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[crandall]

I am enclosing my carport and adding a stall and thinking about improving my lift capabilities. Right now, I just use jack stands, but would like to find an inexpensive option for getting more heighth.

I have seen scissor lifts, 2 post and 4 post lifts advertised. Any thoughts on what would work best? Any companies to stay away from?

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[skim3544]

I like 2 post lift. The lift arms comes out from sides, leaving the center of the car wide open – this makes working on transmission, suspension parts easier.

[619DioFan]

When it comes to lifts you need to decide what you are looking to use it for. if you just need some extra higth for brake jobs and oil changes a scissor lift will work well. if you plan on doing things like trannies and clutches then an above ground will be a great friend, four post lifts are safer then two post but make doing brake work and suspension work harder then a two post. some things to consider –

ceiling heigth – probably need at least 12 feet ( I have seen short two post lifts that will work with lower ceilings but the lift heigth will be less )

power – most are electric over hydraulic so a 220 power supply will be needed

mounting – a substantial concrete slab is critical. I would think at least a 6 inch thick slab ( poss 8 inch thick especially for a two post ) I would definantly have a company install it.

I see used lifts for sale in my area all the time for around 1,000 dollars. bend pac is a good quality company.

[Kelly Kenser]

[quote=”crandall” post=35902]I am enclosing my carport and adding a stall and thinking about improving my lift capabilities. Right now, I just use jack stands, but would like to find an inexpensive option for getting more heighth.

I have seen scissor lifts, 2 post and 4 post lifts advertised. Any thoughts on what would work best? Any companies to stay away from?[/quote]

I bought a 2 post lift extra wide and 9000 pound lift from Greg Smith Equipment for about $2400 in 2010. Shipping prices have gone up and everything costs more to have it shipped to a remote area like where I live in South Dakota. I placed in a machine shed with a 11′ ceiling. I can not lift a vehicle to it’s full height, but that is okay. I sit on a wheeled stool which is easier on my back. You need either a 6″ or 8″ thick concrete minimum where the lift is secured. I made an area 4′ by 22′ x 6″ (like a footing) deep in the area where the lift was secured. The rest of my slab was 4″. The lift came in pieces and was easily set up with a small tractor with a frontend loader and one other person. You can do it without a tractor but you might need about 4 people to set it up. It also came with the anchors. All I had to do was rent a concrete hammer drill. I use mine all the time. It is a time saver and back saver. I also made adapters so I can also lift motorcycles and lawnmowers. It’s nice to work on things sitting or standing upright. You will also get all sorts of new friends.

[crandall]

Thanks for that update on the details on how you pulled that off with the concrete slab reinforcement. This is very helpful.

[Author]

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