Mr. D
Well-known member
What are the pro and cons between Asymmetric Or Symmetric 2 post lifts?
Need help with Asymmetric Or Symmetric lifts
- Thread starter Mr. D
- Start date
I have a symmetric 10k lift & have picked up everything from my daughters wagon to a 1 ton dually no problem. You have to be somewhat careful when opening the car door on a symmetric lift to avoid hitting it on the posts but other than that I see no drawbacks. The asymmetric lifts the posts are turned at an angle and sit farther forward so this is not really an issue. If all you are ever planning to lift is cars the asymmetric would be a good choice but for both trucks and cars I would get a wide spaced symmetric. They do work with narrow short wheelbase vehicles.
hossmwp
Well-known member
The previous post is 100% accurate. The Asymetrical lifts are great for cars or vehicles that are also front heavy. They tend to leave more behind the lift posts than in front. I have a Mohawk asymetrical and I like it. I use it primarly for cars and they are in the 3000-3400lb range so its more convenient to be able to get in and out easy.
vanillagorilla
Member
That's what I've gathered too. They're popular in the truck crowd because of this. Although I've had my truck on a few symmetric lifts with no issues.
TheShrine
Well-known member
This is correct for some manufacturers. Any 2 post lift that has the columns rotated is not a true "asymetric" lift. It is just a symetric lift...with rotated columns (Which reduces drive through width.). This set-up gives the feel of an asymetric, allowing doors more room to open, but it is not a true asymetrical lift. There are several providers out there selling symetrical lifts and calling them asymetrical by installing them with rotated columns. A symetrical lift will have non-rotated columns and lifting arms of equal length like the attached pics from SteveU showing his MOHAWK (Nice lift BTW!). You can drive through an asymetrical lift with both arms pointed in the same direction, you cannot with a typical symetrical lift (unless the columns are rotated). Of course this depends on the width of auto being lifted. The arms of an asymetrical lift are different sizes for front and back. The back arms being longer allowing for the extra asymetrical reach since the auto is not centered to the lift but off-set to the rear.
Additionally, a true asymetric set-up cannot be obtained with a base plate without lifting the arms before swinging them into place. I could ramble on but GREGG SMITH Equipment has a good explanation at this site...much better than mine
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Articles.asp?ID=140
Either way, lift size, shape, configuration, cost, and color are subjective. Good luck on your search!
Notice how the columns are not rotated and both arms are facing the rear. This is a true asymetrical lift..no rotated columns, no base plate, arms of different length both swung back for drive through.
Auto centered, left to right, but not front to back.
Notice how the rear arms are longer than the front.
pattenp
Well-known member
I have a Versymmetric Challenger Lift which is both asymmetrical and symmetrical. So get both. See link
http://www.challengerlifts.com/versymmetrictech.shtml
http://www.challengerlifts.com/versymmetrictech.shtml
Where are the doors on the vehicle you lift most often and can you get them open?
I really can't figure out what Gregg Smith is trying to say. Apparently they are trying to mount some sort of argument that rotated column lifts are not 'really' asymmetric? That doesn't make any sense. Asymmetric is ONLY a description the position of the columns when the vehicle is located on the lift. Column orientation, arm length, arm position when driving through, base plate or not, and width between the columns are all design selections and characteristics related to engineering decisions, not whether the lift is functionally asymmetric or not.
Well said...
Besides, my asymmetric Benwil 
which Gregg Smith says in not asymmetric at all has columns rotated 90 degrees. When my car is on the lift, the front edge of the columns are even with the rear edge of the front wheel openings. In comparison, TheShrine's lift does not look very asymmetric 
which Gregg Smith says in not asymmetric at all has columns rotated 90 degrees. When my car is on the lift, the front edge of the columns are even with the rear edge of the front wheel openings. In comparison, TheShrine's lift does not look very asymmetric What makes the lift asymmetrical is that the rear arms are a different length (longer) than the front arms. I forgot to include that in my first reply, must be a senior moment. Whether the posts are rotated or not does not make it one or the other. The lift I was visualizing when typing was the Mohawk A-7 which is an asymmetric with rotated posts.
I have a "Complete Hydraulic" "Powerrex" SL10000BP symetric/asymetric lift. Said lift fits my 01 Corvette, 94 TBird and Ford Excursion 4x4 diesel.
I havent actually lifted the EX yet, do to tle lack of hieght extensions, but it fits pick up points.
I havent actually lifted the EX yet, do to tle lack of hieght extensions, but it fits pick up points.
TheShrine
Well-known member
Well said.....
Yes, more adjustability is always a good thing. This looks like a nice lift too. Still, the ad copy is sort of a stretch:
"Asymmetric-only lift columns have to be rotated 30˚ to safely lift vehicles with an asymmetric center of gravity like front wheel drive passenger cars. Symmetric only lifts are designed to lift only vehicles with a symmetric center of gravity like full size pick up trucks, vans and SUV’s."
