How to Install a 2 Post Car Lift 4 Ton at Home
News 12/11/2024
Alright, let’s talk about this here 2 post car lift, the 4 ton kind. You know, the thing that lifts your car up real high so you can poke around underneath.
What’s This Thing Anyway?
Well, it ain’t nothin’ fancy. It’s just two big ol’ posts, see? And they got arms that come out and grab your car. Then, this thingamajig, it pushes the car up in the air. Strong as an ox, that’s for sure. Lifts up to 4 tons, they say. That’s a whole lotta car, let me tell ya.
Why You Might Want One
- Fixin’ Cars: If you’re always fiddlin’ with cars, this thing is a godsend. No more crawlin’ around on the cold, hard ground, gettin’ all dirty. You can stand right up and see what’s what.
- Savin’ Space: Some folks use ‘em to stack cars, one on top of the other. Saves a bit of room in the garage, I reckon. But you gotta have a tall garage for that, mind you.
- Showin’ Off: And let’s be honest, some fellas just like to show off. Got their car up in the air, all shiny and clean. Makes ‘em feel important, I guess.
Putting it Together
Now, puttin’ this thing together, that’s a whole ‘nother story. Some folks say you can do it yourself. But I ain’t so sure. Them posts are heavy, real heavy. You need strong hands and a good head on your shoulders. And you gotta make sure it’s bolted down good and proper. Don’t want that thing comin’ down on ya, that’s for sure.
Floor Stuff
And speaking of bolted down, you gotta think about your floor. This ain’t no little thing you’re puttin’ up. For a 4 ton lift, the instructions they give you, they say you need a good thick floor. Like, 4 inches thick, maybe more. Don’t go puttin’ this on some thin, crackly floor. It’ll just bust right through, and then you’ll be in a heap of trouble.
Using the Lift
Once it’s up and runnin’, usin’ it ain’t too hard. Just gotta drive the car on, line it up right, and push the button. But you gotta be careful, though. Make sure them arms are grabbin’ the car in the right spots. Don’t want to bend nothin’ or break nothin’. And for the heavier duty lifts, like the ones that lift 12,000 or even 15,000 pounds, well they say you need an even thicker floor. Six inches, they say. That’s a whole lotta concrete, if you ask me.
Two Posts or Four?
Now, some folks like the 4 post lifts. They say they’re better for storin’ cars. And maybe they are. But these 2 post lifts, they’re good for workin’ on cars. You can get right in there, all around the wheels and underneath. It’s just a matter of what you need it for, I guess.
Getting it Right
So, if you’re thinkin’ about gettin’ one of these 2 post car lifts, do your homework. Make sure your garage is big enough. Make sure your floor is strong enough. And make sure you know what you’re doin’. Or better yet, get someone who does to help you out. It ain’t worth risking life and limb just to lift up a car. Safety first, that’s what I always say. You gotta measure your space real good. Make sure you got enough room not just for the lift itself, but for movin’ around too. Don’t want to be bangin’ into things all the time.
And when you’re ready to put your car on the lift, take it slow. Drive it on carefully, and make sure it’s centered. Find them liftin’ points on your car’s frame, that’s real important. You want to lift from the strong parts, not the weak ones. And once you got the car up in the air, make sure it’s stable before you go crawlin’ underneath. Give it a good shake, just to be sure. Better safe than sorry, I tell ya.
So there you have it. That’s about all I know about these 2 post car lifts. They’re handy things, that’s for sure. But you gotta use ‘em right. And remember, safety first! That’s the most important thing of all.
Tags: car lift, 2 post lift, 4 ton lift, garage lift, auto lift, vehicle lift, car hoist, garage equipment, DIY garage, car maintenance