no idea lifts were this inexpensive

[SSpeed]

I had no idea lifts were this inexpensive, relatively speaking.

 

http://www.carguygarage.com/lbpostcarliftcl.html

 

I'm debating getting one, I hate wiggling under the car to do things like take the driveshaft off. I do enough work on the car I could almost justify it. I just am not sure about the two post configuration though. Seems like it would be perfect for kids to make door dings.

 

There's also the single post, but scares me a bit as it has no backup if the concrete fails, and I can't tell if the ramps are removable.

 

http://www.carguygarage.com/lbssinglepostpa.html

 

Does anyone have one? What do you like or not like about it?

[SSpeed]

This one is removable, and lifts to 45". No door dings or using up garage space.

 

http://www.dannmar.com/dannmar-products/two-post-lifts/maxjax.asp

[froggert]

there are also the 4-post and scissor style lifts, too. each has it's pros and cons. check out the forums at garagejournal.com for more info than you'll ever need.

[theflystyle]

I would do lots of reading and research before putting your property and life under the cheaper lifts you find. Not all are certified and built to the same quality as the more expensive units.

[Sgt.Gator]

I have a 4 post BendPak HD9 , (9,000lbs) and love it. If I had a second lift it would be a 2 post, but I think a 4 post is the way to go if you have only one lift. However to make it useful you HAVE to get the RJ45 power jack accessory. That is the magic sauce in making a 4 post an all around storage and service lift.

http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/accessories/rj-45.aspx

 

http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts/hd-9.aspx

 

Also get the 220V version of the pump.

 

The first time I put my car on the lift and worked under it I told my wife I couldn't believe I didn't buy one of these 20 years ago!

 

You do need minimum 12' garage ceiling. 14' is better. I've hit my 12' ceiling a few times.

[SSpeed]

I don't see price on the site, what did it run you? I can see two post being better from a size and ease of wheels off maintenance, I just foresee lots of door dings with it though? Unfortunately my ceiling is 9feet.

[Sgt.Gator]

If your ceiling is 9 feet you won't be able to stand up straight under any lift. Remember if the car is 58" tall, that only leaves a maximum of 50" under the car at full height. (108 - 58 = 50)...and that's with a 2 post lift. A four post lift needs even more height because of the height of the tracks, and then to lift the wheel off the tracks adds even more.

 

When my wife and I were shopping for a new home we made one of the minimum requirements that the garage have a 12' ceiling. Next time it will be 14".

 

5 years ago the lift was about $2,400 installed and I think the RJ45 was about $900. If you Google it you will find dealers that advertise prices. I see Northern Tool has them and Danmar lifts, about $3,000 for both 4 post and 2 post, and $1250 for the sliding scissor jack. I think that includes shipping. Be sure to compare shipping costs, some other lifts ADD shipping to the price, which can be a very large number, these things are heavy as heck.

 

As stated by others, get a quality lift.

[froggert]

with a 9' ceiling, i'd look at the maxjax or a scissor lift. you'll have to use a wheeled stool to work underneath the car but it beats wiggling around on your back.

[SSpeed]

with a 9' ceiling, i'd look at the maxjax or a scissor lift. you'll have to use a wheeled stool to work underneath the car but it beats wiggling around on your back.

 

Thank you, that's what I was thinking too. The Maxjax seems perfect, I like that it's removeable.

[theflystyle]

I don't see price on the site, what did it run you? I can see two post being better from a size and ease of wheels off maintenance, I just foresee lots of door dings with it though? Unfortunately my ceiling is 9feet.

 

They can be had for less than 3k. You will be surprised with the cost of installation. Most of my quotes were just below 4K to have it purchased and installed.

 

I also made sure this house had the high garage ceilings. Its currently about 14 feet tall. It would also be helpful to get the LiftMaster 8500 wall mounted garage door opener to give you additional center clearance. Not to mention the added benefit of quieter operation

 

You can get the lifts from many places and the prices are basically the same. The hard part is finding someone to install it for you unless you like lifting very heavy things.

[thefultonhow]

Get an in-ground scissor lift.

