A lift is a vital piece of equipment for any auto repair shop. Thus, you’ll need to make sure that the lift (or lifts) you pick are appropriate for the type of maintenance and repair work you’ll be doing and the vehicles you’ll be working with.

2 Post vs 4 Post Lift

Two post lifts and four post lifts are the most common lift options for most repair shops. Neither lift type is better than the other; rather, you’ll need to consider various factors to see which lift is the best fit for your situation.

Type of Work

A two-post lift offers great access to a vehicle’s undercarriage, making it easy for a mechanic to work on the suspension system, tires, and brakes. A four-post lift works well if you need to do system installations. You can also use it to change a vehicle’s oil, do brake work, and rotate tires; however, you’ll need rolling jacks if you use a four-post lift for brake and tire work.

Size

The dimensions of a 2 post vs 4 post lift are similar. However, the base width varies depending on the brand and model you pick. Measure open floor space with care to ensure you have enough space for the lift of your choice. Bear in mind you’ll also need space to move around the lift. Five feet of space around your lift is ideal if you’re installing a large lift.

Price

Two-lift posts are typically cheaper than four-lift posts. However, cost can vary depending on brand name, model, and other factors.

Weight Capacity

A two-lift post can hold between 7,000 and 15,000 pounds. A four-post lift, on the other hand, can hold up to 40,000 pounds, making them ideal for auto shops that work with large commercial vehicles.

Portability

There are portable two-post and four-post lift options, but the weight limit for these lifts most likely won’t exceed 10,000 pounds. If your shop has limited space, you may want to start with a portable lift or two; however, you’ll need a stable lift before long in order to work with a wider range of vehicles.

Loading and Safety

Unsafe lift usage can result in serious injury. You’ll want to make sure any lift you use is installed on a solid concrete surface. Follow the manual when installing the lift or have a professional do the installation for you. Vehicles should always be loaded with care, especially if you’re driving a large vehicle such as a truck onto a two-post lift.

Ceiling Height Restrictions

Your ceiling should be between 11 and 12 feet high for a two-post lift. A four-post lift will need between 12 and 14 feet of ceiling height.

SVI offers high-quality two-post and four-post lifts in varying sizes, along with top-tier lift parts to suit the needs of any auto shop. Get in touch with us to find out more about our products or to place an order for the items of your choice.