hydraulic car lift - for the garage

[chris-CMC#35]

(I don't expect anyone to have one of these they're selling, but I couldn't figure out where else to post this question...)

I'm going to install a hydraulic car lift in the garage, so I can get the CMC up out of the way, and be able to park the daily driver inside during the winter, which is important here in Colorado. (cheaper than a new garage bay, eh?)

Has anyone else done this? Or had any experience with these things? I'm going back and forth between a 4-poster (drive-on ramps, see http://eagleequip.com/page/EE/CTGY/LI-EFP) and a 2-poster (swing-out arms which lift from the underside, see http://eagleequip.com/page/EE/CTGY/LI-ETP.)

Pluses and minuses each way, but the idea of being able to get the car up in the air, with the wheels off, is attractive.

Thoughts/comments/advice very welcome.

thanks,
chris

[gt40]

Has anyone else done this? Or had any experience with these things? I'm going back and forth between a 4-poster (drive-on ramps, see http://eagleequip.com/page/EE/CTGY/LI-EFP) and a 2-poster (swing-out arms which lift from the underside, see http://eagleequip.com/page/EE/CTGY/LI-ETP.)

Go with the 4-post models. The 2-post models put a larger strain on the concrete floor (especially if the car's weight isn't centered ofer the posts,) and a residential floor in a garage may not be able to take the stress (I believe the 2-post lifts require a 6" or 8" reinforced floor.)

If you can, get one with rollers, too. It's nice to be able to roll the thing around.

[chicane23]

I have a 4-post lift now and I have used the 2-post lifts as well. After the past few months I would still recommend the 4 post.

Sure makes life easy.

[AI#97]

When we had our shop a few years back, I couldn't stand the 4 post lift because of limited access to the underside of the car and just the general reach you had to make to get "around" the drive on rails...

I prefer the 2 post lifts without a doubt....BUT, you do have to have a 6" minimum floor with decent reinforcement. You CAN get away with 4" floors if you weld on a 3/4" thick baseplate that is about 4' square but keep in mind that most residential garage floors are 3" thick NOMINAL and can be as thin as 2".....got to love quality workmanship!!! :wink:

[chris-CMC#35]

Great advice/comments, thanks.

-chris