other than being able to open doors better what are the difference between the two and what are the pros and cons of each, any cost difference..thanks for the facts which will help me decide which I need. I will use to lift corvette, 1/2 ton chevy ext cab truck and several toyota cars.
symetrical vs asymetrical 2 post ???
- Thread starter lt1driver
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Iroc-Z
Well-known member
My work uses Asymetrical lifts made by Neusbaum. We mainly work on cars and light suvs but have no problems with 1/2-3/4 ton trucks. I would personally buy an Asymetrical for your use. If you were using it to lift mainly heavier trucks I would lean more towards symetrical. I feel like they can carry the load better.
torquepower85
Well-known member
torquepower85
Well-known member
there are generally three layouts.
Symetrical has both columns facing each other and all four arms are of equal length. The vehicle center of gravity is dead center on the lift.
Then there is Semi Asymetrical where the columns are still facing each other but the front arms are shorter than the rear arms. This allows the vehicle to slightly set back for more door clearance.
Finally there is full asymetrical which has rotated columns with short and long arms.
Also on asymetrical models the arms usually rest by folding together and pointing toward the rear of the lift where symetrical lifts have the front arms folded forward and pointing toward the front and the rear arms folded and pointing toward the rear.
I have seen the Corvette pose a headache for setting the right front arm on a symetrical lift as the exhaust pipe angles toward the door and bends back under before it enters into the converter.
I am a transmission technician and I prefer a symmetrical hoist for the stability. You can always spring for 3 stage arms to allow for some change in placement to allow the doors to open but most importantly "You Must Always Be Aware Of The Proper Center Of Gravity" or gravity can take over with as little as removing a wheel. I have seen it happen with trucks on asymmetrical lifts.
I just leave the vehicle in neutral which allows me to roll it back and forth to fine tune it while setting the hoist arms.
I just leave the vehicle in neutral which allows me to roll it back and forth to fine tune it while setting the hoist arms.
GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
Take a look at Challengers CL10 series with 3 stage front and rear arms. They combine the best of both symetric and asymetric lifts and although they are not cheap, they are VERY good lifts and made in the USA.
torquepower85
Well-known member
Also tripod stands help tooYa, but that's at least another $100+ and it takes up valuable garage space. I personally prefer a single post stand for it's versatility but the tripod is more stable.
And yes a stand would have prevented the issues with the truck on the asymmetrical lift.
And yes a stand would have prevented the issues with the truck on the asymmetrical lift.
Shadowdog500
Well-known member
Ive never used an asymmetrical lift so I can't comment on the benefits. But, I own a Mohawk symmetrical lift and have worked under other brand symmetrical lifts, and have never had a problem getting in and out of the vehicle and never put a ding in the door. You just have to be mindful of the post when getting in and out.
Chris
Chris
I understand that. The average build guy certainly will not have problems. Some gents are much larger and have to deal with the tighter opening.
Crazy Car Guy
Well-known member
I have a Semi Asymetrical Atlas lift and love it its the best of both worlds and ideal for my lifting needs. i needed to be able to 50/50 lift for some of the pickup trucks were i have a 28' deep space and the hoist centered but needed a 70/30 to be able to put my roll back with a 17' alum bed up. the roll back is 8,800 lbs and heavy to the rear axle. just pull 4 pins swap arms around and the roll back fits in the shop with the door open and bed hanging out.
that said its a big investment and you have to look at your space i used 2 ladders and a few different cars in the space to see what kind of configuration i needed. ladders for the coloums a couple buddys that are normally in the shop with me then we acted like we were working on a car together in our normal chaos and found that i needed both types of lift in the 1 bay hence the "semi"
that said its a big investment and you have to look at your space i used 2 ladders and a few different cars in the space to see what kind of configuration i needed. ladders for the coloums a couple buddys that are normally in the shop with me then we acted like we were working on a car together in our normal chaos and found that i needed both types of lift in the 1 bay hence the "semi"