Midrise scissors lift questions....

[SCcaretaker]

First, let me state that I am totally unfamiliar with these lifts and have been considering obtaining one for ease of access to detail and also mechanical work. I notice that a feature of some of these is a solid platform over the top between side rails, so my question is what drives the demand for this platform? Seems to me that this just limits access to a large part of the underside of a car, and my concern is if this feature prohibits engine removal on my SC as an example. Maybe I just don't get it but this seems like an access limiting feature...help enlighten me!

[47silver]

mine has 2 sider rails and does not have a plate in the middle. i think Snap-on lifts have the plate and i would agree with you that the plate would limit access.

[PrimeMvr]

I have a snap-on with the middle plate and it doesn't impair anything under a LWB 911, but would on a "normal" car for sure and maybe a SWB. It works perfectly to drop the engine on an SC. The only issue was i had to reposition the car a little to get to the front fuel pump because I had cheated it to the front a bit for the engine drop.

[rdonahe]

I've got a Bendpak MD6XP (I think that's the model #, not 100% sure). The middle is not solid but does have a couple crossbar supports. I haven't done much work with the lift yet but on a 911 I don't anticipate any big issues getting access.

[Jhalsey]

I have seen one installation where the scissors unit was installed below grade where the flat plate sits flush with the floor when not in use. Also, can be raised and used as a work surface. This was a garage where the guy was short on space and went t great lengths to maximize space efficiency. If plate is removable, I guess you could have the best of both. His car was a 911 and the flat plate fit the floorpan nicely leaving the front and rear mechanicals exposed.

[toddu]

Just dropped the motor on my SC with a mid-rise lift. Worked perfectly, did the whole thing solo in a mater of hours. Hope it goes back in as easy :-)

Todd

[cmcfaul]

anyone had the car tip over on a mid rise? They look very top heavy with such a small foot print supporting it.

Chris

[mclmk8d]

Originally Posted by Jhalsey

I have seen one installation where the scissors unit was installed below grade where the flat plate sits flush with the floor when not in use. Also, can be raised and used as a work surface. This was a garage where the guy was short on space and went t great lengths to maximize space efficiency. If plate is removable, I guess you could have the best of both. His car was a 911 and the flat plate fit the floorpan nicely leaving the front and rear mechanicals exposed.

That's Jack's garage The 12-Gauge Garage

[einsteiger]

I know someone with a BendPak mid-rise that modified the rear cross member to be removable to facilitate the removal of engine/trans. The thread might be on Rennlist or 6speed somewhere. If I can find it, I'll link.

[montauk]

Would this old snap-on midrise work with my 911? It's for sale locally. I also don't know a thing about lifts.



The clear height in my garage is only 8'4" so I think I'm limited to a midrise lift. I really like the two post portable maxjacks but I don't have faith in my garage floor. I'd like a lift that I can simply park the car over when I'm not using it.

Thanks
Dave

[montauk]

Oops. Just found my answer here.

snap-on scissor lift differences

[1982911SCTarga]

So, are you going to get it?

Brian

[montauk]

I think he wants too much for it, $1200. I know it's a snap on but that's too close what a new bend pak will cost. It will probably cost me a couple of hundred bucks just to get it home. The other problem is I think he's kept it outside. That's not the end of the world but it's a bit of a concern.

Dave

[Spenny_b]

Originally Posted by Jhalsey

I have seen one installation where the scissors unit was installed below grade where the flat plate sits flush with the floor when not in use. Also, can be raised and used as a work surface. This was a garage where the guy was short on space and went t great lengths to maximize space efficiency. If plate is removable, I guess you could have the best of both. His car was a 911 and the flat plate fit the floorpan nicely leaving the front and rear mechanicals exposed.

Exactly what I'm doing with mine....coincidentally, we tried the lift for the first time with a car on it this morning. Because the lifting action has an arc rather than directly up and down, we were testing the positioning ready to dig the recessed pit.





As of this evening, I've got nothing more to show than a great pile of rubble. In fact, surprised I can type after spending 2 hours using a hydraulic jack hammer!!

Originally Posted by cmcfaul

anyone had the car tip over on a mid rise? They look very top heavy with such a small foot print supporting it.

It was something I thought about before buying the lift (second hand but unused off eBay), and it was only after we got the car back down and out of the garage that we remembered not seeing it wobble (if that makes sense)...it certainly didnt appear anything other than totally stable, but neither did I test it!

Re access, yes there are bars across the lift but you can still get to the underside of the car ok....eg, it looks to be absolutely fine for removing the gearbox linkage etc.

[1982911SCTarga]

Dave, there's a similar Snap-On midrise listed on D.C.'s Craigslist for $1,650. How much do they go for new?

Brian

[montauk]

Originally Posted by 1982911SCTarga

Dave, there's a similar Snap-On midrise listed on D.C.'s Craigslist for $1,650. How much do they go for new?

Brian

They don't sell them anymore. I understand that when they did, the cost was $5k. There's another guy in Philly that has two brand new ones. He wants $2800 each. He also has two of the solid bottom snap on lifts, $3000 each. I spoke to him last night. He's a car collector and he told me that he thought he'd like to use the lifts to display his cars but changed his mind. He won't budge on price.

I know all about snap on quality but a new Bendpak with a warranty for around $1800 may be a better choice. Of course, spending nothing and using my floor jack and jack stands costs even less.

Dave

[timmy2]

I have the snap on lift. Paid $850 on CL. Great lift, new they were over $4000. Very well built, should last a lifetime.
Made in Canada with North American steel!

[montauk]

Originally Posted by timmy2

I have the snap on lift. Paid $850 on CL. Great lift, new they were over $3000. Very well built, should last a lifetime.

Tim,
Can you drive you 911 directly over it or do you need some 2x8's to get a little more clearance?
Thanks
Dave

[1982911SCTarga]

No matter what you end up getting, you won't regret investing in a lift. I figured mine was paid for on my first engine drop.

Brian

[timmy2]

I am at euro height and can drive right over it. The bottom of the gas tank will lightly rub if it is full of gas!