subject: Finding An Inexpensive Range Of Car Hoists [print this page] What car hoist should I buy? Autohoist Australias guide to car hoist buying.
This question very much depends on what you want a hoist for. The following are the top reasons we hear
Sick of driving a car on ramps.
Bad back, knees, hips.
Too old to get under the car, too young to be bothered.
Want to quickly and easily service and inspect your car.
Want to be safe.
Have a few mates that work on cars.
Want to save money on servicing costs.
Restoring the prize possession.
The biggest factors are
what you are going to lift?
what space you have in your shed/workshop?
what type of work you intend to do?
value for money
safety
What are the weights of the car or cars you will be lifting, for example a family sedan- Ford Falcon/Holden Commodore is around 1800kg, whereas a Landcruiser wagon is around 3300kg. The hoist you buy obviously needs to be capable of safely lifting what you intend to put on it. Each hoist should state a safe working load or SWL, for example 3000kg or 4000kg.
4 post car hoists take up the most room, but you can usually get away with less height. 4 post car hoists allow for easy and quick access. Drive on and lift, no fiddling with arms.
2 post car hoists allow for complete access to the underbody. Great for suspension work, tyre changes and inspections. 2 post clear floor are best for major work such as removing gearboxes and diffs as it allows for a clear floor to wheel your jack under the car front to back.
Scissor lifts are great for tyre changes, minor service work, panel and detailing.
Value for money is very important. Should you buy new or secondhand- our range of new hoists are generally cheaper than secondhand and also cut out the hassle of secondhand- dont buy someone elses problem or a hoist that is unsafe, it is your life after all. Is spending another $1000 for a hoist that takes 30seconds to lift instead of one the takes 60secs to lift really worth it? What warranty is on offer? Our hoists come with a 5 year structural warranty and 1 year on electrics and hydraulics.
