Until the 1980s, in-ground lifts were the most common vehicle lift. Since then, we’ve seen a shift to surface-mounted lifts.
Typically, surface-mounted lifts are bolted to the shop floor and powered by an electric motor, which operates either a hydraulic pump or a screw-type drive.
According to the Automotive Lift Institute, two-post lifts are the most popular type of surface-mounted lift purchased today. These lifts are usually frame-engaging and have swing arms that travel up the two columns.
This video is sponsored by the Automotive Distribution Network.