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What are the primary differences between a 2 post vs 4 post lift? One may be tempted to say, “Well, the number of columns, of course,” and leave it at that.

However, 2-post and 4-post auto lifts are designed with specific strengths for differing applications. When considering which to purchase, these strengths are important to understand. While one lift is not objectively superior to the other, choosing the correct lift for your application is absolutely vital. For example, whether you are repairing cars from your garage or from a high-end auto shop will play a role in your decision. In the content below, we will compare both lifts – hopefully, leaving you with extensive knowledge and a clear decision.

2-Post Auto Lifts

Two-post auto lifts are frame-engaging, meaning they lift the vehicle utilizing specifically intended lift points on the vehicle’s undercarriage. Because two-post lifts have four arms, they can accommodate a wide range of lift points.

Usually, two-post lifts feature a 220-volt motor.

Two-post lifts are commonly found in auto shops, excellent for drive in, fix it, and drive out situations.

These lifts are durable yet small, ideal for repair shops with multiple active lifts – or an enthusiast’s own personal garage.

Two-post lifts provide a wide range of use. Technicians can easily perform undercarriage repairs – lift height generally allows easy access to the engine, transmission, etc. Furthermore, frame-engaging lifts leave the suspension exposed, making for simple wheel changes and brake repair.

Because two-post lifts raise vehicles via lift points, they provide greater access to the undercarriage in low ceiling garages than wheel-engaging lifts.

Due to their relatively light load capacity – as compared to four-post lifts – two-post lifts are excellent for small vehicles, such as light trucks, vans, and cars. Most two-post lifts have a maximum load capacity of about 20,000 lbs., important information to keep in mind when considering which lift will be ideal for your desired application.

Two-post lifts can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The primary difference between both lift varieties is the vehicle’s position in relation to the lift columns. Symmetrical lift columns are positioned symmetrically to the vehicle. Asymmetrical lift columns are usually positioned at an angle to the vehicle. Both lifts leave minimal space between the car and the columns, often resulting in car door denting. To avoid destruction, repair shop owners and auto enthusiasts should consider utilizing denting protection, such as DoorJammer car door protection, to eliminate costly damage, reduce stress, and prevent lost revenue.

Generally, two-post lifts are less expensive than four-post lifts, making them a good home garage option for any vehicle owner on a budget.

Two-post lifts must be anchored to the ground. While this aids in durability, it severely limits mobility. However, if you plan to keep the lift sedentary, the two-post lift is a good option.

4-Post Auto Lifts

Four-post auto lifts are wheel-engaging; vehicles can drive directly onto runways before use. Because the height of the tire must be accounted for in wheel-engaging lifts, they are not ideal for low ceiling shops.

Usually, four-post lifts feature a 110-volt motor.

Four-post lifts are excellent for a wide variety of vehicles, from small cars to trucks.

Drive-on lifts are easy to utilize. The operator must drive onto the lift, no meticulous positioning of arms into lift points required.

These lifts are a favorite of home repair shops and automotive enthusiasts because they double as storage units. Four-post auto lifts are readily utilized to store multiple cars in a small space, directly over each other.

Four-post lifts are also a favorite of automotive repair shops. These units provide easy access for undercarriage work. With the use of rolling jacks, technicians can adjust the vehicle to perform wheel and brake work.

Because certain kinds of four-post lifts don’t require permanent anchorage into the floor, they are simple to move if needed. Typically, manufacturer-provided casters are required during moving – and are often provided upon purchase. If you do not plan to move your lift, many four-post lifts can also be permanently anchored to the ground.

Four-post lifts are usually more expensive than two-post, due to the complexity of manufacturing mechanics and materials.

Why Do You Need a Lift?

Your requirements for an auto lift will aid in deciding which is best. Here are some questions you may be asking:

Are you a vehicle enthusiast, looking to store your cars but hoping to perform little maintenance? Do you have limited space? Are you tired of having more vehicles than garage space?

If this is the case, a four-post lift is your ideal option. As mentioned, four-post lifts are durable enough to store your vehicle. Furthermore, these lifts hoist vehicles from their tires, a safer way to suspend vehicles for extended periods of time.

Do you plan to complete a wide variety of repairs on your vehicle but have a limited budget?

In this case, a two-post lift may be the best option. Provided you are okay with the lift permanently remaining sedentary.

Is ease-of-use a crucial factor?

Two-post lifts can be more challenging to utilize because correct lifting points must be identified before hoisting. However, any lift must be used with caution.

