When exploring our extensive online catalog dedicated to automotive lifts, you will encounter the terminology of “symmetric” and “asymmetric.” Each type of lift offers distinct benefits and is tailored for specific uses, making it essential to understand the differences between them. To aid in your decision-making process, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to symmetric and asymmetric car lifts, helping you determine which one best aligns with your garage’s needs and the vehicles you frequently service and repair.
At car lift for sale Des Moines, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection of both symmetric and asymmetric auto lifts, catering to a wide array of requirements. Our lifts are designed for both professional automotive shops and home garages, accommodating various sizes and weights of vehicles. Whether you are lifting compact cars or heavier trucks, we can assist you in identifying whether a symmetric or asymmetric lift is the most suitable choice for your specific applications.
While the differences between these two types of car lift for sale Des Moines lifts may initially seem minor, they are significant enough to influence your experience and efficiency in the garage. Each type of lift is engineered to meet different lifting demands, and depending on your situation, one might offer greater convenience and practicality than the other.
To delve into the details, the primary distinction between symmetric and asymmetric car lifts lies in their arm configurations. In contrast, asymmetric lifts possess arms of varying lengths, which allows for a different setup when lifting vehicles.
It is important to note that some manufacturers may refer to symmetric and asymmetric designs based on the angle of the posts, but at North American Auto Equipment, we utilize a standard installation method for our two-post lifts—where the posts are aligned parallel. This approach allows us to focus solely on the arm configuration when discussing symmetric and asymmetric lifts.
Historically, car lift for sale Des Moines garage lifts were often single-column designs embedded in the ground, providing versatility for lifting a broad spectrum of vehicles due to their adjustable arms. While these lifts were functional, they required significant investment in both installation and ongoing maintenance. Moreover, they posed potential environmental hazards if hydraulic oil were to leak into the ground.
The introduction of car lift for sale Des Moines above-ground post lifts was a game changer. Initially available only in a symmetric configuration, these lifts made it challenging to access the vehicle’s interior due to the central position of the posts. This limitation prompted the development of asymmetric lifts, designed to facilitate easier entry and exit for various vehicle types without obstructing door access.
You might wonder why all two-post auto lifts aren’t designed with an asymmetric configuration if they allow for better door access. The answer lies in the diversity of vehicles. Several factors must be considered when selecting a lift, including the overall length of the vehicle, the wheelbase, the positioning of the front doors, weight distribution across the front and rear axles, and any additional weight carried inside the vehicle.
Both types of lifts feature adjustable arms to accommodate various vehicle sizes, yet it is advisable to choose a lift based on the most common vehicles you work on. For instance, if your primary focus is on large pickup trucks, selecting a lift specifically designed for that size and weight can enhance your efficiency. Of course, you can always make adjustments to the lift for smaller vehicles that may come in from time to time.
To further clarify, let’s explore the unique advantages and limitations of symmetric and asymmetric lifts, as well as the types of vehicles each is best suited for.
Symmetric lifts generally excel when lifting longer and heavier vehicles such as trucks, vans, and SUVs, particularly when they are fully loaded. A two-post lift designed with sufficient width is essential to accommodate larger vehicles effectively. These symmetric lift arms can be folded back, allowing ample space for the vehicle to pass through.
In typical usage, the vehicle is positioned so that the posts are approximately centered. This positioning facilitates opening the front doors and exiting the vehicle after it has been placed for lifting. Once the vehicle is securely positioned, the lift arms are swung into place. For larger vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs with considerable ground clearance, you may require specialized adapters to reach the frame lift points effectively. Although the lift arms are symmetrically designed, meaning they share identical shapes and lengths, they also feature extendable portions to accommodate a variety of vehicle sizes.
If you’re lifting a vehicle that is unloaded in the rear or a longer pickup with no weight in the back, it may be necessary to make slight adjustments to its position to ensure stability. Always adhere to standard lifting practices and ensure proper weight distribution before engaging the lift. It is also crucial to keep in mind the height clearance, particularly with overhead lifts, especially when lifting tall vehicles.
On the other hand, car lift for sale Des Moines asymmetric lifts are characterized by their unequal arm lengths, necessitating that the vehicle be positioned with roughly thirty percent of its length extending past the front post and seventy percent extending past the rear. This configuration is particularly beneficial for most front-wheel drive vehicles, as it allows for an even distribution of weight on the lift. The shorter front lift arms, which are positioned where most of the vehicle’s weight is concentrated, work in tandem with the longer rear arms to maintain a well-balanced lift. This arrangement ensures that the front doors can open freely, which is especially advantageous for those who regularly raise and lower a variety of vehicles.
For those who manage a high volume of vehicle lifts daily, the ease of access provided by an asymmetric design can streamline operations, allowing for quick entry and exit without the hassle of maneuvering in confined spaces. Moreover, it is possible to achieve a nearly symmetrical configuration by shortening the rear car lift for sale Des Moines lift arms, drawing them closer to the vehicle’s midline. This flexibility allows for the accommodation of longer, heavier vehicles when necessary while still retaining the user-friendly characteristics of a car lift for sale Des Moines asymmetric lift for smaller vehicle lifts.