I’m sure this subject has been beat to death on here, but I am new. Planning for spring construction start on 28x40 garage w/12’ceiling. I like the portability of 4 post, and like the idea of less obstruction from 2 post. Anyone have/had both? Input?
4 vs. 2 post lift
- Thread starter dweihs
- Start date
I had a 2 post in my garage shop for 5+ years for my DIY work. Sold the house and bought a 4 post for the current house because I could not have a 2 post without some major work. I prefer the 2 post. Better access under the car. But you can do a lot on a good 4 post - it just is not as convenient for some jobs. 4 post is better for storage.
ghnl
Well-known member
What is the primary use for the lift?
A 2 post lift is ideal for working on cars but not for storing one above the another. A 4 post lift is ideal for storing one car above the other and is usable for working on/under a car.
A 2 post lift usually needs stronger/thicker concrete under the posts and usually must be bolted down. A 4 post lift doesn't need anything special for the flooring (standard 'residential' concrete flooring is fine) and does not need to be bolted down.
A 2 post lift is ideal for working on cars but not for storing one above the another. A 4 post lift is ideal for storing one car above the other and is usable for working on/under a car.
A 2 post lift usually needs stronger/thicker concrete under the posts and usually must be bolted down. A 4 post lift doesn't need anything special for the flooring (standard 'residential' concrete flooring is fine) and does not need to be bolted down.
3rdgendslmech
Well-known member
if you're going to go with a 4 post for storage you need to figure out the height of the vehicle going on the lift and if the vehicle going under it will fit.
Also rolling jacks are extra and can be expensive. Most 4 post lifts will come with a jack tray that you can use bottle jacks for to jack the car up to take off the wheels.
Also rolling jacks are extra and can be expensive. Most 4 post lifts will come with a jack tray that you can use bottle jacks for to jack the car up to take off the wheels.
A29
Well-known member
LPD ret
Well-known member
2 post more convenient for wheel work, brakes and suspension. Can be done on 4 post, but you'll have to use a sliding tray like 3rdgen and A29 says. I have a 4 post and it is mainly for storage - to fit 4 cars in a 3 car garage. Plenty of oil changes for my family and friends. Using the jack tray and a HF 12 ton pneumatic jack I can lift wheels that need brakes and then move the lift to a comfortable working height. My ceiling is 12'6" and I can lift my 4x4 Silverado high enough to work under it without the radio antenna touching the ceiling.
3rdgendslmech
Well-known member
oh....one more thing...if you can fabricate, this is a 2 for 1, I knew a guy that fabricated a lifting eye that went into the ends of the 2 opposite arms to pull motors out, also came in real handy for pulling heavy items out of the back of a truck.
I'm in the market for a lift now and I've got my mind set on a 2 post because I do a fair amount of work on diesels requiring the cabs to be lifted off. I've got 10' walls so I'll never be able to stand under a truck, but it beats laying on your back.
I'm in the market for a lift now and I've got my mind set on a 2 post because I do a fair amount of work on diesels requiring the cabs to be lifted off. I've got 10' walls so I'll never be able to stand under a truck, but it beats laying on your back.
Falcon67
Well-known member
I debated that and bought the 2 post - no regrets.
LuvAZ
Well-known member
To the OP,
Which type of lift to buy can be better answered once you've identified what you're looking to do w/it.
Having owned 3 different types of lifts- a 4 post, a mid rise scissor lift, and now a 2 post, I can tell you there's pluses & minuses w/each.
So, the 4 post may be a better choice if you are looking to store a vehicle (I stored a classic car during the winter when I lived in NH. It let me turn a 2 car garage into a 3 car. During the 3 other seasons, it was a service lift & was great for oil changes. Doing brakes & rotating tires (probably the 2nd biggest service use next to oil & filter changes) was another story. You need a sliding bridge jack and even then you're lifting either the front or back, not both (unless you get 2 bridge jack set ups $$)!
I'll move on to the 2 post now as you didn't ask about the mid rise scissor lift.
First off, I no longer need to have any winter storage as i moved back to Scottsdale.
Knowing that my top 3 uses are oil changes, tire rotation, and brake jobs; I opted for the 2 post. This type of lift provides the easiest access to my 'top 3'.
No bridge jack like on the 4 post, so front to back tire rotations are much quicker & easier on the 2 post.
Hopefully that helps you make an educated decision between 2 or 4 post.
