If you’re thinking of introducing additional lift capacity into your workshop but have limited space, then a two-post option may well be the way to go. There are several options for you to consider and you’ll find these key points below.
Baseplate or Baseless? –
A two-post lift with a baseplate has the electrics and cables or chains running across the floor, between the posts. This is commonly known as a floorplate or H frame setup. There are pros and cons to a baseplate two-post lift, such as it accommodates to low workshop ceiling height and may help in overcoming poor floor conditions, making it more flexible when looking to purchase. There are also no vehicle height restrictions, other than your ceiling height, meaning you can raise large/tall vehicles. However, a baseplate can be intrusive when using a transmission jack or manoeuvring vehicles over the cross member.
A baseless clear floor lift requires the cables and hydraulics to pass over the top of the posts. There are benefits with a baseless lift, such as no floor connections so there will be no problem with transmission jacks or manoeuvring vehicles, it also makes it easy to keep the floor clean, making your working area tidy. However, with a baseless two-post lift, high ceilings are required, and they are not suitable for large/tall vehicle work, due to the restriction of the top bar.
Mechanical Screw or Hydraulic Operation? –
A screw lift is standard for a lot of older designs, even though these are good in the sense that a vehicle on the lift does not have to go up before lowering, it is slower operation and more costly to run.
Hydraulic lifts are generally faster operation and are a simple design. There is no regular nut replacement and lower electrical costs are also a benefit from a hydraulic lift. However, these lifts use ‘safety locks’, a vehicle must raise out of locks before lowering, which can be inconvenient for gearbox or engine work where precise placement is required.
Lift Arm Configuration, Symmetrical or Asymmetrical? –
Asymmetric lifts have one arm longer than the other on each post. This does allow room for opening the vehicles front doors (60/40 split). However, the lift can only be installed facing one way, the control box can only be mounted to one post and vehicles can only be driven on in one direction.
Symmetrical lifts have arms of the same length, this means vehicles can be driven or reversed on. Electrics to be fitted to either post. However, you may struggle to accommodate some shorter chassis vehicles.
We have a two post vehicle lift range that you can view on our website, they are under the tab ‘equipment’ and then ‘two post lifts’ on the left hand side. If you require any more information please feel free to contact us for a chat.