Garage owners face a critical choice between 4-post and 2-post car lifts based on space, vehicle types, and workflow needs. This guide delivers real specs, costs, and pro tips to match the right lift to your shop—then points to genuine BendPak and QuickJack models ready to ship from trusted resellers like your store.​

Key Differences Summary

2-post lifts offer 7K-15K lb capacity in a compact 11-12 ft width footprint, lifting 72-80 inches for full undercar access at $3K-$6K. 4-post models handle 10K-20K lbs across 13-15 ft width with 65-75 inch rise and drive-on runways for $4K-$8K. 2-posts excel for sedans and tire work; 4-posts dominate trucks, SUVs, and parking.​

2-Post Lifts: Precision for Service Pros

High-volume bays demand 2-post speed. Asymmetric arms grab inside frame rails so wheels hang free for alignments, brakes, and exhaust jobs. Stackable adapters reach lowered cars down to 4 inches frame clearance. 72+ inch rise provides standing room under most sedans.

Expect 45-second lift times like BendPak XPR-10AS (10K lb, $4,995) handling F-150s to 79 inches. Downside: requires precise centering and can't double as parking. Your +300 shipped lifts stat guarantees reliable freight to any shop.​

4-Post Lifts: Heavy Duty and Multi-Purpose

Trucks, SUVs, and storage define 4-post value. Drive-on runways skip arm placement training. Dual parking stacks two vehicles at 6.5 ft height. Lower profile fits 9-10 ft ceilings better than tall 2-posts.

BendPak PL-12KX (12K lb, $6,295) manages Silverados while storing tires below—saving $5K vs extra lifts. Tradeoff: wheels-on-runways limits some underbody access and needs wider bays.​

Space Planning Calculator

Measure bay width x length x ceiling height, adding 2 ft clearance buffers. Standard 24x24 ft shops fit three 2-post bays (12 ft spacing) or two 4-posts plus storage (15 ft spacing). 2-posts clear 10-11 ft ceilings; 4-posts work in 9-10 ft. Both require 220V 30A power—check your panel first.

Portable scissor lifts like QuickJack solve tight-space gaps perfectly.​

True Cost of Ownership

BendPak 10K 2-post: $500 install (anchor bolts), $300 yearly power, $150 maintenance—$6,500 over 5 years. 4-post 12K: $800 install, $250 power, $100 maintenance—$8,500 total. 4-posts win if parking doubles your capacity. Your +150 happy customers confirm the math works.​

Essential Buying Checklist

Weigh heaviest vehicle (F-250 curb 8K lb needs 12K minimum lift). Confirm bay dimensions with 2 ft safety buffer. Verify 4-inch thick crack-free concrete floor. Match 220V single-phase power. Demand ALI certification and full factory warranty—your 100% coverage delivers both.

QuickJack portables bridge worlds for flexible home garages.​

Buy Genuine from Pro Resellers Now

Skip middlemen for factory pricing and ALI-tested safety insurance loves. With +50 models and +300 nationwide shipments, expect white-glove freight plus activated warranties.

Shop 4-post parking, 2-post service, or portable scissors from your category grid above. Elevate your garage the pro way.​