How Far from the Wall Should I Position My Two Post Lift? 

Car mechanic working in a repair garage with a two post lift - 2 post lift placement | 2 post lift layout

Auto lifts come in a variety of sizes, configurations, and the prices can vary significantly. Two-post lifts tend to be the most efficient for commercial garages, as well as hobbyists. Nearly every professional garage has at least one lift largely because they make working on cars, trucks, and SUVs, inherently safer.

Before choosing what appears to be the perfect product for your shop, it is crucial to map out your 2 post lift layout. The right 2 post lift placement can maximize productivity, reduce the possibility of workplace injuries, and improve profitability. If you are in the market to purchase and install a 2 post lift, it is important to conduct some due diligence.

What to Consider When Choosing an Auto Lift

Properly integrating an auto lift is an exercise in pragmatism. The garage floor layout and positioning of the unit must adhere to building codes and workplace safety standards. The 2 post lift placement must also provide seamless access to the vehicle and tools needed to make repairs. After narrowing your search to products that offer adequate load capacity, consider how each option would fit your needs based on the following.

Clearance Height

Minimum clearance is usually pegged at 12 feet from floor to ceiling. But in practical terms, this measurement is not necessarily set in stone. A 2 post lift layout must account for the type of vehicles the garage handles and their heights. It may also be prudent to consider whether RVs and vehicles with cargo carriers on the roof racks will fit.

Although 12 feet is a good jumping-off point, think about factors specific to your operation. If you can easily walk under vehicles on the lift, that may be the right clearance height for your purposes.

Do You have a 2 Door Garage or a Single Door?

The number of garage doors has a direct impact on the 2 post lift layout and space utilization. Garages with single doors usually have less square footage than doubles. The advantage of multiple vehicle doors is that a 2 post lift placement can be on one side, with the other open for machinery, equipment, and tools. If the goal is to install a pair of lifts, the space between can be efficiently used for tools and equipment to service vehicles.

Placement and Access

The type of unit a garage owner selects will have a substantial impact on the 2 post lift placement. It may be prudent to create a blueprint or sketch of the floor space that shows length, width, doors, and calculates overall square footage. These are ways different lifts are usually positioned.

  • Asymmetrically Lifts: If a 2 post auto lift employs asymmetrical arms, 30 percent of the vehicle rests in front of the columns. That means upwards of 70 percent will be to the rear.
  • Symmetrically Lifts: This type of lift typically divides the vehicle equally, with 50 percent to the front and rear.
  • These are important space considerations to account for when crafting a 2 post lift layout. Garage owners will be able to map out the lift’s center column and estimate the amount of space surrounding an elevated vehicle. That also tells you how much space is available for a technician to move around after tools and equipment are included.

How Far Should the Columns Be Set from the Wall?

The recommended distance of a lift that involves asymmetric arms runs 9–10 feet from the wall. That distance is based on the center of the columns, not necessarily its outer housing. If you plan to install a product with symmetrical arms, the center of the columns should be approximately 12 feet from the wall.

Will Cracks in the Concrete Affect the Stability of the Lift?

The majority of 2 post lifts call for a cement slab that runs 4 inches deep and is rated at or above 3,000 PSI. That being said, it is important to exercise common sense if you notice cracks in the concrete floor.

Ask yourself whether the line results from an expansion joint or a sign of degradation. The bolts that secure auto lifts in place require strong concrete that is in no way compromised. If you are concerned the cracks indicate the slab is losing its PSI rating, safety dictates that a new floor be poured before installing a lift.

Floor Space

Designing a cost-effective and efficient 2 post lift layout tasks garage owners with getting the most out of every square foot. This involves not only accounting for the 2 post lift placement, but also the necessary equipment, machinery, tools, and room for mechanics to move around. The best layouts account for all the moving parts and make working on cars a pleasure.

How Close Can I Drill to the Edge of Concrete for the Lift?

There is no single answer to this question. Some floors are simple slabs that possess a steady thickness from wall to wall. Others have a much thicker footing that may run under the outer edges of the floor space.

Before deciding how close to the edge to drill, determine the slab’s thickness at all points. Although the general rule for drilling is 6–8 inches away, it may be wise to enlist the help of a mason or engineer to determine the correct distance.

Ensure You Have Enough Space to Work on the Car

There is no objective measurement to follow in terms of the space between the outside of a vehicle and garage walls. This area will primarily be determined by the placement of equipment, tools and how much room mechanics require to move about comfortably.

Many floor plans include a minimum of 2 feet between the vehicle and the wall or equipment. It is typically a good idea to provide enough space to allow people to pass by each other, or a supervisor to interact with technicians.

SVI International Your Leading Replacement Parts Dealer

If you are interested in installing a 2 post lift or updating an existing one, SVI International is here to help. As an automotive lift parts leader, we provide prompt delivery from our U.S. warehouses. Reach out to us at (800) 321-8173 or complete our online contact form.s

Used vs New Car Lifts: Which Should You Purchase?