 

http://hei-lifts.com/prod01.htm

 

No risk of door dings with that. I'm planning on one... eventually...

 

EDIT: Here's another. $1600. It's the one on the right.

 

http://phoenixautoequipment.com/lifts.shtml

[SSpeed]

I'm sure they are safe, but scissor lifts just looks so dangerous to me. The one you sent wouldn't use up much under car space either. Some I saw would make things like clutch jobs rather tough.

[sjxbrd]

A couple friends and I bought a Danmar MaxJax two post lift together. It is a fantastic addition to the garage. We have lifted anything from my LGT to friends' 911, mustang, F150 with it. You have to make sure that your garage floor is at least 4 inch thick though.

[theflystyle]

Bonus of the four post is that no anchoring to the garage floor is required. Two posts while require that.

 

The scissor lifts are nice for the price, but having the ability to store two cars in the spot of one is a great benefit. If you are worried about dings, you could check out the extra narrow 4-posts from Bendpak. You will see they sell all sorts of width, height and weight lifts.

 

http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts/

[KartRacerBoy]

It was a while ago but search for a thread by Rao on his lift failing, luckily when he was NOT under it. Be wary.

[SSpeed]

It was a while ago but search for a thread by Rao on his lift failing, luckily when he was NOT under it. Be wary.

 

Geez, just read that thread. The ones I was looking at had locks, but even then things can go wrong.

[theflystyle]

I wish the pictures were still up there

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/ezcarlift-pics-107255p9.html

[BarManBean]

There was a thread over on Garage Journal where a guy buried two scissor style lifts down in the concrete. Both were linked together to lift simultaneuosly, one for each frame rail essentially. When not being used, just lower to be flush with the rest of the concrete. Awesome setup.

[thefultonhow]

There was a thread over on Garage Journal where a guy buried two scissor style lifts down in the concrete. Both were linked together to lift simultaneuosly, one for each frame rail essentially. When not being used, just lower to be flush with the rest of the concrete. Awesome setup.

 

Get an in-ground scissor lift.

 

http://hei-lifts.com/prod01.htm

 

No risk of door dings with that. I'm planning on one... eventually...

 

EDIT: Here's another. $1600. It's the one on the right.

 

http://phoenixautoequipment.com/lifts.shtml

 

[bosco]

I just stumbled on this thread.

 

I own a MaxJax no issues it works great. I made and added the floor to column brace only for my piece of mind. I also mounted the hydraulics on the wall because the cart got in the way. It is mounted one foot higher than the cart height and the hoses have 10' extensions added to get them out of the way.

 

Every lift has pluses and minuses I was limited by ceiling height.

[SSpeed]

That's great Bosco, sweet cars too!

[BarManBean]

Im sort of jealous when I see garages like that, looks like you could eat off the damn floor. But then I quickly realize I'm just not built for that. My garage will likely always be filled with fluids, spare parts, ongoing projects etc. A scissor style lift buried in a pit may be in my long-term future though.

[bosco]

Im sort of jealous when I see garages like that, looks like you could eat off the damn floor. But then I quickly realize I'm just not built for that. My garage will likely always be filled with fluids, spare parts, ongoing projects etc. A scissor style lift buried in a pit may be in my long-term future though.

 

You mean projects like these?

 

Prepare your floor properly seal/paint it with two part epoxy, don't throw your tools around, try not to drop metal items on it and clean as you go.

 

Not a big deal.

[BarManBean]

Maybe eventually projects like those. Right now it's more like friends dropping random motors in the garage to later be disassembled, plus lawn equipment. First is a shed in the back to separate some of the non-auto stuff and then an epoxy floor and new drywall is in order. A ways out though, 1 and 3 year old take up most of my time lately--maybe when they are old enough to help and/or stand around and watch without needing to be watched like hawks

[bosco]

Maybe eventually projects like those. Right now it's more like friends dropping random motors in the garage to later be disassembled, plus lawn equipment. First is a shed in the back to separate some of the non-auto stuff and then an epoxy floor and new drywall is in order. A ways out though, 1 and 3 year old take up most of my time lately--maybe when they are old enough to help and/or stand around and watch without needing to be watched like hawks

 

I understand.