Member Since: 16 Oct 2013
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 151
Using a two post lift
So I have been lucky enough to get the use of a two post lift for a week whilst my mate is on holiday. As this is the first time I have used one of these where is the best place for placing the pads to lift the vehicle. The rear looks fairly straightforward on the chassis ahead of the axle but not sure on the front. Any advice or photos would be great.55 Plate Disco 3 HSE. EGR blanked, Decat exhaust, AMK Compressor, bought 20 Dec 13. Watch this space for future upgrades. - Disco 4 front cup holders, D4 Bluetooth, Brembo 4 pot front V8 rear brakes, front diff breather mod, BAS FBH controller, fixed towbar, D4 heated washer jets
Silicone intercooler hoses, RS 500 Intercooler, decat exhaust, remap
IID tool used to enable 3 flash indicators, clock on dash, reverse follow me home lights, snotm, AMK compressor update and still learning
8th May 2023 7:39 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 965
Hi there.
Apologies in advance, just looking out for a fellow, if you haven't used one of these before a reckon a 'let's all state the obvious' moment is best...!
Don't use it alone
Don't use it unless you trust it has been maintained/serviced properly
Don't use it unless you're sure of the load rating
Don't use it unless you're sure the structure it is bolted to is sound
Don't get under it without the safety locks engaged
Don't use it unless you're sure you've got the centre of gravity properly considered - some of the clever articulated ones are flexible enough that one can accidentally load it massively out of balance
If you do use it on your own (even if someone's elsewhere in the building) then make sure you keep you phone in your pocket - if the worst happens you might need quick access!
Anyway, sorry, you get my point. These 2 posts are exceptional for access ease etc, but equally scary if used wrongly.
If your mate is a seasoned user, I would get him/her/they to demonstrate it on your vehicle a few times before they let you loose on it. I would be careful about taking advice on here in written form about where to lift from, at risk of misinterpretation.
I have responsibility for H&S in my workspace, hence my cautious approach, I'm utterly paranoid about these things.
I'm sure someone on here will have plenty enough experience to talk you through it.2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 16 Oct 2013
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 151
Thanks. I am a seasoned mechanic and fully aware of the safety implications of two post lifts. My mate is away which is why I am asking for advice on the best jacking locations. I have had plenty of earlier discos and defenders on the lift but this is my first D355 Plate Disco 3 HSE. EGR blanked, Decat exhaust, AMK Compressor, bought 20 Dec 13. Watch this space for future upgrades. - Disco 4 front cup holders, D4 Bluetooth, Brembo 4 pot front V8 rear brakes, front diff breather mod, BAS FBH controller, fixed towbar, D4 heated washer jets
Silicone intercooler hoses, RS 500 Intercooler, decat exhaust, remap
IID tool used to enable 3 flash indicators, clock on dash, reverse follow me home lights, snotm, AMK compressor update and still learning
8th May 2023 10:03 pm
DIY Ace
Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 965
Great, as I say apologies for the obvious.
I'd love a two post but don't have room, it'd make so many jobs so much easier.2022 BMW i4 M50. Bought Oct 2022. 10,200 miles and counting...
2014 BMW 435d convertible. Bought July 2021. 58,000 miles and counting...
2005 Discovery 3 HSE Auto. Bought Feb 2019. 169,000 miles and counting...
2009 Freelander 2 XS Manual. Bought Sep 2013. SOLD Aug 2021 (already regretted!)
Member Since: 04 Sep 2009
Location: Almunge
Posts: 158
I locate the lifting pads where the holes are in the frame, see picture on the official view. Important to have the vehicle far enough forward for balance point of view, according to manual lining up with seat cushions but in my case that is not possible due to geometry so usually ending up a bit aft of the mirrors.
Make sure rear left arm clears suspension compressor housing.
Click image to enlarge
Defender 110 SE 2021, Tasman Blue
Discovery 1 V8 ES 1997, Epsom green
Discovery 3 V8 HSE 2006, Bonatti Grey
Range Rover V8 1983, Sierra Silver
9th May 2023 6:12 am
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4451
I've got a two post in my workshop. It won't lift the Discovery though! Won't even take the wheels off the ground!Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
9th May 2023 7:29 am
yellowbelly
Member Since: 16 Oct 2013
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 151
1784 wrote:
I locate the lifting pads where the holes are in the frame, see picture on the official view. Important to have the vehicle far enough forward for balance point of view, according to manual lining up with seat cushions but in my case that is not possible due to geometry so usually ending up a bit aft of the mirrors.
Make sure rear left arm clears suspension compressor housing.
Click image to enlarge
Thanks very much. That's really helpful55 Plate Disco 3 HSE. EGR blanked, Decat exhaust, AMK Compressor, bought 20 Dec 13. Watch this space for future upgrades. - Disco 4 front cup holders, D4 Bluetooth, Brembo 4 pot front V8 rear brakes, front diff breather mod, BAS FBH controller, fixed towbar, D4 heated washer jets
Silicone intercooler hoses, RS 500 Intercooler, decat exhaust, remap
IID tool used to enable 3 flash indicators, clock on dash, reverse follow me home lights, snotm, AMK compressor update and still learning
9th May 2023 1:16 pm
Globetrotter448
Member Since: 21 Mar 2017
Location: Londonderry NSW
Posts: 1798
rr, I have a four ton two post lift that I use for servicing and repairs to my Discovery 3 and have no problem lifting the vehicle.
Maybe your lift is only a two ton version or needs an overhaul
10th May 2023 10:06 am
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4451
^^ my 2 post was in the workshop when I rented it. We've had it serviced and checked, but I'm not sure what the capacity is. It would appear from the stickers it's 3.2 tonne, but it still won't lift my Disco.Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum