Understanding Car Lifts: Two-Post vs Four-Post Systems 

One question we get all the time is, "What lift would be best for my needs?" Let's break down the differences between two-post and four-post lifts to help you make an informed decision!

Two-Post Lifts: The Professional's Choice 

With a two-post above-ground lift, your car is supported by four arms connected to the frame. Most cars have frames, and those with unibody construction have specific pinch points for lifting. The whole system is designed to distribute weight evenly across all four arms, with each arm rated at 25% of the lift's total capacity. 

Setting up a car on a two-post lift takes time and attention. You need to position all four arms correctly, and it's good practice to check that nothing has shifted as you raise the vehicle. This makes it ideal for full body restorations where you've gutted the vehicle – something that would be challenging on a four-post lift. 

Safety Features of Two-Post Lifts 

Two-post lifts come with specific safety features, including automatic arm locks that engage as soon as you raise the vehicle. If the car shifts during work, these locks ensure the arms stay securely under the vehicle. The lift also features an overhead shutoff – if something tall hits the padded bar where cables and hydraulic hoses run, the system automatically shuts off. 

How Two-Post Lifts Work 

These lifts use an electric-over-hydraulic pump system. An electric motor connects to an oil pump, which connects to a valve block with a suction tube in the oil tank. When activated, the system pumps oil through hoses to cylinders on both posts. The system generates 3,000 PSI through two cylinders to achieve its lifting capacity. 

The lift uses cables to maintain balance, connecting the bottom of one carriage to the top of the other in a "push-me-pull-me" configuration. These cables are adjustable to ensure perfect balance. 

Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Arms 

For most single-lift buyers, I recommend symmetric arms. With a symmetric lift, you center the car between the posts, which helps balance the weight evenly. This becomes especially important with vehicles like pickup trucks or plumber's vans that carry extra weight in the back. An asymmetric lift would put more stress on the rear arms, potentially overloading them. 

Who Should Choose a Two-Post Lift? 

Two-post lifts are typically best for experienced mechanics. You'll find them in most commercial shops because they provide superior access for serious mechanical work. However, they require a stronger floor for mounting and adequate ceiling height. 

Four-Post Lifts: The Storage Solution 

The four-post lift shines when it comes to vehicle storage. If you want to park two vehicles in the space of one without building an addition to your garage, this is your solution. While some people use two-post lifts for storage, it's not ideal – the suspension remains hanging, and you must remove the rear tires to park underneath. 

Advantages of Four-Post Lifts 

Four-post lifts offer several benefits: 

Safety Features of Four-Post Lifts 

Four-post lifts have multiple safety features. Each column has a series of locking windows, and the lift rests on these locks in all four corners with a single-point release. Additionally, they feature a secondary lock system. Unlike two-post lifts, the cables actually lift the vehicle, with the hydraulic cylinder positioned under the runway. If a cable loses tension, an independent lock automatically engages for added safety. 

Making Your Choice 

For homeowners, a four-post lift is often the better choice. It's perfect if you: 

While it takes up more floor space than a two-post lift, the four-post system offers greater flexibility and safety for the average enthusiast.