Car lifts - what's best for a hobby workshop?

[sg66]

https://www.costco.co.uk/Tyres-Auto...ck-2268kg-Capacity-Model-BL-5000SLX/p/1268102

Costco lift

 

[ajlelectronics]

 

[ajlelectronics]

 

[Wedg1e]

I've used two single post lifts on jobs for work: we chopped off the cruciform bit that would slot under the vehicle and instead fabricated new structure to support an x-ray head - weight say 120Kg so well within the 2T capacity of the lifts.
Although both were evidently Far Eastern-manufactured I was reasonably happy with their construction; certainly my welding on the modifications would be more of a worry than that of the factory
The ones we used were bolted down, the mobile version is essentially the same apart from having pallet truck orifices (orifi? ) in the base.
To kill time one day I did some rough sketches of how one was built just in case I ever fancied copying it - it did make extensive use of folded 8 and 10mm plate mind, so it wouldn't have been easy DIY.
The lifting action is performed by a long hydraulic ram pushing a roller up, over which passes a length of Hyvo-style chain which is anchored to the frame by a clevis at one end and the lifting cruciform at the other. It struck me that the chain and anchors would be the weak point if anything was going to go twang. However there's an automatic detent that drops into a slotted rail every couple of inches (with a loud clang) to catch the frame on the way up; you can then lower the frame so that the detent takes the weight rather than the ram. Lift an inch or so, retract the detent against spring tension and press the down button to depressurise the ram. On the first one we used it had a big solenoid to hold the detent out as long as you held the button but the second relied on you pulling a cable; I added a solenoid to that one.
As far as I recall the hydraulic power pack used single-phase electrics and would run from a 3-pin socket so that would be another point in its favour for home use. I would guess that with some extra thought you could even improve the weatherproofing of one and leave it outside - neighbours and p!keys permitting
Seem to think 'ours' came from some place at/near Nottingham, the first one was ex-demo although it looked new and stood us at £1200 plus VAT I think, about 10 years back.
To the best of my knowledge neither has had any mechanical or hydraulic problems.

Here's the first:

A guy I know from TVR circles uses a Hamer car lift which is basically four farm jacks and two folded trays for the car to run into - you can jack up one end, both ends or either/both sides and keep fit into the bargain
It's been discussed on here before:

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum...ing-to-make-a-car-ramp-lift-hamer-lift.77447/

 

[Wedg1e]

AJL... I've often fancied a GTC but it'd have to have a Rover V8 in it, not that lump of Ford pig-iron

 

[ukracer]

Scissor type don't lift far and impede access. Two posters need substantial floor mounts and four posters are too big for the average workshop.

By accident, I ended up with a mobile single post lift. The only thing it won't do is a Transit because of its deep skirts. 3.5 Tons rated and you can push and spin it around loaded with a vehicle. New price currently under three Grand.

Got any links mate?

 

[ukracer]

I have a scissor lift, this one: https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/products/as-7530d-garage-scissor-lift/

However, it's not exactly mobile given the weight of it, so I plan to recess it so I have a clean flat floor when it isn't in use.

The main advantages for me is that I don't have a solid enough slab for a two post, and limited height available.
The scissor doesn't need a thick slab, just reasonably flat ground and I can squeeze the mid rise in with the average height car. It also gives you access to the doors which a two post wouldn't, and its not in the way when you aren't using it.

You are restricted for access to the sills, but plenty of room to get to front and rear suspension which you wouldn't get with a four post, and this model is fine for centre access.
I wouldn't choose the smaller units with the centre cross braces as this would really restrict what you could get to.

I was in two minds when I bought it and agonised over the decision for ages, but since having it for a few jobs I can safely say it was a fantastic investment and I wish I'd got one sooner.
Works great for suspension, brakes, driveshafts exhausts etc.

If I had the extra height I would have preferred a full rise for more comfortable working, but you can get by with the midrise and it’s a magnitude better than working on your back under axle stands.

I know they say parachute valves are inherently safe on their own, but I do like the fact it has a couple of heavy duty locking racks as well, it’s very solid and inspires more confidence than axle stands – obviously you do have to give some consideration to centre of gravity, but perhaps not so much a concern as with a two post. One modification I would like to do is put an extra switch in to disable the pneumatic lock release, so I can lower it onto the locking rack to take the load of the hydraulics if I’m leaving it for some time – no idea if that is necessary but looks to be easy to do and I’d feel happier.

I can recommend Automotech, got a tyre machine and balancer from them as well and they have been great to deal with. No connection other than a happy customer.

Do they do a full rise in this range?

 

[ukracer]

Full height scissor lift,
Recess mounted but then have a set of 1m high wheel tables also incase got to repair some sills or similar.

Have you got a link??

 

[ukracer]

View attachment 209007 View attachment 209008 View attachment 209009

What make is yours?

