Looking at lifts

[500e]

We tried scissor lift and found there was a lot of clutter in the way of working,

 

[finyuk2005]

I have had lifts from these people - they OK to deal with. I have had spares from then as well - hydraulic pump/motor pack for a two poster lift - came fairly quick as well -

I got two post lifts - but been looking at one of these for a while - but not made a purchase.

AS-7430H 3.0T Low Entry Full Rise Scissor Lift - Automotech Services Limited

The AS-7430H Full height scissor lift uses a single scissor action to gain full working height. This makes the lift very stable during raising and lowering operations. The AS-7430H also has the added advantage over other surface mounted scissor lifts in that it is mounted within its own frame...

automotechservices.co.uk

thats the very lift i have, im really happy with it, should have bought one years ago!
Its always going to be a comprimise I think, I debated about a 2 post lift or a scissor, But i figured having the 2 posts in the middle of the shed would be a pain!
I also thought about sinking the scissor into ground so it was flush with the floor, didnt bother in the end, and actually find it handy, just driving onto the scissors gives you another 4" meaning you can roll underneath for a quick look without having to get the rubber blocks in the right place.

 

[Keithmac]

I like the 4 post lifts with the Jack's (MOT type setup).

We've found whenever we've "upgraded" our workshop equipment it's never been as well made as the stuff that's been replaced.

You could probably buy a 2nd hand lift that is much better built than a new Chinese offering but as you say it's time to break it down and transport it etc.

For a Two post there's a minimum slab depth, quite a few have had to chop a hole out and fill it, then wait a month before being able to bolt the lift down.

 

[Erie Fred]

Used to be there was 2 post lifts in the ground, but the paperwork & install cost's now has made them sort of rare:

Inground Car Lifts | Challenger Lifts

Challenger's Electric Hydraulic Cassette-Style Inground EV Series Lifts are the perfect solution for professional service facilities, with lifting capacities of 10,000 lbs., 12,000 lbs., and our exclusive 15,000 lbs. We have an installation application to suit all of your needs.

challengerlifts.com

In-Ground Car Lifts | Rotary Solutions

Maximize space and efficiency with our compact in-ground hydraulic car lifts, designed to boost uptime and handle more vehicles per hour. Learn more!

rotarysolutions.com

 

[finyuk2005]

We tried scissor lift and found there was a lot of clutter in the way of working,

definately a lot of compromise! I just use some extra blocks of wood to give a bit extra room between the lift and the body of the car,
I have patched a sill before, but as you say, it was very awkward indeed!

I also found that the spacing of the scissors dont fit with the chassis of dads L200 pickup, luckily i had 2 perfect length off cuts of universal beam to bridge across both platforms, and that worked a treat for doing brakes ect..
But it didnt help me when i had to do the clutch! So that was done on the floor, but the extra 4" hight of the lift itself was a big help

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Ive been using 2 post lifts for nearly 50 years (1978) , never felt the need for additional supports. A transmission jack or two for dropping subframes , supporting engines while removing transmissions , that’s it! Certain vehicles should never be on a 2 poster!

Asked my local garage / MOT place if they ever had a vehicle slip off a 2 post. Reply was only once and that was boss's Defender !

 

[barracuda816]

Asked my local garage / MOT place if they ever had a vehicle slip off a 2 post. Reply was only once and that was boss's Defender !

I think most, if not all now come with locking arms. That's a big safety improvement, but imho its also important to have 2 large jack stands or acroprop type supports ( I decent bit of tube with some supports would suffice I reckon) to do any work where the ballance will suddenly change. If you correctly support the vehicle and its not too long than its more for peace of mind.

 

[m_c]

I think most, if not all now come with locking arms. That's a big safety improvement, but imho its also important to have 2 large jack stands or acroprop type supports ( I decent bit of tube with some supports would suffice I reckon) to do any work where the ballance will suddenly change. If you correctly support the vehicle and its not too long than its more for peace of mind.

Arm locks have been a legal requirement for quite a few years now.

 

[RWD3M]

I should imagine it's all pretty much of a muchness with these chinese ramps these days, but I got my 4 poster from these guys a couple of years ago and I'm very pleased with it.

