scissor vs 2 post vs 4 post lifts...

[smttysmth02gt]

Which one do you prefer, and why? I'm not even close to the planning stages of my build...I'm clearing the land of trees and by myself so I am a long ways away. I am curious though, why one person may prefer one type over another. The best, for versatility appears to be the 2 post IMO.

scissor - can be flush and out of the way and allows access to most of the vehicle, including wheels and suspension, however, blocks access to the mid section of the underbody.

2 post - allows clear access to virtually the entire vehicle, but is not movable and the 2 posts are clearly in the way wherever they are mounted.

4 post - allows clear access to entire vehicle, except wheels and suspension, but takes up the most space with the 4 posts but it is movable.

Please correct me if I am misunderstanding or missing something.

 

[zkling]

You have it pretty well detailed. The scissor lifts are typically for the space conscious, 2 posts most versatile lifting, 4 posts double as a means for car storage by stacking. You can get the wheels of the ground on a 4 post, but you don't gain the access as you do on a 2 post.

 

[BeachBoy]

best of all worlds:

but $$$ and requires significant installation costs (deep concrete pit)

 

[BeachBoy]

although the ability to create a work platform with the separate scissors lifts is a great thing. youc an also lift only one side for small stuff like mowers... which you can't really do a on 2 posts or in ground 2 posts.

 

[LWW]

You nailed it. If you don't need to raise more than 5k lbs the portable MaxJax 2-post is a good compromise since it can be dismantled in a matter of minutes and stored out of the way. It only has 42" lifting height but has clear floor and ceiling access. Works great on everything I have with the exception of my turbo diesel Ford Excursion...

The MaxJax has the option for a "motorcycle" attachment for using only one post. I built a table that I can attach to the motorcycle attachment so I can use it as a temporary workbench as well.