Vehicle Lift Definitions, Designs and Features

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1 Post lift:

Mobile version works like a pallet truck.

Fixed version bolts to the ground.

2.5 ton seems to be the most common capacity.

2 Post Lift:

2 Post Baseplate Lift

Baseplate version. Centre plate between the 2 post to cover the hydraulic pipes and steel synchronising ropes. It is the most common type of lift, but the plate can be considered an obstruction when removing gearboxes on a transmission jack.

Peak and AMGO Capacities range from 4 ton to 5.5 ton.

2 Post Baseless or 'Clear Floor' Lift

A Baseless Lift or Clear Floor lift version has no obstruction between the 2 posts. They are considered ideal for when transmission jacks are constantly in use or cars with a low ride height. The steel ropes and hydraulic pipes go over the top.

The lifting capacities range from 4 ton to 5.5 ton.

2 Post ‘H’ Frame Lift

It is a baseplate design but on a frame between the 2 posts and with side extensions on each post to provide more stability. The design was extremely common with the advent of 2 Post Lifts, but with improved fixings it has declined in use. However, some customers still like the original concept especially when the ground can be a little suspect. 

4 Post Non Wheel Alignment Lift

A 4 post lift that has 4 posts and platforms with run up ramps. Although they can be recessed and the run up ramps removed. A jacking beam/rolling jack can be installed to take the wheels off the platform. 

4 Post Wheel Alignment Lift

A 4 post lift that has 4 posts and platforms with run up ramps and wheel alignment possibility. At the front end they have recesses for turning plates and at the rear they have slip plates. The lift can be recessed and the run up ramps removed. A jacking beam/rolling jack can be installed to take the wheels off the platform. 

Low-Rise Scissor Lift

These lift about 600mm. When you drive on the car is rested on rubber blocks and the wheels hang loose. They are used in the home garage and in tyre bays as they are ideal for tyre changing with the 4 wheels off the ground.

Mid-Rise Scissor Lift

These appear in 2 versions, as a scissor lift and as a lift with 4 independent lifting arms. With the scissor platform lift there is more access down the middle and it is quicker to lift as you don't need to position the arms. Both types of lifts have advantages and disadvantages depending on the safe lifting points on the underside of the car.

Full-Rise Non Wheel Alignment Scissor Lift

These lifts can be surfaced mounted or recessed and they allow full access underneath the vehicle. On some models a jacking beam can be fitted.

Full-Rise Wheel Alignment Scissor Lift

These lifts can be surfaced mounted or recessed and they allow full access underneath the vehicle. Being a wheel alignment version lift  they have front recesses for turning plates and rear slip plates.