Professional lift knowledge base built by Eounice team.
MAY 13, 2021
Vehicle Lifts: The Complete Guide
Despite a singular purpose, individual car lifts feature unique lifting mechanisms, bringing strength to various applications. In the content below, we explore the ins-and-outs of a wide variety of car lift types, guiding automotive shops and car enthusiasts into an informed purchasing decision for their specific function.
Car Lift Types: What to Consider
While examining different types of car lifts, load capacity, lift height, and lift speed must be kept in consideration.
Load capacity is the maximum weight a lift is capable of withstanding. Of course, load capacity differs depending on the strength of the lift, including the size and number of columns or cylinders.
Lift height is the maximum height a lift can hoist a vehicle. Height is important to consider if the under-car repair will be completed. For example, a lift with a maximum height of four feet should be utilized for wheel or bodywork, not underbody maintenance.
Lift speed is the amount of time needed to completely raise or lower the lift. Slower lift times are acceptable for a home garage when maintenance, repair, or bodywork are a hobby. Quick lift speed is exceptionally important for high-volume repair shops, but lift speed and descent are also regulated for safety in high-volume shops.
Two Post Car Lifts
Two-post surface-mounted lifts are one of the most common types, often utilized in “drive-through” maintenance shops – drive-in, fix the car, drive out. Consisting of two columns, these lifts are named for their design. Most mechanic shops will own two-post surface-mounted lifts because surface-mounted lifts generally allow for full access to the underside of the vehicle. Full reach under the car makes repairs of any kind easy to access, especially exhaust or fuel system work.
Two-post lifts must be bolted to the floor, eliminating easy mobility. If the lift will remain put, this will not be an issue. These lifts are built symmetrically or asymmetrically.
Symmetrical Lifts
Once the vehicle is driven onto the lift, minimal space remains between the vehicle doors and lift columns. Mechanics must stay alert to protect the doors from denting if opened during repair.
Asymmetrical Lifts
These lifts are less likely to cause damage. The probability of damaging vehicle doors is les likely, because posts are rotated at a 30-degree angle. A vehicle can be driven a third of the way onto the lift while remaining evenly balanced, somewhat reducing the possibility of denting the doors.
Four Post Car Lifts
The four-post lift is commonly considered the most popular and versatile car lifts that a shop can utilize.
Due to extra support, four-posts lifts are extremely sturdy, with greater load capacity than their two-post counterparts. Four-post runway lifts are wheel-engaging, allowing vehicles to drive directly onto the lift. The lift can adjust to the work being done. For example, the car’s wheels rest on the lift for undercarriage work but with the use of rolling jacks can be removed for wheel and brake work.
Make Eounice Your Car Lifts Manufacturer
Eounice is the industry leader in automotive lifts and lift repair parts, providing thousands of repair parts for a plethora of lifts and brand-new auto lifts of extraordinary quality. Eounice is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to solve industry challenges. If a required part has been previously discontinued by its original maker, our team of fully degreed mechanical engineers design an alternative solution that others won’t be bothered to help with.
