2 post or 4 post

[budl]

It looks like I'll be building a new garage soon and I'd like opinions on hydraulic lifts. Due to restraints on available real estate it will probably be 30x40 or smaller. I like to play with cars so I will definitely have a lift. I like the under vehicle access of a 2 post but I like the portability of a 4 post in case I might want to move it outside for some reason (no, I don't know what reason but I'm sure something will come up.)

What are your experiences and opinions? Bear in mind the site is in a typical subdivision with 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots.

Thanks for your input
Bud

 

[ptschram]

I love my four-post. I feel safer beneath it, even without it being anchored.

The only thing I wish I had done differently, I wish I hadn't bought it from Greg (the customer is NOT always right) Smith. Sells things that don't work right out of the crate and refuses to support beyond providing repair parts. I need a tool, not a project. I thought I'd bought a tool.

His guarantee is not worth any more than his word and both aren't fit for lining bird cages.

 

[my58]

There are a ton of posts on this subject, lots of great reading Material. It is worth the time to search and read the past threads.

I have no clue how I lived before my 4 post. I like everything about it. I am very happy with my Dannmar and would reccomend it and Garage Equipment supply at www.gesusa.com

I have no affiliation with either company or product other than being a very happy customer.

Good luck and enjoy your new lift.

 

[torquepower85]

There are a ton of posts on this subject, lots of great reading Material. It is worth the time to search and read the past threads.

I have no clue how I lived before my 4 post. I like everything about it. I am very happy with my Dannmar and would reccomend it and Garage Equipment supply at www.gesusa.com

I have no affiliation with either company or product other than being a very happy customer.

Good luck and enjoy your new lift.

Dannmar has a pretty good selection of ALI certified lifts.

Whether you get a 2-post lift or a 4-post lift - be sure to get an ALI certified one. A lot of Dannmar and BendPak products are certified and you can get all of their car lifts through Garage Equipment Supply.

What is ALI certification?

As far as 2-post vs. 4-post - they both have pros and cons. There are many threads about the benefits of each on here. If I had to make a suggestion for a home-user I'd say 4-post lift with bridge jacks - but there are so many different factors it's hard to say for sure what you would be happier with.

Here's some articles/threads to help you out:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66227
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/pors...8-looking-opinions-2-post-vs-4-post-lift.html

Also if you look on the GESUSA site I know they have a "2 post vs. 4 post" article and some more about "asymmetric vs. symmetric 2 post lifts" and all that good stuff if you're interested in doing some reading.

Either way good luck on your search.

 

[ghnl]

Will you have the ceiling height in your new garage? 11' is about the minimum to store one car above another on a four post lift.

What will be your primary use for the lift? A 2 post excells for working on/under a car but is not good for storing one above the other. A 4 post excells for storing a car and is good for working under a car. You will need to add a jacking bridge to raise the car off its wheels for anything needing the wheels off.

One major consideration is that a 4 post needs only a 'standard' concrete floor and does not need to be bolted down. (my lift came with the caster sets but I've never used them) A 2 post will need a thicker/stronger floor where the lift bolts to the floor.

 

[abstamaria]

Bud, I don't want to sound unfriendly, but use the search button. There are so many long and informative threads on your query.

Good luck!

Andy

 

[darkk]

yes...

 

[ghnl]

Bud, I don't want to sound unfriendly, but use the search button. There are so many long and informative threads on your query.

But that does seem unfriendly. Why not simply offer a reply (include links to some of those many long & informative threads to show how useful the search function can be)?

 

[lt1driver]

I agree with ghnl....I am buying a 2 post and will sometimes store car underneath another...good luck and enjoy

 

[J66442]

I have a 2 post lift, and think it is the most usable. I still consider getting a 4 post for additional storage but when you add the width and length of the lift I think you aren't really getting a large increase in storage.

I would measure very carefully before using my two post for storage. Can you imagine explaining to your insurance company how you wrecked two of your cars at the same time because you bumped a low hanging tire while pulling underneath?

 

[Rhsty]

One of each problem solved. Seriously though love my four post bendpak also from Garage equipment supply. The bendpak was a little more but the quality is worth it. Good luck which ever one you choose your wrenching will become easier.