Lifts
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Joined: Jan 2002
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hecash so that lift is a chain drive?
Many lifts operate off 220V but use hydraulic cylinders for the lifting. I have been told those are much quieter than the chain lift ones. The only one that really caught my attention as being loud was in the shop around the corner. It was chain drive and was loud enough to cause hearing damage.
Rotary was the other "premium" (based upon price) brand that I was considering so feedback would definitely be appreciated.
I have read about many other brands but didn't know where to begin choosing one over another. Most of the ones I have seen in the shops near me have been cheap Chinese imports and all the owners have said they'd never buy them again.
Many lifts operate off 220V but use hydraulic cylinders for the lifting. I have been told those are much quieter than the chain lift ones. The only one that really caught my attention as being loud was in the shop around the corner. It was chain drive and was loud enough to cause hearing damage.
Rotary was the other "premium" (based upon price) brand that I was considering so feedback would definitely be appreciated.
I have read about many other brands but didn't know where to begin choosing one over another. Most of the ones I have seen in the shops near me have been cheap Chinese imports and all the owners have said they'd never buy them again.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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A little update on the lifts.
An inground lift isn't as expensive as I'd thought. Rotary can put a 12,000# unit in for $7,500. $2,000 of that is installation. Just because it isn't as expensive as I thought doesn't mean I'd call it affordable.
Rotary lifts appear to be the most expensive of the bunch. They are full hydraulic and not hydraulic/chain combos which makes them quieter and less prone to breakage/wear, but that comes at a price.
Rotary has discontinued their 7,000# units and now the smallest they make (except for a low ceiling 7000# unit) is the 10,000# unit. It does have some neat features tho.
It has 3 stage arms that give you a 3 5/8" pad height which is the lowest I have seen. Most lifts only have 2 stage arms (2 stages of gradually getting thinner) and have 4 1/2" - 5" clearance.
They also have a combo 2 arm/drive on unit that has only a 3" clearance. I haven't seen that one yet.
They start locking @ 18" and every 6" thereafter.. Some don't start locking until the car is 30-36" in the air. This gives a safety factor for doing the low work.
They had some good suggestions and accessories. One is a way to raise the lift an extra 1'. They say this is very useful for people approaching 6' BUT you need 12' 8" ceiling height which is not a prob for me.
They have a way to put a 110v outlet on the column.
They have a way to attach fluourescent drop lights on the columns
They have a way to put an air hose reel on the column.
All of these things make for a more tidy and accessible work space. I am not sure why I couldn't rig the same thing on other lifts.
Now for the price. They are $3,200 for the lift but only $300 for the install. The 1' height extension is $250. That's really more than I intended to spend.
They remind me of Porsches. They look good and they perform good until you factor in the cost.
An inground lift isn't as expensive as I'd thought. Rotary can put a 12,000# unit in for $7,500. $2,000 of that is installation. Just because it isn't as expensive as I thought doesn't mean I'd call it affordable.
Rotary lifts appear to be the most expensive of the bunch. They are full hydraulic and not hydraulic/chain combos which makes them quieter and less prone to breakage/wear, but that comes at a price.
Rotary has discontinued their 7,000# units and now the smallest they make (except for a low ceiling 7000# unit) is the 10,000# unit. It does have some neat features tho.
It has 3 stage arms that give you a 3 5/8" pad height which is the lowest I have seen. Most lifts only have 2 stage arms (2 stages of gradually getting thinner) and have 4 1/2" - 5" clearance.
They also have a combo 2 arm/drive on unit that has only a 3" clearance. I haven't seen that one yet.
They start locking @ 18" and every 6" thereafter.. Some don't start locking until the car is 30-36" in the air. This gives a safety factor for doing the low work.
They had some good suggestions and accessories. One is a way to raise the lift an extra 1'. They say this is very useful for people approaching 6' BUT you need 12' 8" ceiling height which is not a prob for me.
They have a way to put a 110v outlet on the column.
They have a way to attach fluourescent drop lights on the columns
They have a way to put an air hose reel on the column.
All of these things make for a more tidy and accessible work space. I am not sure why I couldn't rig the same thing on other lifts.
Now for the price. They are $3,200 for the lift but only $300 for the install. The 1' height extension is $250. That's really more than I intended to spend.
They remind me of Porsches. They look good and they perform good until you factor in the cost.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Orlando, FL
just look at it as professional grade vs. casual user grade. if your going to use it everyday, hardcore, then go with professional grade. if your going to use as a home owner with a car fetish, go with casual user grade.
enjoy.
enjoy.
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Jersey City
Have you guys checked out this thread in the Carolina regional forum:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=377086
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=377086
Thread Starter
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I hadn't seen that but I don't have any space constraints so I don't think I want to limit myself to a scissors jack. thanx for the post tho.
Now if I could just find the same kind of post of someone who had a 2 post lift and had already done the shopping and comparisons.
Now if I could just find the same kind of post of someone who had a 2 post lift and had already done the shopping and comparisons.
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 843
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From: Jersey City
Wildncrazy, I remember reading about post lifts over at miataforum.com. They have a section there call "tool talk" , do a search of "post lift" under tool talk and you should get a few hits back. Good luck with your dream garage.