As far as brand goes, I've seen a lot of guys here go for brands such as Mohawk, Rotary and Bendpak.
I bought my 4 post Direct lift ProPark 7 and my 2 post Atlas BP8000 from Greg Smith Equipment.
I installed them myself, not too tough. Spent the better part of a day on the installation.
HTH,
Will
Which type of lift to buy can be better answered once you've identified what you're looking to do w/it.
Having owned 3 different types of lifts- a 4 post, a mid rise scissor lift, and now a 2 post, I can tell you there's pluses & minuses w/each.
So, the 4 post may be a better choice if you are looking to store a vehicle (I stored a classic car during the winter when I lived in NH. It let me turn a 2 car garage into a 3 car. During the 3 other seasons, it was a service lift & was great for oil changes. Doing brakes & rotating tires (probably the 2nd biggest service use next to oil & filter changes) was another story. You need a sliding bridge jack and even then you're lifting either the front or back, not both (unless you get 2 bridge jack set ups $$)!
I'll move on to the 2 post now as you didn't ask about the mid rise scissor lift.
First off, I no longer need to have any winter storage as i moved back to Scottsdale.
Knowing that my top 3 uses are oil changes, tire rotation, and brake jobs; I opted for the 2 post. This type of lift provides the easiest access to my 'top 3'.
No bridge jack like on the 4 post, so front to back tire rotations are much quicker & easier on the 2 post.
Hopefully that helps you make an educated decision between 2 or 4 post.
As far as brand goes, I've seen a lot of guys here go for brands such as Mohawk, Rotary and Bendpak.
I bought my 4 post Direct lift ProPark 7 and my 2 post Atlas BP8000 from Greg Smith Equipment.
I installed them myself, not too tough. Spent the better part of a day on the installation.
HTH,
Will
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cspcrx
Well-known member
And if all your doing is the things LuvAZ mentioned and don't have the funds or a slab that will support a two post I feel a scissor is the next best choice. Love mine for doing this common services.
Disney
Well-known member
Having had both, I prefer the 2-post and have that now. People always say 4 post is good for storing cars, but I have no problems putting a car under my two post. No idea why people can't figure that out. Put car on 2-post. Raise car. Put car underneath. You're making the lift a parking structure at that point so what does it matter if it's 2 or 4 posts?
The only thing I liked the 4 post for was exhaust. It was nice to have the suspension loaded while fabricating exhaust. With the 2 post I have to use a pole jack to load the suspension to simulate the car being loaded. Not a huge deal.
If you have not yet poured, I have encourage you to put lights in the floor like I did under the lift. It's an absolute GAME CHANGER. They are cheap and easy to install if you plan ahead.
The only thing I liked the 4 post for was exhaust. It was nice to have the suspension loaded while fabricating exhaust. With the 2 post I have to use a pole jack to load the suspension to simulate the car being loaded. Not a huge deal.
If you have not yet poured, I have encourage you to put lights in the floor like I did under the lift. It's an absolute GAME CHANGER. They are cheap and easy to install if you plan ahead.
Attachments
foolio
Well-known member
Wow, wish I had seen an idea like this before built my barn last year. Great idea!
346ci
Banned
4 posts are for storage or alignments, 2 posts for everything else.
Fixed
Well-known member
A couple factors in favor of a 4 post in my eyes for an amateur occasional user. First, easy to drive on and lift the vehicle. Never have to crawl on the ground setting the arms, never wonder if you have the balance right, never wonder if you have the lift pad in the right spot on the car. Once the car is up in the air, very easy to set the bridge jacks on the proper jacking points if you need to lift the wheels. Brake jobs are very convenient, built in table right under the job to hold all the tools and parts right there.
I have a 4 post with 2 rolling bridge jacks. Very limited experience with a 2 post to compare. Yes, more expensive when you add the bridge jacks, but it's a small part of the overall garage project.
I have a 4 post with 2 rolling bridge jacks. Very limited experience with a 2 post to compare. Yes, more expensive when you add the bridge jacks, but it's a small part of the overall garage project.
CraigStu
Well-known member
I worked for 20+ years as a Lexus tech on 2 post asymmetrical lifts. Occasionally we needed a lift for an extra job needed done now. So we would use the alignment rack. Essentially a 4 post w/ two lift jacks. Anyone who got that job felt like he had been condemned. The first time you bang your elbow into the edge of that steel you will be cursing. If it causes you to drop a tire ....
joel
Well-known member
These comments echo my decision to buy a 4-post with a pair of rolling bridge jacks...and why I'm actively looking for a second.