Is cost a deciding factor?

Two-posts can cost half as much as four. However, choosing the cheapest lift available is not the best option. Choose a reputable, reliable, time-tested brand. Often, the cheapest units do not adhere to strict safety standards. The extra amount one may spend on a four-post lift – or high-quality two-post lift – is absolutely worth it in the long run.

SVI International, Inc

SVI International, Inc is a leading lift manufacturer and shop equipment parts provider for most vehicle lifts and equipment.

Does your shop or garage have a trustworthy lift that needs replacement parts? Instead of buying new, explore our expansive collection of high-quality repair parts. If you have trouble finding the specific part you require, it is most likely not because we don’t have it. Contact our team at (800) 321-8173 or via our online form!

High-quality, durable tire changing repair machines are crucial components to garages and automotive service stations.

High-volume service is demanding, and most auto shops do not have the resources to continually purchase new equipment. Thus, selecting a high-quality tire changer machine initially can lead to increased productivity and cost savings – and finding a repair parts resource for these excellent machines provides lasting value.

What Makes SVI’s Tire Changer Repair Parts Unique?

SVI International, Inc delivers an extensive variety of repair parts, built for quality and durability. The following content explores the range of repair parts SVI offers for many tire changer machines brands – including a brief summary of each make and model.

While exploring the following content, you may wish to search for your specific tire changer model – specific model numbers will be listed throughout this piece; a search and find may guide you to the exact part you require efficiently.

What Repair Parts Does SVI Offer?

The number one source for Accu-Turn Tire Changers, SVI supplies mount/ demount heads, bead breaker seal kits, quick-release dump valves, bead air blast control valves, tire iron bead levers, drop center tool plies, and a number of other parts. In short, SVI has what you need. View our entire collection of Accu Industries repair parts.

Teco

SVI provides parts for ten varieties of Teco tire changers:

• BPS
• SPH
• Teco 21, 27, 36, 46, & 48
• TPH
• UPH

Simpasfaip/ Faip

SVI provides a plethora of repair parts for two specific tire changer makes:

• M 928
• M 928 ROYAL

Silverline

Silverline provides excellent tire changer equipment for light-duty applications. SVI International provides repair parts for the Tire Changer, Silverline, SL11.

Sicam

Sicam is poised to be an industry leader in manufacturing high-quality products, including tire changers. SVI International carries parts for the following Sicam tire changer machine models:

• COLIBRI BL 502
• Falco AL508
• Falco AL510
• Falco AL518
• Falco AL520
• Falco NA524
• Falco NA526
• JUMBO TCS 26
• NIBBIO EL 400

Ranger

SVI International distributes excellent repair parts for the following Ranger tire changers, including (but not limited to):

Nussbaum

When you need to repair your Nussbaum tire changer machine, SVI International has every repair part you may require. Nussbaum’s primary tire changer machine model is TC 355.

Mondolfo Ferro

SVI International carries repair parts for two Mondolfo Ferro tire changers: AS 912 TI and AS 914 TI.

Launch

Like Mondolfo Ferro, Launch produces two primary tire changer machines, both with readily available repair parts at SVI – the two machines are TWC-481 and TWC-581.

Kwik-Way

Kwik-Way manufactures a broad expanse of auto equipment, including parts washers, cylinder hones, brake lathes, seat grinders, surface grinders, and – of course – tire changers. SVI has a collection of repair parts for the following models:

• 502T
• 530
• 540
• 545 Extreme XL
• 580
• 584

John Bean

John Bean heavy-duty tire changers are built to hand any type of wheel, including trucks, buses, earthmoving machines, and agricultural vehicles. Purchasing a brand-new tire changer for your specific application can be costly and, ultimately, unnecessary. SVI carries repair parts for:

• 7600
• 7700
• 8931
• 8936
• 8950INA
• 8950INO
• 8960INA
• 8960INO
• 8990 INO Electric

All Tool

All Tool provides two tire changer machines, All Tire 212 & All Tire Plus. SVI International carries extensive parts for both types.

Giuliano

Since 1976, Giuliano has been active in the creation and optimization of automotive equipment. They build their products with a passion for reliability and steady industry growth. SVI carries repair parts for eight Giuliano tire changers:

• S 109 Bike
• S224
• S225
• S232
• S551
• Silver 112
• Silver 112F
• The BOSS

SVI International, Inc

The list we have compiled above is only a fraction of the tire changer machine brands SVI International, Inc carries repair parts for. Other high-quality brands include Focus, Coats, Eagle, FMC, Fasep, Butler, Bear, Ammco, and Tuxedo.

