2-Post Car Lift Space Requirements
Bringing a 2-post car lift into your garage is a great way to streamline your shop’s workflow or handle your own service at home. But so many of our customers underestimate just how much space you need for these lifts.
Failing to account for the 2-post car lift space requirements can leave you with a massive headache when your lift arrives and you realize it’s not going to fit - or, it won’t be practical since you can’t move around it effectively.
At this point you’ll have spent thousands of dollars and be left dealing with the hassle of returns and potentially restocking fees. That’s why we’re going to fully unpack the two-post lift dimensions below and help you size yours to perfection.
If you just want the quick answer on 2-post lift dimensions, these usually need at least 10-12 feet ceiling height, and space requirements fall somewhere in the range of 12’ wide and 24’ long. It all depends on the specific 2 post car lift you’re looking at in our catalog, though.
Aside from 2-post car lift space requirements you’ll also want to think about concrete depth and strength, symmetric vs asymmetric arms, and of course, weight capacity. There’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect car lift but we’re here to help you navigate it all at My Garage Supplies!
Overview of 2-Post Car Lifts
You’ll find this type of car lift in residential garages and professional shops alike because it offers full undercarriage access for maintenance, repairs, and inspections - which isn’t always available in other styles.
These lifts rely on two upright columns with adjustable arms to lift vehicles by their frame or designated lift points. They keep the wheels free and the underside fully exposed.
Homeowners and auto repair shops alike love how space-efficient 2-post lifts are. They’re a great choice for settings where a 4-post lift wouldn’t fit. They use hydraulic cylinders and electric motors to raise vehicles quickly and evenly, with capacities ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 lbs.
2-post lifts can handle everything from sedans to heavy-duty trucks when installed on a proper slab. But even though they’re more compact than the 4 car post lift, it’s imperative that you consider the 2-post car lift space requirements before shopping. Let’s get into it.
2-Post Car Lift Space Requirements
From ceiling clearance to slab strength, every detail matters if you're planning to work under vehicles or use the lift daily. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars on the lift, hundreds in shipping, and hire an expert for installation only to find that it won’t fit.
Don’t worry - we can help you avoid this. The best advice we have to offer is get in touch with our team here at My Garage Supplies for one-on-one support picking the optimal 2-post lift for your garage dimensions.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the two-post lift dimensions.
What Ceiling Clearance is Needed for a 2-Post Lift?
Most full-rise 2-post lifts require a minimum ceiling height of 10 to 12 feet so the lift’s posts can fully raise the vehicle without interference from lighting, ceiling joists, or garage door tracks.
You may need even more vertical clearance if you anticipate working on trucks, lifted vehicles, or SUVs with roof racks. Some models (such as the AMGO OH-12S) offer adjustable column height options:
- Low Setting: 11' 11 1/8"
- Medium Setting: 12' 11 1/8"
- High Setting: 13' 11 1/8"
Always verify your garage’s unobstructed ceiling height from floor to the lowest obstruction - not just the highest point. This is something we see overlooked all the time and it can come back to bite you.
What is the Footprint of a 2-Post Car Lift?
The actual length and width two-post lift dimensions are just as important as the ceiling height. The total footprint of a 2-post car lift takes into account:
- Overall width of the lift
- Width between columns
- Drive-through clearance
- Arm reach and swing radius
You need to make sure you have extra buffer space beyond the lift’s footprint for safely entering, exiting, and walking around the vehicle while it’s lifted. Otherwise, the garage will feel crammed and you might not get the full value from your lift. Here are the footprints for popular models:
- Katool KT-H105: 140.4" overall width, 98.4" drive-thru clearance
- AMGO OH-12S: 150 ¾" overall width, 109 ¾" drive-thru clearance
- Triumph C7000: Adjustable width between posts (48"-120") for flexible installation
Is 4 Inches of Concrete Enough for a 2-Post Lift?
We know you came here to learn specifically about the 2-post car lift space requirements, but the concrete in your garage should be taken into account as well.
4” of concrete (3,000 PSI concrete specifically) may be more than enough for certain lfit models and vehicle weights. However, this is the bare minimum. Most 2-post systems, especially those rated for 9,000 lbs or more, recommend 5 to 6 inches for better structural integrity.
We recommend you use a concrete drill or core sample to verify slab thickness before installation. Don’t play the guessing game with this, the stakes are too high.
