What Makes A Good Two-Post Surface Lift

by Frank

The most common automotive lift is known as the two-post surface lift. This lift comes in several varieties, but they all have the same basic structure. The structure of a typical two-post surface lift includes two upright columns that hold "carriages" which move up and down in the columns and to which are attached four (4) arms with adapters. The different varieties of two post surface lifts all depend on how the two upright columns are supported...1) (Most Common) The columns are tied together with an overhead crossbeam, manufactured of steel. This crossbeam also supports equalizing cables or chain and provides a location for hydraulic hoses of steel tubing to allow actuation of the "slave side" hydraulic cylinder. 2) The "base plate" version ties the two columns together with a base plate. This version allows for unlimited overhead obstructions, but creates obstructions on the floor where a technician may need to work. This base plate also provides a location for hydraulic hoses and cable of chain. This is type of lift is typically used in facilities that have low overhead clearance (i.e. 10’ ceilings) or overhead obstructions that would not allow the use of the crossbeam style.3.) Independent column construction, where the only piece tying the two columns together is a hydraulic hose or hydraulic steel tubing. While this may provide the benefit of no overhead or on-floor obstructions, the columns must be massive to allow each column to vertically lift as well as stay anchored to the concrete. These lifts are typically the most expensive of the two post surface lifts, due to the amount of steel required and the valving required for hydraulic equalization.We will focus on the most common type of two-post surface lift, as the other two types are limited in manufacture and use. (Most of this discussion will apply to their use as well, but there are many other issues to discuss when looking at those products.) The two-post surface lift is the most common type of lift because it is the most versatile piece of equipment in most shops. This type of automotive lift is typically between 7,000 lbs and 12,000 lbs. capacity and can range as high as 30,000 lbs. capacity. The most common being sold in today's market is 10,000 lbs. capacity. This design can be either "symmetrical" or "asymmetric", the asymmetric being used most commonly for cars and light trucks. For further discussion on the differences between these two lifts, please see the related article: “Asymmetric vs. Symmetric Lift, Which is Right for Me?” Two post surface lifts may be used for virtually any repair in an automotive shop. Typical applications include tire and brake work, under-chassis repair, oil changes, some engine work, fuel line and gas tank replacement, etc. These lifts are the workhorse of the automotive repair industry. One will find these types of lifts in every type of garage from car dealerships to your buddy’s pole barn. They have been around for approximately 30 years and most have an excellent track record for safety. When purchasing a two-post surface lift, there are a few things to look for. First and foremost, make sure that the lift is listed with the ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) and a product that has been tested and certified by ETL (Intertec Testing Laboratories) or another NRTL. This is especially important if you are going to be employing people to work under these lifts. Contrary to many claims by disreputable lift manufacturers, they cannot comply with ANSI Standards without having been tested and certified by a National Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) such as ETL. Don't take my word for it, call the Automotive Lift Institute and ask, they helped write the ANSI Standard, which is used by OSHA as a guideline. If the manufacturer of the lift you are looking at is not listed with the ALI, do not purchase it. Let’s face it, if a manufacturer is not willing to have their product tested by a 3rd party, do you want to put your life on the line by testing it for them? The second thing we recommend when looking for a two-post surface lift is lifting pad height. Many of the cheap lifts available out there have pickup points on the pads of between 5"-6". This is fine if you are working on trucks, but if you work on anything from Corvette's to customized vans, you had better make sure you have a good floor jack and numerous 2 x 12's. Most of the quality lift manufacturers will have a pickup point close to 4", which will work for most applications. (There are specialized lifts for very low profile vehicles, but that is another discussion). The pad should have various heights available (three position flip ups are most common) or screw pads with stacking adapters. Most manufacturers also have accessories that are specifically designed for working around running boards, OEM undercoating, etc. The third thing we like to look at is the construction of the lift. What is the bearing design and how big is it? Do the columns flex when lifting a vehicle? Does the column have a large base plate or external bracing to hold it together? These are all issues that will affect the long-term use of the product, much like buying a car. The last thing we like to look at is the distribution network of the manufacturer. There is nothing worse (well almost nothing) than telling a customer that you can't finish his car on time because the lift is broken with their car up in the air. That implies to the customer that A.) You don't have great equipment and B.) You are not reliable. Not a good situation, but you saved a few bucks. Right? Many people ask us what we think of any particular lift manufacturer. Our most common answer is as follows:1.) Are they listed with the Automotive Lift Institute?2.) Do they have factory trained distribution and service?3.) Do they keep an inventory of spare parts?Our company sells Rotary Lift because the answer to the questions is yes in all cases, no matter where you are in the U.S.A. (and many parts of the world).Each manufacturer seems to have niche markets or areas of the Country that they are particularly strong in. The last time I counted, there were approximately 75 different brands of two post lift manufacturers, but only about twenty (20) have all or some of their products listed with the ALI.Manufacturers that do not list all of their products with ALI will sell their non-tested products much cheaper than their tested products. (Not what I would call an ethical manufacturer…. buyer beware!) Make sure that the lift that you want to purchase is listed! It is almost guaranteed that if the lift cost less than $2500.00, it is NOT a listed product.I know, I know…..you can buy a lift for $1,595.00 down at Harry’s Bait, Tackle, Car Lifts and Grocery…..You only plan on using it occasionally, not more than once a week….You don’t need to buy the best, just something to get you by until you can afford something better….You are only going to use it for inspections….(I’ve heard them all…)We firmly believe in the information posted here because we don’t like funerals. Believe it or not, people get killed using these lifts. OSHA used to keep track of the cases, but I think they stopped doing it (or posting the cases anyways). There are manufacturers that change names more frequently than I change my kid’s diaper, just like many other types of business. That lift that “only” cost you $1,500.00 may end up costing you substantially more in repairs, lost service time, and heaven forbid your insurance company finds out that the equipment isn’t certified! Please remember that the money you save in purchasing a product like this (the same holds true for any piece of capital equipment) by buying “cheap” that you are going to pay down the road. A bay with two-post surface lift in a car dealership will bring in approximately $75,000.00 per year in revenue. A bay with a flat stall will bring in about $30,000.00 in revenue. If that lift breaks and it takes two weeks to get the parts to fix it, did that cheap lift REALLY save you money? The math would say no. If you have any questions, or would like to find out more about the lifts that we sell, feel free to contact us at 630-289-9500. You can view our products at www.standardus.com. We are always willing to discuss equipment needs and quality, even if we don’t sell you on our products!

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