Which to go with- two post or four post lift

[arcteryx]

I currently have a 2 post lift that I bought from a mechanic that I was going to install in my newly built workshop. However, I am having second thoughts on this lift as it is 7200 lbs. My Ford is well over that, so I am thinking if selling it and getting a 10K lift as it doesn't seem to make sense to only cater to part of my fleet.

I was set on getting a 2 post lift, but now that the 4 post lifts have jacks that raise the tires off, I am wondering if that may be a better solution.

Safety is utmost priority. It will be used to dismantle and wrench on cruisers, with some other vehicles occasionally as I said.

Besides the increased cost of the 4 post, what are the pros/cons of each. My slab is reinforced for a 2 post- 14", with the rest being 4", so any savings on concrete is too late

 

[hiluxjeremy]

The better shops of any sort ive seen prefer the 2 post, I've used both, and would rather have a two post. Saves alot of bs with the right set up. Set up your lift once and thats all. Or drive it on and set up trolley baloney on each end. Spend a little more, get a better unit. The 10k 2 post would take the cake for me. With a 4 post there always seems to be something in the way.

 

[joekatana]

With dismantling cars the 4 post gives better stability for those stubborn parts but also the con for having less accessibility to reach and grab some stuff,I wish I had the space and the money for both but I am going with a 10k 2 post lift for now.

Joe

 

[firestopper]

It's all about floor space and layout. I recently purchased a 10k 2-post LP for personal use knowing I would be lifting 3400-9000 lbs.
I would sell the 7K lift for something you can use on your entire fleet (within reason). Four post have a place in the work place, but require way more floor space. We all should know that both types of lifts can be dangerous if not used with common scenes.
Only you can determine what type of lift you can use most efficiently and safely based on your work area and set up.
Most lift manufacture recommend minimum 4" slab for up to 10K lift (2 post) so your covered. Many guys don't anchor 4 post set ups. I never have owned a 4 post so I can't comment if this is right or wrong.

 

[morgan85]

would only get a 4 post lift if you are planing to get a alignment machine. I really hate putting trucks on a 4 post lift. Always feel like they are going to fall off the middle jacks.

 

[e9999]

I always cringe when I see a two-post system, wondering if that thing is really gonna stay upright or not...

 

[arcteryx]

thanks, I am really torn on how to proceed. From my research, it seems that Rotary, Bendpak and Challenger are the better ones out there. For those that wrench full time, what brand(s) do you use and do you like them?

 

[Weber Sarge]

Two post all the way - just make certain you understand how to balance the vehicle weight for front-heavy or rear-heavy vehicles , it's how the arms are oriented . A well-installed two post gives way more access to the drive train .
Sarge

 

[cruisermatt]

I have an Eagle 4-post lift and it has never been an issue, feel way more comfortable under it then a 2-post. It included a heavy cross section that can be moved around to hold a jacket and to take wheels off and such, never been an issue.

Really useful for other stuff too, we use it all the time for lifting heavy things out of the back of the pickup truck, or holding engine blocks to attach them to stands.

It was only like $1500 too.

 

[zebrabeefj40]

Two post all the way - just make certain you understand how to balance the vehicle weight for front-heavy or rear-heavy vehicles , it's how the arms are oriented . A well-installed two post gives way more access to the drive train .
Sarge

What ^he said. I've used both (and own a 4 post). 2 post is way more useful IMHO. Just trying to get an engine hoist around a 4 post is a PITA if it has a crossbar under the front.

Nick

 

[jynx]

I have a client that has a nice shop with both types of lifts and all I ever see him use the 4 post for is oil changes and basic services. It has the jack stands and he does use it for tire changes and such on their single axle dump trucks (well over 20k lbs) and for rigs that size i would suspect a 2 post is not an option anyway. The mechanic who services my tractor and other farm equipment has a 2 post and I have walked in and seen half a tractor resting on the arms.

From my observations the 2 post lifts seem to be more versatile and that will be my choice when the time comes.

 

[LINUS]

I've had expeience with single post hydro, a twin pin hydro, and now I finally had to buy as afterthought a twin post - I bought a Launch Tech & so far, it's great.

Dad has a 4 post that really is a car stacker, I'd hate trying to work off it.
That said, when I drilled for the concrete x-bolts, I used longer than supplied ones. And concrete dope in holes prior to hammering in & torquing.

If worried I'd build a adjustable leg to hook under a heavy end to prop it - but 2 posts are easiest to work off I think.