Looking to Buy a Vehicle Hoist? Here Is What You Need to Know

A hoist gives you easy access to the bottom of your vehicle for repair and maintenance work. With a properly installed hoist, you no longer have to squeeze yourself between your vehicle and the floor and spend hours on end trying to fix something.

Reasons to Use a Vehicle Hoist

One of the primary reasons why people prefer a hoist over a jack stand is that it makes it easier for you to work on the bottom of your vehicle. With a hoist, you no longer have to bend over or kneel to the ground in an uncomfortable position to work on your vehicle.

It also saves you a lot of time. When you are lying on your back – twisting and turning, sweating, and groping for tools that are beyond your reach – even a simple task can take you a lot of time. With a hoist, you can get it done a lot faster.

Most importantly, a hoist creates a safe working environment where you can work without worrying about hurting yourself or the vehicle getting damaged. With a jack, you have to jack each end of your vehicle and ensure it stays securely on the stand. Even a small mistake can have dire consequences – you could end up injuring yourself badly and your vehicle too could get damaged. With a hoist, you do not have to worry about any of these things.

Different Types of Hoists

At one point, hoists used to be very expensive and out of the reach of many people. The intense competition among manufacturers these days, however, has resulted in a steep increase in the number of choices available as well as a dramatic fall in terms of price. So, a good quality vehicle hoist is now well within the reach of the average DIY enthusiast.

Two Post Hoists

These are the most commonly used type of hoists by many people. They typically have two metal posts with support arms. They generally have a shorter column when compared to other types of hoists. So, they are considered a good choice for low-ceiling installations. There are three types of two post hoists available – symmetrical, asymmetrical, and versymmetrical. Symmetrical hoists support the vehicle right in the middle and the weight is evenly distributed between the support arms. Asymmetrical hoists, on the other hand, have support arms that rotate inward, which allows you to open the vehicle door while it is still in the raised position. Versymmetric hoists combine the functionalities of both symmetrical and asymmetrical hoists.

Four Post Hoists

They have four posts and are generally more stable than two post hoists. They also have a higher weight capacity than other types of hoists and can lift heavier vehicles like trucks and RVs easily. Loading your vehicle on a four post vehicle hoist is also a lot easier, since all you have to do is drive on to the racks and park the vehicle securely.

At the same time, they are larger in size than two post hoists and take up more floor space. They are also not ideal for low-ceiling installations.

Scissor Hoists

These are hoists that lift up vehicles with the help of an accordion like mechanism. They take up less space when compared to two posters and four posters and are ideal for those with small garages and workshops. They are particularly considered a good choice for doing body work as there is no ramp in the way and you have plenty of access to work on the vehicle.

Portable Hoists

These are, as the name suggests, portable – easy to move around, easy to use, and take up very little storage space. There is, however, a trade-off as these hoists typically do not have all the bells and whistles that the typical two posters and four posters have.

Factors to Consider While Buying a Vehicle Hoist

Space is one of the important factors you need to consider while buying a hoist. If you have plenty of space, go for a four poster. Otherwise, a two poster or a portable one would do just fine. Also, make sure your garage floor is at least four inches thick. Look for a hoist with adjustable safety locks and externally lubricated or self-lubricating sheaves. Lifting capacity should also be considered, especially if you are thinking of adding a truck or RV to your vehicle collection.

A high-quality vehicle hoist is definitely worth investing in, as it is one of the most essential tools in any garage and can last really long if maintained well and offer great value for your money.