2-Post Car Lift Dimensions for Popular Models
You should have a better understanding of the two-post lift dimensions in general, but they vary widely from one model to the next. So, let’s get more specific and highlight the 2-post car lift dimensions for a few of our most popular choices at My Garage Supplies:
| Model | Lifting Capacity | Max Lifting Height | Overall Height | Width Between Columns | Drive-Through Clearance | Min Pad Height | Power Requirement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph C7000 | 7,000 lbs | 69" (5 ft 9 in) | 7 ft 11 in | Adjustable from 4 ft - 10 ft (48"-120") | N/A | 4.5" | 110V | Portable use, low-volume garages, vehicle detailing |
| Katool KT-H105 | 10,000 lbs | 70.8" (5 ft 10.8 in) | 9 ft 2.9 in (110.9") | 9 ft 2.2 in (110.2") | 8 ft 2.4 in (98.4") | 3.9" | 220V / 60Hz / 1PH | Full-service home garages, SUVs, mid-size trucks |
| AMGO OH-12S | 12,000 lbs | 81.5" (6 ft 9.5 in) | Low: 11 ft 11 1/8 in Med: 12 ft 11 1/8 in High: 13 ft 11 1/8 in |
10 ft 3.5 in (123.5") | 9 ft 1.75 in (109.75") | 4.5" | 220V, single-phase | High-capacity shops, tall garages, large vehicles |
That said, you should always dig into the specs to confirm the two-post lift dimensions for any model you’re considering bringing into your garage. You should take a few other factors into account as well, as we’ll explore below.
Other Things to Consider Beyond the Two-Post Lift Dimensions
There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right solution for your garage beyond the 2-post car lift space requirements. Think about power, arm configuration, vehicle wait, and ergonomics to ensure you’re getting the best possible lfit.
Power Requirements
Most full-size 2-post lifts require a dedicated 220V, single-phase power supply. This is to say you may need an electrician to install a proper circuit. Some portable, lower-capacity lifts like the Triumph C7000 can run on 110V, but they’re slower and may be unsuitable for large vehicles.
Symmetric vs Ayssmetric
There are two types of 2-post lifts, and the style you choose affects how much space you need and how convenient the lift is to use.
Symmetric lifts have arms of equal length and position the vehicle centered between the posts. They're better for heavier and longer vehicles, offering balanced lifting and underbody access.
On the other hand, asymmetric lifts have shorter front arms and rotated columns, shifting the vehicle slightly rearward. This gives you more door clearance and makes it easier to get in and out of the driver’s seat, perfect for daily drivers or compact vehicles.
Vehicle Type and Weight
You need to make sure the lift you choose is actually suitable for the vehicles you’re working on. A lift rated for 7,000 lbs might be enough for sedans or small SUVs, but you’ll need at least 10,000-12,000 lbs or more for a full-size truck or van.
Double-check your vehicle’s curb weight and add a safety margin for more peace of mind. Take wheelbase and overall width into account as well. Some vehicles may technically fit by weight but require longer arms or wider spacing between posts.
Usage Frequency and Ergonomics
Accessibility and workflow matter when you use the lift daily or for long repair sessions. Here are a few other features and factors to take into account when shopping for a 2-post lift:
- Enough clearance to fully open vehicle doors
- Easy access to jacks, creepers, and toolboxes
- Reliable locking systems and smooth hydraulic performance
Compact or portable models may be just fine for light, occasional use such as weekend maintenance. Serious DIYers or professional mechanics will need to take ergonomic access and build quality more seriously, though.
Parting Thoughts on the 2-Post Lift Dimensions
Hopefully you have a solid grasp of the 2-post car lift dimensions at this point, and know what will and won’t fit in your space. From concrete thickness to door clearance and lift geometry, every detail plays a role in long-term safety and performance.
Remember, though, My Garage Supplies is your one-stop shop for all the essentials. We carry not just 2-post lifts but also car scissor lifts, single post car lifts, and everything in between.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts today if you still have any lingering uncertainty about the 2-post car lift space requirements. We’re passionate about helping our customers feel more confident placing their orders with all the necessary information.
You can get in touch and we’ll talk about the details of your garage and how you anticipate using the lift. Then, we’ll be able to offer a few tailored recommendations that will fit your space and needs.
We carry the perfect fit for any garage layout, from low ceilings to tight footprints. Shop now and discover the perfect lift or let us find it for you today!