Shop Lift

[Rustyiron]

After telling myself for 30+ years and 3 different shops that with my use of mostly oil changes on my truck's that didn't require jacking up for an oil change, that I'd be walking around the lift way more than I'd be under it.
Then for a reason that I don't remember, (it may have been a wash bay) I built a narrower bay with a 10' door. This just didn't work out as planned so it became more of a parking space.
Then a nice Rotary 10k 2 post was offered to me for a grand and the company that originally sold it to the dealership did the installation for $650.
It's turned out to be one of those "tools" that once you have it, you wonder how you ever got by without it before!
I haven't found that I've needed any accessories other than the screw up pads that it came with.

 

[workinonit]

Mine had no stop bar on top so I borrowed a photo eye from work and installed it so I wouldn't put the top of my truck in the crossbar. I also used a magnetic contactor for the raise and installed swing out LED lights to shine under what I'm working on.

 

[woody]

I have been doing some looking and I am going to install some LED lights down both sides I think it is called tape lights and they are 16 feet long.

 

[Boss 302]

I have a 10,000# 4 post lift that I use for my best girls, made by Complete Lift and I have a Derek Weaver 11,000# 2 post in my shop for all other work.

 

[newbury]

I was thinking a lift isn’t worth the expense until I saw your pictures. Putting the implements up is brilliant. Doubling your covered space makes it pay for it’s self.

One can do the same thing (double covered space) with pallet rack for a fraction of the cost.

I'd love to think I could afford a lift but limited usage puts it in "dream" category. Doubling and quadrupling covered space is another thing. I've about 180 linear feet, 4' wide of pallet racking, most 3 levels or more. Each level supports about 3 ton.
A "standard unit" (6 beams, 2 uprights) cost about $200 to $300 when I bought them used during the last downturn. Although I did pick up some for $20.

 

[workinonit]

You probably have more in pallet racking than a used lift would cost. But a lift doesn't replace storage space for sure.

 

[ovrszd]

My brother has a 10' ceiling and while he wishes he had built it higher, it gets the job done.

Most two post hoists won't stand up in a 10' ceiling.

 

[ovrszd]

I have a 10,000# 4 post lift that I use for my best girls, made by Complete Lift and I have a Derek Weaver 11,000# 2 post in my shop for all other work.

Beautiful autos.

 

[gstrom99]

Most two post hoists won't stand up in a 10' ceiling.

12' 6" minimum, i believe.

 

[workinonit]

Models can be had that don't have a top cross piece and there are also low clearance models as well.