Lift feedback

[lyonsfin]

I am considering 3 types of lift for my garage. I would like to get some feedback from users of each style.

1) I have enough height for a 2-post asymmetric lift, but it takes up quite a bit of flloor space at 134" in width. Not a huge problem but I can now fit a fourth vehicle in the 3+ bay garage and probably won't be able to do it w/a fixed lift.

2) Next option is a Maxx Jaxx which is a modified 2 post lift that the post can be rolled out of the way. It only raises the car about 45" so I would have to work on a rolling stool rather than standing. Not sure this is a problem, I am only 5'6"?

Dannmar MaxJax™ Portable Two Post Car Lifting System 6,000 lb Capacity

3) Last option is a specialty lift that is movable. Full height, but limited clearance to underneath of car. Not an issue for the 911, but may be for other front-engine rwd cars. Not sure I could drop the transmission on the Alfa to do the clutch or even an exhaust? But full height and can be moved out of the way.

Auto Lift BSC-6K 6,000lb. Capacity Bolt Down Single Column Lift

[Cooper911SC]

Personally I would go with the 2 post anchored one.

I do hear you on the current convenience of the extra parking space though.

I have a 2 post and love the extra acces it gives to the bottom of the car.

I am also 6'1" tall and really appreciate the extra lift height. Ours will go to a max of "76 if my memory is right.

We often store long term projects or extra vehicles on the lift and can still park a car partially beneath.

It sounds like you have other vehicles and the capacity and flexibility of built in is nice.

I've had everything from a Renault A-310 to full size Chevy truck up I'm the air for work.

Cooper

[lyonsfin]

Thanks Cooper. I am leaning this way as with the low height of a Maxx Jaxx I can't imagine the stool is comfortable. When I sit on a comfortable (for my knees) ottoman, my head is at just about 45"!!

Any concerns for suspension when storing a car in the air on a 2 post?

Josh

[dad911]

Originally Posted by lyonsfin

I am considering 3 types of lift for my garage. I would like to get some feedback from users of each style.
...... I can now fit a fourth vehicle in the 3+ bay garage and probably won't be able to do it w/a fixed lift.......

Why can't you park a car under the lift?

You should also consider a 4 post. I have both a 4 post and a 2 post, and prefer the 4 post for most work.

[lyonsfin]

Dad911,

I was originally thinking of a 4 post, but thought that brake/wheel work would be inconvenient as I would have to jack & jackstand on the lift. I would love to hear more as to why you prefer the 4 post.

[Jack Stands]

I'd love to have a lift at some time, but agree about the ability to park several cars at once in a small garage. The Danmar one looks nice as I have a 9' ceiling height, but doesn't it also require a thicker concrete pad and other fastening systems?

[dad911]

Originally Posted by lyonsfin

Dad911,

I was originally thinking of a 4 post, but thought that brake/wheel work would be inconvenient as I would have to jack & jackstand on the lift. I would love to hear more as to why you prefer the 4 post.

I typically use a small jack, under swing/A arms, just enough to lift tire off deck. Have a few screw jacks left over form 944s. Don't have to lift heavy tires, just roll to front or back. Deck provides a work surface, support for calipers, bleeder can, etc. And if it's a multi-day job, just lift it up and park the other car underneath.

I also have a beam that slides in the track between the decks as an additional, adjustable, support point.

And the lift mfg probably has drip pans that fit between the decks to protect car parked underneath.

[lyonsfin]

Thanks!

[cabmandone]

I plan on going with a fixed 2 post. I understand your space concern but I don't personally see a point in buying a lift that you still have to use a creeper to work under the car.

I considered a 4 post but as mentioned there's the inconvenience of jacking if you want to rotate tires. My personal opinion is that a fixed 2 post would be the best all around use system.

[mikesride]

Most shops are using two post hoists....I think this means the pro's have taken notice of what technology works best for full access to the bottom of the car. I remember as a young man earning dollars as a local muffler shop how I hated the old in ground center post hoist I hade to use. The big 'X' under the car blocking in the very components I needed to cut out!!!!

[lyonsfin]

Thanks Guys. I will make a decision this week and keep you all posted.

[kodioneill]

Two post asymmetric Bend Pak lift that I have is great.

[mreid]

I'm in the same position as Lyonsfin and considering options also. I've read several times that two post lifts almost always require pad reinforcement in a typical residential garage, but four post don't in most circumstances. Any thoughts on this point?

[dad911]

Originally Posted by mreid

I'm in the same position as Lyonsfin and considering options also. I've read several times that two post lifts almost always require pad reinforcement in a typical residential garage, but four post don't in most circumstances. Any thoughts on this point?

4 post sits on floor, not bolted down. 2 post is anchored to the concrete. Concrete must be in good condition for the anchor bolts to hold.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by mreid

I'm in the same position as Lyonsfin and considering options also. I've read several times that two post lifts almost always require pad reinforcement in a typical residential garage, but four post don't in most circumstances. Any thoughts on this point?

I haven't looked into it but my shop floor is 6" thick so I'm not too concerned. Have you gone to any lift sites to check concrete thickness requirements?

Here's a link to Mohawk lifts. 4" minimum
http://www.mohawklifts.com/consumer/library/Slab_Req-Reco_2-2010.pdf

[mreid]

I think I'm going with the Dannmar 7000 four post lift. Summit carries it for $2,500 with free shipping. Any better deals out there?

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by kodioneill

Two post asymmetric Bend Pak lift that I have is great.

Exactly what I have as well. Nothing but good things to say about it.

[lyonsfin]

Most 2 post lifts need 4"-5" of 3000 lb concrete. I poured the floor 3 yrs ago with that in mind. I am leaning toward the 2 post, but I keep wavering toward the 4 post. I am going to re-measure the garage later today.

I have seen a wide variety of lifts. Almost all are built overseas or using foreign steel with the exception of the very expensive ones. I am leaning toward one of the foreign built ones as I won't use it on a daily basis and that part of the year I am out town so it will get true "hobbyist" use.

[kodioneill]

My bend pak will lift my one ton f250 super cab truck no problem. I wouldn't go with a 4 post they're hard to work around. Check you tube for a video with Jay Leno and Bend Pak he uses them in his shop.

[lyonsfin]

I ordered a 2 post asymetric lift today. I pick it up at warehouse on thursday.