Lift question

[Gary R.]

I have 9' ceilings and was wondering what you may be using for a lift, I just saw some portable Max Lift columns that look interesting. I am interested in service work not as much storage as I will have one bay setup as a machine shop.
Thanks

[Joe M.]

Re: Lift question

I have used a Kwik-Lift for years. When fully raised, it provides 20 inches of clearance under the car; which for general maintenance work is sufficient for me.

[Gary R.]

Re: Lift question

Hi Joe
I actually have a kwiklift now. I may sell it since it takes up a lot of floor space.

[Mark E.]

Re: Lift question

I hope to get one this year, and have been shopping. Lots of threads about this topic here and other forums, so search the discussions.

Lots of designs for different purposes. I've learned to choose based on intended use-

- Wheels-on, ramp style? Or chassis lift with access to wheels/suspension?
- High-rise, mid-rise, low-rise?
- Portability? Some you can park over or on when not in use. Others are portable and can easily be wheeled out of the way. Some are designed to take on- site (e.g. race track). Mounted 2 and 4 posts are always there.
- Accessability? Ramp style, some scissors lifts and 2-posts offer full access to the chassis.
- Ceiling clearance? Which you mentioned.

I don't have the link with me, but I'm eyeing a mid-rise, portable (wheeled) scissors lift. A German brand.

[John G.]

Re: Lift question

I have a 4 post with a bridge jack. It's easy-on easy-off but the distance between the wires makes getting late Vettes on/off tight. One advantage of this style is that it can be readily moved around the garage when there isn't a car on it. The bridge jack really helps when doing work where you want the suspension "loose" such as I'm doing right now while working on paint details. My garage ceiling is 9'4" which means I can't stand and work directly overhead so I sit on my wheelie stool normally but it's much better than the commercial floor jacks and stands that I started with. This brand has American support and when the cylinder failed towards the end of the warranty they shipped a new one.

[Gary R.]

Re: Lift question

This is what I am looking at, anyone have one to comment on?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeQ6qB_oH_8

[Michael L.]

Re: Lift question

I currently have two lifts, a four post drive up and a portable under car lift that works sort-of like a pallet jack on its bottom half with something like half of a two post lift on the top (see attached pic). Both have their pros and cons. for quick work on the suspension either front or rear the portable is good for midline under car work, like tranny work, the four post is best. Both of these lifts leave limited access to the bottom of the car due to interference from the lifts themselves (the arms on the portable and the ramps on the four posts) so I'm in the market for a mounted asymmetrical two post lift. as for the height issue I haven't given that much thought since my ceiling at the shop is like 14ft so its not a concern for me, but for limited height I did check out that MaxJax lift that was linked and thought it looked pretty good.

Mike