Which Model 9,000 LB. Two Post Lift Should I Buy?

And if they are all rated at 9,000 LB., then why should I not just buy the cheapest model?

We are asked this question many times each week. The simple answer is that there is more than just a price difference between the models of 9,000 LB. two post lifts sold by Greg Smith Equipment Sales.

When we are asked which 9,000 LB. lift is "best for me", the professionals at Greg Smith Equipment start asking their own questions. We want to get as much customer information so that we can offer professional advice as to which lift will be best suited for our customer's lifting needs.

If all 9,000 LB. were equal, then Greg Smith Equipment would sell only one model of 9,000 LB. lift. Above ground lifts (rated at the same lifting capacity) are very similar to many other products (with identical ratings) that offer different features and designs which may either increase or decrease their cost.

Two different makes of four door sedans may have the same horsepower, electric window option, and leather seats, and yet be priced differently.

A 60 degree pitching wedge bought at a pro shop may produce different results in your golf game from a 60 degree pitching wedge purchased at a BIG BOX retailer.

If my truck only weighs 8,000 lbs., then why do I need anything larger than a 9,000 LB. capacity lift?

If your truck is a long wheel base truck, then a 9,000 LB. lift with asymmetric arms may not be the best choice. The shorter front (asymmetric arms) may not extend out far enough to offer all the support needed to effectively "balance" your vehicle.

Although a lift may be rated at 9,000 LB. lifting capacity, the lift's true lifting capabilities may be better stated as follows:

The four arms of a 9,000 LB. two post above ground lift are designed and manufactured to support a maximum weight of 2,250 LB each.

An above ground lift and a step ladder have many things in common:

Both products have a rated maximum weight capacity.
Both products come in different sizes.
Both products are available with different features and designs
Both products assume the customer will use common sense.
A "six foot" step ladder does not mean the "effective reach" of the customer will be extended by six feet when "operating the ladder". Yes, if the customer (not using common sense) chooses to stand on the top platform of the six foot step ladder, then their "effective reach" is extended by six feet, but the customer is putting himself at risk.

There is also a difference between "lifting" an 8,000 LB. truck and "working on" an 8,000 LB. truck that is lifted above your head. Remember that each arm will effectively support 25% of the total lifting capacity of the lift.

Consider the weight redistribution of the vehicle if you are removing a transmission or gas tank or snow plow or "the rear end". Consider the effect of the weight distribution on a lift arm if you are "wrenching" on a rusted nut by hanging from one end of a pipe wrench.

Remember, you want to make sure that no more than 25% of the rated lifting capacity of your lift is positioned on any one arm.

The bottom line is that there are physical differences between the different (priced) models of 9,000 LB. lifts sold by Greg Smith Equipment Sales.

Column sizes
Gauge of steel
Truck adapter sets
Arm configurations
Lifting heights
Width between columns
Single point or Dual points lock release systems
Arm restraint lock configurations

Consider the following questions before you purchase your lift:

Are you a commercial service center or Mr. Home Owner?
What is the height of your ceiling?
What is the "lowest common sense rating" of anyone (employee or neighbor) who will be using this lift?
What is the largest vehicle (potentially) that will be raised?

Greg Smith Equipment Sales offers a variety of two post lifts for just about every lifting application. We ask that our customers review each of our lifts (with our help) to determine which one will best suit their "maximum" lifting needs. Price is always a determining factor in making a buying decision, but price should not override the "common sense" needed to match your lifting requirements to the correct lift.

Let the professionals at Greg Smith Equipment help you make the correct buying decision for your next lift.