Your thoughts on this type of lift

[KCinBR]

trying to decide between 2 types of lifts both pictured below. If you have used one these what do you think of one type as opposed to the other type. I like the Drive over type, looks to be more stable but dont know if the ramps will be in the way, it will cost more>

the straddle type would take up less room in the garage and seems to be the more popular one and would cost less.

OPINIONS PLEASE, PROS AND CONS.......WHATCHA THINK????

drive over type


straddle type

[DanielDudley]

I believe you will find that the drive over lift will have no struts between the platforms when the lift is up. The straddle unit will have struts. Less restricted access with the drive over unit.

[toddu]

What about oil return tubes with the drive over type? The lift is basically lifting the car with the "frame" or rocker panels.....



Todd

[nineball]

Originally Posted by toddu

What about oil return tubes with the drive over type? The lift is basically lifting the car with the "frame" or rocker panels.....



Todd

that is easily avoided with some hockey pucks or other similar items. i prefer the drive over type as it lifts higher.

[Deschodt]

careful though.. the drive over type (there are many brands) may not have a pad length that fits your wheelbase nicely. So your car may have to be positioned "funny" to be in proper lifting position (say, with a front or rear wheel partially on the ramp, not a natural resting position). Then you must place pucks and stuff to avoid crushing oil lines or AC lines or what have you, but it's the same as positioning the #2 "straddle" model ... Not a deal killer but it can be a pain in the butt... Actually both types are a pain in the butt overall, IMO ;-) I've had them both !

I now have a 4 post lift ! ;-) just drive on... and when you want the wheels off, slide the jacks underneath... Not much more expensive all in all... The itty bitty ones I owned were $1200-1500, the huge 4 post lift was $1800 (of course I'm fudging the numbers by not mentioning the installation costs).

[KCinBR]

I'm kinda leaning toward the straddle type for 2 reasons , price and the space it occupies.
My garage is 24x30 with lots of other stuff in it like all my wood working tools/machinery and the ceiling is very low so a post type lift is out of the question. Another thing is my trailer which I must use to get the thing home is only 5 ft wide, I know it only matters one time....but it does matter.

Thanks for all the input....KC