What’s a tuning shop without a post lift? You need a lift that lets you get under cars easily and safely. As an ASE-certified mechanic, I would tell you to prioritize the type of post lift over the brand. You need a lift that offers access, function, and strength.
A two-post lift provides all that and more at a budget-friendly price. It’s a no-brainer.
But even when you’ve picked a two-post lift over a four-post lift or scissor lift, you still have to narrow down your choice to one particular model.
In this article, we’ll cover the best five two-post lifts for performance and tuning shops.
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Rotary SPOA10-AV Two-Post Asymmetric Lift
Rating: Best overall
Source: Rotary Solutions This asymmetrical lift comes with powerful shockwave technology that makes lifting fast and efficient. With a 10,000 lbs weight capacity and double S column design, the Rotary SPOA10-AV is built to last. It’s perfect for lifting small to mid-sized vehicles.
Specs:
- Rise: 81 1/2″ – 84 ½”
- Overall Height: 11 1/2″ – 12′ 5 1/2″
- Overall Width: 11′ 5 ½”
- Speed of Rise: 45 seconds (Shockwave: 25 seconds)
- Speed of Descent: 40 seconds (Shockwave: 19 seconds)
- Ceiling Height Required: 12’ / 12’ 6”
Safety Features:
- Hydraulic safety system
- Swing arm restraints with automatic locking above 2 1/2″
- Padded overhead shut-off bar
- Rubber door guards
Price: $7,800 – $8,700
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Rotary Lift SPO12
Rating: Best symmetrical lift
Source: Rotary Solutions Featuring a massive 12,000 lbs weight capacity, this lift can carry medium to large-sized vehicles easily. The SPO12 has a double S column and adjustable arm configurations. It comes with a stable symmetric design and optional shockwave technology for smoother lifting.
Specs:
- Rise: 72 3/4” – 75 ¼”
- Overall Height: 13′ 8″
- Overall Width: 11′ 5 5/8″
- Speed of rise: 60 seconds
- Speed of descent: 40 seconds
- Ceiling height required: 14’ to 16’
Safety Features:
- Carriage locks
- Arm restraints
- Control lock-outs
- Spotline motion-activated lasers
Price: $11,900 – $13,200
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Atlas Baseplate BP8000 2-Post Lift
Rating: Best for low ceilings
Source: Atlas Automotive Equipment The Atlas Baseplate is perfect for low-ceiling shops. While it isn’t suitable for larger cars, with a small 8,000 lbs capacity, this lift offers the powerful features found on stronger lifts. It comes with dual hydraulic chain-drive cylinders and super-symmetric arms that make lifting stable and smoother.
Specs:
- Rise: 75 ½” – 86 ½”
- Overall Height: 9’
- Overall Width: 11’
- Ceiling height required: 9’3”
Safety Features:
- Automatic arm restraints
- Single-point lock release
- Double safety lock system
Price: $3,100 – $3,700
- Universalift 9KAF
Rating: Best budget
Source: North American Auto Equipment The Universalift 9KAF is built for constant use by custom car shops. It features a 9,000 lbs weight capacity and a symmetric design that provides even distribution. The floor plate has a solid steel frame, dual cylinders, with drop-in adapters that make it perfect for servicing small and mid-sized cars.
Specs:
- Rise: 72” – 77”
- Overall Height: 111”
- Overall Width: 132”
- Speed of rise: 40 seconds
- Speed of descent: 40 seconds
- Ceiling height required: 115”
Safety Features:
- Automatic arm restraints
- Single-point lock release
- Automatic safety shut-off
Price: $3,100 – $3,200
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Atlas Platinum PVL-10
Rating: Best asymmetrical lift
Source: Atlas Automotive Equipment With a double S column design and three-stage telescoping front arms, this above-ground lift was built to last. The Atlas PVL can be installed with the columns positioned asymmetrically or symmetrically, allowing you to choose your preferred lift type. Featuring a 10,000 lbs weight capacity, it’s ideal for cars and mid-sized trucks.
Specs:
- Rise: 72 ½” – 81 ½”
- Overall Height: 11’ 3 ⅞” – 11’ 7 ⅞”
- Overall Width: 11’ 5 ½” – 11’ 7”
- Ceiling height required: 12’
Safety Features:
- Padded carriages
- Single-point lock release
- Overhead shut-off bar
- Automatic arm restraints
Price: $5,100 – $5,900
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Two-Post Lift
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Weight Capacity
Whether you fix family vans or prep race cars for major car shows, you need to evaluate the weight of the vehicles you work on. Check the weight capacity of different post lifts to know which ones can easily bear the weight of your largest vehicles.
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Arm Style
Based on the arm style, two-post lifts come in three different types: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and versymmetrical. Symmetrical lifts have their posts positioned directly in front of each other. Weight is evenly distributed between the support arm assemblies.
Asymmetrical lifts have swing arms that come in different lengths and feature a rotated post design. Versymmetrical lifts are a perfect balance between symmetrical and asymmetrical. They offer the equal weight distribution of symmetrical lifts with the rotated post design of asymmetrical lifts.
Consider which type will work best for you.
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Shop Space
It doesn’t matter if you’re prepping cars for painting or switching out engines; you need space in a tuning shop. There should be enough space to fit the post lift with other equipment in the shop. Keep the height and width of your shop in mind when shopping for a lift. Horizontal space is also important.
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Power Requirements
Most two-post lifts need a constant power supply of 15 to 30 amps, 230 volts, 1 phase, and 60 Hertz to function effectively. Check the power needs of each lift and make sure your shop can safely provide the needed power supply for the lift of your choice without skyrocketing your power bills.
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Certification & Safety Ratings
Most two-post car lifts come with advanced safety features specifically designed to protect mechanics and cars. Compare the ratings and safety features of different brands before making your choice. Also, make sure to buy from a certified local dealer to avoid purchasing a compromised model.
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Warranty & Parts Availability
If, like most car tuning shops, you plan on using your two-post lift frequently, a warranty is a must-have for you. It’s important to choose a model that comes with a comprehensive warranty and has easily accessible parts. A comprehensive warranty should cover hydraulic systems, structural components, and electric parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much floor space do you need for a two-post lift?
You should have at least 11 feet by 11 feet of floor space to comfortably fit a two-post lift.
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How thick of a concrete floor do I need for a two-post car lift?
Your concrete floor should have a minimum of 4 to 4 ¼ inch thickness to install a two-post lift.
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Do two post car lifts need to be bolted down?
Yes. Unlike scissor lifts and four-post lifts, two-post car lifts need to be securely bolted down to the floor for safe use.
Get a Lift That Suits Your Needs
The ultimate factor to consider when picking a two-post lift is usage. For a DIY mechanic just learning about car repairs and working on personal cars at home, any reasonably priced lift is good enough.
For professional mechanics dealing with different kinds of vehicles daily, you need to pick a lift that can cater to different needs.