If you’re considering purchasing a car lift, you’ll find two main types: symmetrical and asymmetrical. While both serve the same purpose—lifting vehicles for easier access without needing to crawl underneath—they differ in design and functionality, particularly in terms of arm configuration and column layout.
Symmetrical two-post lifts are designed to center the vehicle, ensuring equal weight distribution between the front and rear. In contrast, asymmetrical lifts allow for a slightly rearward positioning of the vehicle, making it easier to open doors and access the interior.
Each type of lift has its own pros and cons, as well as specific use cases where they perform best. Your choice between a symmetrical and asymmetrical lift will depend largely on how and where you plan to use it.
Before making a decision, it’s essential to consider the types of vehicles you’ll be servicing.
This post will explore the key differences between each lift type, along with their unique benefits and features.
car lift for sale Des Moines Symmetrical Two-Post Car Lift
Symmetrical car lifts represent the traditional two-post design. They feature columns directly across from one another, using fixed arms of equal length to lift vehicles at their center. This configuration makes symmetrical lifts suitable for overhead or floorplate setups.
These car lift for sale Des Moines lifts are ideal for shops working on a variety of vehicles, as their design ensures even weight distribution, making them well-suited for smaller cars, sedans, and SUVs. The symmetrical configuration also allows for a wider drive-through area, enhancing accessibility.
With a car lift for sale Des Moines symmetrical two-post lift, users can adjust the arms to the same length, accommodating taller vehicles effectively. This versatility makes it a preferred option for those frequently working on multiple cars without needing extensive adjustments.
Advantages of car lift for sale Des Moines Symmetrical Lifts
1. Even Weight Distribution: Symmetrical lifts provide balanced support, reducing the risk of vehicle damage and enhancing lift stability, making them a safer choice.
2. Ease of Use: The straightforward design ensures even lifting, minimizing alignment issues and potential damage.
Asymmetrical Two-Post Car Lifts
car lift for sale Des Moines Asymmetrical lifts were developed to enhance the features of symmetrical lifts, particularly for larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs with long wheelbases. In an asymmetrical setup, the vehicle is positioned further back on the lift. This design recognizes that most vehicles are front-heavy, allowing approximately one-third of the vehicle to sit at the front while two-thirds rest at the rear, facilitating easier access to the doors.
Lift Arms Configuration:
The configuration features shorter arms at the front, where most of the weight is concentrated, and longer arms at the back, creating a well-balanced lifting experience. This arrangement allows for easy access to the vehicle’s interior without interference from the lift columns, which is particularly beneficial for shops that handle a high volume of vehicles.
However, balancing issues may arise with certain vehicles, especially older models of asymmetrical lifts. For instance, rear-engine vehicles or heavily loaded vans may tilt backward due to the weight distribution.
Benefits, Features & Characteristics:
– car lift for sale Des Moines Angled lift columns direct more towards the vehicle’s rear.
– Unequal arm lengths: shorter front arms and longer rear arms enhance balance.
– Allows easy entry to the vehicle interior, minimizing door obstruction.
– Best for vehicles with substantial wheelbases and rear weight.
Super Symmetrical Car Hoists
car lift for sale Des Moines Super symmetrical lifts represent an innovative blend of the strengths of both symmetrical and asymmetrical designs. They feature a three-stage front arm setup and a two-stage rear arm setup, allowing for parallel configuration. Although the front arms cannot be entirely turned towards the vehicle’s rear, their collapsible design accommodates both small cars and longer wheelbase vehicles.
An asymmetrical lift typically features a 30/70 weight distribution, with more weight supported by the front two arms, making it ideal for front-heavy vehicles.
Is an asymmetrical car lift better than a symmetrical hoist?
An asymmetrical lift is preferable for vehicles with longer wheelbases and rear-heavy designs. For other types, a symmetrical lift is often more suitable.
Where should I place my car on an asymmetrical lift?
Position your vehicle so that 30% of it is in front of the columns. Ensure the lift pads face towards the rear before adjusting the arms to the appropriate lifting points.
When you’re in the market for a two-post car lift, you’ll come across two main types: symmetric and asymmetric. Each lift offers unique advantages and is suited to different garage services and vehicle types.
At JMC Automotive Equipment, we provide a variety of two-post car lifts tailored to meet diverse garage needs. We’re here to assist you in choosing between a symmetric or asymmetric lift based on your specific requirements. Read on to explore the differences and ideal applications for each type of lift.
Symmetric Two-Post Car Lift
What is a symmetric two-post car lift?
A symmetric two-post car lift is commonly used in garages, auto repair shops, and by car enthusiasts. It features two vertical posts or columns that are securely anchored to the ground or concrete floor. This lift design includes front and rear arms that are equal in length, position, and angle, creating a symmetric setup. These arms are responsible for lifting and supporting vehicles by their chassis.
The lift also includes a top cross-bar that connects the tops of the two columns. This cross-bar supports the weight and enhances the structural integrity of the lift by relieving stress on the bolts at the top of the columns. Most symmetric lifts utilize this top cross-bar design, which sets them apart from floor plate configurations.
Advantages of a symmetric two-post car lift
Here are three key benefits of using symmetric lifts:
1. Flexibility: The uniform length, position, and angle of the front and rear arms allow for easy accommodation of various vehicle sizes and weights.
2. Door Accessibility: By positioning the arms approximately in the middle, the lift enables easy access to open and close vehicle doors during maintenance or repairs.
3. Structural Integrity: The top cross-bar design helps evenly distribute weight between the two columns, preventing excessive stress on the lift’s bolts.
Disadvantages of a symmetric two-post car lift
Here are some drawbacks of symmetric lifts: