2 post car lifts

[Dave F.]

Pretty much have my dream garage underway (pole building) I am considering a 10,000lb. 2 post lift. The heavyest vehicle I have is a 1999 Ford F-350 4x4 with a triton V-10 & 8ft. bed, who make's a good lift, what are the advantages of asymmetric / symmetric ? & how thick of concrete I will need. Thanks Dave F.

 

[caseyc]

Most 2 post lifts require a minimum of 6 inches, more is always better. I have a Ben Pearson 9000# asymmetric. It has been in use since 1998 in an automotive shop. Goes up and down on average 5 times a day. Replaced the cables 2 years ago, change out the fluid once a year, grease it up once a month, good to go. It handles the 1 ton trucks ok. If I have one up for more than an oil change I support the rear with a stand. A symmetric hoist will be better as it centers the load better for larger vehicles. Bend Pac, Rotary and Challenger are all popular in my area too from the dealerships to the aftermarket shops. I am looking to add a second lift this summer for bigger trucks and will probably go with a Bend Pac 15,000# symmetric. Just like anything else you get what you pay for. In a home garage a cheaper one may be ok. Good luck.

Casey in SD

 

[timcasbolt]

I put an Eagle 9000 lb. asymmetric in my garage about 15 years ago. It has worked out great. I like the asymmetric because you can get the driver's door open a little further which makes it easier to get out of the vehicle.

 

[ztrmowers]

mowhawk makes rest look like toys far as i am concerned,be putting in another unit next month

 

[Iowa Barber]

ZTR has it right! I have two 9000 lb hoists in my commercial repair shop. Ive had them for over 15 years. One cylinder started to leak a few years after it was installed, and was replaced with a new one at no cost to me. Installer told me that they are gauranteed for life. A real HD outfit made in Canada. Brian

 

[Owen Aaland]

I've got a 9000 lb Kwik Way, same unit Snap-On sold at the time. It has been in use for over 30 years. The only repairs have been to replace the cables once and replacing the rubber pads on the lift arms.

 

[MikeinKy]

I've had 2 Rotaries. The first was asymmetric, wouldn;t have another. fine for cars, too unstable for trucks. I now have a Rotary 10,000 lb. symmetrical it's a lot more stable. The asymmetrical puts the center of gravity too far back on the lift. I live about 10 miles from Rotaries main plant, so they are rather popular here. I used to work there too.

 

[504]

The easy cure for door opening, is just stop short, get out of the car(roll the window down) and push the car/truck forward till it is centered where you want it. That is the way we did it for twenty years.

 

[Sprint 6]

I have a 10k Challenger and love it. I use it professionally everyday. It can lift your truck and more. I can't remember the model right now, but it will operate symmetrical and asymetric. So it is easy to get out of cars, but will allow a truck to be placed farther forward.

No matter what you buy, make sure you buy the companies' truck adapters. That will make trucks safer to lift, especially your Ford. Fords trucks are my least favorite to lift due to lack of straight frame contact points and the difference in elevation between the front and rear.

 

[robgIN]

if you plan on using it for truck, get symmetrical. As others said asymmetrical are fine for cars but not meant for trucks. Far better to have a little inconvenience with the door than to have your vehicle fall off the hoist. The symmetrical hoists are a lot more stable and your truck not rock near as much while lifted . I have been working on cars and trucks for over 30 years and I hate asymmetrical hoists. Especially if you aren"t experienced using a hoist, the symmetrical are much forgiving because the center the load better. I have a truck like you and on an asymmetrical hoist I do not want to get under it. I believe they want 6 inches of concrete to mount the hoist.

 

[Bryan inIowa]

Symetrical for trucks ! I bought a 15,000 atlas 2 years ago , real happy with it . $3800.00 Gets used everyday, tonners, 4 doors, no problems . As other have said ,Mohawk is top of the line but you are gonna pay lot more for that . 6inch floor . Seen lifts put on 4 in but I"d be leary of working under it .

 

[Jthomas1970]

Check out (search for) Greg Smith Equipment. I think maybe gregsmith.com. I have one of their 12000 lb. lifts and love it.

Jonathan