2 Post vs 1 Post Lifts?

[Augus7us]

I've been discussing this topic with my neighbor for a few days now. He has a single post lift that he got for 100$. Turns out the thing was rusted apart and not usable.

In discussing lifts with him he really likes the single post lift but no one seems to use or manufacture them any more. They seem to have some positives like the foot print is small and out of the way compared to a two post. Most of it is buried so I think it would be harder or near impossible to tip one over compared to a two post.

So my question for the collective is why are these not in use any more? There is still at least on manufacturer out there but not many. So why not one of these? how is a two post better?

 

[gearhead1]

I would say the 2-post leaves the underside more open. Might not be an issue in a tire/brake shop, but would potentially be an issue in a transmission shop.

 

[97r82]

I noticed firestone has single post lifts in most of their bays now. Depends on your needs. Two post is better overall in my opinion/ Two post gives you access to entire undercarriage. Single post are more expensive and require in floor mounting but solves any low overhead restrictions. 4 post is a good option for a lot of people and much easier to use.

 

[p00p]

Have you considered a side positioned single post?

https://www.ebay.com/i/174407581893...MNiv7CVrt-z8nBtKLKeHeaihgGskIyMAaAsoyEALw_wcB

eBay item number:174407581893

 

[TimbrSS]

I have a single side post lift... It's great for storage, but not ideal for working on the car, other than some minor things on the bottom. It's a great way to add a 3rd parking spot in a 2 car garage though. Side post was better than a 4 post for me, because the 4 post would have put one of the posts right in the way.

I would prefer a regular 2 post lift if I was actually trying to use the lift to work on something.

 

[Augus7us]

I was honestly expecting you guys to tell me the single post lifts exploded or something.

Why doesn't bendpak or the other economy lift companies offer a single post? I understand they may not be preferred or could be harder to install, but there is a lot of stuff out there that fits into that category and companies still crank out those products.

 

[u2slow]

Single post (center) elevating equipment has the same problems as old elevators. There's little way to inspect the condition of the ram in the ground (for safety). And the ground contamination that occurs with a leak/failure.

22-23 years ago the shop I worked in got rid of theirs in favour of 2-post styles. Made it waaaay easier to dismantle and rebuild vehicles. Before that, there was a lot more forklift and block/tackle rigging to get the work done.

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

Are you talking about the single post like timbrSS posted or the old cylinder in the ground style?

If the latter as U2slow mentions the maintenance costs and lack of access to do so is why they went away. My dad owned a midas shop when I was a kid the 80's and early 90's they converted all but one of there single posts to two posts as he could buy a new rotary two post lift for the cost of digging up the cylinder to trouble shoot it. The only in the ground lift he had left when he sold it in the mid 90's was a large two cylinder lift with movable cylinders for working on rv's and busses.

 

[Augus7us]

I'm not talking about the type timbrss referred to. The older ones your dad had is what my neighbor wants.

So do you think the fact that you can't easily repair or troubleshoot them is why they went the way of the dinosaur?

 

[cj7jeep81]

I'm not talking about the type timbrss referred to. The older ones your dad had is what my neighbor wants.

So do you think the fact that you can't easily repair or troubleshoot them is why they went the way of the dinosaur?

I would think installation costs are significantly higher, which would weed out most home owners/hobbyists. And I'd imagine most shops wouldn't want to deal with the fines they would get from the government if they leaked into the ground down the road.

 

[firebirdparts]

If it costs more to do the same job, It’s never gonna be That popular. I guess somehow 70 years ago they made more sense.

 

[sberry]

Not sure why anyone would "want" an old single. Not sure why it took so long to invent something better. 4 post have their place, i can see them if there are multiples or oil change places but 2 post is really for worki g,, dont have to walk around so much.

 

[CraigStu]

I suspect that whichever gov agency regulates water cleanliness is behind it. The old ones nearly all leaked eventually and all that oil went into the ground. I understand that newer ones were made in more of a cassette design so all the hydraulics were enclosed inside. There used to be quite a few stories about leaks being discovered, lifts being removed, and then many tons of contaminated earth needing to be removed also. One can imagine how terrible a job that would be w/o demolishing the building. I have worked on those old dinosaurs and also on modern two posts. The two posts are far and away the better solution for the guy using them. I wouldn't take a single post if it were offered to me free. Why your friend wants one is beyond me.