A mechanic is using a car lift to work on a vehicle he knows the benefits and differences between used vs new car lift

Buying a lift is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a shop owner. As one of the primary pieces of equipment in your shop, you want to purchase one that works for your needs and your budget. However, there are endless options for car lifts, including in-ground, two-post, surface-mounted, motorcycle, and scissor lifts, both new and used. The seemingly never-ending choices can be overwhelming for anyone, even if you think you know what you need.

Which Car Lift Do You Need?

There are a lot of considerations when deciding which lift to purchase. While cost may be your biggest concern, you must ensure it meets your shop’s needs, including floor space, vehicle weight, and more.

For example, some shops may find a four-post lift best, primarily if they work on larger vehicles. This is because a four-post lift has a post in each corner, allowing your shop to lift heavy vehicles. More often than not, however, a two-post lift will work just fine.

Two-post lifts also provide a stable environment for servicing or modifying vehicles, with two posts either across from each other or at opposing corners. In addition, a two-post lift allows mechanics to work underneath the car with relative ease.

Scissor lifts are more affordable and great for shops without much floor space and limited ceiling height. However, they have some limitations, such as the lack of access underneath the vehicle. 

Once you’ve decided what type of auto lift is best for your needs, you’ll want to consider the differences between purchasing a used vs. new car lift.

A mechanic is using a car lift to work on a vehicle he knows the benefits and differences between used vs new car lift

What to Consider When Purchasing Used or New

Once you’ve considered your shop’s space, ceiling height, types of vehicles you work on, and overall needs, you’ve likely decided on the kind of auto lift to purchase. However, should you buy a new auto lift or a used one? Various factors come into play when deciding between a used vs. new car lift.

Price

While the price may be your most significant consideration, the lowest price doesn’t always equal the best value. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly auto lift, ensure you have a list of specifications that are deal-breakers. This way, you can get everything you want for good value. Whether you’re looking to buy a used or new auto lift, a list of your required specifications is essential.

However, if you’re looking to purchase a used auto lift, you need to ensure that the cost of maintaining it isn’t worth more than a new auto lift. Buying a new auto lift is often more affordable than maintaining and refurbishing an old one.

If you want to purchase a used auto lift, going to a reputable supplier/distributor is critical to ensure that the lift has been adequately maintained and is in good working order.

Maintenance

If you’re purchasing a used auto lift, ensure that regular maintenance has been done. It’s crucial to ask for the maintenance and repair history to confirm that the lift is in good shape.

A new car lift manufacturer usually offers warranties on moving parts and the frame, with some warranties more comprehensive than others. Many manufacturers, usually the most reputable ones, provide extended warranties that cover the entire life of the lift.

Purchasing a used car lift from a known distributor will give you peace of mind, knowing that

Safety

Safety should be of the utmost importance when comparing a used vs new car lift. You must ensure that any used lift you may be considering is safe, including inspecting the seals and cylinders. In addition, check the safety locking system, as well as the chains and cables for wear and tear, including corrosion.

Purchasing a used auto lift from a trustworthy distributor rather than another local mechanic’s shop would be very beneficial, so you have a guarantee on your purchase.

Distributor

Unfortunately, some small dishonest distributors can make purchasing an auto lift stressful. Because of this, it’s imperative to research the brands the distributors are selling, as sometimes these manufacturers are located overseas without regard to ALI certification or safety. So, if you find a reasonably priced auto lift from a small distributor, ensure the manufacturer is reliable and certified.

However, a trustworthy distributor or supplier should give you peace of mind whether you purchase a new or used auto lift.

Research

Doing research is the most critical factor when deciding between a used vs. new auto lift. You should research the manufacturer, the supplier/distributor, and the specifications and warranty of the auto lift.

Research is even more critical if you’re purchasing a used auto lift. For example, you’ll need to ensure you’re paying only what the lift is worth, especially if some parts are missing, worn, or damaged.

Should You Buy a Used vs. New Car Lift

A mechanic is using a car lift to work on a vehicle he knows the benefits and differences between used vs new car lift

One important thing to note is that a well-maintained auto lift can last for 20-40 years. So, a well-priced used four-post or two-post auto lift may be the perfect investment if you know it’s been maintained regularly. In addition, a used auto lift will almost always offer a cost-savings benefit over a new lift. 

While there are a lot of unknowns with a used auto lift, purchasing from a reputable distributor/supplier can assure you that the lift is in good working order, is ALI-certified, and is ready for heavy lifting.

However, new auto lifts usually come with an extended warranty, so consider purchasing a new lift if the price is not a factor.

SVI International – For All of Your Auto Lift Needs

Not only does SVI offer a comprehensive inventory of new and used auto lifts, but we’re also here to help you every step of the way. In addition, SVI has replacement parts for all types of auto lifts, so you can rest assured that your shop remains fully functional with little to no downtime.

We can help you find the proper auto lift for your needs, whether you’re a car enthusiast with a home garage or a large quick service franchise. We look forward to being your auto lift supplier, so contact us today!