When I say [I can't figure out...] I don't mean I'm stupid. It's a polite way of saying the subject literature does not appear supported by reality. What is this HAVE TO ROTATED 30˚? And a hint about SAFETY? They are suggesting to the customer and to the design engineer there are exactly two ways to make a lift?
My asymmetric lift has the columns rotated 90˚In the end, it's all about can you get the lift pads under your frame where you want them so the car is stable (locate CG of car well between lift pads) and is the resulting lift/car combination stable (CG inside floor mounting plates or substantial anchor system). If these conditions are met your use will be safe.
After that, width, height of lift, drive through width, control placement and other factors will determine usability. Testing, ratings, capacity, safety catches and the like satisfy safety concerns.
I still seems the ONLY consideration that applies to asymmetric or symmetric is where are the doors on your car when it is on the lift? Random assertions about how it MUST be designed, MUST be used to be safe, or what it MUST be called are overwrought - Oh, that's not a TRUE asymmetric... - Whatever!
I've put trucks on my asymmetric lift backwards so I can still open the doors.
I have the Challenger lift as well & I love it. Being a professional auto tech for 20 years, I've used a bunch of different lifts & when I found this one, I bought one for my own garage. It does have much more adjustability than any other lift I have used. I can pick up small cars to 4X4 trucks with it without any adapters. I have mine set up with the columns in line but forward of true center of where my vehicle sets. I use it both ways depending what I'm lifting. Great lift IMO.
Nugent1021
Well-known member
Hey, I've gone back and forth on which lift to buy. My question kind of ties into this thread. I'd like a local installer to put it in, so my options are:
new Bendpak xpr-10acx for $3295 installed,
new Rotary spoa10 for $3600 installed,
or a used Bendpak xp-10c (only one year old) for $2250 installed.
The only two local installers don't seem willing to negotiate their prices (any ideas to change that, let me know). I'm currently lifting a BMW, Mercedes SUV, Infiniti SUV, and a nissan pickup. These will probably change/grow. Any advice? Is it worth it, the trade-off for the 1-yr-old Bendpak Symmetrical? I kinda wanted the assymmetrical, but the price is good on the used symmetrical.
new Bendpak xpr-10acx for $3295 installed,
new Rotary spoa10 for $3600 installed,
or a used Bendpak xp-10c (only one year old) for $2250 installed.
The only two local installers don't seem willing to negotiate their prices (any ideas to change that, let me know). I'm currently lifting a BMW, Mercedes SUV, Infiniti SUV, and a nissan pickup. These will probably change/grow. Any advice? Is it worth it, the trade-off for the 1-yr-old Bendpak Symmetrical? I kinda wanted the assymmetrical, but the price is good on the used symmetrical.
JSK
Well-known member
Garage Journal is more than just a typical blogging site. It provides consumers valuable product information and an ocean of open-forum discussion relating to garages and garage construction of all types. In a typical forum environment, administrators are reluctant to allow people like me to squat on their sites. Garage Journal is an exception and because of that fact, we at BendPak are forever grateful. One thing I try hard to do is provide unbiased factual information that provides service without stuffing company propaganda down people’s throats.
The information and products I (we) have provided in the past I feel has contributed greatly to the Garage Journal experience. To say I don’t live on a soapbox would be an understatement though, and given the opportunity, it is in my nature to stand up and proudly bang on my chest.
With my passive-aggressive nature, there have been many arguments and debates on this board that I have purposely strayed away from in an effort to remain politically correct. However, the Rotary vs. BendPak continues be a debate and one that should be addressed.
The following Product Comparison is open for discussion.
http://www.bendpak.com/Comparing_BendPak_vs_Rotary.pdf
Jeff
BendPak
The information and products I (we) have provided in the past I feel has contributed greatly to the Garage Journal experience. To say I don’t live on a soapbox would be an understatement though, and given the opportunity, it is in my nature to stand up and proudly bang on my chest.
With my passive-aggressive nature, there have been many arguments and debates on this board that I have purposely strayed away from in an effort to remain politically correct. However, the Rotary vs. BendPak continues be a debate and one that should be addressed.
The following Product Comparison is open for discussion.
http://www.bendpak.com/Comparing_BendPak_vs_Rotary.pdf
Jeff
BendPak
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Nugent1021
Well-known member
hey, Jeff, I think I'm leaning toward the used Bendpak. I kind of thru out the Rotary as more of a comparison, but they'd have to come off the price a decent amount for me to justify it.
I'm really worried about the trade-off of buying a symmetrical lift in my garage vs the assymetrical xpr-10acx. I would have pulled the trigger on a new lift from Metro Lifts (xpr-10acx) for $2615 delivered (to the frieght location) if I could have found somone locally to pick up and install it for $400 or so. No one was available to do just an install. Basically, I'm trying to keep within my $3000 price point.
