Archive

Few pieces of equipment are as crucial to automotive repair as vehicle lifts. Lifts are essential for large repair garages, body shops, and makeshift garage workshops.

Service and repair bays thrive one the usage of vehicle lifts properly chosen to complement the bay’s specialty. As vehicle lifts are one of the most critical investments shop owners make, differentiating between various kinds and selecting the proper lift is extremely important. Where can one begin to choose the best piece of equipment? This blog is a good place to start. In the content below, we discuss and compare in-ground and above ground lifts – ultimately, we hope to guide you to an informed vehicle lift selection.

In-Ground Car Lift

In-ground lifts are commonly found in large automotive repair shops. As the name suggests, in-ground lifts are installed in the ground and can be hidden under a shop floor in disuse. Thus, when a vehicle is not in service, the garage looks clean and orderly. In-ground lifts require more installation time and steps than above ground lifts, discussed below. However, the initial installation time period is often overlooked due to many overarching advantages, including the ability to descend into the floor, flexibility to choose frame or wheel engaging varieties, low cost of ownership, extreme durability, and safety.

Three primary in-ground lifts are considered below:

Single Post Lifts

Single post vehicle lifts are simple to use, safe to operate, and environmentally friendly. These lifts can handle most domestic and imported vehicle models. Ideal for front-end and suspension work, in-ground single post car lifts are commonly found in professional shops and home garages. Many single post lifts boast a load capacity of about 8,000 pounds, lifting at specifically intended pick-up points on a vehicle’s undercarriage.

Side-by-Side Twin Post Lifts

Similar to single post, twin post lifts are simple and safe. However, a second post allows for heavier lifting capacity via even distribution of weight on the front and rear columns.

Heavy Duty Fore-and-Aft Lifts

Heavy duty fore-and-aft lifts are reliable and economical to operate, known for their durability over time. For example, certain shops still utilize heavy duty lifts installed decades before. Heavy duty lifts can hoist virtually any vehicle, regardless of size or weight. As mentioned, large automotive repair shops often utilize heavy duty fore-and-aft lifts for major fixes – heavy duty lifts can often hoist over 16,000 pounds.

Above Ground Lifts

As the name implies, above ground lifts are not installed within the concrete shop floor, allowing for quick installation and mobility. Two primary above ground lifts are available on the market: 2-post and 4-post. While the number of lift columns is one clear distinction, post lifts are designed with different strengths for specific automotive applications. While one lift is not objectively better than the other, selecting a 2-post lift or a 4-post lift will largely depend on your specific needs.

2-Post Lifts

2-post lifts are one of the most common lifts available. Nearly every quick, “drive through” automotive shop will utilize a 2-post lift, as this variety is excellent for quick drive in, fix, drive out repairs. Small shops and amateurs or at-home vehicle enthusiasts commonly choose 2-post lifts, because they are generally cost effective. 2-post lifts can be considered symmetrical, asymmetrical, or versymmetrical, defined by differing post and lift arm characteristics. For example, symmetrical 2-post lift columns face each other directly, both arms taking 50% of the lift load. Asymmetrical lift arms differ in length. Versymmetrical lifts combine characteristics of symmetrical and asymmetrical varieties, able to lift light cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs within a single bay.

However, compared to 4-post lifts, 2-post lifts have relatively light load capacity, perfect for smaller vehicles. 2-post lifts are frame-engaging, utilizing four arms to lift vehicles at intended undercarriage lift points. The versatility of four lift arms can accommodate a wide range of lift points. Finally, 2-post lifts take up little space – thus, they are a common choice for personal garages, small shops, or repair bays with many lifts in a single location.

4-Post Lifts

4-post lifts are commonly used for two primary purposes: to hoist heavy vehicles or store one vehicle above another. Due to the addition of two columns, 4-post lifts have greater lift capacity than their 2-post counterparts, excellent for lifting vehicles up to 40,000 lbs. While not as cost effective as smaller, 2-post lifts, 4-post lifts are common among vehicle enthusiasts because they do not require permanent anchorage to the floor. Thus, 4-post lifts are both durable and mobile. If one does decide to anchor the lift, many lifts can be permanently cemented to the ground.

4-post lifts are drive-on, rather than frame engaging, making them easy to utilize. The vehicle must simply be driven onto the lift, without positioning lift arms into specific undercarriage points. These lifts are a favorite of automotive repair shops, as they provide easy access to the undercarriage of the vehicle. Utilizing rolling jacks, technicians can perform wheel and brake work as well.

SVI International, Inc.

At SVI International, we are the leading car lift manufacturer and shop equipment parts provider in North America, offering high-quality equipment for most makes and models of automotive equipment. With three ready-to-ship warehouses, we understand that down time is unacceptable in the automotive repair industry. This is why we cover the entire country with affordable, fast delivery – guaranteed.

One characteristic that sets us apart is our “can do” attitude. No matter how new or old your equipment may be, we have the parts you need to make your shop run smoothly. You can explore our entire inventory of lift repair parts by make and model or explore our entirely new automotive lifts.

We are industry problem solvers. With over 40,000 repair parts, 50 product lines, and 2,000 distributors, we know custom. If you are in need of a repair part but are unsure where to begin, feel free to contact our team at (800) 321-8173. We’re always just a phone call way.

Many vehicle enthusiasts dream of owning an automotive lift, sitting in their garage, waiting to be utilized. Perhaps a young entrepreneur with a wealth of vehicle knowledge decides to invest in property and open an auto repair shop or body shop. The first step is finding the best low ceiling car lift.

