How to choose your lift?

The lift is essential equipment for any mechanic! But there are many different types of lifts, so how many to choose? We give you all our advice on finding a lift adapted to the needs of your garage.

⚙️ What are the different types of lifts?

Fundamental equipment for opening a garage, the lift is available in different types of bridges, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Be aware that there are different power supplies for your lift. The most common are 220 V and 400 V lifts. The latter require a dedicated power supply.

Here are the criteria to be aware of when choosing the right lift for your garage:

• La carrying capacity : it ranges from 2,5 to 5,5 tonnes;
• Le lifting systeme: hydraulic or screw;
• La safety : Lock system ;
• La lifting height : up to 2,5 meters.

🔎 2-post or 4-post lift?

The choice of a good adapted lift depends above all on the needs of the mechanic:

• What is yours budget ?
• What use are you going to do this lift?

Le 2 post lift makes it possible to carry out almost all the interventions necessary on a vehicle, except an exhaust line. Indeed, the lifting of the vehicle is done by what is called a socket under shell, freeing the four wheels and the sill.

The under-shell grip also means you can't do the geometry of the car, as all four wheels aren't touching. Finally, a 2-post lift cannot lift a vehicle weighing more than 2500 kilos. For the routine maintenance of a car, the 2 post lift is the ideal choice. It is also the most polyvalent.

Nevertheless 4 post lift is essential to make the geometry of a vehicle. However, it takes up more space and turns out to be more expensive. It is also sometimes difficult to access certain parts such as brake pads.

However, a third option is available to you: the scissor lift. This is a mobile lift, which allows the vehicle to be on four wheels, easy access to all the parts, open the doors, etc. Different types of plugs are marketed, allowing you to choose the most suitable for your interventions.

🔍 Screw or hydraulic lift?

Lifts also have different lifting systems. Thus, a 2-post lift can be hydraulic or screw.

• Le hydraulic bridge or pneumatic works with jacks placed inside the columns. These jacks are connected to a chain which activates the lifting modules.
• Le mechanical screw bridge has a motor that turns the two screws placed in each column. This rotation moves the arms of the lift.

The hydraulic bridge is particularly robust and generally has a longer life. Be careful when choosing your screw bridge, because it can be extremely dangerous if it is of poor quality. Although requiring little maintenance, it wears out faster than a hydraulic bridge… but it is also easier to use!

💰 How much does a lift cost?

The price of a lift depends on its manufacturer but also on the type of lift you buy. Thereby :

• count between 2500 and 6000 € approximately for a 1 post lift;
• A 2 post lift costs between 1300 and 7000 € ;
• A parking bridge costs between 2000 and 3000 € about ;
• The price of a 4 post lift goes from around From 2500 to 10000 € ;
• Count on average From 2000 to 6000 € for a scissor lift.

To pay for your lift cheaply, you can always buy it second-hand. But before opting for a used lift, check that its safety is optimal and that its maintenance has been done correctly. A lift must be checked by an authorized repairer every year (article R 4323-23 of the labor code).

👨‍🔧 How to install a lift?

Install a lift depends on the type of bridge you have chosen. Whatever it is, your lift will come with an installation manual anyway, but sometimes you need to call in a professional. If installing a 1 column lift is simple - you just have to fix assemblies - installing a 2 column lift first requires making sure of the thickness of the slab (12 to 20 cm if it is is placed on the ground).

For a 4 post lift or a recessed bridge which requires masonry work, call on a professional service provider. It will cost you a few hundred dollars, a little more for a recessed bridge.

Finally, a freestanding scissor lift is often partially pre-assembled. You just have to finish putting the pieces together.

That's it, you know everything about lifts! You will be able to choose the one that is best suited to your use and your needs. Remember to respect the space requirements: leave at least 80 cm between your lift and the walls of your garage.