What are the Different Types of Lifts in Australia?
If you have ever worked on your car lying flat on your back, you already know the pain. The awkward angles and constant repositioning can make even the simplest of jobs harder than they should be. And this is where investing in a vehicle lift that is both proper and efficient is incredibly worthwhile.
Whether you are upgrading your workshop or setting up a brand new home garage, understanding the different car lift options available in Australia is paramount. This will allow you to make the right decision, as each different tool serves a specific purpose. Choosing the right one for your space ultimately comes down to your vehicle, your space, and what you actually want to use it for.
To help aid your decision, the team at Joel’s Garage Gear has carefully curated a guide that will break down the different car hoists available on the market, as well as the different lift types, so that you can make an informed decision that will be the best for your garage set up.
Two-Post Hoists – The Absolute Go To for Mechanical Work
The two-post hoist is generally the first option that comes to mind when thinking about a car lift for serious, hands-on work. These lifts work by raising the vehicle by its chassis using adjustable arms, all whilst leaving the wheels hanging freely. That means that when you are working on your vehicle, you will have free access to all of the fixings – brakes, exhaust, suspension, and all of the underbody components.
So why exactly choose a two-post hoist for your garage space? Well, they are incredibly efficient for mechanical servicings and repairs as they provide full access to the underbody of your car, and they efficiently use floor space.
There are two different types of these hoists: base plate hoists and clear floor hoists. Base hoists have cable running along the ground, making them better suited for garages with lower ceilings, whereas clear floor hoists run overhead, keeping the floor completely clear (this helps to optimize floor space!)
The key thing to remember before deciding on which hoist to get is the installation. These lifts are strong structures, and require concrete slabs with the right amount of thickness and strength rating to maintain safety and efficiency. Without considering these, you will compromise on safety significantly.
Four-Post Hoists – Optimal for Storage and Stability
If your goal is to maximise storage and you are not too concerned about repairs, then the four-post hoist is the ideal solution for you. Instead of lifting your vehicle straight from the chassis, these lifts use drive-on ramps to support the vehicle by the wheels. This makes this hoist incredibly stable and a perfect long-term storage solution.
This is why four-post hoists are typically used as residential car stackers. You can park one car underneath and another on top, basically doubling your existing garage space and making it a more usable place. However, the downside is that it limits access to suspension and wheels. This can, though, be easily amended with a jacking beam, which allows you to lift the vehicle off the ramps when and if needed!
Scissor Lifts – The Perfect Solution for Low Ceilings
Low ceiling garages are incredibly common, and they need an alternative solution when it comes to installing a car lift: this is exactly where scissor lifts come in. These lifts use a compact, folding mechanism that raises the vehicle straight up from underneath. They don’t require tall posts, making them the ideal solution for spaces that have low ceilings and are relatively small. Some of the reasons as to why you should choose a scissor lift for your space is: compact and space-saving solution, is great for quick servicing jobs, and of course, it is ideal for lower ceilings! Another great benefit is that they are often portable, meaning that you can move them around or store them away when you are not using them.
Portable Car Lifts – Prioritises Flexibility
If you are in need of flexibility in your garage space, portable car lifts are another different car lift worth checking out. These systems are incredibly easy to move around because they are lightweight, meaning that they don’t need permanent installation. This makes them a more affordable option, and is ideal for DIY users who are after a simple solution without having to commit to a fixed hoist. Portable car lifts are the optimal solution for occasional use and basic vehicle servicing.
Single Post Lifts – The Ultimate Space Saving Innovation
For tighter, small spaces, a single post lift is an ideal solution. These lifts use one central column to raise and support the vehicle from the ground up, allowing you to stack cars without taking up too much space. They are the best solution for narrow garages, and leave a clean, minimal footprint because of their smaller size. They are, however, less common, but they do help to solve a very specific problem for homeowners with limited garage space.
Mobile Column Lifts – The Optimal Choice for Heavy-Duty Capabilities
For larger vehicles such as vans, trucks, and commercial fleets, mobile column lifts offer an entirely different approach. Instead of a singular structure, these lifts use multiple columns that all work together to raise the vehicle directly from the wheels. And an added benefit – they don’t require a fixed installation, allowing for flexible positioning and overall portability. For most home garages, this type of different car lift is not suitable, however for commercial sites they are highly effective and recommended.
How to Choose the Right Vehicle Lift for Yourself
There are three main factors to consider when evaluating which different car hoist will be the best for you.
1. Your Purpose
What is your intended purpose for the car lift? Are you doing mechanical work, storing cars, or both?
2. Your Space
How big is your space? What is your ceiling height and your floor space circumference? This will ultimately narrow down your options.
3. Your Power Supply
Some hoists do require specific electrical setups, so it is important to determine your electricity supply prior to finalising your purchase.
Choose Joel’s Garage Gear for All of Your Different Vehicle Lifts
Choosing the right vehicle lift can often be quite overwhelming, purely because of the broad range of different car hoists available. However, once you have a thorough understanding on how each type works, it becomes so much easier to match the lift to your needs and your personal garage space.
Whether you need a car lift for residential or commercial spaces, Joel’s Garage Gear is here to help! Our expert team will help you make the best decision possible to ensure that you do ultimately choose the best set up. Ready to take the next step? Contact our team today and we will be happy to help you decide on which car lift works best for you!
