2 post lifts

Tom Morookian

Tom Morookian

Well-known member
Planning for my new garage. Any recommendations for 2 post lifts would be appreciated.

I'll have a 10 foot wide bay with a 13 foot ceiling and would like a lift that goes up at least 72 inches so I can actually walk under a vehicle.

Floor will be 8" reinforce concrete under the lift area.
 
Hi Tom, my recommendation would be to go with a four post lift, at least that is my preference. If you can wait until after the "Barner's Bash", you'll get a chance to see the lift I have in the garage for comparison. Vic
 
If you want a good lift and made in USA (New York) look at the Mohawk lifts. They are expensive. I bought a used asymmetrical one from an installer. I like it. The hydraulic line can be run overhead, freeing up the floor from that speed bump. IMHO, 4 posts take up too much real estate, unless you have a huge garage.
 
The four poster I have is portable, you don't have to secure it to the floor however, when we built our garage, we poured a slab that is 10" thick with 3500 psi fiberglass reinforced concrete, rebar and wire mesh as I wanted the flexibility and mobility to relocate the lift, as I plan to add another lift in the future.
 
I have both. Bought the four post first because I was
afraid of the two.

Today the four post is a storage unit and the two post is
the work horse of the shop. Buy the asymmetric unit, from an
American manufacturer.
 
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I have a 2 post Bend Pac,Love it!! It will spoil you real fast,Can't believe I did without one for all those years.I,ll lift the car off the ground a couple inches sometimes so I don't have to bend over!! Pete
 
Tom, I have a 2 post lift from Direct Lift. It works great for working on your vehicle. If you are more interested in storage go with the 4 post.
BTW. The overall width is 11'3" from outside of posts.
 
Four post lift is best I think. I have a rotary 4 post lube rack. It has stairs & a cat walk with safety railings. I also don't think you need more than 6" of concrete especially with rebar or heavy wire in the mix. With the wheels on the ramps it gives you added room underneath. Only problem I've had was getting the engine lift underneath but I fixed that by cutting about 6" out of the upright.:p
The catwalk is good for storage things like fenders too.:D
 

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I love my four post. put tools on one ramp parts on other ramp. great for removing torque tube rear-end by my self support car let rear down on break drums and just roll it back. want to bring in a tractor or boat just roll lift out. the ramps will give you a project table at any height you need welding painting carpentry. can you tell I like mine .
 
I got a two post from Greg Smith Equip. Mines symmetrical on 4'' concrete floor that's the min. I know guys who have them on less. To risky for me. 10' width may be a problem for you. The guy who posted he has one of each, four post and two post....WINS.....I think each manufacturer has a web site where you can get accurate demensions and specs. Good luck...be careful. Mark
 
I have a Rotary single post lift. It's my second one (moved) and both have performed flawlessly. It takes up very little space on the floor and has fairly open space accept in the middle. Have the '50 on it now and will be able to pull the transmission with plenty of clearance. Also good for exhaust install and wheel changes. This may not be an option because it needs to be set 7.5' below the floor.
It depends on whether you want the suspension hanging free or wheels on ramps. Many ramp types have sliding beam where a jack is placed in case wheel needs to be lifted.
This is another product I would only trust if American made. No matter what you end up with, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one.
Howard
 
I have worked with both, because of my space I have a drive on ramp system, which is great for me. One of the pluses for a 4 post is the car sits on the ramps, not on pads under the frame, etc. I have seen some damage occur to frames because of misplaced contact,you may not want your totally restored frame sitting on metal/rubber pads. If I ever have a bigger/taller garage I will have a 4 post.
 
I have a 4 post ordered from Back Yard Buddy and should get it this month. I paid half and the balance when It is ready to bring home. I am driving to get it when they call. I will take the enclose car trailer to pick it up and install it when it a bit warmer like spring. I will leave it in the car trailer until then.
 
That's what I did take ya some flat rolling dollies when you pick up at A.B.F. they can push right in trailer strap it down and just rool it out when you get home you might check the ramps I had to swap ends but had plenty of room to do that in shop
 
I have a two post lift, the four post I had took up to much space and you couldn't work on wheel hubs and brakes. I've used my two post to lift things other that the car, ie mower to work on blades, to remove engines from cars etc. here's what I used it lastly for, I lifted the body from the frame, then I supported the body with 4x4. Can't do that with a four post. G-man
 

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Have you checked on the cost of concrete per cubic yard? I'm going to guess between $130 to $150 yard. I'm in the construction business and I would suggest a 4 inch slab with heavy wire mesh mats, 4000psi with air and no more than a 6 inch slump. The drier you place the concrete , the less likely you will have cracks. Here in East Tennessee we have been pouring very large slabs , 3000 psi with 1 1/2" aggregate. Tell the concrete supplier do not use fly ash with 4% air.
 
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