for easier movement of equipment like transmission jacks and oil drains, without having to navigate around the floor plate that typically sits about 1.5 inches above the ground.

Many high-quality clear car lift for sale Des Moines floor models feature a direct-drive design, utilizing hydraulic cylinders for lifting instead of chains and cables that can wear out. This not only reduces repair costs but also enhances safety. 

Chain drive models use a large chain alongside a hydraulic cylinder for lifting. Most floor plate models opt for a chain drive system, as their shorter columns don’t accommodate the full 12-foot stroke needed for a direct drive.

Symmetric vs. Asymmetric  

Symmetric lifts center the vehicle’s weight between the posts, making them suitable for rear-heavy vehicles. Asymmetric models position the vehicle further back, allowing for easier door access. Garage owners often prefer asymmetrical lifts for standard passenger cars, while symmetric lifts are better for larger trucks and vans.

As most typical passenger cars balance better on asymmetrical lifts and longer trucks and vans on symmetric ones, many manufacturers now produce models that offer both configurations, providing flexibility without needing multiple lifts. Terms like “versymmetric,” “bisymmetric,” and “true-metric” may be used by different manufacturers to indicate this capability, all aiming to keep the vehicle’s center of gravity close to the columns.

car lift for sale Des Moines has several factors that can distinguish a high-quality two post lift from a standard one. Premium models often include triple telescoping front arms for working on wider vehicles and three-stage arms for extended reach. Features like adjustable screw pads allow for height adjustments, while superior models offer a single-point safety release for added convenience.

Accessories  

Various accessories are available for two post lifts, with some manufacturers including certain items and others selling them separately. Common accessories include frame cradle pads, truck adapters, column extensions, turf adapter equipment kits, and more.

Four Post Lifts  

These car lift for sale Des Moines commercial-grade lifts are ideal for both auto shop servicing and home garage storage. They allow for easier drive-on and drive-off access and offer enhanced safety compared to two post lifts.

When choosing a four post lift, consider whether you need it for storage or servicing. The most common capacity for service in busy shops is 14,000 lbs., accommodating various vehicles, including light trucks and vans. For sports car enthusiasts, lighter-duty options like a 9,000 lb. model may be more suitable due to their lower profiles.

Four post lifts are particularly popular among home hobbyists and car collectors, often serving both as service tools and storage solutions for classic or sports cars. If space is limited in your garage, purchasing a four post lift can be a cost-effective solution compared to renting storage or expanding your garage.

How to Perform Brake and Wheel Work  

A common question regarding four post lifts is how to perform wheel work since the wheels rest on the runways. To access the wheels, you can use an accessory known as a rolling bridge jack, which travels along a channel on the runways and utilizes air from your compressor to lift the vehicle one axle at a time. While home hobby lifts offer more affordable options for accessing the wheels, commercial-grade lifts provide a more robust rolling jack.

Cable Drive vs. Chain Drive  

Previously, most four post lifts utilized chain drive systems, but there has been a significant shift towards cable drive systems due to their safety advantages. Cable drive lifts have the hydraulic cylinder positioned beneath the runway, reducing risks associated with door clearance during operation. Though cables wear out faster, premium manufacturers now use larger diameter pulleys to extend cable life, making chain drive models increasingly rare.

Features to Look For  

Commercial car lift for sale Des Moines four post lifts typically allow for adjustable runway widths to accommodate different vehicle sizes. Many premium models feature a laddered safety system that engages automatically at intervals, ensuring safety even on uneven floors. Home models may not require bolting to the concrete, adding to their convenience.

Accessories  

Popular accessories for four post lifts include rolling jacks, sliding jacks, jack plates, and extra-long ramps for low-profile vehicles. Drip trays and caster kits are also available for home models, allowing for easy movement around the garage.

• Scissor Lifts  

car lift for sale Des Moines Scissor lifts are space-efficient alternatives to two post or four post lifts. While not meant for long-term storage, they provide ample working space beneath the vehicle. Some models can lift over 69 inches, accommodating most low-profile vehicles, with options ranging from low rise to full rise, and even portable varieties.

When choosing a scissor lift, consider the desired lifting height. Full rise models typically reach about 70 inches, allowing complete access to the vehicle’s underside, similar to a two post lift, while conserving floor space. Mid rise lifts, popular for their portability, generally reach around 48 inches, making them ideal for shops and home use alike. Low rise models lift about 28 inches and can also be portable.

In addition to height, determine whether portability or fixed installation is more important for your needs. Portable lifts can restrict access to the vehicle’s underside, so consider the trade-offs when making your decision.