Is it worth choosing a four-post lift? 5 things you should pay attention to

27 October 2025 by Tomasz Szymański

Yes – it’s worth it. And honestly, we could end the article right here, but we know that’s not why you clicked. So, let’s start from the basics.

A four-post lift is perfect for inspections, repairs, and often for diagnostics and wheel alignment. It provides easy access to the undercarriage and allows you to safely work with heavier vehicles.

But before you choose a specific model, it’s worth knowing that not all four-post lifts are the same. The differences can be quite significant – and that’s exactly what we’re about to explain.

Four-post lifts – applications

When is it worth choosing “four columns”?
In short – it’s an ideal alternative to an in-ground inspection pit.
It lets you easily perform most tasks that require access to the vehicle’s undercarriage – from passenger cars to long delivery vans.

Working on a lift is much more convenient than working from a pit. With a four-post lift, you can set the vehicle at any height you need. In a pit… there’s only one height, and you can’t change it.

What can a four-post lift be used for?

vehicle inspections and diagnostics
suspension and steering system repairs
wheel alignment and geometry adjustment
maintenance and undercarriage inspection

Before you install a four-post lift in your car service, make sure the floor is properly prepared for it.

How to prepare the floor for installing a four-post lift

Four-post lifts have slightly different floor requirements compared to their two-post counterparts. The basic requirements are:

concrete class C25/30 (formerly class B30)
floor thickness: at least 15 cm

The concrete slab must not contain reinforcement. An additional advantage is using concrete with cellulose or polypropylene fibers.

Note: If you’ve just poured the floor in your car service, don’t rush to install the lift. It’s best to wait 28 days until the foundation is completely dry.

What to look for when choosing a four-post lift

Buying a four-post lift isn’t like grabbing something off the shelf at a supermarket – unless you usually spend several thousand euros there 😉 Before you click “buy now,” make sure to check a few key points.

Lifting capacity

You don’t need the biggest model on the market if you mainly service passenger cars — but it’s always good to have some reserve.

4 tons is a solid starting point – enough for cars, SUVs, and even light delivery vehicles. If you work with larger vehicles, go for a 5.5-ton model.

Ramp length and adjustment

Ramps are crucial for comfortable work. A width adjustment of 800–950 mm (and up to 1025 mm in more robust models) gives you the flexibility to handle larger vehicles.

Also, check the length of the ramps: 4250 mm is fine for most cars, but for long delivery vans, choose ramps over 5000 mm.

Geometry and alignment compatibility

If you want your lift to be used not only for inspections and repairs but also for wheel alignment and geometry, choose a model that’s designed for this purpose.

Look for models with:

– front turntables – allow precise and smooth wheel movement during measurements,
– rear slip plates – let the suspension settle naturally for more accurate readings,
– locking pins – keep the plates stable during vehicle entry and exit,
– jacking beam (preferably hydraulic) – helps lift a selected axle for suspension adjustments and clearance checks.

Safety – locks and valves that make a difference

Safe operation is essential.
Every four-post lift should be equipped with mechanical safety locks that automatically engage while the vehicle is being raised. They prevent the lift from lowering unexpectedly during work.

Equally important is a hydraulic overload valve, which activates if the system exceeds its maximum pressure.

Ramp surface

Pay attention to what the ramps are made of. Chequered steel offers great grip and doesn’t deform, even under heavy loads.

That’s especially important in winter, when wheels are wet or icy.

How to choose a four-post lift for your car services (REDATS model examples)

Every car service is different – and yes, that’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s true.
Your choice should depend on the types of vehicles you service and the scope of work you perform.

We can’t make the decision for you, but the table below should help clear things up.

Model	Lifting capacity	Ramp length	Jacking beam	Wheel alignment compatible	Recommended for
REDATS L-400	4T	4250 mm	none	no	For car services performing inspections and undercarriage repairs. A classic, solid four-post lift for passenger cars and light vans.
REDATS L-420	4T	4250 mm	2T	yes	Perfect for wheel alignment and diagnostics. Stable construction and full equipment for precise alignment measurements.
REDATS L-460	5.5T	5190 mm	3T	yes	The most powerful model — for large delivery vehicles and SUVs. Longer ramps, higher lifting capacity, and remote control for more convenient operation.

Summary

Is it worth choosing a four-post lift?
Absolutely. It’s a piece of equipment that you can easily adapt for geometry diagnostics, and it’s far more comfortable to work with than a ground-level inspection pit.

Thanks to its adjustable height and stable construction, you have full control over everything happening under the vehicle.

The long ramps make it easy to service larger vehicles – including delivery vans – while the adjustable platform width helps you adapt to different wheel tracks.

Keep in mind that a four-post lift works best in a car service with enough space – both in width and height.