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At some point in the automotive lift discovery process, individuals in the market often overhear the terms “asymmetrical” and “symmetrical,” usually in the same sentence as “two-post.” If this describes you, excellent!

Asymmetrical and symmetrical lifts are two-post lifts, and determining which best fits your application begins with a comparison of both. In the content below, we will overview two-post lifts before comparing symmetric vs asymmetric lifts.

Two-Post Lift

Determining which specific lift, asymmetrical vs symmetrical lift, is best for your application begins with an understanding of two-post lifts in general.

Firstly, two-post lifts are incredibly common, found in most auto repair shops, especially drive-in stops. Vehicle enthusiasts with automotive repair knowledge may install a two-post lift in their personal garage for easy access. Two-post lifts are frame-engaging, meaning they use four adaptable arms to hoist vehicles at specific lifting points on the undercarriage. One primary reason for two-post popularity is range of use. Due to lifting capability, technicians and enthusiasts can easily perform undercarriage repair, including engine and transmission work.

Because two-post lifts are frame-engaging, access to the undercarriage is even possible in low-ceiling garages. Inevitably, two-post lifts are among the most ideal for a shop with a low ceiling. Two-post lifts are often used for light truck, van, and car repair, with a maximum lifting capacity of about 20,000 pounds, depending on the lift. Finally, two-post lifts are most often anchored to the ground during installation. If you plan to keep your lift sedentary, this aids in durability for long-term use.

Asymmetrical Lift

Simply put, asymmetrical lifts refer to the column or arm configuration of the lift. Asymmetrical lifts were designed to solve a problem in old, symmetrical lift variations. When in-ground and above-ground symmetrical lifts were installed next to each other the symmetrical lifts would encroach on the space, especially in an average lift bay. In response, many major lift manufacturers reduced the width between the columns – ultimately, creating a new problem. Vehicles barely fit inside the lift. Entering and exiting was difficult, cars were easily scuffed during work, and technicians struggled to complete projects. The solution: asymmetrical lifts.

Asymmetrical lifts feature shorter front arms and longer back arms for easy access. Before lifting, the four lift arms would be moved away from the vehicle. Technicians move the vehicle forward, until about 30% of the vehicle sat in front of the column while 70% sat behind. The shorter arms are positioned to specially designated lift points first, followed by the longer, rear lift arms. Asymmetrical lifts are created with heavy-duty rear arms to support the majority of the vehicle’s weight. Along with heavy-duty back arms, manufacturers rotated both columns 30 degrees, so the posts are angled outward while facing each other.

Ultimately, the asymmetric configuration solves the original issues. The driver’s front door opens wider, allowing for access into the vehicle, under the vehicle, and smooth transfer from the lift to the floor and vice versa.

Semi-Asymmetrical

Semi-asymmetrical lifts feature shorter front arms than rear arms; however, both center columns face each other directly.

Symmetrical Lift

As mentioned, most original two-post, above-ground lifts were entirely symmetrical. Symmetrical lifts feature four arms of equal lengths and two columns directly facing each other. Thus, the vehicle is positioned directly between the two posts, equally split 50% on both sides. On a symmetrical lift, pressure is equalized on the lift’s posts and carriage, designed to lift the vehicle in the middle. As compared to its asymmetrical counterpart, symmetrical lifts allow to a wider drive-through area, often utilized for pick-up trucks, vans, and wider vehicles or vehicles with a weighted rear.

Versymmetrical

We must mention a third, if less popular, variation of two-post lifts – because you may have heard the name. In theory, versymmetrical automotive lifts are the ideal combination of asymmetrical and symmetrical lifts. For example, the columns might face directly, but the arms may be asymmetrical. Versymmetrical lifts receive mixed reviews; some manufacturers declare versymmetrical lifts combine the worst aspects of asymmetrical and symmetrical lifts, a sort of hideous Frankenstein monster.

