Considering adding a lift - thoughts on 2-post vs. 4-post?

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My friend was a sales rep for them for many years. The stories I could tell you...Thanks for the invite, we do travel down that way.
 
depends on the real usage. Storage mostly, 4 post or build a bigger shop. For real work everyday, 2 post. Have had mine for 16yrs, use it for anything and everything.

And just learn how to make the lift work for you. Seeing these guys on these car shows crawling around on the floor with the vehicle on the lift, I have to laugh sometimes. Learn to use the tool.
 
Personally, 2 post. But like others said it depends what your needs are. For storage, and oil changes. 4 post. For working on car, suspension, brakes, etc., 2 post.
 
Speaking of concrete specs. I dug a 5' x 20'x 12" thick below where the two pads bolt to the floor when I did the pour for my shop floor.
 
How much do you know about the foundation you're putting the lift on?
If it wasn't poured with a lift in mind, it may not be appropriate for a 2 post lift.

(and, if you go 4 post, get a sliding jack - or two - that makes tires/suspension work easier - and pay to have them delivered/installed - they're friggin' heavy! ;-) If you're not familiar with them - you can see some here: http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/4-Post-Lift-Accessory/Rolling-SLASH-Sliding-Jacks)
 
Here is a breakdown of costs to compare.
I'll use Bendpak as the example since I am familiar with them .

2 post 10Klb wide lift - $2,900.00
2 tall 1500lb/each (3000lb total) adjustable jack stands - $200.00
Total: $3,100.00

4 post 9Klb wide lift - $3,035.00
1 GS 3500lb rolling jack - $820.00
Total: $3,855.00

The difference is less than a grand, in the 2 posts favor. Concrete thickness and strength is very important, so if your not set up already, plan on another $500.00 or so for busting up the concrete and pouring a couple or so 4100lb/sq.in. piers. I prefer the 2 post as it is more versatile IMO. I would consider a 4 post if I was storing a car and did not have a lot of space.

Ditto on paying to have the delivered into your garage. Assembly is easy. I had help from a buddy just to lift the uprights. I assembled the rest by myself using a basketball goal and some ratchet straps, so it's not that difficult.

67onlift.jpg
 
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Thanks for all the input so far folks. This provides some good food for thought. I'm not sure what my concrete specs are. The shop was in place when I bought the house, it's a standard pole barn with a poured floor. If I decide to go with a 2-post I will have to get a contractor to determine the strength of the floor.
 
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