2 Post Lift purchase

[Shedendman]

If you buy one,would you install it yourself or get a pro in to sign and cert it off?
Just a query

 

[scottmk1]

I'd do it myself. Unless there was good reason not to. It's not for commercial use, so can't see any problems.

 

[dan treg]

your right a guy i know has one the arm lock machining is really poor the lock basically doesn't line up with the arms on some lifts whether screw jack or hydraulic . ideally you want one where when the bed raises the arms automatically lock in position

 

[Ashley Burton]

Automotech are very popular & seem good value for money!

 

[scottmk1]

I've had a look at the Automotech website and they do seem to be good value. But are they any better than the cheaper ones with no name that look identical?

 

[frank horton]

always had Hoffmans........the only thing to be replaced was the rubber pads on the arm...... cut up a new trye with a damaged side wall......used the tread as pads now, perfect........
the cheapo HYD ramps are realy for places with no 3phase.......Dan Treg has the right idea, dead locks are a must........
I oil my lift screws with Chain Saw blade oil.........nice and sticky, 1nce per week is enough.........the main chain I remove everyother year and soack it in gearbox oil 80w-90, (dustbin lid) it's to long for the warm up m/chain lube........soak it for a couple of days then let
the residue drip back in the drum for a day or so.........bit messy but works for me.........never in a rush.........

 

[M.F.]

Avoid the cheap Chinese 2 post lifts. I’ve installed and serviced plenty of them and seen the problems-balance cables breaking up, carriage locks ripped apart, arm locks not working, motors burnt out, hydraulic valve faults all on lifts under 12 months old. They are cheap for a reason.
As above, get a quality 2nd hand lift. Hofman would be my 1st choice. Main nuts are made of some kind of completely indestructible plastic. I’ve never changed a set in 15 years working in the garage equipment trade.

 

[scottmk1]

Are Hofmann Megaplan the ones you mean? If so I've enquired about one of those

 

[armalites]

I appreciate you have to draw a line somewhere but some of decent units aren't astronomic money. Nice toy to have, I've got a 4 post but I would like a 2 post to complement it.

Things you need to bare in mind with the cheaper lifts...

When they say 3T or 4T it's likely that capacity is reliant on the arms being in specific positions and the vehicle being around a certain way.

If you look a Cascos for example their lifts can lift the max stated with the arms in any position, extended included and they come with a 5 year warranty https://www.cascos-lifts.co.uk/why-cascos.html

Cascos are part of the Hoffman group and M.F has mentioned them above

The fact you have 3ph means you have a good choice of second hand units

 

[M.F.]

Are Hofmann Megaplan the ones you mean? If so I've enquired about one of those

Yes

 

[scottmk1]

Cheers, this is the one I've enquired about, but had no response yet.

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Post-lift-From-Hofmann-Megaplan-Available-in-1PH-or-3PH-/142703140279

 

[M.F.]

Hmm, not seen one of those “in the metal”, but it looks remarkably similar to a generic Chinese two poster

 

[Ashley Burton]

I'm sure Hofmann & Hofmann Megaplan are different companies

 

[scottmk1]

I thought it looked like a generic one as well, and given the price I'd be surprised if it isnt.

 

[Pete.]

Their 4 ton lift also on ebay only £200 more than that offer. I'm surprised at how cheap they are TBH, if I had a drive-in workshop I'd have one for sure.

 

[Bsmith]

Yes I had noticed that new nuts were not cheap, are they easy to replace?

Mine is a Laycock 2 tonne max, driven by a 3hp single phase motor. Replacing the nuts is a straightforward job. The main nuts sit above the safety nuts with a gap between, when the main nuts are worn they touch the safety nuts and trigger microswitches which make the ramp inoperative.

 

[8ob]

If I was using a lift all day I would buy new but for the amount I need one S/H is more than good enough, my 2 post Stenhoj was about £750 and only an hour to bolt down/commission. If going secondhand only buy from someone that can vouch for its condition and that can give assurances that it is complete, bits for these things can be expensive.

Bob

 

[Robbie260]

If I was using a lift all day I would buy new but for the amount I need one S/H is more than good enough, my 2 post Stenhoj was about £750 and only an hour to bolt down/commission. If going secondhand only buy from someone that can vouch for its condition and that can give assurances that it is complete, bits for these things can be expensive.

Bob

I wish I had a workshop that looked like that.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I wish I had a workshop that looked like that.

Join the Club .

 

[dannyp]

I’ve got a cheep Chinese 4 ton hydraulic 2 poster. H frame job with electric interlocks it works just fine. Bought it in 2013 sill going no problems