Door Protection

Both asymmetrical and symmetrical automotive lifts poise the risk of denting vehicle doors. This reality is unescapable. Even if technicians are extraordinarily careful, accidents happen. Thus, regardless of the two-post lift you choose, extra precaution should be taken to protect vehicle doors. DoorJammer car door protection is an excellent option. Specific benefits include:

• Elimination of costly damage (door dents, scratches, etc.), reduced stress, and the prevention of lost revenue.
• The device is trustworthy, award-winning, with a design patent.
• The product is fashioned with impact and energy absorbing foam.
• Technicians find it easier to enter and exit vehicles on hoists shielded with car door protection.
• Utilizing the product can also improve the appearance of your shop.
• The items are stocked and ready to ship immediately from one of SVI’s three cross-country warehouses.

Two-Post Repair Products

Regardless of the age of your lift – decades old or brand new – SVI International provides the repair parts required to extend the life of your auto lift. Among the items available for two-post lifts, SVI carries:

• Overhead stop limit components
• Equalizer and lifting cables and chain
• Power units and parts
• Lift installation and relocation supplies
• Auxiliary height extensions
• Rubber arm pads
• Complete lift arm assemblies and components
• Lift arm pins
• Arm restrain/ lock assemblies and parts
• Slider blocks and bearings
• Carriage locks and components
• Hydraulic cylinders
• Hydraulic seal kits
• Pulleys and sheaves

Any repair part you may require, SVI International has in in stock, ready to ship, or ready to craft by our fully degreed mechanical engineers.

Asymmetrical Lift and Symmetrical Lift at SVI International

At SVI International, we are passionate about solutions and innovation. As the leader in repair parts for automotive and industrial equipment, quality, shipment speed, and problem solving define our company. We are spread across the country with 3 warehouses, 40K repair parts, 50 product lines, and 2K distributors. For your company, we are the “can-do” solution.

To get in touch, contact our team today at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form!

An automotive lift is no small investment. After researching the ideal lift for your auto repair shop or personal garage, making the purchase, and installing the system, protecting your investment must be explored.

A reliable lift is a critical component of any garage or auto repair shop. For many repair shops, an auto lift allows the location to remain open and profitable. Therefore, business owners and auto enthusiasts should seriously consider auto lift investment protection. Below, we discuss how performing routine maintenance and identifying the correct repair parts are two critical components in preserving the integrity of an automotive lift.

Auto Lift Maintenance Checklist

A thorough auto lift inspection checklist can be compartmentalized into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance tasks. Gradually incorporate the checklists into your regular routine, and they will become habitual as time progresses. If needed, print the list and hang it in an accessible location around the shop or in your personal garage! Regardless of how the tasks are completed, consistent implementation will protect your auto lift investment.

Daily Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect all moving parts visually
• Examine safety lock visually and audibly during operation
• Review the condition of all electrical connections (e.g. the power cord)
• Check for proper lift arm movement
• Evaluate cable connections for damage, including bends or cracks
• Inspect any hydraulic connections, if applicable
• Check movement controls, including the emergency stop

If you own and operate an automotive repair shop, consider training technicians to perform each maintenance checklist in rotation. As more of your specialists participate in maintenance, the chances of premature lift breakdown greatly diminish.

Weekly Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect cables and lifting mechanisms
• Wipe down and clean the entire lift, eliminating dirt or excess grease buildup
• Lubricate rollers and pivot points
• Test the movement controls fully
• Check the floor for stress cracks, especially near anchor bolts
• Inspect cylinder for complete range of motion

Weekly maintenance can be completed on any desired day of the week. Perhaps Wednesday mornings or Friday afternoons tend to be slower. Perform the checklist during your free periods. Regardless of when you complete the tasks, spending 25-30 minutes performing another checklist on a weekly basis is imperative. Once more, cross-training technicians in auto lift maintenance guarantees that tasks are completed regularly and takes some of the burden off you!