Exploring the ideal ceiling height for car lifts can be complex, especially when dealing with low-ceiling spaces. In either scenario, the garage or shop may have a low ceiling, limiting the number of high-quality, safe lifts available. However, if you own a shop with low ceilings, a number of excellent auto lifts are available to you. In the following content, we seek to guide those in the market toward the right auto lift for their shop with low ceilings.

What is the Minimum Ceiling Height for Car Lifts?

Before exploring auto lifts for low ceilings, you need to measure your space. Exactly how low is your shop ceiling? Keep overhead hazards, such as lights, in mind when measuring. To safely install a lift in your shop, the ceiling should be at least 11 to 12 feet. While measuring the height from floor to ceiling, quickly examine your floor. Vehicles are heavy – and lifts are heavy. However, many will work adequately on a typical concrete slab one might find in a garage – between 4 to 5 inches thick. Once you have measured the ceiling to ensure an auto lift is safely possible, explore the two options listed below.

1. Low Rise, Two-Post Auto Lifts

Two-post auto lifts are extremely common for their versatility and ease-of-use. Selecting a low-rise, two-post lift is often an ideal, cost-effective option for auto shops with low ceilings. How do two-post auto lifts function?

Frame-Engaging Structure

Two-post lifts lift vehicles with four arms, designed to hoist the vehicle on specifically intended lifting points. Two-post lifts are adaptable. A small, low shop, perhaps with enough room for a single lift, will benefit from a two-post lift with the ability to lift a wide range of lift points and vehicles. Due to their easy-to-use functionality, two-post lifts are commonly found in “drive-through” shops, where getting in and out quickly is prioritized. Because two-post lifts hoist vehicles via designated lift points, technicians working in low ceiling shops have greater access to the undercarriage of the vehicle – for engine or transmission work – than when using wheel-engaging lifts.

Furthermore, two-post lifts are excellent for small, light vehicles, such as light trucks, vans, and cars – the kinds of vehicles usually repaired in low-ceiling shops. Keep in mind, most two-post lifts have a maximum lifting capacity of about 20,000 pounds.

Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical Two-Post Lifts

Regardless of ceiling height, symmetrical or asymmetrical two-post lifts can be utilized. The vehicle’s position in relation to the lift columns is the primary difference between the two varieties. Simply put, symmetrical lift columns are symmetrically positioned in relation to the vehicle, while asymmetrical lift columns are positioned at an angle.

Durability

Most two-post lifts must be anchored to the ground. While this limits mobility, it adds durability, important for a low rise, two-post lift positioned in a low ceiling shop.

2. In-Ground Lifts

In-ground lifts are an additional auto lift option perfect for low ceiling shops. Why? Simply put, in-ground lifts are installed into the concrete floor, allowing for complete retraction into the floor when in disuse. For years, these lifts have been a component of automotive shops, known for their resilience. In-ground lifts can be frame or wheel engaging, allowing for the benefits of frame-engaging lifts.

In-Ground Single Post Lifts

In-ground single post lifts are the safest piece of equipment available for any shop. Especially in small or tight work environments, safety is an absolute priority. Along with safety, flexibility is a crucial component of the right auto lifts for a shop with low ceilings. In-ground single post lifts afford this as well, providing a range of functionality greater than most other lifts. Finally, single post in-ground lifts are small, invisible when retracted into the floor.

The FS-10 is an excellent example of a small single post lift perfect for a shop with low ceilings. The FS-10 is reliable, functioning how you intend, every time. The lift is safe to operate and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the lift is frame-engaging, allowing for full access to the vehicle’s undercarriage in a low ceiling environment.

In-Ground Side-by-Side Lifts

In-ground side-by-side lifts resemble two-post lifts in look and feel. However, in-ground side-by-side lifts are permanently installed into the floor and, of course, retract. Like single post lifts, side-by-side are extremely safe. With SVI’s exclusive automatic locking system, these lifts easily conform to OSHA inspector scrutiny and exceed industry standards.

The FSDT-28 is an example of a frame-engaging, side-by-side lift with a lifting capacity of 12,000 pounds. At SVI, we label the lift “BBLM” technology. This means the FSDT-28 has brute strength, is built simple, creates little problem, and is made to last! Again, the lift is simple to operate and is environmentally friendly.

In-Ground Heavy Duty Fore-and-Aft Lifts

Finally, in-ground fore-and-aft lifts are commonly utilized to lift heavy duty vehicles. Health and safety officials suggest the use of SVI’s MPTP safety legs, bringing the lift into complete compliance with current OSHA standards. Even a small auto shop with low ceilings should be confident when the safety inspector arrives. Most importantly, using the right auto lift keeps your technicians, customers, and yourself safe while working and walking throughout in the shop.

The 2P-102 is an example of a small fore-and-aft lift, utilized for passenger cars or light trucks. Unlike the previous examples, the 2P-102 is axle engaging. This lift offers a unique feature – an adjustable front cylinder for various wheelbase lengths. For certain low ceiling shop applications, the 2P-102 may be the best option.

Low Ceiling Car Lifts with SVI International

At SVI International, we are dedicated to quality. As industry leaders in repair parts for automotive and industrial equipment, we offer 40,000 repair parts from 50 product lines. Our products are distributed between 3 warehouses, scattered across the country, allowing for fast, reliable shipping.

Beside repair parts, we are known as the problem solver in the industry. We understand custom. Whether you’re looking for specialty lifts, repair parts, or innovative products, we welcome you to reach out today. Get in touch at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.