2 post or 4 post vehicle lift ideas

[4570Man]

Well, I wouldn't want to store a car on a 2-post, even if it's old enough to have stout frame.

I don’t love the idea of storing a vehicle on a lift to start with but I know some people do.

 

[Peter 315]

I don’t love the idea of storing a vehicle on a lift to start with but I know some people do.

My boss has 2 lifts with cars top and bottom ....

 

[bdhsfz6]

I have a rolling jack for my 4 post lift. Makes it easy to do wheel, tire & suspension work.

https://www.northerntool.com/products/bendpak-rolling-bridge-jack-for-4-post-lifts-6000-lb-capacity-model-rbj-6000-61832?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Automotive%20%3E%20Automotive%20Lifts%20%3E%20Lift%20Accessories&utm_campaign=BendPak&utm_content=61832&ogmap=SHP%7CPLA%7CGOOG%7CSTND%7Cc%7CSITEWIDE%7COOT%7C%7C%7C%7C168841796%7C8722155956&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAuYuvBhApEiwAzq_YieOj8tVb1I1d2Kw_nkL-NvWOzFwj59rHVfLB7OGaYprLbx5XaxcbShoC8JYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[LouNY]

Can a 2 post not do both of those jobs just as good?

As far as my 72 year old knees are concerned, heck no. I much prefer the 4 post with the air jack even for tire work. No having to get down on the floor and and push and line up the lifting pads. Then a spot to set the tire on while I get ready to swing it up or down. A handy bench for my wrench's and never seize

 

[Too many Kubotas]

As far as my 72 year old knees are concerned, heck no. I much prefer the 4 post with the air jack even for tire work. No having to get down on the floor and and push and line up the lifting pads.

That could be part of why I prefer the 4-post. My knees were shot at two years old.

Although, while it did help immensely to leave Europe, and maybe even more SoCal, even with the low humidity here they're not exactly fully functional.

 

[USMC43]

Can a 2 post not do both of those jobs just as good?

Not really. I would never store a car on a 2 post lift. They fall off enough as it is

As far as oil changes you just have to drive it on with a 4 post lift.

On a 2 post you have to get watch the doors when you get out and get down on your knees to position each lift arm, it takes quite a bit more time for oil changes.

 

[zzvyb6]

I like my Twin-post very much because it's not really used for car or truck stuff. Here's what my take is:

I used it to position and install the fully loaded 34" tires on my 1070 tractor. Stand them up on one of the arms, drive tractor in, remove old tire & wheel, hang on the other arm. Swing heavy tire into perfect position. Done. Nobody scared or hurt.

Have a pto shaft that won't come apart ? Well, those days are gone. A couple of chains and it's in 2 pieces.

Lawnmower blade sharpening and deck inspection ? No problem.

Have a Summer only mower to store ? up in the air all winter.
I did have to remove old concrete and install the welded rebar and a special concrete mix specified by the installing company and installers.
But, the mower servicing capability has really paid off.
Friend brought a F-350 dually over for a 14 qt oil change. No problem (I have the 2 tall jack stands in use to remove fears because the truck rocked a bit too much for the naive.

This was funny: Put my golf cart on it to inspect the rear axle lube. A cart with a roof is taller than my vehicles. When raising it the cart roof hit the safety bar stop. And 'they' don't want you to be able to back it down. Supposed to make an emergency call. I let the air out of the cart's front tires and it released.

A word to the wise: Mount the verticals with a thick steel pad under them if you are 6' tall. If i bump my head on one of the extended arms 1 more time I'm gunna shoot it.

Here are a few pics I could dig up. The rack for the lawnmower is made from semi-truck car hauler ramps.

 

[gstrom99]

My boss has 2 lifts with cars top and bottom ....

Most of my stuff leaks (at least a little, now and then ). The bottom car would need a plastic tarp, if I had a 4 post and used it for storage.

 

[Peter 315]

Most of my stuff leaks (at least a little, now and then ). The bottom car would need a plastic tarp, if I had a 4 post and used it for storage.

My boss just puts a rag on the bottom car to catch the drips..

 

[GSVette]

Most of my stuff leaks (at least a little, now and then ). The bottom car would need a plastic tarp, if I had a 4 post and used it for storage.

Most 4 post lifts come with ( or offer) drip trays that fit between the ramps to protect the lower vehicle