Vehicle Lifts

["Warren R Anderson" <wranderson@xxxx>]

A couple of things that I have had to consider when specing a lift. The
clear floor, wheels dangling feature is a plus for the two post lift where
chassis access is needed. The dangling wheels make under lift storage a
problem. I do pull transmissions on a 4-post and do front end work and
brakes but engine swaps are a no. Body lifts are very easy with the 2-post.

Something was mentioned concerning voltage requirements. The major concern
here is voltage drop. A motor rated 120/240 for example will perform equally
on either. The current requirement will be double with the motor wired 120
volt as opposed to 240. If a motor will be a long way from the breaker box,
the higher voltage is desireable. A 2 hp motor will be rated at something
like 10 amps on 240 and twice that on 120. Voltage drop is the issue and the
farther from the panel the heavier the gauge wire needed. Voltage loss
equates to motor performance loss.

The 4-post lift is marketed for the hobby person because it is not as
dependant on what it is mounted on as is the free floor 2-post. The pressure
of the lift bearing on the floor will require concrete with a spec of 2500
psi 28 day strength according to the 2-post lift manufacturers I have dealt
with. They also spec concrete depth and reinforcing. If the floor under a
2-post is not level, this will complicate the installation. The two posts or
columns of a 2-post lift must be mounted in the same horizontal plane,
parallel and vertical. Curiously, by definition as I think about it, a
2-post lift should be named a 2-column lift. A 4-post lift is far more
foregiving when it comes to floor condition and can be left portable.

There are many lift manufacturers. There is a lift spec institute. The ALI
tag should be on any lift you buy.

Warren Anderson
Sedona,AZ