At SVI International, Inc, we are the leader in repair parts for automotive and industrial equipment. With over 40,000 repair parts readily available for high-quality equipment. In addition to ever-day parts, SVI is known as a problem solver, innovative in every industry. We are a “Can-Do” company, dedicated to providing answers for industry issues.

Get in touch with us today at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form to learn how we can help you.

Numerous types of car lifts coexist with a common purpose: hoisting cars. While floor jacks raise a portion of a vehicle for small repairs, car lifts raise the entire vehicle into the air for a plethora of repairs, from simple fixes to challenging projects.

Despite a singular purpose, individual lifts feature unique lifting mechanisms, bringing strength to various applications. In the content below, we explore the ins-and-outs of a wide variety of car lift types, guiding automotive shops and car enthusiasts into an informed purchasing decision for their specific function.

What are the Three Main Types of Lifts?

While examining different types of auto lifts, load capacity, lift height, and lift speed must be kept in consideration.

• Load capacity is the maximum weight a lift is capable of withstanding. Of course, load capacity differs depending on the strength of the lift, including size and number of columns or cylinders.
• Lift height is the maximum height a lift can hoist a vehicle. Height is important to consider if undercar repair will be completed. For example, a lift with a maximum height of four feet should be utilized for wheel or body work, not underbody maintenance.
• Lift speed is the amount of time needed to completely raise or lower the lift. Slower lift times are acceptable for a home garage when maintenance, repair, or body work are a hobby. Quick lift speed is exceptionally important for high volume repair shops, but lift speed and descent is also regulated for safety in high volume shops.

Frame Engaging Lifts

Excellent for use in home garages, low-rise frame engaging lifts – often scissor or parallelogram style – are the most basic model available. These lifts often have a load capacity of under 3 tons.

Electric-hydraulic or compressed air often drive frame engaging lift movement. It is important to note that frame engaging lifts do not provide access to the entire underside of the vehicle. Therefore, low-rise frame engaging lifts are most often employed for wheel work or body projects.

Two-Post Surface Mounted Lifts

Two-post surface mounted lifts are one of the most common types, often utilized in “drive-through” maintenance shops – drive in, fix the car, drive out. Consisting of two columns, these lifts are named for their design. Most mechanic shops will own two-post surface mounted lifts, because surface mounted lifts generally allow for full access to the underside of the vehicle. Full reach under the car makes repairs of any kind easy to access, especially exhaust or fuel system work.

Two-post lifts must be bolted to the floor, eliminating easy mobility. If the lift will remain put, this will not be an issue. These lifts are built symmetrically or asymmetrically.

Symmetrical Lifts

Once the vehicle is driven onto the lift, minimal space remains between the vehicle doors and lift columns. Mechanics must stay alert to protect the doors from denting if opened during repair.

Asymmetrical Lifts

These lifts are less likely to cause damage. The probability of damaging vehicle doors is les likely, because posts are rotated at a 30-degree angle. A vehicle can be driven a third of the way onto the lift while remaining evenly balanced, somewhat reducing the possibility of denting the doors.

*As an additional safety measure, invest in DoorJammer car door protection pads for your vehicle lifts.

Benefits of the two-post lift include:

• Cost: This lift is affordable for home enthusiasts and mechanic shops, often half as expensive as the four-post lifts.
• Size: Two-posts lifts are small, allowing for accessibility in tight spaces. This is ideal for personal garages and mechanic shops requiring multiple lifts.
• Ease-of-Use: Because two-post lifts have four arms they accommodate a wide range of varying lift points.

A final consideration is load capacity. The majority of two-post lifts have a maximum load capacity below 20,000 lbs. Thus, this lift model is ideal for light trucks, vans and cars.

Four-Post Lifts

The four-post lift is commonly considered the most popular and versatile car lifts that a shop can utilize.

Due to extra support, four-posts lifts are extremely sturdy, with greater load capacity than their two-post counterparts. Four-post runway lifts are wheel-engaging, allowing vehicles to drive directly onto the lift. The lift can adjust to the work being done. For example, the car’s wheels rest on the lift for undercarriage work but with the use of rolling jacks can be removed for wheel and brake work.

With a four-post lift, you can reach heights of up to 14 feet to work on a vehicle. Their load capacity makes four-post lifts a common solution in the automotive repair industry. Certain four-post lifts don’t require anchorage to the floor, allowing them to be moved with ease when needed. Though common in a professional setting, four-post lifts can also be found in the hands of homeowners and automotive enthusiasts – largely due to their mobility and use as a way to store more cars in small space one right over the other.