I'm retired and have increasing difficulty getting up/down on floors. The ability to drive on, raise the lift, and THEN position the rolling bridge jacks, if they are needed, works really well. Having used jacks and jack stands, 1-post (pedestal lift), 2-post, and 4-post lifts over the ears, I'm convinced a 4-post with a pair of rolling bridge jacks is my preference.
bulletpruf
Well-known member
About to buy a lift to use for storage and servicing cars; I agree with the above, and cannot see much of a drawback to using a 2 post lift for storage.
thanks
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
It's a debatable topic, but the idea is that letting the suspension hang at full droop for extended periods of time may damage the bushings.
Loading a car onto a four post lift is also easier, you just drive on and you're done - you don't need to move the arms underneath the car and line them up before lifting it. I suppose it's up to the individual whether this is a deal breaker or not, I suppose it depends on how often the car is used - also, if an individual has trouble getting down on their knees for health or age related reasons.
Finally, a four post lift generally doesn't need to be bolted down to the floor. You can also get wheel kits that allow the lift to be moved around if desired.
BruceMc
Well-known member
Same here. Before I bought I invested a lot of time researching brands, vendors, prices, and what combo would give me the most bang for the buck. I even put together a spreadsheet trying to figure out what the best deal was given various options.
Today, a year and a half later, I couldn't tell you what the extra bridge jacks cost without looking it up. But I can tell you without hesitation I'm very happy with the setup.
If one goes under the INFORMATION CENTER submenu, some good info here.
https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/
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Have been kicking around a lift down the road, found this useful.
https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/
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Have been kicking around a lift down the road, found this useful.
It matters a lot if the car on the top leaks any fluids. 4 post can have drip trays, 2 post can't. Oil is hard enough to clean off the paint of the lower car, but if the top car leaks brake fluid ...
jhn9840
Well-known member
Disney, those lights are one of the coolest ideas I’ve ever seen.
jhn9840
John
jhn9840
John
NitroShark
Well-known member
Several years ago I had to also decide between which to buy. 2 post or 4?
Soo, I bought both.
After years of using Both, I have migrated to using the 4 post to store a car up top and all other car work gets performed on the 2 post.
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WaterBoyz
Well-known member
Some of these have been mentioned already so I'll give why I got the Bendpak HD-9.
With that said, I did a lot of research for mine. Mine was mainly for doing service on my stuff and any friends that come by with beer. I'm not making a living with it.
If you are just gonna store an MG or something light, then just get the cheapest 4-post.
Most of the "consumer" lifts are made in China or Korea. Don't let that scare you.
Last point. There are 4-post lifts out there that have the pins that are used with the casters to make the unit mobile. Most have the removable pins, except for one style. The pins are welded on. These are ankle biters and trippers. AVOID.
I have more for maybe later.............
P.S.
On a 4-post, you can get by with using an under hoist jack stand before you buy a bridge jack. I bought 2 from HF and upgraded them. Not perfect for all situations but doable while I wait for funding from my "finance department" for a bridge jack.
- No vehicle has ever fallen off of a 4-post.
- I'm old and getting older. Don't want to be "shopping" for lift points on a 2-post.
- It is movable. If I want it in the second bay for whatever reason, then just roll it.
- My wife is not afraid to drive on it or under it.
With that said, I did a lot of research for mine. Mine was mainly for doing service on my stuff and any friends that come by with beer. I'm not making a living with it.
If you are just gonna store an MG or something light, then just get the cheapest 4-post.
Most of the "consumer" lifts are made in China or Korea. Don't let that scare you.
Last point. There are 4-post lifts out there that have the pins that are used with the casters to make the unit mobile. Most have the removable pins, except for one style. The pins are welded on. These are ankle biters and trippers. AVOID.
I have more for maybe later.............
P.S.
On a 4-post, you can get by with using an under hoist jack stand before you buy a bridge jack. I bought 2 from HF and upgraded them. Not perfect for all situations but doable while I wait for funding from my "finance department" for a bridge jack.
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c39er
Well-known member
I'm 81 and my 4 post works for me.
finn
Well-known member
I like my 2 post with a couple of exceptions.
First, crawling on the floor to position the arms is tough on the knees, as others have stated. Ten years ago, and maybe even five years ago, that wouldn’t be an issue, but time marches on.
