7 things to consider while buying a two-post lift How to choose tyre service and car repair tools

Buying a two-post lift is always quite an expense. Tell your customers not to do that on the spur of the moment. Here’s 7 things to consider that might be useful while buying a two-post lift. Feel free to share the knowledge to share with your customers inquiring you about the equipment.

Here’s the 7 most important factors while buying a lift.

1. Capacity

Have customers often asking you about the perfect two-post lift? Capacity is one of the most important factors to consider while buying a lift. Here’s a short guide:

• Capacity up to 2.5T – they would be a great choice for those working with passenger cars only.
• Capacity up to 4T – an idea for those who deal with lighter commercial vans, too.
• Capacity up to 5T – definitely a very useful proposition for both passenger cars and commercial vans.

2. Overhead or baseplate lift?

Which one is better – overhead or baseplate lift? Apparently, the difference is simple – the baseplate version is easier to install at any automotive shop. In case of an overhead lift, the distance between the floor and the ceiling should be at least 4-5 meters. Yet, this is not all. In other words, there are other differences too.

Overhead lift

There are no obstructions under the car. It means that the mechanic can easily move a tool cabinet, gearbox lift or even use oil drainers underneath the car. And one more thing – it’s easier to keep the workplace clean.

Baseplate lift

This is a much more popular solution. It allows for working with taller cars, like commercial vans. Also, this lift can fit virtually any automotive shop on the planet.

3. A reinforcing frame

There are two-post lifts equipped with a reinforcing frame. It provides additional stability for the lift. Plus to that, such lifts have lower floor requirements – regarding the concrete class, as well as the thickness (20 cm would suffice).

And one more thing. Two-post lifts with a frame are much easier to install on site. For clients who rent some shop space at someone else’s, this is a huge plus. In addition, there is no need to look for places with specially prepared floor.

4. Automatic or semi-automatic?

There are both automatic and semi-automatic variants. What’s the difference? Basically, it is the locking systems. In semi-automatic ones, the mechanic has to release them manually. In case of the automatic ones, they are released automatically, which happens after pushing a button on the control panel.

Which one would be better for your customers? It goes without saying that automatic lifts are way more convenient to use. Also, almost anyone would be able to use them. Also, working with an automatic lift takes less time.

5. Workshop dimensions

Remember that a two post lift requires a certain amount of space around. Otherwise, it won’t be able to work properly. Here’s just a few excerpts regarding the workshop dimensions. There should be:

• at least 80 cm of space between the lift and the walls,
• at least 2 m of space between the lift’s top and the ceiling,

• enough space between the workshop door and the lift – so driving a car is not a problem

This is important while considering getting a certain lift. Modifying the lift is possible but troublesome and expensive.

6. Is a two-post lift really the best solution?

Don’t know if the two-post lift is the best solution? Well, even though it is really useful for suspension or mechanical repair jobs, there are situations where other lifts are just better. See them:

• tyre changing – scissor lift
• lack of space inside the automotive shop – single-post lift
• offering wheel alignment at the shop – four-post lift

7. Spare parts

And one more thing to consider. Get two-post lifts only from those suppliers who are capable of providing all the spare parts and consumables for the lift. Remember that in case it breaks down at your client’s site, you won’t have to be running around looking for replacement parts.

Make sure to explore our range of two-post lifts:

• REDATS two-post lifts (click to see)

We got other workshop lifts, too. See them by clicking the links below:

• single post lifts (click to see)
• scissor lifts (click to see)
• four-post lifts (click to see)
• other car workshop lifts (click to see)