Lift or mechanic's pit for new garage?

[future_vision]

Check for local restrictions on pits. Many locations ban them since they are a fall risk if left uncovered.

I was not permitted to install one when I built my garage. I chose a 4 post Bendpak lift instead and don't regret the choice.

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There are no issues with rear heavy tractors and they are great for storage when not being used.

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So much so that I installed one in another building just for that purpose.

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What's the cost of one of these?

 

[MossRoad]

This is pretty cool. Prevent the 'falling in' and having to climb stairs in and out.

If that was at my employer, we'd have to fill out a permit required confined space entry form every time we used it, test it for gas/co, and have two people stand by, one a supervisor, and the other a rescuer. We'd need to wear a harness, and have a cable extraction system.

I'm pretty sure an insurance company would be pretty persnickety in a home setting.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

IIRC, back in early 80's pits were outlawed in CT. They can be a death trap.
I guess a lift could be too.

 

[future_vision]

These seem like a pretty nice option.

 

[DIYOrangeDave]

Pits are an OSHA issue due to being an entrapment concern as well as the carbon monoxide settling to the lowest point. Safety is not the pits, lol!

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Most big truck stop shops have pits, I got pulled into the state of Mississippi weigh station on I-20 just east of Meridian, and they had me drive over there pit for my level one inspection ...

 

[JJT]

I'll second the recommendation for a 4 post lift. I have a Bendpak, 9K# 4 post, extra tall, extra long. Great for servicing cars, trucks, UTVs, mowers and the tractor. 10+ years with no regrets. I can park a full size suv or truck under it, with another vehicle on top. It frees up a garage spot and I don't have to pay taxes on the extra stall....... I built the garage with extra tall side walls and 6" of concrete anticipating a future lift.

I've been toying with the idea of adding a 2 post lift, it would be handy for tire rotations and brake work.

 

[Hay Dude]

Typically for any major repair on tractor transmission you have to split (separate) the engine from the transmission and or pull an axle off the transmission. Both of which a pit would be of little to no value and possibly a hindrance.

And in cab tractors, many times the cab has to be removed

 

[sandman2234]

After Daddy's Dodge was dropped from a 2 post lift "because it weighed so much more at one end" according to the dealership, I haven't considered one. I have one of those scissor lifts but don't use it for anything except an oil change on the Wife's car, and since She takes it to get done, it doesn't get used much. I would park under a 4 post but not a 2 post.
David from jax

 

[bdhsfz6]

What's the cost of one of these?

Depends on the size and capacity:

BendPak Bang for the Buck Quarterly Savings - Ends December 31

www.bendpak.com