Purchasing a lift may seem straightforward, but the research involved can be quite intricate. There’s a plethora of information and considerations to sift through in order to find the ideal lift for your specific requirements. That’s why at Advantage Lifts, we offer comprehensive guidance to assist you in making an informed decision before investing in a lift. This article serves as an informative resource, particularly focusing on our 2-post lifts.
Two variations of 2-post lifts exist: the overhead model and the floor-plate model. The primary distinction lies in their structural design, with the overhead model featuring a connecting bar between the posts, whereas the floor-plate model incorporates a plate that links the posts at ground level. This structural difference enhances stability during operation.
Car Lift Repair Near Me 2-post lifts are available in two lift capacities: 10,000 lbs. and 12,000 lbs. The 10,000 lb. capacity lift is designed for standard cars and smaller trucks, while the 12,000 lb. capacity lift is suitable for larger vehicles like SUVs and work trucks. Both capacities are offered in both overhead and floor-plate models.
Installation of Car Lift Repair Near Me 2-post lifts necessitates anchoring into the ground to ensure safety and stability. Therefore, the flooring must be composed of debris-free concrete with minimal to no slope. For a 10,000 lb. capacity lift, the concrete depth should be 4.5″, whereas for a 12,000 lb. capacity lift, it should be 5″. These depths, combined with the ability to withstand 3,500 psi, mitigate the risk of lift failure.
Car Lift Repair Near Me 2-post lifts are designed to fit within standard garage dimensions. The recommended garage bay size is 12′ tall by 12′ wide by 24′ deep. A 12′ ceiling height ensures sufficient clearance for overhead models, while floor-plate models can accommodate lower ceilings, requiring only 9.5′. Other considerations include ample space around the lift for maneuvering and ensuring compatibility with larger vehicles.
Each 2-post lift from Advantage Lifts is symmetrical, meaning each arm holds an equal portion of the vehicle’s weight, ensuring centering. However, this design restricts the ability to fully open vehicle doors while on the lift. Symmetrical lifts offer enhanced drive-thru clearance and greater space between posts compared to asymmetrical lifts.
When vehicle issues arise, many turn to local mechanics for assistance. However, effective vehicle maintenance requires adequate workspace, and powerful car lifts play a crucial role in facilitating this. These lifts elevate vehicles, granting easier access for more efficient and comfortable repairs. Ensuring you have the right equipment to service any vehicle that comes to your shop is essential, yet finding the ideal fit for your specific needs can be challenging. Explore our car lift buying guide to gather the necessary information for selecting the perfect lift for your space.
Car Lift Options
The primary decision to make when narrowing down your choices revolves around two main types of car lifts: Car Lift Repair Near Me two-post and four-post lifts. These options have distinct differences that significantly impact your shop and the tasks you intend to undertake. Two-post lifts raise vehicles from the center, while four-post lifts elevate them from around the wheels, resulting in significant differences you should consider when selecting the ideal lift for your needs.
Two-Post Lifts
Two-post lifts support vehicles from their midsection, with the vehicle’s frame resting on the supports. This configuration saves space when lifting vehicles, as the wheels of the vehicle sit below the supporting arms. This can lead to height savings of up to 17 inches or more, depending on the vehicle, which is particularly beneficial for shops with low ceilings. Most two-post lifts elevate vehicles to around six feet in height, and the saved space can determine whether your lift and vehicle fit comfortably in a standard one-story building or not.
Four-Post Lifts
Car Lift Repair Near Me Four-post lifts do not offer space savings in total effective height. However, they feature a more open design that facilitates easier access to the vehicle. While two-post lifts support vehicles from the center, making it challenging to access all parts of the car for maintenance, four-post lifts provide convenient access to the vehicle’s underside, albeit restricting access to the wheels. Auxiliary lifts can complement four-post lifts by lifting the vehicle off the runways, allowing access to the wheels.
Comparing Two-Post and Four-Post Lifts
Another significant difference between the two types of Car Lift Repair Near Me lifts is the space they require. The length of a two-post lift typically matches the length of the vehicle being lifted, while four-post lifts demand additional length to support the vehicle. Four-post lifts can extend up to 26 feet in length, with heavy-duty variants reaching lengths of up to 36 feet. This substantial space requirement should be taken into account when selecting a lift for your shop.
Weight capacity is another crucial consideration. Four-post lifts generally boast higher weight capacities, ranging from 7,000 to 14,000 pounds or more for standard models, with heavy-duty lifts supporting up to 40,000 pounds. In contrast, most two-post lifts range from 7,000 to 10,000 pounds, limiting the range of vehicles they can service. If your shop regularly handles large vehicles, especially commercial or industrial ones, ensuring sufficient lifting power is essential.
Smaller shops can benefit significantly from opting for Car Lift Repair Near Me two-post lifts, as they are highly functional and cost-effective alternatives. These lifts are often priced lower, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, making them suitable for family-owned shops and local mechanics. Conversely, larger shops requiring greater lifting power may consider investing in four-post lifts. Although they come with a higher price tag, they offer enhanced functionality to service various vehicle types effectively.
Car lifts are indispensable for running a successful auto shop. Whether your focus is on tires and brakes, exhaust work, or you envision running a comprehensive shop offering various services, having lifts is essential to elevate cars for efficient maintenance. However, purchasing lifts can be a daunting task.
There is a multitude of lift types (seven, excluding subtypes), each serving different purposes. Moreover, there are numerous lift manufacturers in the market, and it’s crucial to ensure that any lift you purchase is certified by the Auto Lift Institute (ALI) to guarantee quality, performance, and safety. Careful consideration is necessary to select the right model at the appropriate price and to avoid any pitfalls regarding certification.