Choosing a garage lift (and a garage to go with it (oh, and a house too))

rumatt · 12-22-2005, 01:03 AM

Does anyone have experience with a mid-rise scissor lift like the one shown here?

I know it's not preferable to a two post lift because it doesn't raise the car high enough, and it makes it harder to access the under side of the car. However, the part that raises up has no cross beams (they stay on the floor) so you should have reasonable access to the transmission, drive shaft, exhaust, etc. Changing a clutch on this thing may not be ideal, but it seems doable. It's also less obstructive for walking around the car because there are no posts.

I'm trying to decide if this would be acceptable if we find a house that we like, but the garage isn't big enough for a 2-post lift. Of course, the ideal solution is to build a separate garage, but that's a committment I'm not sure I'm ready for yet. If we find a house with a 3-car garage and I can put this thing in one of the bays, it may tide me over for a few years. If I'm still into cars 5 years from now, I can build my dream garage.

Thoughts?

12-22-2005, 01:03 AM	#1
rumatt Mugwump Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: E46 330i, Chevy Colorado, Tesla Model 3 Location: NY Posts: 17,475	Choosing a garage lift (and a garage to go with it) Does anyone have experience with a mid-rise scissor lift like the one shown here? I know it's not preferable to a two post lift because it doesn't raise the car high enough, and it makes it harder to access the under side of the car. However, the part that raises up has no cross beams (they stay on the floor) so you should have reasonable access to the transmission, drive shaft, exhaust, etc. Changing a clutch on this thing may not be ideal, but it seems doable. It's also less obstructive for walking around the car because there are no posts. I'm trying to decide if this would be acceptable if we find a house that we like, but the garage isn't big enough for a 2-post lift. Of course, the ideal solution is to build a separate garage, but that's a committment I'm not sure I'm ready for yet. If we find a house with a 3-car garage and I can put this thing in one of the bays, it may tide me over for a few years. If I'm still into cars 5 years from now, I can build my dream garage. Thoughts? Last edited by rumatt; 12-22-2005 at 01:33 AM.