What is a Vehicle Lift?

This part is mainly for those who might not be familiar.

A vehicle lift is an essential piece of equipment found in most service and repair shops. It’s used frequently for vehicle maintenance and repair tasks, making it a must-have for any workshop.

The demand for vehicle lifts has led to the development of various types, each designed for different shops and clientele. While the brand you choose is important, let’s first explore the different types of lifts and their specific uses.

Car Lift For Sale Two-Post Lifts
Two-post lifts are among the most common types of auto lifts. They are recognized by their two strong posts and supportive stabilization arms. These lifts are a cost-effective solution, especially for small shops or newcomers to the repair industry. Their compact design also makes them a space-saving option.

Car Lift For Sale Two-post lifts come in several varieties, including symmetrical, asymmetrical, and versymmetrical. Symmetrical lifts have posts that face each other, distributing the load evenly. Asymmetrical lifts have arms of different lengths and rotated posts, while versymmetrical lifts offer the benefits of both types. Versymmetrical lifts can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from cars to trucks and vans.

Other types of two-post lifts include overhead lifts, which have cables running through the top, and floorplate lifts, where the cables run along the bottom. While two-post lifts are ideal for lighter vehicles and smaller spaces, they may not be suitable for larger vehicles or require precise placement to lift vehicles correctly.

Advantages:
– Cost-effective for beginners
– Space-saving design

Disadvantages:
– Time-consuming to position the lift points for some vehicles

Car Lift For Sale Four-Post Lifts
Four-post lifts are typically used for lifting heavier vehicles. They offer more stability and higher lifting capacities than two-post lifts. These lifts are popular among hobbyists, home garages, and shops of all sizes. Unlike two-post lifts, four-post lifts don’t require floor anchors.

There are two types of Car Lift For Sale four-post lifts: open front, which allows easy access to the vehicle, and closed front, which has a crossbar at the front. The lifting capacity of four-post lifts can range from 6,000 lbs. to 40,000 lbs., depending on the model.

Advantages:
– Requires only a 115-volt power supply
– More variety in lifting capacities

Disadvantages:
– Slightly more expensive
– May take up more space

Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts use accordion-like mechanisms to raise vehicles. They can be either drive-on or four-arm style, and are commonly used for mid-height lifting or wheel service. Scissor lifts come in three types: X type, parallelogram type, and pantograph lifts. Their lifting capacities vary, with low-rise lifts raising up to 36 inches and full-rise lifts going much higher.

Advantages:
– Low profile, easy to position

Disadvantages:
– Requires adjustments for some frame-engaging models

Car Lift For Sale Portable Car Lifts
Portable lifts are ideal for those with limited space in their garage or shop. While portable lifts save space, they may not offer the same features and capabilities as non-portable versions. Be mindful of the weight capacity when choosing a portable lift.

Advantages:
– Space-saving design

Disadvantages:
– Fewer features compared to standard lifts

In-Ground Lifts
In-ground lifts were once standard in large shops and rental businesses. They can be either elevator or scissor-style and are designed to keep the shop floor clear of clutter. However, in-ground lifts are more expensive due to the need for additional installation work, such as cutting the concrete floor. They are also known for being environmentally hazardous due to potential oil leaks.

Advantages:
– Keeps the shop floor clear when not in use

Disadvantages:
– High cost and potential environmental risks

Car Lift For Sale Mobile Column Lifts
Mobile column lifts are designed for lifting large vehicles like buses. They allow you to add or remove posts for additional support and can be controlled by a single operator. These lifts are mostly used in large shops due to their size and cost.

Parking Lifts
Parking lifts are designed for parking, not for vehicle service or repair. They feature a full drive-on deck supported by one or two posts and are used to stack vehicles, effectively doubling your parking space.

Advantages:
– Maximizes parking space

Disadvantages:
– Not suitable for vehicle maintenance

Choosing the Right Car Lift For Sale Lift

When purchasing a vehicle lift, consider your space, budget, and the types of vehicles you’ll be servicing. You should also ensure your garage has sufficient ceiling height and concrete thickness to support the lift. Additionally, consider whether you need a lift that operates on 115 or 220-volt power.

In future articles, we’ll dive deeper into each lift category and discuss the top brands and must-have tools for new shops. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact one of our industry experts for guidance.
Scissor Lift

If floor space is limited in your garage or shop, a scissor lift might be a good option to consider. If you’re concerned about fitting a 2-post or 4-post lift in your space, a scissor lift offers a more compact solution.

Scissor lifts come in low, mid, and full-rise models. They are ideal for performing repair work in smaller spaces, but they are not meant for long-term vehicle storage. Therefore, a scissor lift should not be considered a replacement for a 4-post lift when it comes to storage.

Portable Scissor Lift

For homeowners looking to do light repair work but lacking space for a 2-post lift, a portable scissor lift can be a great alternative. However, portable scissor lifts typically have a lower lifting capacity than 2-post or 4-post lifts and don’t provide full undercarriage access like a 2-post lift.

If you need to do frequent repairs, consider a scissor lift with an open-center design. Portable scissor lifts usually don’t offer this feature, so you may want to look into a stationary scissor lift with an open-floor design. However, if your goal is simply to lift a car a moderate height, a portable scissor lift is a practical option.

Alignment Lifts

If your shop performs tire alignments, you might want to consider an alignment lift. These specialized lifts feature radius turn plates in the front and full floating slip plates in the rear, allowing for precise wheel alignments. Alignment lifts come in both 4-post and scissor lift models.