When the underside of a vehicle needs to be accessed for maintenance, an automotive lift is the most important part of the process!

PLAINVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, USA, March 2, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- What Things to Consider When Choosing an Auto Lift

Whether you decide upon a 2 or 4-post lift, or a mobile column or single-column, or perhaps a portable lift, it's important to determine your primary uses for the device, as well as any sizing needs and limitations, and even your budgeting limit!

•Purpose: The purpose of any auto lift is to elevate a vehicle off the ground, but different types of lifts serve different uses. While most lifts allow for underside access to a vehicle, some are merely used to create two parking spots in the space of one.

•Size: Auto lifts come in a variety of sizes. Small, compact lifts, like 2-post and portable lifts, are primarily for smaller cars, while larger and more elaborate devices, such as 4-post and scissor lifts, have the capacity for bigger, heavier vehicles.

•Price: Auto lifts run the gamut, pricewise. Generally, lifting devices built for smaller vehicles tend to be sold at lower prices, while more elaborate systems, including mobile column car lifts, tend to be costlier.

2-Post Lifts

For relatively compact operations, the 2-post auto lift is one of the most affordable and practical options for small- and medium-scale car servicing operations. They come in many options based in the capacity you need to lift.

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical automobile lifts are distinguished by the angled position of the posts in relation to the arms. Each post is situated at an angle just to the front of the gravity center, and both feature two arms of different sizes. The long arm extends underneath toward the back of the vehicle's underside, while the shorter arm extends frontward.

Symmetrical

Symmetrical lifts consist of a pair of armed posts that are placed along the vehicle's gravity center at each side. Each arm is identical in length, and therefore split the weight of the vehicle 50/50. One arm extends toward the back of the underside, while the other reaches frontward.

Who Uses It, and When/Where Is It Commonly Used?

The 2-post lift is most commonly used in busy, professional auto-repair garages where cars and trucks are being raised and lowered throughout the day. Due to their height and the attention to detail they require, 2-post lifts are generally ill-suited for residential garages, unless the homeowner has the ceiling height necessary to install the lift.

Advantages and Disadvantages

With a 2-post car lift, the wheels hang free over the arm edges. Therefore, the wheel assembly and chassis underside are sufficiently elevated for free and clear maintenance access. Furthermore, a 2-post lift sells for less than 4-post lifting devices. Moreover, 2-post lifts consume less horizontal space on the ground of a garage.

However, a 2-post lift must be properly anchored in order to provide adequate support for a car.

4-Post Lifts

The 4-post automotive lift is a larger, more heavy-duty alternative to the 2-post lift. Built for bigger, heavier vehicles, the 4-post lift is manufactured in multiple designs and weight capacities. Whereas 2-post lifts are built primarily for compact cars, the 4-post lift is strong enough to support everything from mid-sized cars to station wagons and vans.

4-Post Lifts: Traits and Characteristics

The 4-post auto lift is used to raise vehicles off the ground to allow access to a vehicle's wheel suspension system for the purpose of maintenance. 4-post lifts feature on-ramps at the back end, onto which the vehicle is driven in advance of elevation.

4 Post Service and Storage Lift it the most commonly sold 4 Post Lift on the market today. Four Post, Free Standing, Service and Storage Lift for Home or Light Commercial Use in a Body shop or Restoration Shop. This product is free standing and will perform on just about any level, hard surface.

The 4 Post Service and Storage Lift was designed with the residential user in mind, and it's evident when you see how easy this lift is to use with it's rolling caster kit and three drip trays that protect the vehicle from possible leaks from the car stacked above the car below. A home owner or light commercial user will be impressed with all of extras in the lift in that the manufacturer kept in mind.

Lift Capacity for Small to Midsize Cars up to 9,000 Pounds

The 4-post automotive lift comes in more than one capacity option, including the lighter-weight design that's built for vehicles that weigh as much as 9,000 pounds. Basically, this is an option best-suited for smaller auto-servicing garages that specialize in small to mid-sized vehicles.

Lift Capacity for Large Vehicles up to 40,000 Pounds

For auto maintenance facilities that handle a fuller range of vehicle sizes, it's best to go with a 4-post lift with a higher weight capacity. With a 4,000-pound capacity, 4-post lift and larger cars, as well as vans and trucks, can be elevated for suspension maintenance and wheel changes.

Who Uses It, and When/Where Is It Commonly Used?

The 4-post lift is generally used by professional technicians and dedicated, independent auto specialists who service medium- and large-sized vehicles on a regular basis. In large garages with high ceilings and wide floor space, the 4-post lift — especially one of high weight capacity — generally makes more sense than a 2-post lift.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The greatest advantages of the 4-post lift are the broader vehicle support and increased weight capacity, which are both due to the fact that there's four posts instead of two.

However, there's also a downside to 4-post lifts in terms of space consumption. With a 2-post lift, less horizontal space is required, and clearer access to the wheel suspension is allowed. The 2-post lift is also less expensive than the 4-post lift.

Before you set your mind on a particular auto lift, be sure to speak to the professionals and get their input on the pros and cons of one option over another.

At North American Auto Equipment, we offer sales assistance and guidance on a vast range of ALI- and ETL-certified lifts as well!

Christie Nickerson
N. American Auto Equipment
866-607-4022
email us here

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