Two-post car lift space requirements: How much room does it need?

When considering the installation of a two-post car lift in your shop, understanding the space requirements is crucial. Not only does it ensure smooth installation, but it also keeps safety standards high. This guide will walk you through the key space considerations for two-post car lifts, focusing on the specifications of the lift being installed.

Understanding two-post car lift space needs

A two-post car lift is an essential piece of equipment in any automotive shop, offering efficiency and versatility. However, before investing, you must ensure that your space can accomodate the lift, correct vehicle positioning, and provide enough room for safe and effective use.

Overall height and ceiling requirements

One of the first factors to consider is the height of the lift and the ceiling of your garage or shop. Different models of two-post lifts come with varying height requirements, which must be matched with your ceiling height.

For instance, Coats Company’s 10K 2N1 lift needs a ceiling height of at least 12'6", depending on the height you set it at. This model has an overall height of 148", which is typical for lifts in this capacity range. As you move up to higher-capacity capacity lifts, such as the 16K and 20K two-post lifts, the required ceiling height increases to 17'. These models, with an overall height of 199.5", are designed for heavier vehicles and require more vertical space.

Ensuring that your shop or garage meets these ceiling height requirements are a non-negotiable for the safe installation and operation of the lift.

Footprint and floor space

The footprint of a two-post lift refers to the space it occupies on the floor. This is another critical measurement that must be factored in before installation.

For example, the 10K 2N1 lift has a footprint of 135.5" in width and 15.75" in depth. This compact size suits smaller garages or shops where space is key. On the other hand, the 20K Lift, with a footprint of 152" wide and 31" deep demands more floor space for the higher capacities.

It’s important to consider not just the footprint of the lift itself but also the additional space around it needed for maneuvering vehicles and performing repairs.

For concrete, we recommend for the 10K and 12K lifts a minimum of 4" and 3000 psi concrete that’s been aged a minimum of 30 days. For our 16K and 20K models, we recommend a minimum of 4" and 4000 psi concrete aged at least 30 days. A qualified person should be consulted to address seismic loads and other local and state requirements.

Drive-thru width

The drive-thru width is another essential measurement that dictates how easily vehicles can be positioned on the lift. A wider drive-thru allows for greater versatility in handling different vehicle sizes.

Coats’ 12K Two-Post Lift offers a drive-thru width of 89.125", making it suitable for most standard vehicles. However, if you often work with larger trucks or SUVs, you might prefer the 16K Two-Post Lift, which provides a more generous drive-thru width of 108".

Choosing a lift with a suitable drive-thru width ensures that vehicles can be driven through the lift smoothly, reducing the risk of damage during positioning.

Power requirements

While not directly related to space, understanding the power requirements of your two-post lift is vital for planning the installation. For electrical, all our two-post lifts run effectively on a constant supply of 230V, 1 phase, 60Hz, with 25A. We recommend a qualified electrician to review and perform any service needed.

Ensuring that your shop is equipped with the necessary electrical setup will prevent delays during installation and avoid potential operational issues.

Selecting the right lift for your space

Now that you’ve considered the key space requirements, it’s time to choose the right lift for your specific needs. The Coats Company offers a range of two-post car lifts, each designed to meet different working demands and space constraints.

Small to Mid-Sized Shops: If you work in a smaller space, the 10K Two-Post 2N1 Lift might be the perfect fit. Its compact footprint and moderate ceiling height requirement make it a versatile choice for general automotive work.

Large Garages and Commercial Operations: For shops dealing with larger vehicles or higher volumes, the 16K and 20K 2 Post lifts provide the robust capabilities needed. These models require more space but offer greater lifting capacity and a wider drive-thru, making them ideal for Heavy-Duty applications.

To sum it up

Understanding the space requirements for a two-post car lift is crucial to ensuring smooth installation and safe operation. Whether you’re setting up a small garage or expanding a large commercial operation, Coats Company’s range of two-post lifts provides options tailored to different space needs. By carefully considering the overall height, footprint, drive-thru width, and power requirements, you can select the perfect lift for your facility.