Lift or mechanic's pit for new garage?

[aircommuter]

I've wondered about installing a single post in ground car lift. When lowered it would be mostly out of the way, although usually they are a few inches above the shop floor, however if one is pouring a new floor, one might be able to recess it even further.

Trip hazard?

Try pulling a transmission under that lift. I worked in a shop with one.

 

[TMGT]

These are probably the most versatile style lifts out there, but not cheap!

I've worked under them more then a few times.

Sent from my SM-S921U using TractorByNet mobile app

 

[AnotherBueller]

I took it that he meant like a oil or coolant drip from whatever was on the second level ...

For transmission, 4X4 section and hydrostatic repairs, today's tractors are not mechanic friendly. For those repairs the manual requires that you SPLIT the tractor. That means that you need to unbolt and separate the front section and the rear section for access to make your repairs. $$$$
Example: a Mx60xx that was driven in four wheel drive on hard surfaces most of the time and destroyed the transmission. Repair bill was north of $37 K before they got into it. So they traded it in and bought a new one for around $50K

 

[camshawn]

Guy I worked with put a pit in his new garage and then filled it in and skim coated it with concrete. He could not put a pit in by building code. His plan was to bust out the skim coat after inspection.
The 2 issues are falling in if it isn’t covered and hazardous gasses collecting in the bottom. These issues can be overcome but to me, a lift is easier.

 

[number two]

Very modern local Chevrolet/Cadillac dealer has all two post in-ground hoists.
Not the ones you're thinking about.
The posts are side-by-side with two lifting arms attached to each post,as with a two post above-ground hoist.
Techs seem satisfied with them.
Rotary I think.

 

[hoofty]

I am planning out my garage for a new build. I plan on working on my cars, tractor and UTV in this garage. Which would be the best way to go? A lift, if that is even possible with a tractor considering how back heavy it is, or a mechanic's pit?

FYI. Tractor (Kioti DK6010SE + filled tires) is probably around 5,000 lbs but I may eventually upgrade to 100hp + tractor.

Many years ago a friend invited me to see his father's new garage. He had a modified pit. It was only 3 feet deep and had an outside entrance with a seperate overhead door to access the "pit". When you drove in from the outside you drove onto steel I beams laying on their side, guessing 8" by 12". Your tires were captive on the webs of the beam. The steel beams were supported on concrete piers about 3 feet high of the floor of the garage. There was room on the garage floor between the concrete piers for parts and tools. When you were in the pit retreiving parts/tools they were at waist height. There was only one way to get in the pit because the steel beams protected the sides and the one end was the outside wall. There were a few steps on the open end to enter the pit. I don't recall if the steps were guarded. I think some of the concern about pits is the fact that explosive gases can collect there. A pit should probably have a fan to keep that to a minimum. The only downside was the width of the vehicle was limited to a certain size because the I beams were not adjustable.

 

[sd455dan]

Depends on the size and capacity:

View attachment 4397383

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www.bendpak.com

Wow, the BendPak prices have really gone up. Think I paid $2300? for the BP 10K asymmetrical 2 post a decade back.

The 2 posts are great for tires, engines, transmission, and even body chassis separation.


Tractor service? Not so much.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

I'll throw this idea out there.
Many years ago I worked at a service station that had two lifts as well as a Fisher air pneumatic lift similar to this one. That's what we used most of the time so years later when my garage was built I bought one. $600 delivered back then.
It's so easy to roll out of the way. I use several jack stands for safety on each side. Right now I'm working on wife's '55 BelAir using it.
If I had to choose a lift I'd want a drive on ramp 4 post because it's safe & as mentioned you can park under it.

 

[Joe1]

A good 4 post lift should be able to handle your tractor.

Pits seem to have fallen out of favor, but certainly would be good if you get anything heavier. It would take a mighty big lift to budge my CAT 977, but I will probably only use that for building a future shop, and then may sell it.

I suppose that would also apply the commercial truck world.

A pit will collect a lot of dirt and other stuff. Also, some volatile fuels that are heavier than air such as propane could collect there. It is also a fall hazard, but could be a lot cheaper than a lift, also less flexible and user friendly than a lift.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Wow, the BendPak prices have really gone up. Think I paid $2300? for the BP 10K asymmetrical 2 post a decade back.

