Garage lift, 2 post VS 4 post
#1
Garage lift, 2 post VS 4 post
Starting research on lifts. 4 post vs 2 post, and why? I have 12' ceilings and 6" concrete floor. Only issue with the floor is the radiant heat. If I go with a 2 post I will also need to brace against the ceiling.
#2
Why do you need to brace against the ceiling with a 2-post? Because of the radiant heat?
Really, the biggest question is whether you are getting a lift for storage or to work on your car. 4-post is better for storage, 2-post is better for work.
Really, the biggest question is whether you are getting a lift for storage or to work on your car. 4-post is better for storage, 2-post is better for work.
Last edited by Bryan Watts; 11-12-2008 at 11:46 AM.
#4
If you are buying the lift for storage (rather than maintenance), you may consider a single post lift.
They have exceptionally low floor loading (can even be used outdoors on asphalt), low ceiling height and do not need to be bolted to the floor (although you can get rollers for a 4 post lift as well).
I've had a single post lift for a few years (the only wrenching I do is on my son's kart.....) and have been very happy with it
They have exceptionally low floor loading (can even be used outdoors on asphalt), low ceiling height and do not need to be bolted to the floor (although you can get rollers for a 4 post lift as well).
I've had a single post lift for a few years (the only wrenching I do is on my son's kart.....) and have been very happy with it
#5
Is your radiant floor electric or does it have water/antifreeze flowing through it?
Either way I would guess that you don't want to drill into it and that would be a requirement for a 2 post lift.
You can get a 4 post lift that accepts a hydrolic jack and you'd have the benefit of both worlds...
Either way I would guess that you don't want to drill into it and that would be a requirement for a 2 post lift.
You can get a 4 post lift that accepts a hydrolic jack and you'd have the benefit of both worlds...
#7
I decided on going with a for post with jacks because I wanted a wide one that i could put my car trailer on and store in over the winter since the wife will not let me keep it outside. was going to put wheels on to to roll it around if I needed more room. but if your doing brakes tires and oil every other week the two poster is best.
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#8
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1112292
#9
two post is absolutely the best and most versitile. Radiant heat can be a problem but contractors can detect the water flow and often can drill around it.
I use a 4-post for storage, but I don't work on my own car...
I use a 4-post for storage, but I don't work on my own car...
#10
In the research I've done, the scissor lifts seem to cost as much or more than the 2-post lifts. I'm probably building a house soon and have been researching 2-post and scissor lifts. Here's a multi-page thread I started over on Bimmerforums.com:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1112292
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1112292
I have been very happy with this lift and at 1400 bucks delivered and really no real assembly required, it was a no brainer for me.
Jeff
#11
I was looking into the asymmetrical 2 post units because you can open the doors fully if need be. That type would put a fairly high load on the anchor bolts because of the rear engine car. I know I can locate the water tubes but I would feel better if I also braced against the ceiling/and or side wall. This lift is for doing minor work on my cars, not for storage.
Right bay is 17 feet wide inside and 44 feet deep. That bay also has a utility room at the far end under the stairwell. Most 4 post lifts require ramps and the ramps would stick out too far to keep another car behind it and still use the lift. BTW, garage is still in tyvek, going into its third winter. Doors are on and the cars are inside.
Right bay is 17 feet wide inside and 44 feet deep. That bay also has a utility room at the far end under the stairwell. Most 4 post lifts require ramps and the ramps would stick out too far to keep another car behind it and still use the lift. BTW, garage is still in tyvek, going into its third winter. Doors are on and the cars are inside.
#12
In the research I've done, the scissor lifts seem to cost as much or more than the 2-post lifts. I'm probably building a house soon and have been researching 2-post and scissor lifts. Here's a multi-page thread I started over on Bimmerforums.com:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1112292
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1112292
Let me build your house and I'll throw in the lift for free !
How many garage bays do you want 3, 4, 5...?
#13
I have an asymmetrical 2 post and radiant heat. Has worked great for ~8 years now with no extra bracing (not sure why you think you need it)...
Btw, I might be missing it, but where is the insulation in the floor in that picture?
Btw, I might be missing it, but where is the insulation in the floor in that picture?
#15
For truly exhaustive discussions on lift options in all variations and applications, surf around on www.garagejournal.com They'd also like to see your garage.
my project here, although no lift since all it takes to raise the current racecar is a hoist hook through the roll hoop.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=5272
my project here, although no lift since all it takes to raise the current racecar is a hoist hook through the roll hoop.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=5272