Car lifts

[Code54]

Been looking at car lifts and wanted everyones thoughts and ideas.

I want something for doing oil changes, tire rotations, work on the Kawasaki Mule, motorcycle and the small tractor and general smaller eqpt.
The cars are easy - a Yaris and a Rav4, figure my Diesel truck is a bit too big and I really not need to lift it for an oil change anyway. We are lucky that we have newer cars so I don't really do anything major and if it needs done we have a local guy that is very reasonable and would take the vehicle down there.

We have a 5" 5000psi pad in the shop but I'm not sold on a two post lift. Mainly because it takes up too much space and I won't be able to move it out of the way if I am working on a larger project. I have looked at the
MaxJax Portable Car Lift - Home Garage Lift - Dannmar - MaxJax USA
and like it but am not sure that is the way to go or not.

I also looked at the
Auto Lift MR6K-48X 6000lb Capacity Mid Rise Scissor Lift

Figure I can use a scissor lift and make a "table" for the bike and lawn mowers and such.
As I mentioned I don't plan on doing exhausts or trannys so the scissor seems like it would work fine and it seems a bit safer.
What do you all think?

 

[shui5612]

What I personally would do is get a 4 post lift, mount it permanently. Not only does it distribute the weight better (4posts vs 2).

The benefit is access to the middle section of the car for oil changes and such. And the most important benefit is that you can park things under it. I.e. lift up the mule and keep the bike, mower and such under it. Good for winter if you store something away. It depends on how high your ceiling is. If anything you can lift the mower and shorter things in order to put the taller stuff under (I.e. car).

Only issue is that the car stays on its wheels and you would either have to get a model of a 4 post lift with the secondary jack system (basically posts that come out and can lift the car) or use a small bottle jack.

 

[Code54]

Thanks for the thoughts - I have looked at them but they really take up too much space (plus I have a low ceiling - 10'). I use that bay to work on my tractors and want to be able to get the Mini excavator in there this winter so that really needs some room. I also would like to do the whole deal for around 2k (should have said that).

 

[Oldpath05]

Been looking at car lifts and wanted everyones thoughts and ideas.

I want something for doing oil changes, tire rotations, work on the Kawasaki Mule, motorcycle and the small tractor and general smaller eqpt.
The cars are easy - a Yaris and a Rav4, figure my Diesel truck is a bit too big and I really not need to lift it for an oil change anyway. We are lucky that we have newer cars so I don't really do anything major and if it needs done we have a local guy that is very reasonable and would take the vehicle down there.

We have a 5" 5000psi pad in the shop but I'm not sold on a two post lift. Mainly because it takes up too much space and I won't be able to move it out of the way if I am working on a larger project. I have looked at the
MaxJax Portable Car Lift - Home Garage Lift - Dannmar - MaxJax USA
and like it but am not sure that is the way to go or not.

I also looked at the
Auto Lift MR6K-48X 6000lb Capacity Mid Rise Scissor Lift

Figure I can use a scissor lift and make a "table" for the bike and lawn mowers and such.
As I mentioned I don't plan on doing exhausts or trannys so the scissor seems like it would work fine and it seems a bit safer.
What do you all think?

But what about checking the tranny, transfer case, rear end, 4x4 front end. Last week I checked the all the fluids in my 04 Jeep Liberty, it was quite a chore to get it off the floor 15+ inches with no lift. So when considering a small lift, keep in mind that all that cross bracings on some scissor lifts might be in the way of checking those fluids underneath and or removing oil filter/drain plug, therefor I'd take a look at something like this one on that page with no cross bars in the way>> Auto Lift PL6K 6600lb Low Rise Pit Lift | Best Buy Auto Equipment (and this one seemed like a good option>>> My New Ranger QuickJack Portable Lift - YouTube

 

[sd455dan]

But what about checking the tranny, transfer case, rear end, 4x4 front end. Last week I checked the all the fluids in my 04 Jeep Liberty, it was quite a chore to get it off the floor 15+ inches with no lift. So when considering a small lift, keep in mind that all that cross bracings on some scissor lifts might be in the way of checking those fluids underneath and or removing oil filter/drain plug, therefor I'd take a look at something like this one on that page with no cross bars in the way>> Auto Lift PL6K 6600lb Low Rise Pit Lift | Best Buy Auto Equipment (and this one seemed like a good option>>> My New Ranger QuickJack Portable Lift - YouTube

Yeah I agree- there are just as many advantages to two post lifts as disadvantages, I would not trade my 10k lb. 2 post Bendpak for a 4 post.
Maybe if just doing oil changes, muffler work- but axle removal to body removal, suspension work, even changing a complete set of tires is much easier with a 2 post. I guess it really depends on what kind of work and the fact that in this case portability is important.

 

[kenmac]

my next shop will have a 10K 2 post lift

 

[Code54]

Last night I was reading for about 4 more hrs on lifts and am really leaning towards the:
MX-6 Portable Certified 2 Post Car Lift - Garage Hoist | MaxJax USA
I like that it is a 2 post that I can move. I also like the fact it is certified - makes me "feel" that it should be better built and a bit safer than some of the others out there.
Our vehicles are easy to check fluids on for the most part and the only diff. I need to check is on my 3/4 ton and I can pretty much just sit under it! LOL
I also like the little motorcycle adapter as it would be handy for the bike as well as messing around with the lawn mowers and such.
I am still looking around but thought I would post an update and wait for other ideas and thoughts. Thanks to all!

 

[whitexc]

^^^Mne will too.....two post gets my vote. If you need more space you need a bigger shop!