The 2 posts are great for tires, engines, transmission, and even body chassis separation.


Tractor service? Not so much.

Yeah, the prices are up 40% from when I bought mine in 2003. The tariffs didn't help either.

No question that a 2 post lift is better for tire & wheel work but not that good for storage. I bought a rolling jack for my 4 post which lets me lift the vehicle off the ramps to do tire, wheel & suspension work.

 

[pacosperson]

I am planning out my garage for a new build. I plan on working on my cars, tractor and UTV in this garage. Which would be the best way to go? A lift, if that is even possible with a tractor considering how back heavy it is, or a mechanic's pit?

FYI. Tractor (Kioti DK6010SE + filled tires) is probably around 5,000 lbs but I may eventually upgrade to 100hp + tractor.

Before I relocated to warmed regions, I had a pit. Complete with air, power, and a ventilation system, which is critical. I miss it every day. If I could do it again next week, I'd go with a pit again. Design it carefully. Do not allow your wife to sweep the floor into it.

 

[scootr]

Ideally one of each

 

[camshawn]

My 4 post is old. There are 2 beams that run the length of the lift and a frame on each end that locks into the columns . I can block the spring hangers to the beam and then lower the ramps to do tire and brake work. The ramps provide a nice work surface to put tools on but sometimes they get in the way trying to reach up to get to the fuel pump or power steering pump.
I did make some plywood boxes to fill in between the ramps when the ramp is down so I have a close to even surface to walk across when I am not using the car hoist.

 

[newbury]

I've always wondered why people don't jury rig 2 sets of heavy duty pallet racking (stuff that supports like 7K lbs/shelf) with a winch and ramps for a drive on lift.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

I had a pit in each of my first two home shops. They had floor drains to daylight. The obvious problem is working on suspension, brakes and other axle components. latest and last shop ha dual two post lifts, one Bend pak asymmetrical 10k extra wide and a Nussbaum 7k. Four post lifts are mainly for alignment or things where you need the suspension loaded. My ceiling is 23’5” for the fact that I have a mezzanine over the wood shop area. Total space 7700. Seemed nice at first but has shrunk since.
So I recommend a two post and a crane.

Floor drains in a pit to daylight?

Must have been built on a hill?

 

[LouNY]

A lot will depend on the vehicles being serviced and then don't forget the age of the user. The two post are nice for most jobs. But I prefer the 4 post with the rolling jack boxes.
The 4 post is much easier to get the vehicle on and more stable when up. At my age and with arthritis and bad knees getting down to align a two post is an exercise in pain and cussing especially with a low vehicle (any sedan) With the 4 post it's drive on, lift, then wonder around and get the jack box in place after checking everything over, then lift an axle, go back out from under it, lower the vehicle down to working height, pull the wheel and replace if swapping tires or adjust the height to comfortable working so I can sit on a stool while working, or stand if desired.
As has been mentioned on a cab tractor the cab has to be lifted or removed for much work, then it's time for a gantry hoist to get the cab high enough to get to the parts and pieces under the cab.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Floor drains in a pit to daylight?

Must have been built on a hill?

There's an old one car garage not far from here built on a hill that has a pit with a walk out door in the back.

 

[repete]

Had a pit, now a two post lift.
I found the pit only really good for oil changes. Wheels and brakes require lifting a vehicle. Removing major components like transmissions need a transmission jack with wheels. Pulling engine you want a smooth concrete floor in front for hoist.
If all you want to be is a Jiffy Lube then a pit will do you fine. If you are a mechanic then a lift.
BUUUUTTTTT, one annoyance to not be discounted with a two post lift is getting in and out of a vehicle... That post...

 

[JasperFrank]

In the many, many mechanic's type youtubes, I've watched, I've never seen one that uses a pit.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Another lifetime ago I traveled with Grandparents a lot, Grandad had a new motor home every few years and we traveled with another couple following in their RV and we had CB radios. Years ago when everyone dressed nice.
The other friends radioed they're having engine trouble. Grandad radios there's a garage up ahead...just pull into their bay which they did.
Guy gets out and I hear "splat". Look down to see Mr. Gallo face down in a 3 piece suit & fedora laying in a pile of grease & he's not moving. At least a 6ft drop.
Grandad walks by, says "why the heck don't you look where you're going" as we went across the street to a restaurant.