Two post lift?

E38Driver · 04-02-2018, 08:05 PM

I tried to search before I posted this but could not find anything.

I am thinking of getting a two pos lift for my shop and wanted to see what the best one and best price to get one.

What is the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical?

Thanks for the help,

Dave

DerkPerk · 04-02-2018, 08:31 PM

I just put this here...

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Asymmetric-Two-Post-Lifts-Vs-Symmetric-Two-Post-Lifts#asymmetric

In summary the lifting arms are the same length on a symmetrical lift and different lengths on an asymmetric lift. It helps with getting out of wider vehicles.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Shop/2-Post-Lifts

Helped a buddy install one of the 10k Atlas units. Great piece of equipment.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

drkshdw · 04-02-2018, 08:46 PM

The biggest complaint folks have about symmetrical lifts is it's hard to get in and out of the vehicle when it's under the lift. Asymmetrical lifts solves that problem by moving the posts of the lift forward causing the vehicle to sit further back while under the lift. Because of that, the arms of the lift that hold the vehicle are asymmetrical, hence the name. Huge benefit if you are constantly getting in and out of cars while it's parked between posts and/or are a larger person.

dad911 · 04-02-2018, 08:55 PM

I have a 2 post asymmetrical and 4 post, both Eagle Equipment. No problems. Asymmetrical more common for 911, as drkshdw said.

But if I was buying now, I would seriously consider single post like this: https://www.eagleequip.com/product/MOBILEMAN-LP.html

Tervuren · Tervuren's Garage

I would recommend asymmetrical.

Cars tend to have a weight bias one way or the other, put the heavy end on the short side of the lift, the light end on the far side of the lift.

This will create a more balanced load than a symmetrical lift.

Especially with FWD cars, or a vintage 911 with it's rear bias.(Park it backwards from the FWD).

I have all front heavy cars, my lift has the short side deep in the garage so I drive in forwards into the lift. With a 911 I would back in.

If I had all 911's I would have installed the lift backwards with the long arms to the back wall of the garage.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad911

I have a 2 post asymmetrical and 4 post, both Eagle Equipment. No problems. Asymmetrical more common for 911, as drkshdw said.

But if I was buying now, I would seriously consider single post like this: https://www.eagleequip.com/product/MOBILEMAN-LP.html

That thing looks amazing. No wonder it's back ordered.

FPB111 · 04-03-2018, 06:56 AM

Removing a transmission or a 911 engine would be tough with the single post lift.

Mark Henry · 04-03-2018, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPB111

Removing a transmission or a 911 engine would be tough with the single post lift.

It would also be a PITA with most newer P-cars that have the belly trays, as they must be removed first to get at the trans front mounts.

VincentVega · 04-03-2018, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tervuren

I would recommend asymmetrical.

Cars tend to have a weight bias one way or the other, put the heavy end on the short side of the lift, the light end on the far side of the lift.

This will create a more balanced load than a symmetrical lift.

Especially with FWD cars, or a vintage 911 with it's rear bias.(Park it backwards from the FWD).

I have all front heavy cars, my lift has the short side deep in the garage so I drive in forwards into the lift. With a 911 I would back in.

If I had all 911's I would have installed the lift backwards with the long arms to the back wall of the garage.

Lots of ways to skin a cat I guess. I'm very happy with the benpack asymmetric. Arms swing forward a bit and expand. Rear heavy car, just pull up a little further. Front heavy car, maybe pull pack a bit. Arms move around to fit several configurations. Also make sure you check the arm height. Some are too high to fit under rockers of low cars. No full jacking up a car so it fits on a lift, if you do it frequently.

gordner · gordner's Garage

i have the Atlas two post from greg smith equipment, going on three years now. Easy to install, very straightforward operation, I have been more than happy with it in use.

reachme · reachme's Garage

Quote:

Cars tend to have a weight bias one way or the other, put the heavy end on the short side of the lift, the light end on the far side of the lift.

Yes, 911's do TEND to have a little weight bias. You aren't likely to have a weight capacity issue on almost any lift but I agree this is a good idea for balance. Also there are some other considerations with orientation with an asymmetric 2 post lift like door opening and arm bend underneath.

If done as suggested (shorter arms support 911 rear) the shorter arms are less adaptive both in swing arc and length so over time it's slightly easier to position when the rear of the car is supported by the short arms because the longer arms can adapt to front lift points. I need my short lift arms fully swing with no extension at all. This also allows you to squeeze the posts together a little tighter in a more confined space like a residential garage as I've done.
Unfortunately this makes the asymmetry work against you and the posts will be in the worst spot for the doors, the doors *may* not open fully if the car is positioned slightly back or the arms are closer together.

If you turn it around and have the long arms supporting the rear then door swing will not be a problem at all. I do find that there is more flex underneath in the longer arms when supporting the engine. And the car continues on several feet after the lift arms to any downward angle can have a more pronounced effect. I have not measured it but I do park below it and I have less clearance that way. Also the car does not look completely flat and with all the weight asymmetrically far away from that post you will notice the angle.

In the picture below you see the black 71T is forward a little more exactly because it would have a door open issue with the posts if it was directly below the white 930. The white car must be forward more to hit the lift points.
In the end these are problems many would like to have but take close measurements of your lift, spacing, lift points, doors etc. because there may be some differences between lift models.

good luck with this

rfuerst911sc · 04-05-2018, 03:17 PM

Don't rule out used either , last year I picked up a used Ammco branded ( built by Challenger ) two post lift for $1,000.00 with a new pump/motor . Guy had 3 lifts and was downsizing and selling off two of them . I got to see it assembled and watched it operate . I just wheeled it into the man cave I'm building so not fully assembled yet . But used can save you some coin just another option to consider . Good luck with your search .