I'm planning on getting a lift, but I don't have the fancy concrete so I can't use a 2 column lift. Anyone have experience with either a high scissor or single column lift? Any suggestions on brands? I rather spend more and get something safe and reliable, but I know nothing about lift manufacturers.

Single column:


Scissor:



I like the single column because it would be easier to make an adapter for my bikes, but it has limited adjustability in the arms so curious if that is an issue, and I'm not sure how stable they are. The column also seems like it blocks access to less of the bottom of the car. The scissor would probably be easier to get a Legends car on (my next project) but they are so light I could probably make an adapter for the column too. I could also rig up a bike adapter but it doesn't have as good of tie down locations and the size would make certain jobs on the bikes difficult.

Thus why I am looking for people with real world experience with either type.

 

The single column looks interesting, i would chose that over the scissor lift.
I just ordered my 2 post lift today.. cant wait!

 

i would get this http://www.redlinestands.com/catalog...c-290_138_139/ those two you posted will be little hard to work on when you doing tranny and other stuff

 

I can't do a 2 post, because I don't have reinforced concrete. The single column claims it doesn't need it, and the scissor says you can mount it on a plate, is why those are the types I'm looking at.

 

Im in the process of buying a house and I will be installing a 2 post lift. Just curious, if you don't mind me asking what is your budget for a lift?

And what kind of work are you trying to do on your car? The last thing you want is to purchase a lift and be limited on what you can do with it. You could also look into a 4 post but once again will be limited on the type of work you can do. A 2 post is the most versatile.

Any reason you cant do some excavating and pour new concrete?

 

put in proper concrete and get a 2-post

you're trusting the lift with your life, why not get the best? it's like a mini life insurance policy

 

Squishy Foundation + Scissor Lift = Not Smart

 

My budget is whatever it takes, but ideally under $5k. I need to be able to lift from the frame, so I can do wheels and brakes. I'd like to be able to use it for my bikes and the Legends car I'll be building soon, to save space vs having a bunch of separate ones. And pouring a new slab might be feasible and might not. I'm trying to buy a house, and it depends which one I end up with. For example, the one I have an offer in on the city will only allow me to redo the driveway if I convert it from asphalt to something permeable like pavers...I have a concrete guy on staff but the neighbors would rat me out I'm sure. The Tesla per capita rate here is probably the highest in the country.

 

You would not have to pour a whole new slab you just have to do a section around where the post will be 18 inches thick if I remember.

 

Invest in concrete first.

 

If you're budget is 5k or under that will cover cutting the current concrete and pouring a reinforced section to put a 2 post lift on. Depending on what you'll be working on a 9k# lift will work. Something like a Bendpak will be around 3k. To cut and pour a reinforced section will be under $1k if you rent tools and do it yourself while having a concrete truck deliver.

 

My friend who is a concrete guy estimates $3-4k if we do the whole 2 space garage in 6" of 3k psi concrete, including rip out through refill. I'll find out how much of a footprint it actually needs, so it will probably be less than that. He also thinks we can get all the cutting done in a day, since that is the noisy part where the neighbors would call the city. The issue of the city not allowing it is a bigger deal than the price. So $7k on the very outside as far as total cost, down to $4k if I can do a much smaller slab. I'd probably go a little bigger than the minimum though.

So who knows a good brand for a 2 post? And symmetrical or asymmetrical? Are they better with the crossbar at the top or bottom? I want a GOOD one, even if it puts me over budget.

 

Beam overhead is better and asymmetrical is more versitile also rotary lift is one of the best. The beams are at an angle makes getting in and out easy while lifted.

 

You wouldn't have to rip up the whole garage. Just need to cut out 1 - 2ft square around the lift columns and pour in 6 - 12" concrete columns to mount to.

I priced out a 10,000lb XPR‐10A‐LP BendPak for around $3,000.

 

I saw the Rotary ones, they look nice. Also a couple other American made ones look good, after my experience with Chinese made tranny in my last car and with broken tools and appliances at work I am trying to avoid their lifts. The asymmetrical look to be more convenient, but honestly I am more concerned about which one is less likely to drop a car on my head. I'll probably go overkill on how much of the slab to replace due to that.

I won the bid on the house, and it is signed. Still need to meet with the sellers to work out something that turned up to be inaccurate in the disclosures, but it is most likely going to work out. There is a lift installer a couple towns over, so I'm going to go talk to him and see what he suggests as far as how much concrete to replace.