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

• Lubricate drive screws, cables, and columns
• Clean beneath covers and protections to eliminate dirt or grease buildup
• Tighten floor anchor bolts
• Inspect the torque of bolts, safeties, and pivot pins
• Inspect length and tension of all cables
• For aesthetic purposes, sand over scratches and repaint, if desired – be careful not to paint over safety labels or warnings

Yearly Maintenance Checklist

While the previous checklists can be completed by a technician, the following steps should only be completed by a qualified lift inspector. If you own an auto lift, annual inspection is a priority. With a growing number of ANSI national standards, state codes, regulation, and maintenance requirements, a qualified lift inspector will protect your investment in the long run.

• Lubricate rub blocks, including any surface area in contact
• Change hydraulic fluid
• Inspect hydraulic/ air cylinder rods for damage
• Check cylinder mount for damage
• Replace the following: hydraulic hoses; chains and rollers; cables and sheaves; air and hydraulic cylinders (as required); and pumps and motors (as required)

Wire Rope Maintenance

Finally, wire ropes (lifting cables) merit special attention. The condition of a wire rope impacts the functionality of the lift and the safety of your technicians. If any defection or damage is detected, do not operate the lift.

• Wire ropes should be replaced every 3-5 years if damage or wear is not noticed before
• The rope must be replaced with broken wires are noticed
• Inspect for heat damage – if noticed, replace the rope
• Kinking, bird-caging, cutting, or crushing require replacement
• If connectors or wires are corroding, replace these specific parts
• If wear exceeds 10% of original diameter of any cable, replace the entire wire rope

Select the Proper Repair Parts for Your Auto Lift

Rebuilding or replacing auto lift is a major tool in maintaining the longevity of your auto lift investment. However, purchasing the wrong repair parts can be detrimental and costly. Purchase replacement parts from factory-authorized distributors only. Depending on the type of lift purchased, it may require a variety of accessories, supplies, and repair parts. Below, we’ve listed a few of the most common.

Above Ground 2-Post Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Car door protection
• Height extensions
• Installation and relocation supplies
• Power station air and electric utility box
• Adapters for lifting specialty vehicles
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks
• Swing arm shims
• Turf and utility tray jacks
• Turf and utility vehicle lifting attachments

Above Ground 4-Post Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Lift installation and relocation supplies
• Power station air and electric utility box

In-Ground Front and Rear/ Fore and Aft Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Safety legs

In-Ground Side by Side Lifts

• Air line tubing and push-on fittings
• Cassette/ pit lift aqua out water removal system
• Height extensions
• K-Cap lockout/ tagout air valve cover
• Adapters for lifting specialty vehicles
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks

In-Ground Single Post Lifts

• Height extensions
• K-Cap lockout/ tagout air valve cover
• Rubber lifting pads and blocks
• Safety legs

Aside from the general lift variety, specific auto lift brands require additional various repair parts. Selecting the proper parts for your specific lift is important as it ultimately impacts the integrity and lifespan of your lift.

SVI International: Auto Lift Repair Parts Leader

At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of repair parts for all types of automotive lifts. Besides traditional, every-day parts, SVI is known in the industry as the problem solver – tackling specialty lift concerns with innovative products. Our supply of high-quality products can play a significant role in protecting your auto lift investment.

We’re just a phone call away. If you have questions, concerns, or need help placing an order, please reach out at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.

Brainstorming how to install another car lift in the shop can be stressful when floor space is in short supply. That’s why some decide to install an outside car lift.

Even when the shop has room for an additional auto lift, you may notice that limited ceiling height is not compatible with the lift type you want. Perhaps you feel that installing a car lift outside the shop is your last remaining option and are questioning can you put a car lift outside. Deciding to install a car lift outside comes with many considerations. Although you can install a lift anywhere outside your auto shop, it might not be the wisest option. From outdoor hazards to the additional installation measures and maintenance needed, we discuss everything you should know about installing a car lift outside before you make the final call. 

Outdoor Car Lift: What Are Outdoor Hazards?

