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Types of Car Lifts: Which is the Best One for My Auto Repair Shop?

Whether your automotive repair shop specializes in one type of vehicle or provides general service, there is one piece of equipment that you simply cannot work without: an auto lift. With a piece of machinery designed to lift the car in the air, you have more access to the areas you need to work on, saving both time and aggravation.

However, among auto shop owners, there is some disagreement about what type of lift to install in the garage. The number of posts used to support the lift and the storage space required, as well as the operation of the lift, are all important considerations – and before you invest thousands of dollars in the purchase and installation of this important piece of automotive equipment, you should know a bit about each option so you’ll make the right choice.

Types of Lifts

In general, there are three types of car lifts: two post, four post and in-ground lift.

Two post lifts are the most common type of lifts found in auto repair shops. Two post lifts include two posts that are connected by a metal beam. When the car is driven onto the lift, the metal bar crosses the center of the vehicle and two arms on each end support the vehicle’s weight. The car is lifted via a hydraulic system within the support beams.

Four post lifts are similar to two post lifts, except that the posts are located on each corner of the car. These lifts have often been compared to a large bed that raises the car, and are most commonly used on vehicles that are too big or heavy for two post lifts, or that need wheel, tire or alignment work.

In-ground lifts are perhaps the least common type of lifts, primarily because the installation is difficult (unless the garage is a new construction that accounts for the installation). In-ground lifts feature one large hydraulic cylinder with four arms attached; when the lift is not in use, it’s stored underground.

Comparing Lifts

Determining the appropriate lift for your shop depends largely on the type of work you need to do and the space you have available. For example, space-challenged shops might be well served by an in-ground lift, since this type takes up far less floor space than other lift types. However, installing these types of lifts requires significant underground digging and construction, meaning that the installation of the lift can cost almost as much as the lift itself – and if there are issues with the ground under your shop, you could run into trouble.

The relative ease of the installation process —and the fact that two and four post lifts offer better access to the center of the car —make those lift types far more common in garages. Lifts must be installed in freshly cured concrete, as older concrete can crack and create a dangerous situation, but in general, the installation of both types of lift is fairly straightforward.

Four post lifts take up a great deal of space, but if you work with a lot of heavy vehicles or do a lot of wheel work, it might be worth making space for one.  However, two post lifts can also be used for wheel work and, out of all the lifts, they offer the easiest access to all areas of the undercarriage of a vehicle.

Choosing a Lift

Once you decide on a lift type that best fits your shop’s needs, you’ll need to choose the brand and model. You’ll want to look for a lift that is certified by the Automotive Lift Institute. BendPak, Dannmar, and Workhorse are all great choices with weight capacities ranging anywhere from 9,000-18,000 lbs.

A commercial vehicle lift is a major investment for your shop and you want to make sure you get the best one for your needs and budget, if for no other reason than to ensure the safety of your staff and prevent injury and damage. Do your research, ask questions and choose the model that works best for your business.

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Kevin Donaldson owns a small garage in the Midwest where he specializes in vintage and antique cars. A self-described “car guy,” he writes about car care and restoration for several publications. His current personal project is a 1953 Chevrolet convertible he’s restoring for his wife.

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