Are you interested in a 2 post lift ? Confused about which model to buy ? Italian or Chinese ? Then read on...
There is a lot of Chinese equipment being sold on the market today, so much so that the Italians must be finding it tough. People often wonder if it's worth buying or is it going to be a bad investment that will have to be replaced in a year or 2. I have sold a lot of the Chinese 2 post lifts and to be fair, they are extremely reliable. If you were to stand one next to an Italian lift, sure, you will see differences in build quality and features but at around half the price you have to ask yourself a lot of questions. Nowadays I see a lot of guys setting up small workshops at home in their own garage and generally they're on a budget. These lifts are perfect for the job. We can now supply a 4 tonne 2 post lift with either manual or electric locks that will give years of good service at excellent prices.The other benefit to the Chinese lifts is that you get height extensions free of charge with the lift, for Italian lifts the cost could be up around €300 for a set of these.
So what about Italian ? They do make nice lifts, no doubt. Is it worth paying twice the price ? Well, if you intend on being in business in 10 years time then the cost of the lift over it's lifetime isn't a lot considering the work it will do for you. So longterm, I wouldn't disregard Italian lifts because of the price difference. I have seen Italian lifts that are over 15 years old still working perfectly.
The other thing to consider with 2 post lifts is whether or not to go for one with a base plate. If you're going to be using transmission jacks, these can be a bit of a pain because you won't have all the floor space you need due to the floor plate. For that reason, you might be better to go with an overhead type lift.
When it comes to installaiton, most manufacturers will specify that you need to have at least 6" of concrete. However, if you don't, then there are ways around this. Chemical anchors are a very big help when it comes to fitting lifts on poor floors. I haven't used them a lot but on the instances where I have, they've worked out really well. I have also seen guys brace the top of posts to walls and all sorts of weird and wonderful solutions.
Can you fit the lift yourself ? Of course ! We have 2 prices, supply only and supplied and fitted. It will more than likely take you longer to fit it than what it would normally take us but it's like everything you do for the first time, always takes longer. Just try not to pull your hair out half ways through the job 
If you would like to see some of the lifts we sell, have a look through our website. Brochures are available to download for each model so there's plenty of information for you to look at. However, if you would still like more information, you can contact me anytime and I will be more than happy to help you as best I can.
The 2 lifts shown below are the Phoenix 4 Tonne (Chinese) and the Apac 3.6 Tonne (Italian).
Click HERE to see our range of 2 Post Lifts.
Good luck !
www.autoquip.ie