2 or 4 Post Hoist?

[XW_GS]

Ladies Gents,

Im thinking of raising the roof of my garage and installing a car hoist for:

1. Working on the cars
2. Parking one XW under the other in the garage to free up parking space for my everyday cars.

Would you go for a four poster, i know the wheels and suspension dont hang for work

or 2 poster, haven't had much experience with hoists but being only 2 posts there is less weight distribution on the floor as i dont know how thick the slab is.


Any advice?

Cheers
Paul

[tufLTD]

If you choose a 4-poster, get one that has jacking beams. I've used one for the last 6 years & love it. A very stable platform to work on. The only drawback is the room they take up, being 4 posts & all.
Occasionally, I also use the 2-posters at work, but never feel quite as safe under them, especially with larger vehicles like 4 wheel drives.

[JG66ME]

I think the 2 posts are on a H frame so the weight distribution is the same as a 4 post. That is the H lays flat of the floor and the posts rise up from the junctions at the cross piece.

Steve

[boss-290]

I think the 4 post is better because you don't have to bend over all the time to set the arms under the jacking points.

Though there is alot more room to work under a 2 poster.

If I had the choice I'd go for a 4 poster with thejacks aswell.

[XW_GS]

tufLTD i have the same thoughts about the 2 posters and the car seems to sway back and forth a bit when you work under them.

Are jacking beams a replacement item for the drive on ramp setup??

[tufLTD]

Jacking beams slide along rails between the platforms. They are kinda like a big scissor jack. You can jack up the car front &/or rear to work on brakes, suspension, etc. They have sliding arms so you can adjust them in or out to reach different jacking points like crossmember, chassis rails, sills, etc.

[Falcon Coupe]

Originally Posted by tufLTD

Jacking beams slide along rails between the platforms. They are kinda like a big scissor jack. You can jack up the car front &/or rear to work on brakes, suspension, etc. They have sliding arms so you can adjust them in or out to reach different jacking points like crossmember, chassis rails, sills, etc.

I have never heard of jacking beams, they definitely make the 4 poster sound a better option.

[boss-290]

This would be ideal..

[XW_GS]

ahh thanks

[tufLTD]

Originally Posted by XWGS351

ahh thanks

Here's a pic of the exact same one I use.
I would choose the jacking beams that go east-west rather than the one pictured in previous post that goes north-south.

[ams77]

what brands should you look for or stay away from and how much would you expect to pay?

[tufLTD]

Mine's a Molnar. Been pretty reliable except for the ram seal which leaked but was fixed under warranty.
They vary in price depending on brand but are usually around $6000, that's with the 2 optional jacking beams.

[ams77]

OMG, i was hoping for about $3.5 - $4K

[tufLTD]

Originally Posted by ams77

OMG, i was hoping for about $3.5 - $4K

You would get a 2-poster for around that price but not a 4-poster unless it's second-hand.

[yabby6]

I've only seen in the flesh (or metal..) 2 posters.

Those hoists in the photo look just like raised platforms with the car then jacked up sitting on top. How do you get underneath the car and what is the benefit of these over just jacking off the ground?

[ZA-289]

Id go a 2 poster, no room to work under a 4 poster, it defeats the whole purpose.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by ZA-289

Id go a 2 poster, no room to work under a 4 poster, it defeats the whole purpose.

The platform you drive onto isnt solid, its only the sides. The middle of the car is exposed. Its good for doing oil changes, exhaust mods etc when you dont need to take the wheels off. A lot safer than a 2 poster as well.

[yabby6]

That's what I'm thinking.On the topic of hoists, I've also been thinking about getting a 2 post hoist for home, I was told about a second hand one for sale recently for about $1,000, from a home based mechanic who was retiring. What kind of things should one look out for when buying a used hoist?

[20focus05]

I just hate hitting my head on the arms of the 2 poster.

[g220ba]

you can't beat a 2 poster. more room and if the car is set up correctly won't sway as previously mentioned.

[olds]

2 post only way to go 4 post only good for changing oil make sure its a screw jack type if your going to park something under it

[OLDFORDNUT]

the ones on ebay for about $3000 brand new,are very good, mate just gotone for $2850 and he loves it.theres about 3 in vic and NSWsecond hand for around $1500 on ebay today

[TUF_302]

The 4 post looks good, but i think 2 posts are easier to work under, more room and the like!, and as long as its got the screw jack lock out you wont have to worry when your other car is under it!

[AUXRVIII]

One thing to remember about 2 post hoist is that you need to have an extra high roof, they are a lot taller than a 4 poster. A 2 post hoist deosn't have stability issues, they can be used without bolting them down, although it's not recommended.

[TUF_302]

You would have to be either very brave, or very stupid not to bolt it down lol!

[AUXRVIII]

Originally Posted by TUF_302

You would have to be either very brave, or very stupid not to bolt it down lol!

I don't know about today but in the past it has been a very common practice, the number of stories I've heard from people who have worked in places which didn't have their 2 poster bolt down, I do know of 1 place that currently has a free range 2 poster!

[FgNewbie]

Originally Posted by AUXRVIII

One thing to remember about 2 post hoist is that you need to have an extra high roof, they are a lot taller than a 4 poster. A 2 post hoist deosn't have stability issues, they can be used without bolting them down, although it's not recommended.

why is a 2 poster a lot taller?

I've been dreaming of putting a 4 poster outside for years. One of my pet hates with 2 posters is trying to get out of the car.

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by FgNewbie

why is a 2 poster a lot taller?

I've been dreaming of putting a 4 poster outside for years. One of my pet hates with 2 posters is trying to get out of the car.

2 posters are joined, either at the bottom or the top. I imagine the bottom connection is a pain and gets in the way which is why many prefer the top beam.
But that means the top beam has to be very high to allow for tall cars at maximum lift.

[fairmont1998]

I favour the 2 post hoists too for versatility.

[ZA-289]

Try doing suspension work on a 4 poster......

I was a mechanic for 5 years. 2 poster for sure unless you want to work on 4WD's