General Questions
- What is a 2-post lift used for?
Ans) It’s used to lift vehicles off the ground for maintenance, repairs, and storage, offering easy access to the undercarriage. 2-post car parking and car storage lifts tend to have solid floors for ease of loading and to prevent drips.
- How does a 2-post lift work?
Ans) It uses an electric hydraulic power unit to operate rams that raise the carriages and arms on each post that supports the vehicle at designated lifting/jacking points.
- What is the weight capacity of a 2-post lift?
Ans) Typically ranges from 3500kg to 8000kg, depending on the model and brand.
- Are 2-post lifts safe?
Ans) Yes, when properly installed and used within its weight limits. Many have safety locks, overload protection, and automatic arm restraints.
- What’s the difference between a 2-post and a 4-post lift?
Ans) A 2-post lift is better for repairs, providing full access to the wheels and undercarriage. A 4-post lift is more stable and often used for MOTs, wheel alignment, and car storage.
Types & Features
- What is the difference between a symmetric and asymmetric 2-post lift?
Ans) Symmetric lifts have arms of equal length, which can make door opening difficult. Asymmetric lifts have shorter front arms and longer rear arms, allowing easier door access.
- Which type is better: baseplate or baseless (clear floor) 2-post lift?
Ans) Baseplate models have a plate connecting the columns at the bottom (better for low-ceiling garages) to cover hydraulic hoses and synchronizing cables. Baseless models have a crossbar at the top, providing an open floor underneath for easy movement of battery trolleys and transmission jacks.
- Are all 2-post lifts the same width?
Ans) No, widths vary. Standard models are around 3000mm to 3600mm, but some in the AMGO lift range have adjustable widths.
- Why do 2-post lifts have different length arms?
Ans) Originally, 2-post lifts had only 2-stage arms. Now, they come with combinations of 2 and 3-stage arms or 3 and 3-stage arms. The configuration you need depends on the cars you repair, but 3+3 stage arms are becoming more popular.
- Do 2-post lifts come with a warranty?
Ans) Most reputable brands offer warranties, typically 1-5 years on parts and structure.
- Do they manufacture a low ceiling height lift?
Ans) Yes, the Compact Pro model E4G CP230TD is available for low ceiling height garages.
- What is the difference between manual and electronic locks on a 2-post lift?
Ans) With manual locks, you have to operate a lever to let the lift down. With electronic locks, you just need to press the down button.
Installation & Space Requirements
- How much ceiling height is needed for a 2-post lift?
Ans) Most baseplate lifts require 2800mm of clearance, but some low-rise models work in garages with a low ceiling height like the Compact Pro®. Baseless 2-post lifts require more than 3500mm.
- Can I install a 2-post lift myself?
Ans) It is recommended to have a professional install it due to its heavy weight and proper anchoring requirements. However, many YouTube videos provide guidance. Always have a professional inspect it before use.
- What kind of floor is needed for a 2-post lift?
Ans) A concrete floor at least 150mm thick is required to properly anchor the lift. Check the manufacturer’s manual for recommendations.
- Does a 2-post lift need to be bolted down?
Ans) Yes, for safety and stability, it must be anchored to a solid, level concrete surface with no cracks and not near walls or joints, as these are considered weak areas.
- What size anchor bolts do I need for a 2-post lift?
Ans) Our lift suppliers use a combination of M18160mm and M18180. Always use anchor bolts with spring washers as vibration can loosen the nuts. The required drill bit size is 18mm with a 4-head cutter with rebar cutting ability.
- How long does it take to install a 2-post lift?
Ans) Professional installation takes 4-6 hours, depending on experience and equipment.
Usage & Maintenance
- Can a 2-post lift be used for storage?
Ans) Only if it is a purpose-built car storage lift. Regular 2-post service lifts are not ideal for long-term storage as the vehicle’s suspension hangs, and fluids may drip on the car below.
- How do you properly lift a vehicle with a 2-post lift?
Ans) Position the arms and lifting pads at the manufacturer’s designated lifting points. Ensure the arm locks engage, then raise the vehicle evenly to prevent tipping. If removing heavy parts like an engine, the balance may shift and become unsafe.
- What are common mistakes when using a 2-post lift?
Ans) Not balancing the vehicle properly, overloading the lift, using incorrect lifting pads, or adding wedges to compensate for height differences.
- Can you adjust the travel height of a 2-post lift?
Ans) Yes, our AMGO and SHUNLI 2-post lifts have adjustable height limit switches.
Cost & Buying Considerations
- How much does a 2-post lift cost?
Ans) Prices range from £1800.00 to £7000.00, depending on the brand, capacity, and features.
- What should I look for when buying a 2-post lift?
Ans) Consider if it is a genuine brand or a relabeled product, weight capacity, baseplate vs. baseless design, electric vs. manual locks, warranty, safety features, and brand reputation.
- Are used 2-post lifts a good investment?
Ans) They were previously a good investment, but new lift prices have dropped considerably while quality has improved, especially with top branded products.
- Where can I buy a 2-post lift?
Ans) Check out our website equipment4garages.com for a range of 2-post lifts.
https://www.garageequipment.co.uk/vehicle-lifts/2-post-lifts/