Unic Car Lift

montauk · 11:28 AM

An old one of these is for sale near me. Here's a youtube video I found of one.

UNIC 12 volt Strongman Vehicle Lift in Operation - YouTube

I like the idea of how it works. In my garage, I'll be forced to limit the lift height but if I really needed to raise the car to the full height, I could simply lift it in my driveway.

The lift pads can be moved along the lift arms. The lift arms unfortunately can't be moved so the width is fixed. Has anyone ever used one on a 911?

Thanks
Dave

Dantilla · 03-21-2013, 11:19 AM

I like the idea.

A lift is on my list, but it must accomodate everything from my full-size pick-up truck to the Miata.

If the UNIC can do that, I may have to look into it.

montauk · 03-21-2013, 11:28 AM

I just realized the width of the arms is not fixed. There are two positions on either side of the lifting frame for the arms.
Dave

lyonsfin · lyonsfin's Garage

There are a few current manufacturers that offer this style lift. Just doesn't give complete access to underneath. Not an issue with a 911, but may make work on other brands a bit tough.

rnln · 03-21-2013, 01:35 PM

wow, if there is not an unknown issue, I like this one better than my 4 post. Seam to be stable isn't it?

nineball · 03-21-2013, 01:44 PM

it looks like you have to move the lift to get under the car instead of driving over it like my mid-rise scissor. seems it would be a pain to have to empty the other side of the garage every time i wanted to use it.

montauk · 03-21-2013, 01:52 PM

I spoke to the seller. He bought it new 25 years ago. They simply bought new lifts and want to get rid of it. I hope to see it tomorrow. If I like it, I'll ask him to lift my car. I'll probably have my everyday car not the 911.

I like it because it give me access to everything I might need to get to from under the car - at least I think it does. I should be able to move it to the back of my garage when I'm not using so it's not in the way. We'll see.

Dave

rnln · 03-21-2013, 02:43 PM

I just read more careful. Limit is 5500 lbs. Not that convenience.

Jack Olsen · 03-21-2013, 09:17 PM

For 12V power, that's very fast.

Norm Faustino · Norm Faustino's Garage

Jack, what brand is the table style one you have in your garage, and what's it powered with?

Jack Olsen · 03-21-2013, 10:23 PM

Mine is a Vestil hydraulic lift table. It's 120V.

Dantilla · 03-22-2013, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnln

I just read more careful. Limit is 5500 lbs.

My truck is 5000 empty. 5500 capacity won't do it for me.

montauk · 03-22-2013, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dantilla

My truck is 5000 empty. 5500 capacity won't do it for me.

The one I'm considering has a capacity of 6600 lbs listed on the nameplate.
Dave

Vereeken · 03-22-2013, 02:06 AM

You need a lot of ground clearance, which you ofcourse never have.

This type of lift does not allow you to dissassemble the gearbox be it on a rear engined porsche or a front engined miata.

The passenger door is always blocked....

Never got the idea of these type of lifts. Unless you only do tire suspension work....

Michel

montauk · 03-22-2013, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vereeken

You need a lot of ground clearance, which you ofcourse never have.

This type of lift does not allow you to dissassemble the gearbox be it on a rear engined porsche or a front engined miata.

The passenger door is always blocked....

Never got the idea of these type of lifts. Unless you only do tire suspension work....

Michel

I'm not concerned about getting the passenger door open when it's on the lift. Would it block the transmission? I'm not sure - good point. Still, if it works and the price is right, I think it will be worth it to me.

Vereeken · 03-22-2013, 02:36 AM

It can block the dissassembly of the gearbox in two ways.

It can not allow you to move the gearbox back/forth to separate it from the engine or, the frame that remains on the ground might block you from positioning the gearbox jack in the right spot.

Choosing the right lift is hard work, the only positive point I found is that all have good quality and safety features....but none do everything well.

Michel

boyt911sc · boyt911sc's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by montauk

I'm not concerned about getting the passenger door open when it's on the lift. Would it block the transmission? I'm not sure - good point. Still, if it works and the price is right, I think it will be worth it to me.

Dave,

That's an incredible hydraulic lift using 12-volts source. Getting the car over is easy by making wooden ramps like most people do with scissor lifts. You would not have problem dropping a 911 engine/trans with this lift if you decide to buy it. Test it and try your car on this lift first before deciding to buy it. How much for this used lift?

Tony

montauk · 03-22-2013, 11:17 AM

Tony,
He's asking $1500.00. I looked at it today. I didn't bother to ask them to lift my car since I'm not sure if I want it or not. It's fairly large so when I'm not using it, it's a bit of an obstacle in the garage. Although a midrise scissors lift isn't as versatile, it's much more practical. Plus, when you're not using the midrise, you can simply park you car over it.

Would it work on the 911? The lift arms are about 48" apart - outside dimension. It looks like they could be moved to get them down to 42" part but that's it. The shop has never moved the arms to inboard slots. They think I might be wrong about that.

Dave