LocostUSA.com

Our garage replacement project is about done and I'm toying with the idea of getting a lift. The stall I keep the Locost in has a 12' - 13' ceiling so there seems to be plenty of room. But the lift would be for working on any of the cars in the family from a Hyundai Accent to a Chevy Suburban. Actually, the Suburban is optional.

Does anyone have any experience with 2 post vs. 4 post lifts? Any suggestions on brands, suppliers, etc? Any comments or insights would be appreciated.

John

Two-post is the way to go! The four-post types (at least the ones with a pair of ramps lifted at each end) aren't nearly so convenient for working on suspension bits, plus the ramps are great for putting notches in your head when you forget they're there.

I think that 2 post requires more concrete for the base. In addition, it requires that the user locate the lifting arms properly. It gives great access for mufflers and such. An asymetrical 2-post lift will give you easier door opening thqan a non-asymentrical lift. The 4 post lift requires no real extra concrete and can be moved out of the way. Also it excels at ease because you just drive it on and lift away. The 4 posts are 2x more likely to be in the way when using the garage as a garage. Suspension work can be done if you get the sliding jack tray. Also, when storing a car for a long period, it is generally better to not have the suspension totally relaxed. The 4 poster excells at storage and you might be able to store a yard tractor over winter in addition to your Locost.

I know this because I have looked at lifts too. I have decided against the purchase of such things.

It really all comes down to your primary intended use.

I have experience with both types, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. If you will be doing bodywork, or would like to store a car on a lift, the 4 post is the way to go. If you want to do brake work, engine swaps, exhaust work or change summer tires to snow tires, the 2 post is much better. If space is a premium, you will find that the 2 post takes up much less room. Personally, I would prefer the 2 post the most. For more info on brands and other opinions, I recommend looking at this forum:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/

You might need to do some searching, but there is a ton of information on lift in that forum. Many people have asked the same questions as you on that forum (examples):
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66227
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60892
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2152

I think that most will recommend a bendpak:
http://www.bendpak.com/

Show us a picture when you get one!

Be sure to check the foundation requirements - my house has a post-tensioned floor slab that prohibits drilling for anchors. That may push you in the 4-post direction if it can be free-standing.

You can drill for anchors you just have to be sure you're not drilling thru or right next to one of the cables.

How do you know where the cables are you ask? Just look on the outside of the house and you will see the anchor ends.

I picked a spot and poured an 8" thick slab section of the shop floor and then the bottom fell out so I haven't been able to buy one yet. I'm glad someone is rich!

I have this lift: http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/specia ... D-6XP.aspx and am very happy with it. It's heavy but portable, no concrete drilling/reinforcement required. It also doesn't take much space which is nice in my tight garage.

I just thought of another precaution when using a 2 post lift. For the Locost, the arms of a 2 post lift would normally sit on the flat sheet steel floor surface. Any real wrenching could easily slide the Locost off those lift pads. If you decide to go that way, you may want to add something a bit more positive to your frame member. Perhaps welding a 1/2 x 1" tube along each side of the frame? You'd have to look at the pads and determine what would be appropriate.

Thank you all for the excellent comments, pointers and insights. This is exactly what I was looking for. The slab in the garage is normal re-bar, not post tensioned, so setting anchors should be OK. I'll check out the links. Certainly I'll post again if/when the lift is installed, if for no other reason to enjoy some bragging rights.

John

Not to rob your thread but has anyone entertained the idea of one of these single post lifts? Dimensions and capacity fit our cars, price is semi-lococst, and it's a good incentive to "add lightness".

http://garage-toys.com/gaadscsipoeq.html

http://garage-toys.com/sipoatmosngo.html

http://nationalautotools.com/nspsl22-2200-lb-single-post-storage-lift-p-149.html

We have a few 2 post lifts at our shop, and I really like them. We work mostly on Spec Racer Fords, so construction is really pretty similar to a locost (square tube, aluminum belly pan). Haven't had any issues yet, but careful pad placement is important.

I have less than 10' of head room and am considering a mid-rise scissor lift. They are easily moved around and you can park over them (4.5" height). They do look a little unstable at full extension with a large vehicle. The footprint is a bit small.

I could elevate my roadsters 50" to 60" in the garage and the sedans about 40".

Advantage of the 4 poster is vehicle storage.

Check out this outfit for off-shore prices supported with parts/service:
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-TD6MR-Portable-Scissor-Lift-p/attd-6mr.htm

If you find your concrete is substandard or too thin just increase the base plate size.

When looking for a 2 post lift, or any lift, consider going with a brand name. A few that come to mind are Hunter, Ammco, Bendpak, and Rotary. If you were to buy one from a local supplier you can get better service but, you probably won't need it with as little as you will need it. There are people that refurb lifts ask around at shops or other lift suppliers like Napa and they might be able to tell you. You may also consider the Max Jax system http://maxjaxusa.com/. It will still have requirements for concrete thickness like any 2 post but, not a bad price and it is storeable. By the way cheaper lifts that we sell at Napa are just over $3000.

I bought a used 2-post and love it. I went back and forth between two and four posts but a good deal dropped into my hands. I'm glad I did buy it. But now I want a 4-post . Like malessca said both have their uses.

Since you all seem to be 'hackers' in a sense; one thing to note is the location of the tee in the hydraulic line to the two rams. Mine had the tee right beside the one ram. I moved closer to the middle so that both rams would start acting together.