 

[normspanners]

I have a low scissor lift and find it invaluable and use it everyday very handy for servicing If I could have a new lift I would have an in ground scissor lift fitted one at mates he does gear boxes and clutches and finds it invaluable addition to his workshop I certainly would not be without my low one though.have welded sills on it by lifting cars on their chassis which leaves sills clear. I use two and 4 posts on daily basis at otherplaces the 4 posts are mainly used for mots.

 

[Ruffian]

Have you got a link??

https://autoquip.co.uk/products/gar...t-platformlow-profile-scissor-lifts/rav-510i/

Think it's that one at ex work. But does need a decent hole to bury it into for recessed. (Approx 400 wide x1200 long x 400deep)

Bendpack do one very similar but only ever used their surface mount not recessed.

But then have something like these or even the little ones for doing sills or fuel tank work where you need the clearance.

 

[armalites]

A lift does need to be convenient, I can see the appeal of foldaway units but invariably what will happen is the day you need it it will be buried.

Having 2 lifts at home you'd still be surprised how many time I've done a job using jacks/axle stands because it was quicker than moving all the vehicles in the way of the ramps.

 

[armalites]

Many people on this forum are into tinkering in a serious way and my advice is if you have the space and have thought about getting a lift just do it. Don't be that person who buys one when they are 60 and realised they should have bought one 20 years earlier.

To put things into perspective.

Big LCD TVs are cheap as chips these days but you can still buy a secondhand lift for less than a decent TV.
2-3 hours labour at main dealer will cost you more than a lift.(Obviously someone who is thinking about buying a lift is unlikely to be using a main dealer)

 

[Domdom]

A lot of unfounded prejudice against single post. I use mine everyday and I would say that it was more stable than a two post. Everything from three wheelers to my Scorpio estate is lifted and there has never been an issue. I can spin the vehicle around 180 degrees and push it across the workshop out of the way and it doesn't wobble or move in any way. I feel totally safe working under it. Mind you, it is a proper commercial 3 phase lift, much better made than the one illustrated.

@ajlelectronics OK, I am one of those who just doesn't like the look of it. I'm sure they must have gone through some testing so may I ask, is yours hydraulic? Do you have a make and model please? Most important, what is the capacity? I need 3 metric tonnes if I want to lift the Discovery but if there is something out there which would be suitable I would like to take a look. Thanks. Dom.

 

[ajlelectronics]

What make is yours?

It's an Italian brand which I have never been able to track down! However it is probably more than 20 years old and built well.

I think that "Strongman" and SGS both do a similar designed lift with single phase motors.

 

[ajlelectronics]

@ajlelectronics OK, I am one of those who just doesn't like the look of it. I'm sure they must have gone through some testing so may I ask, is yours hydraulic? Do you have a make and model please? Most important, what is the capacity? I need 3 metric tonnes if I want to lift the Discovery but if there is something out there which would be suitable I would like to take a look. Thanks. Dom.

Yes it uses a big hydraulic ram. Someone else posted a description earlier about how they work.
Mine is 3.5t capacity although I only ever load it to whatever my Scorpio estate weighs. There are at least two companies that make them in single phase now, try looking for "Strongman" lifts. Edit... They don't seem to do one, but a Google search for "single post car lift" seems to come up with many varieties.

Mine has been used and abused but just keeps on doing the job. The only criticism I have is the boom that sits across the gearbox area, so no chance of getting a gearbox out on its own with the Scimitars.

You can adjust the balance point by extending the arms outwards to meet the factory jacking points. I think it is more stable than a two post lift might be actually.

 

[Dcal]

@ajlelectronics I'm liking that single post lift and can see how it would be useful if you have plenty of smooth concrete to work with and it would also be great for unloading and moving stuff.
I would have one at the right money but would not be without my two poster.

With 2 posters, the only real problem problem, as has been said is getting the doors open wide enough to work inside the car when it's on the lift.
I've resorted to taking a door off to work under the dash while tracing faults.
I have a few very high Hgv axle stands and I use them to free up a two post jacking point if necessary (like when painting and under-sealing the underside of my alfa) you need to be careful where and how you prop but I've never had a problem.

If you have the room and the head height I think they are hard to beat. If you don't the other options discussed here are very interesting.

 

[Burdekin]

This thread has been excellent, thanks for the loads and loads of advice and opinions. I think the main take away is they all have their limitations but all have work arounds and all are much better than nothing. I'll have a bit more of a think but one that can be moved out of the way is attractive for me.

 

[gaz1]

all you need is the sizes to play with to see whats best

note call up to mechanics up the rd and get some measurments

with 4 poster its H, x W, x L
with 2 post its H, x W and then you need to know internal leg stick out from post you can push back the legs but you still have stick out

 

[Bobtail4x4]

AJL... I've often fancied a GTC but it'd have to have a Rover V8 in it, not that lump of Ford pig-iron

a mate of mine died last year, his 4 litre V8 powered GTC is still sitting there needing a loving home. will need painting as he started stripping it before taking ill.