Choosing a two-post lift is an important decision. Ultimately, it’s a device you’ll use every day in your work. It just has to be good. But what does that actually mean? What is a good two post lift?
This short ranking of two-column lifts will be based on 3 models from the REDATS range.
Below are the models we used in this ranking:
- L-200
- L-200R
- L-200F
We chose these models because it is their parameters that best illustrate the differences between the individual solutions used in two-column lifts.
REDATS L-200 two-column hydraulic lift
An easy-to-use jack that will work in everyday use in the workshop – four tons of lifting capacity make it easy to lift passenger cars and even lighter delivery vans.
Highlights:
- Lifting capacity: 4 tons
- Power supply: 400V
- Floor thickness: 30 cm
- Lifting height: 193 cm
REDATS L-200R two-column hydraulic lift
The same as above, with a slight correction in the thickness of the screed.
Highlights:
- Lifting capacity: 4 tons
- Power supply: 400V
- Floor thickness: 20 cm
- Lifting height: 193 cm
REDATS L-200F two-column hydraulic lift
Highlights:
- Lifting capacity: 4 tons
- Power supply: 400V
- Floor thickness: 20 cm
- Lifting height: 193 cm
Which anchors for a two-column lift?
How to fix the lift? In order for it to be accepted by the Office of Technical Inspection and for you to be able to work on it in full accordance with the law, the assembly must be made on certified anchors.
You often ask us – what substrate for a two-column lift
It all depends on the model, but the general rules are as follows:
- B25 class concrete
- thickness min. 30 cm (exception – lifts with a frame)
Spout for a two-column lift with a frame
You often ask us if such jacks always need such a thick screed. Because, for example, in the building you rent, the floor is thinner, i.e. it is less than 30 cm thick. And there’s no way to change that.
A standard “two-column” will not pass the exam in this case.
However, you can still have a lift in such a place, and without interfering with the floor!
Only 20 cm of ground is enough. As if safety is not spared, but …
There are lifts on the market that you can mount on a 20 cm thick floor. We are talking about jacks equipped with a reinforcing frame. This is a special element stabilizing the device in the place of assembly.
230V two-column lift – is it a good choice?
You often ask us whether a single-phase two-column lift is a good choice. Will it work efficiently? Will his engine last?
In a nutshell – whether to choose a 400V or 230V two-column lift. It all depends on what power you have on the service. The good news, however, is that you don’t have to change
“One phase” works as efficiently as “three phases”. You do not believe? Below is a comparison of the parameters of the two lifts:
| L-200 400V | L-200 230V | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 400V | 230V |
| Lifting time | 55 seconds | 55 seconds |
| Leaving time | 25 seconds | 25 seconds |
So as you can see, it doesn’t matter which lift you choose – whether it’s a 230V or 400V double-column lift – the pace and efficiency of work is the same!
Which two-column lift – screw or hydraulic?
This is one of the questions we are often asked. And although for many years in the industry there was a belief that screw jacks are a much better choice, today it is probably slightly outdated 🙂
First – the price. New two-column screw lifts cost from several thousand zlotys upwards – (as of April 14, on a well-known auction site, the cheapest one costs slightly over PLN 17,000).
In turn, the cheapest hydraulic two-column lift can be purchased for as little as PLN 7,470 (L-200 from our offer – price on April 14).
So – for the price of one screw jack you get two hydraulic jacks. Two stands. More earnings.
Let’s leave the prices for a moment!
Many people who recommend the “screw” say that it provides comfort and precision of work. Indeed – these jacks have a small lifting / lowering stroke. So it is easier to set the car to mount the gearbox or engine.
Just….
For real.
After all, you use a crate jack to assemble the crate anyway, right? You’re not really adjusting it with a column lift!
Of course, a two-column hydraulic lift will not allow you to set the car to the millimeter, but do you really need it every day?
Another issue. Failures, or rather service. In a two-column hydraulic lift, the whole structure is very simple. Service procedures are actually limited to lubricating the guides or steel ropes. And of course, once in a while a service inspection or UDT.
So much for exploitation
The design of the screw two-column lift is more complex. Needs more attention. In the event of a screw or nut breaking, the equipment may be useless for a few days – because you are waiting for the part – we are not saying that this will happen, but the risk is 🙂
Which two-column lift to choose in 2023?
We will end this short ranking of two-column hydraulic lifts with this table. A short checklist that will allow you to choose the best solution for you and your workshop.
| REDATS L-200 | REDATS L-200F | REDATS L-200R | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor thickness: less than 30 cm | YES | ||
| Floor thickness: 30 cm | Yes | Yes | |
| Power supply: 400V | Yes | Yes | |
| Power supply: 230V | Yes |