Second, my radiant tubes for the floor heat were very difficult to accurately locate, and it was a real issue to miss all of the tubes when drilling tha anchor bolt holes. I missed one entire winter of use after receiving the lift because I didn’t want to risk piercing a tube.
A four post would have avoided both issues, but access to the underside of the truck for replacing gas tank straps, cab corners, etc is excellent with the two post lift.
First, crawling on the floor to position the arms is tough on the knees, as others have stated. Ten years ago, and maybe even five years ago, that wouldn’t be an issue, but time marches on.
Second, my radiant tubes for the floor heat were very difficult to accurately locate, and it was a real issue to miss all of the tubes when drilling tha anchor bolt holes. I missed one entire winter of use after receiving the lift because I didn’t want to risk piercing a tube.
A four post would have avoided both issues, but access to the underside of the truck for replacing gas tank straps, cab corners, etc is excellent with the two post lift.
Strictly my opinion but I think that a 4 post is a waste of space and a pain in everything to work on.
The only reason that I would ever consider a 4 post is for storage/oil changes or alignments. You can do everything on a 2 post except an alignment and it takes up way less space.
I have been a dealer tech for 25 years and have had enough knots, bruises and scars to know that I would never own a 4 post at home.
The best option in a home shop would be in the ground but you are talking big $$$ then.
The only reason that I would ever consider a 4 post is for storage/oil changes or alignments. You can do everything on a 2 post except an alignment and it takes up way less space.
I have been a dealer tech for 25 years and have had enough knots, bruises and scars to know that I would never own a 4 post at home.
The best option in a home shop would be in the ground but you are talking big $$$ then.
WaterBoyz
Well-known member
That's the key. You were making serious money. For some of us, we have moved on from that.
As you said, everybody has their thoughts.
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Lots of excellent input here! Y'all have me seriously considering a 4 post lift now. The ability to move the lift around is a big deal. I also don't like the idea of my suspension hanging down for months at a time on a 2 post. Wouldn't bother me on a project car, but I have a few nicer ones that'll be spending time up there.
That is so awesome! I hope I am still able to use a lift when I am your age in 27 years.
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Is this what you're referring to? https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...n-capacity-underhoist-safety-stand-61600.html
RPH
Well-known member
Four post, it’s stable and easy to use. As the others have said at 64 years old just getting down on the ground and then back up to vertical can be a chore. I drive on, lift to height needed. I can use the rolling jacks to lift what ever is needed. And then set the car back to a comfortable level. The ability to roll it outside and power wash the underside. This keeps that mess outside. Also allows a clear shot right down the drive line. Mine is rock solid with a vehicle on it and I don’t worry about the center of gravity changing as I work on it.
86turbodsl
Well-known member
I can't speak for all suspension designs, but i can state categorically, that at least one OEM designs suspensions where it DEFINITELY is harmful to unload the suspension for extended time.
The bushings tear under extended torsion.
fiataccompli
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2017
- Messages
- 89
Interesting discussion here. I’m slowly getting construction underway on my garage designed also with 12’ ceiling to accommodate a lift (or 2). I’ve used both enough to know that no one will talk me out of the benefit of 2 post for all major work except fine fitting of exhaust or suspension work that requires the suspension to be loaded. Obviously an oil change should also be simple with a 4 post. For storage, chronically unloaded suspension actually can be an issue with some of the cars I work on. That said, I would expect at times the 2 post would be used for storage, but my plan is to later get a 4 post for extra storage & that is a bit of a no brainer. I had a scissor lift with trolley jacks for many years & I used it for all kinds of stuff but I DID grow to hate it.
One detail I have found (thankfully in time) is that 2 post lifts that are slightly less than 12’ tall (11’6” seems like a common Atlas dimension) need a ceiling height a little bit above 12’ to install as the vertical beams are rotated up. I’m pushing my ceiling up to 12’6” or so.
One detail I have found (thankfully in time) is that 2 post lifts that are slightly less than 12’ tall (11’6” seems like a common Atlas dimension) need a ceiling height a little bit above 12’ to install as the vertical beams are rotated up. I’m pushing my ceiling up to 12’6” or so.
road_king
Well-known member
Yes there is, Mohawk. I have a Mohawk System IA with wheel adapters. Certainly nice to have option to lift by frame or by wheels on a 2 post lift.