Two post lift suggestions/discussion

[69MyWay]

I have just turned the corner on the overhaul of my detached workshop and am starting to set my sites on wrapping it up. One of the last things I want to do is install a two post lift on the far side. I realize the affordable ones (even with the name "AMERICAN") are all made in China now.

However, I'd like to hear some discussions on what two post lifts work well - might work well - +/- etc.

I have 9.5 tall ceilings out there, which is just enough to squeeze most of the home style lifts in place. I need it strong enough to work, but low enought/light duty enough to slip under very low slung cars. I do not intend on using it to hold a car and park one under it. If that were my goal, I'd put a four post in the attached house garage.

I have never owned one - and it seems to defy logic that only TWO posts bolted to the slab are safe and secure enough to hold a car under load.

THANKS!

[gearheads78]

Watch for dealerships that close. You will get a much better quality unit that way. My Rotary came from a Pontiac dealership that went out of business about 10 years ago.

edit... never mind 9.5" ceiling is going to be hard to find anything in a 2 post

[f1shman]

I really love Mohawk lifts. Out of all the brands I've used in the shops I've worked at, I felt safest when in a bay with a Mohawk. If anything, they might be over engineered for general automotive use, but I never felt that was a bad thing when you are parking a few tons over your head.

http://www.mohawklifts.com

[Fluid Power]

These guys are getting a lot of run at garage journal.

http://www.maxjaxusa.com

more than a scissor lift, but would probably work better.

Darren

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by Fluid Power

These guys are getting a lot of run at garage journal.

http://www.maxjaxusa.com

more than a scissor lift, but would probably work better.

Darren

Thats better than nothing but it would suck not being able stand up to work under the car.

[69MyWay]

I called the guys - they have to put you in touch with a dealer.

I can't stand under anything with a 9.5' garage - but I don't really care to stand under it anyway.

[JamesJ]

http://www.eagleequip.com/

[69MyWay]

Okay - was able to do some research on the maxjax.

It is an import part - like the others.

It has three stopping points - 2', 3', and 4' - there is no stopping inbetween.

It will run off 110 or 220.

The pump can be rolled or mounted on the wall.

The hoses are 16' long that feed the rams.

- Price is a tad more than other two post (permanment mount) systems.

The post is a semi-permanent - and has to be unbolted from the floor to move one or both of the sides. I would have figured they would have made a bolting/pin plate so they could be more easily and quickly pulled and rolled.

I need to find out if the others allow you to stop the lift in more than three spots...and also need to know where I can so some searching on the saftey record of them.

Checking out eagle now too.

[Mkelcy]

Originally Posted by 69MyWay

Okay - was able to do some research on the maxjax.

It is an import part - like the others.

It has three stopping points - 2', 3', and 4' - there is no stopping inbetween.

It will run off 110 or 220.

The pump can be rolled or mounted on the wall.

The hoses are 16' long that feed the rams.

- Price is a tad more than other two post (permanment mount) systems.

The post is a semi-permanent - and has to be unbolted from the floor to move one or both of the sides. I would have figured they would have made a bolting/pin plate so they could be more easily and quickly pulled and rolled.

I need to find out if the others allow you to stop the lift in more than three spots...and also need to know where I can so some searching on the saftey record of them.

Checking out eagle now too.

I looked at the MaxJax link and was just a bit concerned, particularly if the plan is to bolt and unbolt the posts from time to time. The MaxJax posts are secured by (IIRC) 5 bolts, torqued down to 100ft/lbs. My Mohawk Asymetrical (which does place a greater load on the posts) is held down by 7 anchors torqued down (and periodically checked) to 150 ft/lbs. Moreover, if the MaxJax posts are bolted and unbolted periodically, I'd expect the anchor holes in the concrete to loosen up over time and the periodic stressing and unstressing of the concrete could lead to cracks which would require replacement of a portion of your garage floor.

For me, the 4' position would be good for brakes and suspension work done from the side of the car. The 2' and 3' positions are for undercar work, with you on the floor or a creeper. You might want to think about why you want a lift and whether working under the car on a creeper is still going to make it worth while.

My shop (in Sourthern California) couldn't acommodate a lift, so I had it installed (now with a weather proof motor for the pump) outside at the far end of the concrete pad in front of the shop. That's probably not a viable solution for you. The nice thing about a full height lift is that you can get approriately sized stands, transmission jacks, oil drain tanks and other accessories pretty easily. The split for me is under car work about 80% of the time and side of the car 20%. If your pattern is the same, get a nice creeper.

For any two post lift, you should confirm the depth and density of the concrete in your shop.

[byndbad914]

Originally Posted by f1shman

I really love Mohawk lifts. Out of all the brands I've used in the shops I've worked at, I felt safest when in a bay with a Mohawk. If anything, they might be over engineered for general automotive use, but I never felt that was a bad thing when you are parking a few tons over your head.

http://www.mohawklifts.com

thanks for noting that - I have been considering a Mohawk 2-post and have no background with them, but like the forward mounting position (the asymmetric mounting) for my garage, so it is good to see someone with some experience share their thoughts!