Car Storage Lifts | Strongman Lifts

Strongman Lifts are a leading supplier and installer of game changing car storage lifts. Browse our extensive range of car storage lifts.

www.strongmanlifts.co.uk

 

[premmington]

Lift market has evolved into - two posters 3.5/4 ton for cars and big 5ton full hieght scissor lifts for vans/4x4/tracking work.

The age of the 4 poster is over - unless you MOT testing. But if I was going to put another MOT bay in - I would go for a pit.

Hydrualic lifts are where it is at - motor/screw lifts a thing of the past.

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If space is at a premium - in floor mid/full rise lifts have a place - but you can't get everything on these - or get to everything on vehicle - but they OK for servicing and wheel off brake work on standard cars. Getting a subframe off for a clutch on one - is no fun!

 

[Melvyn Best]

Asked my local garage / MOT place if they ever had a vehicle slip off a 2 post. Reply was only once and that was boss's Defender !

Defender is definitely one I wouldn’t want on a 2 poster

 

[Robotstar5]

Used to be there was 2 post lifts in the ground, but the paperwork & install cost's now has made them sort of rare:

Inground Car Lifts | Challenger Lifts

Challenger's Electric Hydraulic Cassette-Style Inground EV Series Lifts are the perfect solution for professional service facilities, with lifting capacities of 10,000 lbs., 12,000 lbs., and our exclusive 15,000 lbs. We have an installation application to suit all of your needs.

challengerlifts.com

In-Ground Car Lifts | Rotary Solutions

Maximize space and efficiency with our compact in-ground hydraulic car lifts, designed to boost uptime and handle more vehicles per hour. Learn more!

rotarysolutions.com

I used to be intrigued by the single hydraulic ram lift that came out of the floor in the centre of the car I've seen on some old American TV programmes.

 

[james butler]

Defender is definitely one I wouldn’t want on a 2 poster

saw one being welded up on a two poster not long ago

 

[Brad93]

A garage local to me had a new two poster installed last year specifically for lifting large vans, the first time a vehicle was put on it one of the posts tilted due to the concrete at the base cracking. It was supplied and fitted by a large motorfactors that should have a least tested the thickness of the concrete prior to installing the lift.
When I installed a new lift in my old workshop I broke out the concrete and installed an 18” thick pad with the top the thickness of the lift base below the surface, the lift was installed without the small “ramps “ that made it easier to drive over, then I levelled the floor so there was no hump to drive over

I would be doing the same. Break out the existing and making a form and pouring a big slab. For the lift.

 

[Melvyn Best]

I used to be intrigued by the single hydraulic ram lift that came out of the floor in the centre of the car I've seen on some old American TV programmes.

There was a guy killed in the early 80s at a Skoda dealers in Grantchester ( yes , where the TV series was set) the lift in question was a single post that came out of the ground with a H shaped platform . The car he was working on rolled off the platform and he tried to stop it .I doubt his was the only fatality ?I’ve never been happy working that type of lift even before that incident

 

[Erie Fred]

There was a guy killed in the early 80s at a Skoda dealers in Grantchester ( yes , where the TV series was set) the lift in question was a single post that came out of the ground with a H shaped platform . The car he was working on rolled off the platform and he tried to stop it .I doubt his was the only fatality ?I’ve never been happy working that type of lift even before that incident

 

[Cobbler]

I used to be intrigued by the single hydraulic ram lift that came out of the floor in the centre of the car I've seen on some old American TV programmes.

They were around in Britain in the old black hole garages when I was a lad. Big centre ram about a foot across from memory.

 

[Bornfree]

I've got a 4 ton 4 post Bradbury with wheel free. And IAM sure a two post would be better for certain jobs but I manage to do everything on it.

 

[Mick Annick]

I've got a 4 ton 4 post Bradbury with wheel free. And IAM sure a two post would be better for certain jobs but I manage to do everything on it.

No lift is perfect for every occasion, but for me a Bradbury 4 post with the wheel free beams is as close as you’ll get.

 

[500e]

Those old center post lifts 18 inch were Tecalamite a dark blue colour and I have a feeling air operated usually with a full service bay, 2/3 oil cabinets air and water.
Can't remember when I saw the last one, I was around 9 or 10.
A long time ago