An alignment lift can be a big decision.  The right lift can take your home garage to a different level, or allow an automotive shop to work on different types of vehicles, allowing them to expand their business. That’s why it is crucial that you get the right alignment lift for the types of vehicles that you are going to be operating on. Different alignment lifts have different advantages that make them more suitable for certain situations. There are three main automotive lifts to choose from, and each has circumstances that make them beneficial. But first, it’s important to understand how an alignment lift functions.

Understanding Automotive Lifts

It’s common for auto shops or home garages to have difficulty when trying to perform complex wheel alignments on a standard vehicle lift. This is where the alignment lift comes in. Alignment lifts allow a mechanic or car enthusiast better access to suspension components to align your vehicle’s axles, tires and to make sure the steering wheel is straight. What makes alignment lifts an attractive choice for anyone operating on vehicles, are the features. They typically have non-resistant, free-floating front turn plates, rear slip plates, and are built to maintain and assist inaccuracy, for the best alignment possible. But what are the main types of alignment lifts and which do you choose?

The Three Main Automotive Lifts

Once you have decided that you are going to purchase an alignment lift, it’s time to decide which type of lift you’ll need. Each type of lift has certain strengths that can make it more suitable for certain types of vehicles. The three main lifts that you have to choose from are:

• Two-Post Lifts- A two-post lift is a very common and versatile lift. This type of lift can be used on most vehicles and allows for easy access for most mechanical work.

• Four-Post Car and Truck Lifts- A four-post car lift is great for a high-traffic environment.  They are generally considered safer than a two-post lift.

• Alignment Scissor Lift- When space is a concern, the scissor lift is your best bet. Some scissor lifts are even portable. Different scissor models come with varying heights to help you select based on the average height of the vehicles you work on and the ceiling heights in your shop.

This is a basic layout of the three main alignment lifts.  Let’s take a closer look at the differences and help you decide which lift is best for you.

Two-Post Lifts

The two-post alignment lift has two upright columns, with four adjustable arms. Typically, this type of alignment lift is fueled by an electric/hydraulic power. It was created for automotive shops that did not have the ability to install an in-ground lift. This type of lift is the most used style of two posts above-ground lift found in the United States. European models can differ in how they are configured. The two-post lift can be the best purchase for someone wanting to replace an in-ground lift that is currently not working, allowing you to avoid a dragged-out process removal and installation of another in-ground lift. These lifts can help you operate on cars, light trucks, and other types of passenger vehicles.  The weight capacity can vary from 7,000 lbs. to 10,000 lbs.

Four-Post Lifts

The four-post lift is configured as a four-post surface-mounted lift, this is the typical type of lift used by many automotive shops. Outside of wheel alignment, it allows them to work on things such as a muffler, or to do an oil change. The four-post alignment lift allows vehicles to be driven onto two runways and lifted by its tires, exposing the underside of the vehicle. Being able to see the underside of the vehicle makes the four-post lift a popular option for many automotive shops. Due to the fact you can drive onto the lift, they are often called drive-on lifts due to this feature.  The four-post lift is the biggest of the bunch and takes up the most amount of room. However, it is a lot easier to load vehicles on a four-post lift, and the safest lift to operate out of the bunch.

Alignment Scissor Lifts

It can be extremely beneficial to purchase a scissor lift, especially for auto shops or garages with low ceilings. With a scissor lift, you can control the exact lift height desired. This type of lift only takes up the necessary space to effectively service a car, without the use of installed external posts. Once returned to its original position, you will no longer have to worry about ceiling height or additional space as the scissor lift will shrink close to the level to the ground. With the understanding of what that alignment scissor lift can provide, it’s time to look at the different types of scissor lifts, and things that should factor into your decision.

These three lifts are the most common types of alignment lifts and with good reason. They each have certain advantages that can make them a good choice depending on your objective and the space you have to work with.  Whatever type of lift you choose; you want to make sure you get your alignment lift from a supplier you can trust.

Find the Right Lift for Your Operation with SVI International

Whether you decide on an automotive scissor lift, a four-post lift, or any other lift model, it’s imperative that you purchase your lift and lift replacement parts from a highly reputable company. At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of auto lifts and lift repair parts for all types of automotive lifts.

With over 40,000 products, our diverse product line serves as a one-stop-shop for equipment parts, lifting equipment, fluid delivery products, RELS brake lathes, and so much more.

We know that downtime can be costly, so our 3 ready-ship warehouses provide on-time delivery and same-day shipping for in-stock parts.

An SVI specialist would love to get in touch about serving your needs, including any questions or concerns you may have. To get in touch, give us a call at (800) 321-8173 or complete our online contact form. We always respond quickly!