What’s the difference between in-ground and surface-mounted lifts?

Choosing the right type of lift usually comes down to numbers: the size of the platform, and the weight it can lift. But the type of lift you choose can be just as important.

With a surface-mounted lift, you’re getting a floor-level installation that’s secured on top of the flooring you have in your workshop.

With an in-ground lift, it’s installed below the level of the floor.

So why does that matter? And what does it mean for the lift you choose?

Here’s how the type of lift you choose makes a difference:

 

Space

Any surface-mounted lift is going to take up some space when it’s not in use. In most cases, it’s a space that’s about the same size as the vehicles you lift.

There are some exceptions, like a Two-Post Lift or a set of Mobile Column Lifts. But because so many surface-mounted lifts use wheel platforms across a four-post structure, you’ll have a vehicle-sized area that can’t easily be used for anything else.

With an in-ground lift, you’ve got more options for freeing up space:

Because the installation is below ground, some types of in-ground lifts can be fully retracted into the ground, and protected by a built-in roller cover. (Like our own Totalkare In-ground Lift, which does exactly that).

So in the times when you don’t need it, you can hide your lift away and open the space for other things — like additional workstations, temporary storage, or opening new traffic routes across your workshop floor.

 

Installation

With a surface-mounted lift, the installation is more straightforward. As long as you’ve got a strong enough foundation and the right type of workshop flooring, you can get a surface-mounted lift up and running quickly — without any groundworks or structural changes.

But an in-ground lift is a little more complex:

You’ll need to make permanent changes to the structure beneath the floor. Any components or mechanical systems need to be installed in a tight space underground, and that could mean an installation that takes longer depending on the workshop.

That also means you’re looking at a higher installation cost for an in-ground lift. It’s a different challenge that needs different skills, and a process that takes much longer to complete.

 

Maintenance

Both types of lifts will need regular and diligent maintenance. That’s a given with any heavy-duty workshop equipment where safety is a priority.

But there are differences in how you (or an engineer) can access the machinery. And that can make maintenance easier or more difficult.

With a surface-mounted lift, everything’s above ground. Every component and system is easily visible and accessible, for both everyday inspections and your routine service visits.

That make life easier for your in-house teams, giving them full access for daily checks and cleaning, and making any repairs they’re qualified to carry out.

With an in-ground lift, access isn’t so simple:

Because so much of the machinery is housed underground — in tight spaces surrounded by the floor structure — it’s not as easy for your teams to carry out the same checks.

And when it comes time for a repair or replacement part, things can get tricky. Which is why it’s always a good idea to have a specialist engineer on call who’s used to more complex setups.

 

Throughput

We’ve already seen how an in-ground lift can free up space — creating opportunities for new workstations to help your teams get more done.

But some lifts can even do the job of two lifts at once:

Some lifts are built with multiple lifting columns that can be configured independently. (Like our own Totalkare In-Ground Lift, which can have up to 8 columns).

These columns can be divided into groups that work together, allowing one installation to work as multiple lifts — which means multiple vehicles being lifted at the same time.

While the heaviest and longest vehicles might need the full set of columns working as one, some smaller and shorter vehicles might only need two columns.

That means you can easily switch between lifting a large vehicle alone, and lifting two smaller vehicles together — giving you a clear advantage in speed and efficiency that can improve how many vehicles you service per hour.

 

Still not sure?

Every workshop is different, with different needs and different goals.

So if you need some help finding the best fit for your workshop, we’re right here.

You can look through our full range of heavy-duty lifts in our online shop — or start a chat with a vehicle lift expert who can talk you through your options.