 

[DK35vince]

I have very limited ceiling height, so I went with these in the 7000# model.
QuickJack BL-7SLX Portable Truck Lift - Home Garage Lift

 

[dodge man]

I am in the same boat. I have a low ceiling, 8.5'. I also have a 3/4 ton truck. I thought what's the point if it won't lift all my vehicles? If I was building a new garage with a tall enough ceiling I'd go two post.

 

[Code54]

I thought the same thing about my 3/4 ton but then I figure i change the oil a little over once a year (2012 with 22k on it) and when I get it inspected I get the tires rotated so I really don't need to lift it much. The other thing is I need a much larger and permanent lift if I use it for the truck and I really want to avoid having it mounted in a bay. I also have a rolling gantry crane in there so that takes up a bunch of room.
it does seem a 9K china lift is even cheaper but I just can't trust them for some reason. Read a lot of horror stories with them bending and having "issues" which would not be fun with my diesel truck on it!
I won't use it a lot for cars maybe monthly, will use it more for the bike and as a adjustable height work platform for mowers and such. Even think it would be handy for working on different implements instead of being on the floor all the time.

 

[sd455dan]

I thought the same thing about my 3/4 ton but then I figure i change the oil a little over once a year (2012 with 22k on it) and when I get it inspected I get the tires rotated so I really don't need to lift it much. The other thing is I need a much larger and permanent lift if I use it for the truck and I really want to avoid having it mounted in a bay. I also have a rolling gantry crane in there so that takes up a bunch of room.
it does seem a 9K china lift is even cheaper but I just can't trust them for some reason. Read a lot of horror stories with them bending and having "issues" which would not be fun with my diesel truck on it!
I won't use it a lot for cars maybe monthly, will use it more for the bike and as a adjustable height work platform for mowers and such. Even think it would be handy for working on different implements instead of being on the floor all the time.

Unfortunately most of the lifts are made in China, My Bendpak was 1 of the 1st ones out of China ( didn't) know it till I got the lift -thinking it was still USA built.
Called and the rep told me they had US inspectors for the 1st run to document everything from the A-36 steel to final assembly.
It has been trouble free and has all of the certification stickers on it.
I will say that when lifting my or friends loaded diesel powered 1 tons.
You can hear the difference in the hydraulic pump while lifting. If wanting to lift 1 ton trucks would want a 10k or above rated lift.

 

[Gator6x4]

Thanks for the thoughts - I have looked at them but they really take up too much space (plus I have a low ceiling - 10'). I use that bay to work on my tractors and want to be able to get the Mini excavator in there this winter so that really needs some room. I also would like to do the whole deal for around 2k (should have said that).

Wishful thinking.

 

[Code54]

Wishful thinking.

Really it is not too far off - the Max Jax (the better safety cert'ed one) is $2200 to the house (as in delivered) so not too bad. I really like the idea of being able to move it out of the way when not needed. Thinking I could fab a nice work table for the lawn mowers and such. They also say you can only use one side if you want for up to 1500lbs for motorcycles/atvs so that makes it easier to work around. I am looking at making multiple mounting points so I can have one just mounted at the rear of the shop for the motorcycle. Figure I can leave it there most of the time in the summer and just set it up for cars and leave it that way all fall and winter when I do most of my car stuff.
Did some checking in the shop today and it would easily fit without moving anything around.

 

[downsizingnow48]

There is at least one American-made lift. This outfit based in Texas. I don't know yet what the pricing is but I like the idea of having a US product if possible.

Worth Equipment - manufacturer of ground lifts & tubing benders

 

[Code54]

Thanks - I had not seen them yet. I will check it out

 

[downsizingnow48]

Here is another American made lift. Don't know about pricing. This thread got me thinking about lifts. I also want a lift, American made rather than Chinese. Hoping to find something well made and affordable.

About Backyard Buddy Automotive Lifts for home garages

 

[Code54]

Understand that - If nothing else I want to make sure it is a certified lift - never know how well the others are engineered or put together.

 

[jb1390]

Understand that - If nothing else I want to make sure it is a certified lift - never know how well the others are engineered or put together.

What ceiling height do you have? I have a bendpak 10k pound 2 post assymetric. I lift my duramax all the time with it. I think you might be missing out by going smaller if you can fit the full size lift in there. Mine is 12' high.

If you really don't care about lifting the truck and are just looking for portability you can get a portable scissor jack from bendpak. I really think you might be limiting yourself though....you may think that clutches/transmission/exhaust, whatever else might not be in your future, but the ability to inspect and repair, and even just get access to grease parts can be extremely valuable. Don't short sell yourself by limiting access to the underbody.

I have mine in 6" of 4500 PSI - I believe the lift states you only need 4" of 3500 or something along those lines.

 

[CalG]

What ceiling height do you have? I have a bendpak 10k pound 2 post assymetric. I lift my duramax all the time with it. I think you might be missing out by going smaller if you can fit the full size lift in there. Mine is 12' high.

If you really don't care about lifting the truck and are just looking for portability you can get a portable scissor jack from bendpak. I really think you might be limiting yourself though....you may think that clutches/transmission/exhaust, whatever else might not be in your future, but the ability to inspect and repair, and even just get access to grease parts can be extremely valuable. Don't short sell yourself by limiting access to the underbody.

I have mine in 6" of 4500 PSI - I believe the lift states you only need 4" of 3500 or something along those lines.

If one were limited to an outdoor installation of a two post lift, what "weatherization" measures would you take. This Vermont, with cold snowy winters, pouring rains and hot and humid summer weeks on end.

Just that I've been thinking of a lift, but the present shop is low ceiling, and there really is no land for "another building".