2 or 4 post ramp?

Discussion in 'Garages, workshops & DIY' started by steve r, May 12, 2012.

  1. steve r

    steve r Forum Member

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    [ideal garage dream]If you were able to install a ramp in your garage at home, would you go for a 2 or 4 post ramp?

    [​IMG]
    or
    [​IMG]

    Pro & cons to each for different jobs but which would be best overall?

    or is there a ramp that can serve as both, i.e.: platforms as used on the 4 post to fit to the 2 post to allow the car to lifted on its wheels when required?

    I guess both could be fitted if the 2 post linked across the top like this one allowing the 4 post to be sunk into the floor for a flat dive on and still move up/down:

    [​IMG]
    [/ideal garage dream]
     
  2. A.N. Other Banned after significant club disruption Dec 5th 2

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    Two post, every time. Easier access under the car.

    The 4 post is for MOTs and suchlike, and impedes access to sills, and you can't really jack a car up on them without using the MOT-style jack.
     
  3. Richard Mk2

    Richard Mk2 Paid Member Paid Member

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    I would go for the two post one myself.

    Would make it easier when doing work on any of the 4 corners.

    I know the 4 post one has a jack on it anyway, but i think it would make life easier using a 2 post one.

    :thumbup:
     
  4. steve r

    steve r Forum Member

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    2 post does seem the best but 4 post useful for wheel alignment, exhaust fitting and clearance adjustment over the rear beam, adjusting the ream brake compensator on the mk2 etc.

    Porsche Reading has these nice ramps installed that sink into the ground, bet they are very expensive and need a very deep hole to be dug

    [​IMG]
     
  5. A.N. Other Banned after significant club disruption Dec 5th 2

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    They are fantastic really! So compact! Hydraulics or electrics?
     
  6. steve r

    steve r Forum Member

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    Believe they are hydraulic

    [​IMG]
     
  7. steve r

    steve r Forum Member

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  8. barny Forum Member

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    My dream garage would have one 4 post and a couple of two posters. I've seen Bessabath(SP?) 4's with a centre section that will lift the car on its sills, think it was at vw on the wheel alignment ramp ....

    Voila! [​IMG]

    The MOT ramp at work sinks into the floor like this one, makes for parking cars over it a lot easier
     
  9. 2dubnick Forum Junkie

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    2 post for me as I have limited room and I would be able to move cars around it, 4 post would be in the way alot. One has been on my shopping list for years but its never been high up enough to follow through.

    Few years ago when businesses where closing down left, right and centre Ford dealerships where selling any of there ramps for 500+vat. Bargain considering they where all top makes with fsh.
     
  10. m1keh Forum Member

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    2 poster all the time just for ease of access. Or how about a 2 poster fitted either side of a pit. The advantages of both rolled into one space.
     
  11. murph81 Forum Member

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    2 poster all the way, Ravaglioli make great ramps.
     
  12. corradophil Forum Member

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    2 post for me. I have used both and the 2 post ramp is far less restrictive for access to most areas of work.
     
  13. A.N. Other Banned after significant club disruption Dec 5th 2

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    Would this then need an arch design of 2-poster? The 2 posters I recall have a floor strip between the posts (apart from the one pictured above).
     
  14. barny Forum Member

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    Yep! :thumbup:
     
  15. Mike_H Forum Addict

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    Planning for the new garage, Steve??
     
  16. steve r

    steve r Forum Member

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  17. ambrose89

    ambrose89 Forum Member

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    this isn't gonna turn into a 2 door 4 door thing is it?
    I'd love a 2 post.
     
  18. Mike_H Forum Addict

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    2 post FTW, although in this case, 4 post are probably stiffer ;)
     
  19. barny Forum Member

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    Depends also if friends family have bigger stuff too....
     
  20. steve r

    steve r Forum Member

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    Any idea if it be ok to use a set of trailer ramps or similar on a 2 post ramp to lift the car up with weight on the wheels, or would this load the 2 post ramp in the wrong way?

    [​IMG]
     

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