Which Hoist?

Mando · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 03:38 AM

I've been looking at hoists for a while and I have been told that parking a car long term on a 2 post hoist was no good for the chassis or the suspension and that a 4 poster was a much better option. Can anyone shed some light on the subject please.

Regards.

jcraigau · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 04:38 AM

I can only assume that on a 2 post hoist the suspension is fully "drooped" and held up by the chassis whereas the 4 post you drive onto, so no different to having it sitting in the driveway. Probably better for the tyres - no flat spots.

But I'm no engineer so it's only a theory...

Merv and Sharon · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 05:15 AM

Mando, as per the earlier MaxJax thread, I went for the two-poster as I wanted to use the hoist for work on the car, not storage. It has been great for suspension work and transmission work in recent weeks. I wanted a system that would produce full suspension droop so I could see the results of the work I was doing with shocks and springs.

FUNFER2 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 01:31 PM

I also have the MaxJax. If you're concerned, just take off the wheels/tires.
I can get you a discount if you're interested.

Philm · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 01:56 PM

Hey Mando,
Get a 4 post, easier to use just drive it on.

Phil

FUNFER2 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 02:15 PM

But, you still have to use bottle jacks to get the car off the lift. I figure their nice for storage and changing oil, other than that, get a two post. I also like the MaxJax because if you won't need it for a while, you can store the unit in a corner or move it to a different location easily.

Rog246 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 02:17 PM

Hey Mando, give Burson's a call. The firm I now work for sells hoists & scissor lifts etc and we have some real good specials going with Burson's at the moment. Use your negotiating skills and screw them down because they have a real good margin on hoists at the moment.

Get a 4 post with a lift bridge or pantograph.........the best choice IMHO

Rog

hsv300 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 02:46 PM

I have both a 4 post hoist and a 2 post hoist, For storage and oil changes cleaning ect and ease of getting it on and off the 4 post is perfect. If you want to work on the car then a 2 post is the way to go.
Either way you will not be disappointed.

Greg

Gav · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 04:07 PM

Buy a four poster Mando!

Modena · #10 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 04:22 PM

depends what you want it for Mando. If its primarily for storage of a vehicle then 4 poster all the way.

However, if its primarily for working on suspension etc then a 2 poster wins hands down. A 4 poster is still good for oil change, diff, cleaning underbody etc, but not much chop for suspension or brake work.

Just my $0.02 worth.

boxhead · #11 (**permalink**) 10-16-2011, 12:14 AM

As others are saying Mando, it will depend on why you want a hoist as to which one is best.
I dont like to use any hoist to "get extra storage" you just never know when your top car will develop an oil and brake fluid leak, if you need more storage, make more room.
4 post is great for ease of getting cars in the air, but a 2 post hoist has it hands down for doing work, especially when in the suspension, brake, wheel well, side pipe area.

Having the suspension hanging at full droop could I guess cause rubber suspension bushes to "crush" were they are under load, also rubber bushes that are vulcanised onto inner and outer steel part, they could tear the rubber away (this is why suspension bolts should be tightened when the suspension is in its normal operating position).

Rob. Smith · #12 (**permalink**) 10-16-2011, 01:36 AM

I think the two posters are a bit scary...I've seen a lot of commercial ones drop a car when the mechanic gets over enthusiastic on removing a tight bolt or something. My four poster is good...there's a chassis scissor lift attachment available to lift the wheels off the deck. Also you can shove one of those air bag lifts under the chassis to do the job. I lift the Cobra up out of the way to give me more door space for the daily driver and no risk of hitting the cobra at all.

Mando · #13 (**permalink**) 10-16-2011, 01:53 AM

Thanks guys, I think the 4 poster could be the way to go! I have no intention of doing any brake or suspension work but more for cleaning/servicing and the main reason for the hoist which is to be able to drive another car under the hoist and out through the roller door without shifting the first car.

Regards.

BMK · #14 (**permalink**) 10-16-2011, 03:55 AM

Mando

I have a Tufflift hoist. It is ideal and is supplied with a wheel kit that allows you to move it around.

Reasonably priced with jacks etc.

See my gallery.

Bernie

bobcowan · #15 (**permalink**) 10-16-2011, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mando

Thanks guys, I think the 4 poster could be the way to go! I have no intention of doing any brake or suspension work but more for cleaning/servicing and the main reason for the hoist which is to be able to drive another car under the hoist and out through the roller door without shifting the first car.

Regards.

The 4 post will work better for you. But, as said above, you do have to worry about fluid leaks. Almost every car I've ever owned has eventually developed a small leak somewhere. Just a drop or two here and there. Most lifts I'v seen have optional drip pans available. Either buy them or make your own.

Gav · #16 (**permalink**) 10-16-2011, 02:13 PM

The four post lift that Radum in Melbourne have on display have the driptray with them.
You probably won't have your Italian valiant under or over the cobra though will you Mando?

stiffy · #17 (**permalink**) 10-16-2011, 02:31 PM

Mando,

I have both, my reasoning is if you can only fit one then a 2 poster is the go. A bit harder to get the car onto but better for working.

STIFFY