Lift or mechanic's pit for new garage?

[Fuddyduddy1952]

As a kid one neighbor friend's Father made something interesting which was he used steel beams and poured concrete making ramps that went from ground level about 30+ feet long and up about 8 feet at the end where he had stops. It looked like it would hold a tank and it was very simple.
They used it all the time. It was outdoors near a shed.

 

[BravoXray]

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

Here's one.

Simcoe Spring Service

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

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[gstrom99]

My two cents: lift. A pit sounds tempting, but they don't work very well at all in the real world. Rarely will you need to lift up a tractor. Two or four post is your real decision. You'll need a 12' 6" ceiling minimum.
Mine:

 

[gstrom99]

one annoyance to not be discounted with a two post lift is getting in and out of a vehicle... That post...

Not really an issue with asymmetrical post design.

 

[LouNY]

Not really an issue with asymmetrical post design.

Depends on your vehicle, a 4 door sedan sits a lot differently then crew cab pickup with an 8 ft box.

 

[repete]

Not really an issue with asymmetrical post design.

Still an issue with my asymmetrical lift. I have felt strips on the drivers post.

 

[repete]

I highly recommend having at least two of these in your inventory. When I am pulling transmissions or differentials or anything that can potentially change the center of gravity when in the air I place one of these at either end of the vehicle.

2 Ton Capacity Underhoist Safety Stand

Amazing deals on this 2T Underhoist Safety Stand at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[future_vision]

Well, I'd have to say that the a lift wins the battle. That'll save me time trying to design a pit and form the concrete. Thanks everyone.

 

[miniceptor86]

Beside the fall issue, pits need to be properly ventilated. Lethal gasses can collect in the pit as they are heavier that air.