Future proof?

[Ashley Burton]

Currently looking at buying some land with or without a garage

But can't decide if I want to have a ramp or not

It's not something I would use often, But would be nice to have when needed

 

[Barking Mat]

Why would you not want a ramp or vehicle lift.

If you've got the space and the money.

 

[mike os]

If you work on enough vehicles to justify one I don't think you would regret it

 

[grim_d]

I would hate to be without my ramp. If you can..do.


It's also handy for stringing a line to hang things up for painting.

 

[James1979]

Having had one and not any more I would say yes I miss it. The style you choose will determine if its a pain in the ass or a help! I think either a scissor that's sunk so its flush fit with the floor, or a two poster are the best options for an occasional user. A four poster is always in the way and is just a nuisance unless its earning its keep

 

[grim_d]

My two poster does it's fair share of getting in the way....but I think that's mostly because I have too much stuff.

 

[pedrobedro]

Now do I want to stand up and do the work or lie down and roll round only to find the tool I had is now underneath me and the rust has dropped in my eye blinding me temporarily Let me think about it for a while.

 

[Nomad]

I know somebody with a ramp fitted on a concrete plinth outside - their garage didn't have the headroom to lift a vehicle under cover. They are near the Scottish borders (not gaurenteed to be a nice day when you need to do work) but it is great for them. I thought water and lifts would be a bad mix but it seems fine. It's just a thought..

Or build a pit when you put your new garage up / dig a pit in any existing garage you buy ?

 

[zzr1200]

That's a stupid question in my mind, the only question should be which type of ramp.

In my mind a 3 or 4 ton Bradley 4 post ramp with the wheels free option, none of these lets balance 3 ton in the air on 2 post jobbies...and then start pulling it around......

 

[hotponyshoes]

A 2 post is handy but one big advantage of a 4 post is you can use it as a parking space and still open the doors easily.

Depends on what sort of work you do, working on wheels & brakes a 2 post is easier as even with 2 jacking beams the posts still get in the way on a 4. Although having the ramps to put tools and torches on is also pretty handy.

If I could only have one it would be a 4 poster that was longer than anything I wanted to work on!

Even if you are unsure about fitting one it would be worth getting some sizes so when you lay a floor you could put suitable pads down ready.
Maybe even think about some ducting for power/lights if you really want to future proof it.

 

[grim_d]

That's a stupid question in my mind, the only question should be which type of ramp.

In my mind a 3 or 4 ton Bradley 4 post ramp with the wheels free option, none of these lets balance 3 ton in the air on 2 post jobbies...and then start pulling it around......

I've swung off a 5ft bar on a golf hub bolt with it up on the ramp, wobbly does not mean it will fall I'd it's balanced correctly.

 

[Robbie260]

Currently looking at buying some land with or without a garage

But can't decide if I want to have a ramp or not

It's not something I would use often, But would be nice to have when needed

Good luck Ashley I have spent the best part of 3 years searching for the same. Space a good prices is difficult to come across these days. Personal experience is if its just land then you need to have all the money cash in hand for it, if its got a garage on it you can sometimes get a personal loan if you sweet talk your banks financial advisor into it. Still looking up here but I have come to the conclusion I'm better off just looking to buy a bigger house with the space I want.

 

[Munkul]

I had a 2 poster for years, until i realised that I don't like working on cars, not even my own! Got rid and haven't missed it in the slightest.

 

[stuvy]

Get a two poster and I can use it

 

[zzr1200]

P

I've swung off a 5ft bar on a golf hub bolt with it up on the ramp, wobbly does not mean it will fall I'd it's balanced correctly.

A golf is never going to weigh 3 tons, try it with LWB Land Rover or that style of vehicle.

 

[grim_d]

P

A golf is never going to weigh 3 tons, try it with LWB Land Rover or that style of vehicle.

Yup... frequently do lots of swinging on a 110 with roof rack and multiple accessories too....all fine....weight is largely irrelevant....all about balance.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Or build a pit when you put your new garage up / dig a pit in any existing garage you buy ?

Depends on what the OP intends doing.

A pit would really be a last resort imho. I've worked in one, both helping a pal on his car(s) and my own. Unless you have space to make it a looong one with steps down into it, you'll soon get sick of sliding down through a gap then pulling the car over to reach what you want to fix.

My BIL got badly burned when working under a car. Some petrol spilled, fumes built up in the pit and a ignited them. He couldn't escape because there was a small exit gap and....you can guess the rest.

 

[Dexy]

Get a scissor lift sunk into th floor makes a good multi height bench when you need it and when it’s down the floor space is still usable

 

[Munkul]

P

A golf is never going to weigh 3 tons, try it with LWB Land Rover or that style of vehicle.

My uncle uses his two poster for LWB landrovers, works fine
The other uncle has a Bradley 4 poster for minibusses etc, and it's not a bad lift - as long as it's a big vehicle with lots of ground clearance. It's a royal pain if you're working on a car.

 

[Robbie260]

P

A golf is never going to weigh 3 tons, try it with LWB Land Rover or that style of vehicle.

Neither is a defender 110 is 1.9 tons and a 130 is 2.2 if I remember correctly. Golf weighs in around 1.4 if I remember correctly and that's my mrk 4 3 door which i believe is still one of the heaviest models.