A typical car lift appears seemingly indestructible with its heavy-duty composition and thick metal framing. However, if installed outdoors, the natural elements inevitably deteriorate and compromise the structure of an outdoor lift through several different avenues.

Temperature

Installing a car lift automatically subjects the machinery into unmanageable temperatures. Car lifts were manufactured with indoor use in mind, intended for installation in a temperature-controlled environment. A car lift should only operate in temperatures ranging from 41-104 degrees Fahrenheit with 30-95 percent humidity. When temperatures descend below this range, the hydraulic fluid will no longer pump properly, preventing the lift arms from being raised or lowered. Such malfunctions could cost your auto shop a great amount of time and money to repair. In any scenario where temperatures could rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, you run the risk of drying out the hydraulic lines within your open-air car lift.

Sunlight

Keeping your car lift outside allows full exposure to sunlight, which will bring extensive damages over time. Consider also the factor that sunlight will heat the metal frame of your lift. A surface too hot to touch could impact how often you use the outdoor car lift. Additionally, extended exposure to harmful UV rays breaks down the plastic parts of your car lift like the reservoir tank and dries out hydraulic lines. Therefore, installing and keeping a car lift outside with exposure to sunlight will ultimately result in regular repairs and component replacements.

Water Damage

Though your lift is largely comprised of metal and plastic components, moisture will damage any electrical wiring or rubber parts within the lift unit. Even if you ensured that all wiring and rubber parts are protected from water damage, your metal components will quickly rust with regular contact with moisture. Keep in mind that if your chains and cables begin accumulating rust, your car lift will become a safety hazard. Though you can lift a rusty car, you should never service a car with a rusty lift.

Salty Air

If your auto shop is located near any coastline or area with frequent snowfall, salty air or roads may be the most harmful outdoor hazard to your car lift. Just as moisture causes rust, salt quickly corrodes in contact with metal. As a result, installing a car lift outside will require extra maintenance and attention when the snowplows begin salting the roads.

Installing an Open-Air Lift Outside Your Shop: What’s Different 

Before installing an open-air lift outside your shop, be sure to adhere to all installation protocols. Though similar to a standard lift installation, an outdoor car lift has two key changes: electrical and concrete compliance.

Electrical Compliance

When installing an outdoor car lift, you must ensure that all electrical work meets the local codes. For example, you may need to check that the electrical wiring complies with Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) circuit breakers and watertight conduit and fittings.

Concrete Compliance

Did you know of the 3000psi requirement for a car lift’s installation? If your outdoor lot is asphalt, know that you cannot not meet the compliance requirement. With heat, asphalt will soften and release lift anchors. The only way to continue installation on an asphalt lot is if you remove a section and pour a concrete pad where the lift will go.

How Can I Maintain an Outdoor Car Lift?

Though similar to the preservation and upkeep of standard lifts, maintaining an open-air lift requires more time and attention due to the outdoor hazards. While many super structures may be coated to resist rust, they will need to be inspected more often to ensure their integrity. Again, if your auto shop resides near a coastline or in a climate subject to snow, your greatest concerns will be temperature, moisture, and salt. Therefore, perform routine inspections of your outdoor lift to prevent your lift from rusting or corroding. If your shop is in a hot and dry environment, consider installing a hanger or other method of shade to protect your hydraulic lines from drying out.

Specialty Custom Applications Solved with SVI International

If you still intend to install a car lift outside the shop after consideration, we are here to help. SVI International, Inc is the industry leader in automotive lifts and lift repair parts, providing over 40,000 parts for a plethora of lifts. SVI is dedicated to find innovative solutions to your 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.

Maintaining the integrity of existing lifts is a crucial component to proper usage, and we strongly discourage the use and operation of a damaged lift. Our three “Ready-Ship” warehouses ensure that our solutions are delivered quickly, without affecting a business’ bottom line. If you are in need of repair parts or complete new lifts, explore our extensive inventory. To inquire about our products or request a quote, contact our team today at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.