I'm really worried about the trade-off of buying a symmetrical lift in my garage vs the assymetrical xpr-10acx. I would have pulled the trigger on a new lift from Metro Lifts (xpr-10acx) for $2615 delivered (to the frieght location) if I could have found somone locally to pick up and install it for $400 or so. No one was available to do just an install. Basically, I'm trying to keep within my $3000 price point.
JSK
Well-known member
Nugent,
The XP lift is a great product but the newer XPR has significant design enhancements that I feel are worth the few hundred bucks.
Either way, still a good choice.
Jeff
The XP lift is a great product but the newer XPR has significant design enhancements that I feel are worth the few hundred bucks.
Either way, still a good choice.
Jeff
newby
Member
Thanks Jeff you where a big help to me when I bought my first lift. Even though you kept making jokes about Canadians
Jeff, that comparison was really an eye opener. Wonder if Rotary just recently started making them that light or if they have been that way for a while? When I was doing research for a lift Mohawk & Rotary were the best I was told & after seeing a similar comparison of the two went with the Mohawk. Given the choice between the two lifts in that comparison I would definitely go with the Bendpak
krooser
Well-known member
I think it funny that Bend-Pak sells Chinese lifts then notes that Rotary's pump is "globally" sourced! Isn't THEIR LIFT "globally" sourced? Hahaha....
I guess my comment is... compare a Mohawk to a Bend-Pak then say... "I had no idea the Mohawk was so much bulkier than the Bend-Pak"...
I guess my comment is... compare a Mohawk to a Bend-Pak then say... "I had no idea the Mohawk was so much bulkier than the Bend-Pak"...
JSK
Well-known member
kroser,
I was not trying to embellish the truth.
The brand of the power is GHS / Global Hydraulic Systems - an Italian brand.
Sorry for the confusion.
Jeff
I was not trying to embellish the truth.
The brand of the power is GHS / Global Hydraulic Systems - an Italian brand.
Sorry for the confusion.
Jeff
Nugent1021
Well-known member
isn't the Mohawk like twice as much or something as the BendPak? I'd hope it would be bulkier. When making a comparison, the price should probably be within 3 standard deviations. That's the case with the Bendpak vs Rotary from what I've seen.
mslisaj
Well-known member
Let me throw in my two cents worth on the Asymmetric vs. Symmetric. I have the XPR-10ACX in my shop and it will lift anything I have from my 6000 pound tow truck to my Toyota Tercel. Ironcrow above gave a great discription and I have found that in reality you still need to get the "center of load" between the columns. With the tow truck I play with the balance to get it just right as this is a lot of weight and in MHO it has to be centered between the columns. Now the Tercel can really be loaded to the rear as the lift hardly seems to feel this light weight. Bendpaks lifting arm are advertised to lift both Symmetric and Asymmetric configuration.
On Installation costs....... I paid $550 to have it installed and the installer picked it up at the truck dock, delivered 200 miles and installed it. This seemed like a tremendous bargain.
Hope this information helps and I can always stand to be corrected if someone finds fault with my assumptions about this lift.
Great Forum.............
On Installation costs....... I paid $550 to have it installed and the installer picked it up at the truck dock, delivered 200 miles and installed it. This seemed like a tremendous bargain.
Hope this information helps and I can always stand to be corrected if someone finds fault with my assumptions about this lift.
Great Forum.............
JOHNMAN
Well-known member
Agreed.
I believe that "The Shrine"'s avitar speaks volumes about his bold statements.
Attachments
JOHNMAN
Well-known member
The choice is yours in regards to symmetric verses asymmetric lifts. My suggestion would be to buy a quality lift from a reputable source, and from someone willing to stand behind the equipment that they sell.
My lift does everything I need it to and I have been using it now for about 14 years. I prefer Rotary asymmetric lifts.
My lift does everything I need it to and I have been using it now for about 14 years. I prefer Rotary asymmetric lifts.
krooser
Well-known member
My 20+ year old Weaver has lifted everything I've ever put on it... from my E350 to my daughter's Porsche 924 to my Triumph TR2.
It's a symmetrical lift.
I didn't even shop for a lift. I heard this one was for sale for $1800.00... I looked at it, pulled the trigger and several hours later it was in my shop. If I didn't buy it another guy was lined up to take it.
Spending a huge amount of my personal time fretting over the details of buying a lift just isn't my style... if you need it, buy it. Period.
It's a symmetrical lift.
I didn't even shop for a lift. I heard this one was for sale for $1800.00... I looked at it, pulled the trigger and several hours later it was in my shop. If I didn't buy it another guy was lined up to take it.
Spending a huge amount of my personal time fretting over the details of buying a lift just isn't my style... if you need it, buy it. Period.