This is what I need to buy next spring. It'll make life so much easier. http://www.ezcarlift.com/ezcarlift_video.html
if you open up the order form on that website, its starts at $1995, then $150 for shipping and handling, then there are other add-ons that are optional I guess.
IMHO, for $2K, it ain't worth it. For the same or less money, you can get a decent scissor lift that will actually get the car up in the air. This looks like it's good for changing tires, but not much more. I bought a used Snap-On 9K lbs. lift for my home garage for less than half of that, and I can get the car up to the ceiling in my garage, so I can actually work under the car. The only drawback is the solid platform in the middle, but some of the models are more open than mine is. There are a number of lift alternatives out there. This one isn't bad, but some of the others will get the car up higher and make working underneath a lot easier. YMMV, but that's my $.02.
FIB, I agree about the cost. 2k is steep but for me it fits what I need. I have little space in my 1 car garage and this packs up so nicely. I also like the fact that you have full access under the car unlike a scissor lift. If it were 1k i'd jump on it. I think it would fit the job for oil changes, belts, clutches, shift shaft seals, radiator drains, exhaust work and more. This is all at garage stool height and not standing.
Steve, I more than understand what you're saying. The advantage with the scissor lifts are that they just stay in place and you park the car right over it. Nothing to set up other than putting the lifting arms in place. You don't have to worry about storing it or setting it up, it just sits there under the car until I need it. If you do a web search, you can find several models that have an open architecture under the car rather than a solid platform like mine. Mine is an old one that was really intended to lift trucks and vans for tire changes. If I were buying one now, I'd look at one of the ones with the more open framing rather than a solid platform. Steve
Here is an example of what I'm talking about: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200102674_200102674 Just Google "automovie scissor lift" and you'll come up with a whole bunch of them.
The caster option is a must - an easy push around the garage I have very limited space and low ceilings Art
hey, if there is enough interest we can call them about a lower cost group buy. Just saying. They do say "$1,995.00! +$150 s&h (call to inquire for promotional or special pricing)"
So I called them. Right now they are $200 off the site price and if we do a group buy for 6-10, they go for $1550.
Nice discount on the group buy, if you can get a few other guys. At that price, $1550, it's a lot more appealing than at $2K. Unfortunately for the group buy, but fortunately for me, I don't need one. But for someone thinking about getting something for the garage, that could be a good deal.
p.s. You might want to post that group buy in the Tech section as well as the racing section on here. It looks to be portable enough that someone could throw it in an SUV or pickup, or in a trailer, and use it at the track. Would make changing tires/wheels/working on brakes super-easy, compared to jacking each corner.
OK, I'll be the stinker: I can see it as a portable rig for racers perhaps, but you'd never get me under that thing with 3000 pounds or more of car lurking over me. Its pretty lightly built with a lot of joints to wrack and get loose. If I'm under a car, "lightly built" ain't what I want between me and being squished like a bug. I want thick steel. I question its lateral stability too; those alum spacer bars are just that; no real strength there. They'd have to show me some serious tests with substantial side and corner loading applied. Site says 90 seconds to full hgt. after all the pads are positioned. I can set four jack stands about as quickly. And if the little worm gear or acme thread driving it binds internally when fully raised, then what? Lastly, I don't see what 26" gets you that's $1600+ better than the 20-22" you can get from bomb-proof big jack stands for $50/pr. and a good floor jack. Just sayin'
Stinker. I think i would trust it more than a scissor lift. Check out some of their vids and how much they push on a vehicle while it's up there. I wouldn't do that with any lift. But, I would throw some jack stands under the car for insurance.
I did watch the whole video, and looked at the "specification". Those are love taps, not a real test. And the spec list none of the materials. No standards listed. I reiterate that I would not get under that thing. All you gain over jack stands is a few inches.
1:45, the 308 looks like its about to fall off that thing backwards. Take the front wheels off to do some brake work & it quite possible would!
I just had a chance to look at their videos. IMHO, I wouldn't go near that thing, and certainly not under it. Their "stability and safety test" video is a joke. Two guys "jiggling" an old Chevy van? And the way the lift frame was moving underneath did not give me warm and fuzzy feelings. Then I saw the main video, where they take it up and down with a drill. Oh brother. I think I'll stick with my scissor lift (until I have an place that can handle a four post lift). Nice hydraulic motor, two big pistons to do the lifting, and a built in safety locking system to keep it from coming down should the hydraulics fail. Better safe than sorry. As I said, mine is a Snap-on. If it's good enough for professional mechanics, that's good enough for me.
