Scissors Lift Recommendation

Searched the archives, and most discussion centers on 2 versus 4 post lifts. I have room for neither, and am interested in something that will get my vehicles 1-2 feet off the ground for brake work, wheel rotations, suspension checks, etc.

A scissors lift might well fit the bill, but I didn't see any specific recs or anyone's experience with different brands. Any input would be appreciated.

Also, if I want to track down a used one locally--what are the best places to check (which specific yellow page listings)?

I did see some listed on the Eagle website, but I couldn't determine that they had anyway to lock the lift in the up postion (safety issue).

Thanks.

 

Eagle's current catalog has a 6000 lb 36" lift with two position automatic safety locks for $1545.00 with free shipping. The model number is PMR-6000-36. They also have a 48" lift. The web site is www.eagleequipment.com if you need it.

 

I got my lift at http://www.gregsmithequipment.com. for $1,300.00 you can get a 2 post lift!!! Why buy a scissor lift for more? If you have any questions just ask. They are the cheapest by far! No I don't work for them, just a very satisfied customer.

-Sam

 

One thing you might do is go look at what some tire shops and/or exotic car repair shops are using. While most have two post lifts, they ususally have one or two alternate (e.g. low rise) lifts as well.

I know there have been lots of them installed, but a scissors lift just doesn't look all that stable to me. The lower arm has to move along the garage floor, while lifting, making the flatness/stability of the garage floor an element of the lift stability (or so it seems to me).

I went with a portable low-rise pad lift from Eagle Equipment, simply because they were a (more or less) local company, and I made delivery to the garage floor a condition of the sale (special delivery option). For most lifts, you'll have to find your own way to get the lift off the delivery truck -- fork lift or tilt-bed tow truck. When I moved, this past summer, the movers had the tow truck to get the lift from the garage to the truck. (On delivery, they slid it down the ramp with a check-rope ... and darn near killed themselves. Don't underestimate the problems with moving a 1000 lb lift.) They come with a nice T-bar, but the wheels included with the lift are pretty much useless. An appliance dolly kit (e.g. refrigerator wheels) from Ace Hardware work much better for actually moving the lift. Eagleequip's site doesn't show that lift any longer.

Bend-Pak makes a portable lift that looks about the same (http://www.bendpak.com/product_info.isg?products_id=761).

One thing I like about the low-rise pad lift is that the footprint is larger than the car's -- if the concrete will hold the tires, it'll hold the lift with the car on it. Also, the low-rise drops down enough to drive the cars on. And it's stable. I installed my own coil-overs on the Celica on that lift, and it stood up to the pulling, pushing, torquing, etc., I was doing at the corners.

Surprisingly, I do need the (included) lift blocks. For the EVO, the pad lift would tear the composite side skirts off. (Which is one reason I do my own tire changes -- even a two post would have trouble.) But the shock was that the Alfa also needs them -- while the sides have lift points on the car, I need the extra height to keep the hydraulic piston from hitting the exhaust (which hangs down quite a way on the Alfa). No stability problems, even with the lift blocks, though.

For the casual do-it-yourself home, the low rise works pretty well. In my old garage, I simply parked the Alfa over it. In the new (smaller) garage, I can move it into the corner behind the Ferrari when it's not in use.

I've done engine, gearbox, and rear diff oil changes with it, muffler work with it, and the mentioned coil-over suspension work without the lift being in the way of any undercar access. And I use it for my twice-a-year tire changes (summer/winter tires/rims).

All in all, not a bad investment, at a bit under $1500 (delivered) -- probably cheaper, now.

Oh, and head over to NAPA for a gallon or so of hydraulic lift oil -- the lifts don't come with it.

You're supposed to (according to the manual) change the lift oil at regular intervals. I'm not sure how many shops really do. I had to change oil when I moved the lift, but I had to stick the realtor with finding a place to dispose of the old oil -- the auto parts places won't take it.

Anyone know where to "recycle" used hydraulic oil?

 

Check out these portable ones, I have seen one they look good.

www.MaximaAuto.com