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Car lifts are an essential piece of equipment for any auto repair shop, garage, or hobbyist looking to work on their vehicle or create extra space in their garage. They provide a safe and convenient way to lift cars off the ground, allowing easy access to the underside of the vehicle. However, with so many different types of car lifts available on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose. In this article, we will discuss the difference between two popular types of car lifts: 2 post car lifts and 4 post car lifts.
What is a 2 post car lift?
A 2 post car lift is a type of car lift that uses two posts to support the vehicle. These posts are typically anchored to the ground and extend vertically upward to support the vehicle's weight. The vehicle's weight is evenly distributed between the two posts, making them an ideal choice for lifting cars and trucks. 2 post car lifts are commonly used in auto repair shops and are an excellent choice for performing tasks such as brake repairs, suspension work, and transmission repairs.
What is a 4 post car lift?
A 4 post car lift is a type of car lift that uses four posts to support the vehicle. These posts can be anchored to the ground, or free-standing, and extend vertically upward to support the vehicle's weight. Unlike a 2 post car lift, the weight of the vehicle is evenly distributed across all four posts, making it an ideal choice for lifting heavier vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and RVs. 4 post car lifts are commonly used in commercial garages, storage facilities, and for home garage vehicle parking.
Difference between a 2 post car lift and a 4 post car lift
Now that we understand what a 2 post car lift and a 4 post car lift are, let's look at the difference between them.
Weight capacity: Typically, a 2 post car lift has a weight capacity of around 10,000 lbs, making it an excellent choice for lifting cars and light trucks. At DMS Equipment, we sell three different 2 post models. The TP9000F and the TP9000A have a weight capacity of 9,000 lbs, while our best-selling TP11000A has a weight capacity of 11,000 lbs. For reference, a 2022 Ford F-150 weighs between 4,000 and 6,500 lbs, while a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette weighs around 3,500 lbs.
Because our car lifts are designed primarily for home garages and small shops, Our 4 post auto lifts offer a similar weight capacity to our 2 post lifts, with models ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 lbs. But, anyone looking to lift industrial trucks and RVs will almost certainly be looking for a specialized 4 post lift.
Installation and Versatility: Another difference between a 2 post car lift and a 4 post car lift is their installation process. A 2 post car lift must be anchored to the ground to ensure stability. A 4 post car lift, on the other hand, is freestanding and does not require any anchoring to the ground, making it a more versatile option.
Ease of Use: We provide a quick lesson on all our lifts to ensure you are comfortable operating your new lift, but homeowners typically prefer the simplicity of a 4 post lift for storing cars. Simply attach the ramps, drive on, and lift. 2 post lifts require you to ensure the car is properly balanced before lifting, which is a simple step, but can be intimidating the first few times.
Accessibility: A 2 post car lift allows for greater accessibility to the underside of the vehicle, making it an excellent choice for performing tasks such as brake repairs, suspension work, and transmission repairs. A 4 post car lift, on the other hand, provides a level platform for the vehicle to rest on, making it an ideal choice for vehicle storage or parking.
In conclusion, both a 2 post car lift and a 4 post car lift have their advantages and disadvantages. A 2 post car lift is an excellent choice for lifting cars and light trucks and providing accessibility to the underside of the vehicle. A 4 post car lift is an ideal choice for lifting heavier vehicles, providing a level platform for vehicle storage or parking, and being a more versatile option.
It is important to do your research and consider all the factors before making a decision on which car lift to purchase. Consider the weight capacity, installation requirements, accessibility, and cost to determine which type of car lift will best suit your needs. Feel free to reach out using our contact page or live chat option and we will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding our 4 post and 2 post car lift options.
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