Which Is Better - 2 Post Lift Or 4 Post Auto Lift?

One of the most common questions on people's minds has to do with whether they should go with a 2 post lift or the 4 post auto lift in their shop. The short answer is that it truly depends on how you plan on using the lift.

The first thing to consider is what your needs are. Are you simply looking for a way to store two vehicles in the same space? A four post vehicle lift allows you to hoist one vehicle and then store another one directly underneath. These lifts will generally have two steel tracks that let lift the vehicle by the wheels and not the frame like in a 2 post vehicle lift.

Another nice aspect with this type of lift is in how portable it can be. Place it on movable casters and you can then roll it anywhere in your shop or garage that you'd like. I can't tell you how handy that can be.

On the other hand, a two post auto lift is great for gaining access to the underneath of the vehicle and do repair work. Do things such as changing oil, brake jobs, suspension work, exhaust system repair and so much more.

Instead of driving onto two steel tracks like you do with a 4 post auto lift; this style lifts the vehicle on the frame. The downside is that this type of lift is not designed for use in storing vehicles for any length of time. Another issue is that 2 post lifts are definitely not portable. They must be floor mounted and bolted down. That is just another consideration you'll need to make when deciding which way to go.

In regards to either type of lift, be sure to get one that has the right lift capacity for your needs. As a quick rule of thumb, look to have a lift capacity at 25% more than the actual weight of any vehicle you plan to use the lift on.