Scissor Lift vs 2 Post Lift: Which Should You Buy?
Short answer: choose a 2 post lift if you want full standing height and open access to the underside for exhausts, gearboxes and suspension. Choose a scissor lift if you mainly do wheels, tyres, brakes and servicing, want the floor clear when the lift is down, or cannot fit posts in your garage.
Side by side
| 2 post lift | Mid rise scissor lift | Full rise scissor lift | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working height | Up to 1,900mm, stand underneath | About 1m, work standing beside the car | Full height |
| Access under the car | Fully open, wheels hang free | Platform under the car blocks the middle | Platform under the car blocks the middle |
| Floor when lowered | Two posts stay in place | Clear, low profile | Clear, low profile |
| Portable option | No, bolted down | Yes, 2700kg model on wheels | No |
| Capacity in our range | 3.5 to 6 tonnes | 2.7 to 3.5 tonnes | 3.5 tonnes |
| Price from (delivered) | £1,700 | £1,450 | £2,700 |
When a 2 post lift is the better buy
- You work on exhausts, gearboxes, clutches or anything in the middle of the car.
- You want to stand upright under the car.
- You lift vans or heavier vehicles: our 2 post range goes up to 6 tonnes.
Good choices: 4000kg 2 Post Lift for most garages, 5 Ton Electro Locks 2 Post Lift if you want one-button lock release, Short 3500kg 2 Post Lift for low ceilings.
When a scissor lift is the better buy
- Your work is mostly tyres, wheels, brakes and oil changes. Mid rise scissor lifts are designed for exactly this.
- You need a clear floor when the lift is down, for example a garage you also park in.
- You rent the space and cannot drill the floor: the portable 2700kg model moves on wheels.
Good choices: 2700kg Portable Mid Rise Scissor Lift, 3000kg Platform Mid Rise, 3500kg Mid Rise Scissor Car Lift and the 3500kg Full Rise Scissor Lift.
Running a tyre business?
A mid rise scissor lift pairs well with our automatic tyre changer (£1,799), computerised wheel balancer (£749) and the 200L air compressor (£750).
Compare all car lifts or read how much a car lift costs in the UK.
Questions and answers
Is a scissor lift safer than a 2 post lift?
Both are safe when installed and used correctly. Scissor lifts carry the car on platforms, so there are no arms to position. 2 post lifts need the arms set at the right lifting points, but they lock automatically when raised.
Can I do an exhaust on a scissor lift?
It is awkward because the platform sits under the middle of the car. For exhausts and gearboxes a 2 post lift is better.
Which is cheaper?
Our mid rise scissor lifts start at £1,450 delivered, our 2 post lifts at £1,700.
Not sure which lift fits? Call us on 020 8220 9986 or message us on WhatsApp 07811 247454, every day 9am to 9pm. Send your ceiling height, floor and the cars you work on, and we will tell you which lift fits.
