Tools & Fabrication - car lifts

Getting ready to buy a new car lift. What do you guys think is the best for the money a 2 post of 4 post? Dont really know much about them.

what ceiling height are you working with?

its about 11 ft. ceilings

I've got a Mohawk A6. It allows me to open the doors when working on the car.

Bob K.

I would get a 2 post, they are much more versatile and in my opinion better overall for a general lift.

If alls you want to do is change oil go four post but if you want to be able to do anything you want to do a 2 post is the only way to go

not trying to hijack this thread, but what type of company would you call to have a hoist installed, a cement work company or something like that?

Check the Yellow Pages for "automotive equipment"..... These companies sometimes have used lifts (to save some money), do installs and can give advice on what to buy given the amount of room. BTW 2-post is the way to go....

Andy

not trying to hijack this thread, but what type of company would you call to have a hoist installed, a cement work company or something like that?

Install it yourself. It's easy.

Install it yourself. It's easy.

True, but if someone is doing it them self they better know what they are doing, or the post will fall over lol.

Install it yourself. It's easy.
X2
I bought and installed a Rotory 10,000lb asymmetric RA model last year and wish that i would have done it sooner.

True, but if someone is doing it them self they better know what they are doing, or the post will fall over lol.

You have to make sure your concrete is thick enough and of proper strength for sure.

You need 4000lb cement 4-6" thick.

Mohawk is the best of the best and the most expensive.

I think Bend pak is a good safe alternative to a Mohawk.

If you're not in a rush Mohawks come up on craigslist but they go quickly.

What are you using the lift for? I use mine to "store" my TA in the winter. I also do work as it has a jack tray. Wheel work is a little different but most all work can be done. I can pull a trans in 2 hrs by myself with a tall jack. I had mine shipped from Greg Smith equipment.

2 Post. Rotary isnt a bad brand either.

with a 2 post lift how would you adjust the suspension since it has to be loaded for most suspension tuning/work.

2 post, they are so much easier to work with.

i like the 4 post for suspension tuning

2 post all the way. I prefer Forward hoists and really like the dual symmetrical hoist they have out. I work off two Mohawk hoist every day at work right now and hate them after having a Forward.

Mohawk lifts are $$$. I was looking at Benpak and Mohawk lifts until I found the price sheet for Mohawk.

http://www.mohawklifts.com/gov/RETAIL%20Price%20Sheet.pdf

So is this a lift for commercial use or just a weekend helper?

I'm a weekend warrior. I use my lift maybe two, three times a month ... less in the heat of the summer a LOT more in the winter.

So the need for a heavy use, commercial grade lift was WAY overkill for my usage.

I bought one of these ...

http://www.americanautomotiveequipment.com/2-Post-Lifts-p/tp9a-d.htm

It was installed in 2007 and has worked flawlessly.

When I was picking it up, planning to do the install myself, the guy loading asked about installation and offered to do it for $200.

I was going to have to buy an 8" long 3/4" carbide masonry bit and rent a 3/4" hammer drill in order to sink the anchors. That alone would have been close to $100.

So hell yes ... install it and I'll drink beer.

2 post all the way. I prefer Forward hoists and really like the dual symmetrical hoist they have out. I work off two Mohawk hoist every day at work right now and hate them after having a Forward.

Why is that?

Whatever brand you choose look at an "asymmetrical" if you plan on working on cars the most and an "symmetrical" if you plan on working on trucks the most.