However, we knew that we could improve it even more and, ultimately, we wanted a lift that we could hand on heart supply someone and know that they wouldn’t have to look towards accessories that, frankly speaking, should be standard, or features that should rightly befit a high-end product. We also didn’t want limitations on the range of vehicles that could be worked on.

So, the inclusion of the lowest to highest, shortest to longest reach lifting arms ever produced, ensures maximum versatility and just strengthens the value in the D4.

Lastly, we wanted to break the product down component by component, and if we felt there was an even better solution or source, regardless of additional cost, then that is what we wanted to have.

All of this may make it sound like we are leading up to a very expensive lift, and that is where the illusion should be shattered. Actually, when you take into account the warranty, the reliability along the way, the versatility in terms of vehicle coverage, and (arguably most importantly) the length of life you can expect from this 2 post lift, then we have a cast-iron case for demonstrating it is actually cheaper to buy in the long term than some cheap lift on eBay!

Before we move onto the lift itself, you may find it useful to read some of our ‘Advice and Beware’ information, which provides crucially important information for anyone investing in a 2 post lift.

The D4 is based around Cascos’ renowned C4XL structure; an extremely well-built 4000kg capacity lift. We have then further enhanced the lift to include the most versatile arm configuration available, added useful additional storage for tools and accessories, premium components such as a security nut that is actually rated to, and used on, the 5500kg capacity lift, and even included special ‘FloorSolver’ anchoring plates to allow installation in those workshops that would otherwise be deemed unsuitable for installation of a clear floor or ‘baseless’ lift.

Check out the highlights of this ‘bombproof’ 2 Post Lift…

Electro-Mechanical Operation In historical terms, the electro-hydraulic method that we see in abundance today is a relatively new concept, whereas electro-mechanical, or ‘screw’ lifts, are the traditional style that European lifts were founded upon. An electro-mechanical lift is more expensive to manufacture, but it is extremely low maintenance. A threaded bar, lifting nut and synchronisation chain makes them extremely simple and, quite frankly, just vastly lacking in things to go wrong. The expense comes from the level of precision and material quality required to produce a traditional electro-mechanical, or ‘screw’, lift, but beyond that they are super reliable and virtually maintenance-free. There do not rely on high pressure lines, hoses, seals or valves that can crack, burst, or degrade over time.

Hydraulic lifts came about because they are cheaper to manufacture. Of course, there is good and bad amongst the vast array of hydraulic lifts on the market, but they all share the same principle and the vulnerability to oil leaks and maintenance remains regardless. As a general yardstick, the warranty someone is prepared to offer is normally a great indicator as to whether the lift is mechanical or hydraulic, and this is the best indicator you will ever get pre-purchase as to the potential reliability of the lift, and faith the supplier has in their product. Our D4 offers a unique Multi-Tier Warranty up to 5 years! We are great advocates of electro-mechanical operation, and it is no coincidence that some of the more famous hydraulic lift manufacturers have decided to introduce a ‘screw’ design model into their ranges more recently.

Slendertec™ Columns SlenderTec columns provide the widest useable space between the posts, whilst achieving the lowest possible overall width and footprint of the lift. We achieve this by using solid rolled profiles of steel, rather than folded sheets of steel used by other manufacturers. These profiles are sourced from Germany and provide the most rigid, durable columns on the market. In contrast, other lifts use folded sheets of steel, simply because it is cheaper. That does mean, however, that the post profile has to be much larger. We like to think of it like this – imagine a solid bar of chocolate vs a hollow Easter Egg!

High-Versatility Lifting Arms Range and locking arm design / positions allowing the lifting pads to be positioned as low as 85mm, increasing to 159mm without the need to add any extensions. The additional, quick release extensions, supplied as standard, will then add another 60mm and 100mm, resulting in an incredible range of ground clearance requirements dependent on the vehicle.

FloorSolver Plates These plates enable garage owners with questionable floor conditions to install a ‘clear-floor’ (baseless) lift, when they would otherwise have to have a baseplate lift. Installed between the column base and the floor, they essentially spread the load and reduce the concrete depth requirement accordingly.

Bi-directional loading Thanks to the symmetry of the lifting arms, vehicles can approach the lift from either direction.

Dual Controls Making even better use of the bi-directional lifting capability, the D4 has operating controls on both columns, making life even more convenient for the technician ILC (Intelligent Lift Control) The ILC system allows for management and optimum performance of the lift via an LCD screen. Useful information about the lift such as instructions, troubleshooting guides, ability to customise the maximum lifting height, and much more make this a truly modern version of what is otherwise a ‘classic’ lift.

Lifting Nut, spindle and carriages The D4 boasts the largest diameter spindle of any lift on the market, with the highest quality lifting nuts made from the self-lubricating material ‘Nylatron’. The carriages have to be seen in real life to be truly admired, with a construction that is probably best termed as ‘over-engineered’. In this company, we love over-engineered!

Footprint Cheaper lifts tend to be bulkier, because the integrity of the steel and construction has to be countered by bigger columns with a bigger footprint, and this has an effect on space consumption and convenience. The D4 has  thicker, better quality steel in one solid profile, allowing for a slimmer column. These columns are actually made in Germany and come from the profiles used for forklifts to operate their tines. The end result is that a slimmer column reduces the footprint of the lift, and allows better internal distance between the posts (more convenient for working and door opening).