2 post VS 4 post lift

[WFarm]

You’re definitely right about making your life easier. I installed my 2-post lift in 2016 and it’s the best tool I ever bought.

Mine is sized for lifting our diesel dually trucks, a Ram 3500 and Ford F-350. It’s also extra high as I’m 6’4”.

One thing to make you aware of is it can be a tight squeeze getting in and out of a vehicle. I’m thin and it’s tight for me. One solution is to pull up close, put car in neutral, get out and push it into position. Some 2-post lifts have the posts angled for more room but I don’t know how much more.

I’d love to find an old leather football helmet as I cannot count how many times I’ve cracked my noggin working under a truck!

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[fast 99]

The old single post got in the way for some undercar work and didn't work well if a transfer case was hanging down. 4 post are good for that but the added height of the rails makes removing motors an almost chain fall affair. The best all round is 2 post. Yes, have to be more deliberate with balance and setting the arms. One person commented on the arms kicking out. I don't think that is an issue with newer hoists. I know the HD Mohawk has locks and both the Bend Paks at work do as well.

 

[Bennyt]

I prefer 4 post as to me, they are safer. Yes, it can be cumbersome, takes up a lot of square footage, etc but I don't have to worry about efficiency as I am only working on my own car.

Unfortunately my garage isn't tall enough to put a lift in that I could stand under so I am doing two things until I raise the roof. One is a portable low rise max jack that I can use for brakes, gen work, etc in my garage. The other thing, which is something my friend did, was put the 4 post outside and buy a metal carport that attached to the lift and raises/ lowers with it.

As a side note, my HS had a very unique 2 post that I loved but only worked on RWD. One post went under the rear axle and had saddles that went under axle tubes like a truss. The front post could be moved forward/backward using a lever and then went under the control arms. I always felt safe under that lift.

 

[Oldbear42]

I'll start this with the disclaimer that I have a 4-post. Both lifts are better than no lift. If I had room and money, I would have both. Each has its pros and cons. Here are some I have experienced.

2-posts:
- Smaller footprint
- Can be modified/attached for motorcycles and lawnmowers
- Easier to lift body off frame
- not good for storage (suspension hanging)
- better for axle swap/work
- Requires more floor prep

4-post:
- Better for storage (I park on mine with my daily)
- I feel safer doing four wheels at a time
- I feel safer reffing on stuff
- Easier/quicker to load different vehicles
- Takes less concrete/reno to install (I knew before my shop was built)
- Some are mobile within the shop with a caster wheel option (I don't like that style)
- Does take more room
- Will need jack trays or other options to lift to remove wheels
- Mine is a Bradbury Wheel-Free lift (UK MOT inspection lift imported to Canada)

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Walmart used to mandate bump caps (kind of a mini hard hat) for their auto techs when doing under car work. Don't know if they still do....

 

[fast 99]

As a side note, my HS had a very unique 2 post that I loved but only worked on RWD.

A shop I worked at 15 years ago had 2 post inground hydraulic hoists. Used a gear arrangement that kept them timed side to side. Similar to 2 post above ground other than not having a big vertical beam in the way. They were completely worn out and totally dangerous, no arm locks. Hydraulics leaked down, arms kicked out, almost dropped several vehicles during the 7 years I was there.

 

[squaredeal91]

Looking at the Atlas heavy duty 12k lift. Closer to my price range. Those Mohawk ones are boss hog Cadillac status nice tho.

 

[Ricko1966]

I prefer 4 post as to me, they are safer. Yes, it can be cumbersome, takes up a lot of square footage, etc but I don't have to worry about efficiency as I am only working on my own car.

Unfortunately my garage isn't tall enough to put a lift in that I could stand under so I am doing two things until I raise the roof. One is a portable low rise max jack that I can use for brakes, gen work, etc in my garage. The other thing, which is something my friend did, was put the 4 post outside and buy a metal carport that attached to the lift and raises/ lowers with it.

As a side note, my HS had a very unique 2 post that I loved but only worked on RWD. One post went under the rear axle and had saddles that went under axle tubes like a truss. The front post could be moved forward/backward using a lever and then went under the control arms. I always felt safe under that lift.

I don't know how high your ceiling is,but I had an acquaintance,and it has been 25 years or so since I was there. As memory serve he didn't have enough ceiling height, went with a 2 post and an office chair,the kind that raises and lowers. He'd raise stuff as high as he could,set his chair height sit in the chair and get after it.

 

[fast 99]

Looking at the Atlas heavy duty 12k lift. Closer to my price range. Those Mohawk ones are boss hog Cadillac status nice tho.

I just tossed it out, many don't know the brand. Purchased a 15k when I had my own business. A little bit of an overkill for home use. Back then cost was 10k probably a lot more today.