13 replies to this topic

[Dalek]

Hi Guys
Not sure if i have posted this in the right section so maby admin could move it if its in the wrong place.

I am looking to get myself a scissor lift for the garage, obviously i must be able to get a mini (ok it's my sons ministox actually) and other smallish cars on, like my Anglia.

So there seems to be two main types, the ones thay have swing out arms and pads that you position under the car and the type that the entire ramps / platfrom lift up.

I'm rubbish at posting pics so here are a couple of links to show you waht i mean

Arm type

https://www.garageeq...r-Lift---27-Ton

Platform type

https://www.automote...e-scissor-lift/

I really can't decide what style is best. There are pro's and cons to either and many different versions and prices.

The ones with arms give you access to be able to get all 4 wheels off but make me slightly uneasy thinking that the car will fall off. The platform type looks safer from a car falling off point of view but i think they might be so wide as to hinder working on the cars brakes etc ?

What do you guys think ? Anybody got one ?

Craig

 

 

[GraemeC]

I use one of these, but I have removed the arms and use thick foam (cut down gym mat) between the flat surfaces of the lift and the floor pans.
https://rover.ebay.c...tm/113249747853

[gazza82]

There is a company that displays at the various classic car shows that do a lot of different types and there's MachineMart .. they often do VAT free offers!

 

I'll try and find the name of the company that displays their lifting equipment ..

Edited by gazza82, 10 July 2019 - 12:07 PM.

[Dalek]

I use one of these, but I have removed the arms and use thick foam (cut down gym mat) between the flat surfaces of the lift and the floor pans.
https://rover.ebay.c...tm/113249747853

 

Why did you take the arms off and how stable do you find the car on it ?

 

Craig

[Dalek]

There is a company that displays at the various classic car shows that do a lot of different types and there's MachineMart .. they often do VAT free offers!

 

I'll try and find the name of the company that displays their lifting equipment ..

 

 

Thanks would be interesting to know who takes them round the shows, i don't think machinefart, i mean mart do car lifts ?

[gazza82]

 

There is a company that displays at the various classic car shows that do a lot of different types and there's MachineMart .. they often do VAT free offers!

 

I'll try and find the name of the company that displays their lifting equipment ..

 

 

Thanks would be interesting to know who takes them round the shows, i don't think machinefart, i mean mart do car lifts ?

 

 

https://www.machinem...ehicle-lifts-1/

 

 

And CJ Autos (I think!)

 

http://www.cjautoshe....uk/lifts.shtml

Edited by gazza82, 10 July 2019 - 01:39 PM.

[Twincam]

Costco also have started doing some:

https://www.costco.c...00SLX/p/1268102

Looks similar to the ones Mighty car mods use.

[phillrulz]

Personally, id never trust these over jackstands. Just look like they want to topple over sideways. 

[Magneto]

I have one with the arms and I like it, works perfectly for a Mini cause you can move the car forward enough that the entire engine assy is clear underneath. I have low ceiling height in my shop so I can only raise it so far, but it's high enough that it sure eases the strain n my back, and working on suspension and brakes it's a no brainer - I can sit in my rolly seat and reach everything easily. 

 

As for being unstable, as long as you're on a good, smooth, level concrete floor, it's no problem. Mine feels solid as a rock.

[GraemeC]

I use one of these, but I have removed the arms and use thick foam (cut down gym mat) between the flat surfaces of the lift and the floor pans.
https://rover.ebay.c...tm/113249747853

Why did you take the arms off and how stable do you find the car on it ?

Craig

They’re a faff to get them in the right place and just not needed. Without them I can drive over the ramp, get out and lift the car - no scratting around to get the arms in place. It also makes it much easier to drive over the ramp as the arms add about 1” to its height.

Stability wise - I have absolutely no concerns. Yes if you push and pull on the car there is a little movement, but not excessive. I happily climb into the car whilst it is off the ground.

Edited by GraemeC, 10 July 2019 - 06:10 PM.

[riktanius]

With the platform type, can you drop the subframe without the lift getting in the way?

[elf66]

Might be worth talking to EdmoLift . They are not cheap but they are top specialists in scissor lifts.

[Magneto]

With the platform type, can you drop the subframe without the lift getting in the way?

Good question, on mine with arms I have to move the car fairly forward to clear the lift so I can drop the subframe.....but because these cars are so light it doesn't present any issues to do so.

Edited by Magneto, 11 July 2019 - 05:16 PM.

[GraemeC]

I can with mine.  About the only thing that is a struggle is completely removing the exhaust and the replacing handbrake cable(s).