Four-post lifts can double as storage, allowing for two cars stacked in the same location.

Drive-On Parallelogram Lifts

The parallelogram lift resembles both the four-post lift and scissor lift. In functionality, the parallelogram lift is drive-on, like the four-post. Aesthetically, it resembles a scissor lift with accordion-like hoisting mechanisms beneath runways. The parallelogram differentiates itself in mobility; it moves slightly forward or backward while in motion.

In-Ground Lifts

In-ground lifts have been a widespread component of automotive shops for years, an industry standard. Their key characteristic is in the name; these lifts descend into the floor when not in use. In-ground lifts are also popular for flexibility of design. They can either be frame or wheel engaging.

In-ground auto lifts are often equal in cost to other lifts and do require more installation steps and time. However, their unique functionality, low cost of ownership and durability have proved extraordinary in automotive repair shops and home garages for decades.

Power Post in-ground lifting systems have proven more reliable and economical than any other. Power Post lifts are durable; many shops utilize lifts installed over 50 years prior, operating just as excellently as the day they were installed.

Power Post lifts are low-pressure hydraulic lifting systems from SVI International, Inc. These lifts are not illegal, banned, or even under consideration for regulation. The EPA has permanently exempted in-ground low-pressure lifts from regulation.

In-ground lifts generally fit into three categories: front and rear lifts, side by side lift, and single post lifts. Below, we explore a small sample of each kind with significant differences.

In-Ground Front and Rear Car Lifts

Each front and rear car lift listed below has similar stats, excluding lifting capacity. Our goal is to provide a starting place for identifying the best lift for your situation.

• 2P-102:
• Lifting capacity: 11,000 lbs., evenly distributed on front and rear columns
• Single moveable front and single stationary rear
• Axle engaging
• Adjustable front cylinder
• Air/hydraulic oil operated
• Post diameters: 7 ½ inches front and rear
• Lift height: 69 inches front and 73 inches rear, based on standard adapters
• Multiple lip seal design for increased performance
• 2P-103:
• Lifting capacity: 16,000 lbs., evenly distributed on front and rear columns
• 2P-202:
• Lifting capacity: 11,000 lbs., evenly distributed on both columns
• 2P-203:
• Lifting capacity: 16,000 lbs., evenly distributed on both columns

In-Ground Side by Side Car Lifts:

• FSDT-28BS
• Lifting capacity: 12,000 lbs., evenly distributed on front and rear columns
• Operation: Full-hydraulic
• Lift height: 72 inches from the floor to the top of the adapter pad without extension
• Plunger centers: 57 ½ inches; mechanical, heavy-duty racks equalize plunger movement
• Cylinders: 8 ½ inches in diameter
• Solid steel bolster-style and low-profile swing arms
• 360-degree adapters nesting style, swivel adjustable on sliding sleeves
• Automatic locking: a spring-loaded latch automatically engage into notches as the lift is raised. Release lock while lowering; the lock will automatically reset for the next job.

In-Ground Single Post Car Lifts:

• FS-10AS
• Environmentally friendly
• Safe to operate
• Handles most domestic and imported models
• 4-position adapters provide undercar accessibility
• 4-inch road clearance
• Ideal for any shop or home garage
• Excellent for front-end and suspension work
• Lift capacity: 8,000 lbs.
• Operation: Semi hydraulic or full hydraulic
• Lift height: 72 inches
• SC-363
• Perfect for lifting sports cars, specifically Porsche 911 models
• Associated with wealthy enthusiasts, racing and high-performance markets
• Unequivocally safer than any old-fashioned lift
• Lifts at specifically intended pick-up points
• Optional 360-degree rotation keeps mechanics between the work and workbench
• Low maintenance
• Simple design

Explore Different Types of Lifts with SVI International, Inc.

SVI International, Inc is the industry leader in automotive lifts and lift repair parts, providing over 40,000 repair parts for a plethora of lifts and brand-new auto lifts of extraordinary quality. SVI is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to solve industry challenges. If a required part has been previously discontinued by its original maker, our team of fully degreed mechanical engineers design an alternative solution that others won’t be bothered to help with.

Our three “Ready-Ship” warehouses ensure that our solutions are delivered quickly, without affecting a business’ bottom line. To inquire about our products or request a quote, contact our team today at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.