Hoist, symmetric vs asymmetric?

[hunt2elk]

what do you have for clearance between posts on your rotary h2elk? 10'?

I have 114" between the posts. This one is the 10,000 lb. cap. I guess I will say that if I was doing it over again, I would get the next larger model. With my topper, tools, and parts that are always in my truck, it is over the capacity of my hoist.

 

[northerndave]

And when you jump to the 12's they are all symmetrical, correct? But they typically have the posts set far enough apart for decent door clearance too though. Hell, 10' 2" is a lot of room to open the door I think.

 

[hunt2elk]

And when you jump to the 12's they are all symmetrical, correct? But they typically have the posts set far enough apart for decent door clearance too though. Hell, 10' 2" is a lot of room to open the door I think.

Fairly certain they are symmetrical when you go bigger. There is a reason for this imo.

 

[Gpuller]

Challenger is 112" between posts. I think its a bit@h to get in and out of a vehicle while parked between the posts. Maybe it would be easier if I was 5'4" and 145lbs.
I've always wanted a drive on 4 post lift myself. That's the one I use when working on my own stuff at work.

 

[2059]

just installed an asymmetric two post lift. I'm not a small nimble guy either and want the door clearance, plus i talked to the head mechanic at the dealer ship where i've purchased my last 4 trucks and he said that the asymmetric lift is "his". meaning he will use others but that one is his favorite. I can attest to that as any time i'm in there for service, I always stand right on the edge of the line at the shop overhead, and watch the service guys to see what they are working on. Kevin, (lead mechanic) is always on that lift with an engine or transmission teardown on a 1-3 ton truck.

As far as brand. They all need to meet certain standards and criteria. It's a matter of US or Import. I called Eagle lifts two times with no response so I bought a Dannmar. Probably an import some metric and some SAE fasteners. Got a good deal online and set it up myself. As far as space; 87" between the posts which is plenty. Good luck with your decision.

 

[RS23VOA]

I bought the lift which was best for me. I'm 6'6" and 290lb on a good day. Quality Q10. I added the two foot extensions so it comes in about 13' 9" and even with a standard pickup, it would have hit the bumper bar without them. I bought it because at the bottom of the lift arms, its a full 72" as opposed to 68" or 69" for most of the others. In this price range i don't know that there is a perfect lift. I would like it to be a foot wider and twice as fast lifting but it is what it is.

 

[northerndave]

Well I'm getting closer on this lift decision. The current model I'm looking at is a rotary 10k asymmetric. And I believe I will be putting it inside my tear down/prep room. Which is kind of like a booth. 16' wide inside by 26' long, it is it's own room inside my building plan. I can pull a car into that room and close the door, it's a drive through room too, one overhead door is an interior door (a roll up) inside the building, and the other overhead door is an exterior overhead door that I can open and roll the car outside if I have a nice day and wish to do some of the dirty work outside.

I plan on trying to contain all of the horrible mess that we make when we rip these old cars apart, I don't want all the dust and crap out in the main shop.

 

[318 Six Pack]

Loads of great info! If I ever get a garage with enough clear space for a lift, this is my go-to thread for the rest of the task.