Debating here on another 2 post or to go 4 post. Garage is 30x30 but the back wall has a 5' deep loft and the bay that's open has a stair case that's 30" wide or so so it's really a 27x25 with 16' ceilings. I don't see myself working on 2 cars at once so was thinking the 4 post for storage. But a friend of mine says get another 2 post. Use it for storage and then it's at least there if you need it. Thoughts?
2nd lift, 2 or 4 post?
- Thread starter CobraJake
- Start date
z28ke
Well-known member
If I was adding a 2nd lift I would go with a 4 post for stuff like oil changes and storage because it's quick and easy to pull a car on.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
Since you already have a 2 post lift, I would go with a 4 post.
In my case I put a 2 post in my garage addition, and already, I can see the need for a 4 post, but I don't have the room for one. The wife's '64 Olds is sitting between the post and my CUT is sitting in front of it, so basically, one side of my addition can't be used for anything else. If I had a 4 post, I would clear up a lot of space for working on projects.
In my case I put a 2 post in my garage addition, and already, I can see the need for a 4 post, but I don't have the room for one. The wife's '64 Olds is sitting between the post and my CUT is sitting in front of it, so basically, one side of my addition can't be used for anything else. If I had a 4 post, I would clear up a lot of space for working on projects.
Just went through this myself and I ended up choosing 4 post for several main reasons:
1 - Storage capability = stacking cars in my case
2 - Portability
3 - Use for standard maintenance if 2 post has a project blown apart around it
I did anchor my 4 post down for my piece of mind but used female anchors so it can still be rolled around if needed.
So far having both lifts has worked out great - had 5 cars in my 30x40 over the holidays and still had plenty of room to work.
1 - Storage capability = stacking cars in my case
2 - Portability
3 - Use for standard maintenance if 2 post has a project blown apart around it
I did anchor my 4 post down for my piece of mind but used female anchors so it can still be rolled around if needed.
So far having both lifts has worked out great - had 5 cars in my 30x40 over the holidays and still had plenty of room to work.
so you eliminated #2. Why did you rule out a 2 post for storage? Bc the wheels hang? I agree with you and i do not want 2 projects going on at the same time. Guess I'm just thinking about that "what if" factor. The 2 post would do the same thing, just take a few minutes to set up and the wheels hang down.
ovilla
Well-known member
Also keep in mind that a two post is typically wider and takes up more room within a garage.
A 4 post lift is also more versatile. Besides stacking cars or doing quick maintenance, you can also roll it anywhere that it's needed - even outside. You'll also find that with some decking on it, it quickly becomes a great fabrication table. Plus it's great for working on motorcycles and rider mowers, or other projects that your 2 post lift can 't readily accommodate.
Another thing that a 4 post is great at is setting ride height on vehicles. It's also nice to be able to back up a truck to a four post, unload your heavy load, and then slowly bring it down.
A 4 post lift is also more versatile. Besides stacking cars or doing quick maintenance, you can also roll it anywhere that it's needed - even outside. You'll also find that with some decking on it, it quickly becomes a great fabrication table. Plus it's great for working on motorcycles and rider mowers, or other projects that your 2 post lift can 't readily accommodate.
Another thing that a 4 post is great at is setting ride height on vehicles. It's also nice to be able to back up a truck to a four post, unload your heavy load, and then slowly bring it down.
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bobcatdan
Well-known member
I would add the four post because it gives you the best of both worlds. Four post are nice and quick for jobs that you don't need the wheels off. Also if you ever get a real pain in the *** vehicle to lift ('11 and newer Super Duty comes to mind) just put it on the drive on.
lakeroadster
Well-known member
I'd suggest a 4 post, Cobra Jake, if you already have a 2 post.
At my last shop I had a 2 post and a 4 post. It's great being able to choose which to use based on the task you need to perform.
Say what? A 2 post has almost no "footprint" at all compared to a 4 post.
At my last shop I had a 2 post and a 4 post. It's great being able to choose which to use based on the task you need to perform.
Say what? A 2 post has almost no "footprint" at all compared to a 4 post.
good points!
DUK
Well-known member
Here is what I did. Kinda best of both worlds...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275287
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275287
Crazy68Dart
Well-known member
Ultimately, my plan (over the next 50 years 
) is to get a 4 post and then a 2 post like a MaxJax. The latter so it can be moved out the way when not in use, but still serve the purpose and function of the two post versus 4 post.
Cathedral in one bay for the 4 post and 10' ceilings in the other two bays for the short two post.
First world problems...
) is to get a 4 post and then a 2 post like a MaxJax. The latter so it can be moved out the way when not in use, but still serve the purpose and function of the two post versus 4 post.Cathedral in one bay for the 4 post and 10' ceilings in the other two bays for the short two post.
First world problems...