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.