Floor jack recommendations

SD Garage

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Jul 4, 2017
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I can't find a cheap lift for 1200 anymore. A year ago I could, but now they are all 1600+. I'm not looking for anything special either, I have high ceilings and didn't need a base plate, don't need a 15K one, heck a 9K is plenty. Got any links to those for 1200?

You can buy a very nice low profile 2 post lift for around 5k
 

9krpmrx8

Lieutenant
Nov 5, 2016
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San Antonio, Texas
This lift was $3500.00 or so installed. But I find myself using jacks and stands most of the time honestly since I can get the car up in 10 minutes on all four stands. Getting the 335i on this lift requires some attention since the pads don't line up with the factory jack points.

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fmorelli

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Aug 11, 2017
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I've been looking at scissor lifts. I've never worked with one, but spent way too much time around post lifts. I believe the scissor lift may be a possible winner?
  • low, mid-rise, full height (double scissor). Call is 26", 45", 76" lifts. You can drop a motor with a mid-rise with room.
  • No concrete work required - just lag bolt in place - scissors sit on a big pad and spread the load.
  • Take up no real space, compared to a post lift.
  • Can drive over and park. Can DIY some ramps with 2x10s to make low cars more smoothly drive over.
What am I missing? Downsides? I have resisted putting a lift in my garage for years, just concerned that it would push me into the deep end of working on cars. But getting older, harder to roll under, crane neck, etc.

I belong to another forum called, Garage Journal. Some hardcore geeks there. They've done a few group buys of scissor lifts from China. Been trying to figure out if that's a reasonable thing to try and execute. It seems like there are a handful of makers for this kind of lift, then plenty of rebranding in the USA. My understanding is that basic steel stuff is fine. Any issues are with commonly available/replaceable hydraulic parts. But I've not heard of people having product issues.

Anyone have experience? Thoughts? Bought big stuff out of China?

Filippo

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NoQuarter

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Nov 24, 2017
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I really liked the twin Busch but when I looked into it it seemed really hard to find a distributor.

I am definitely sold on the scissor lift syle.

Aligning the arms on the two post syle seems like a dance worth avoiding along with the posts in the way.
 

fmorelli

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Aligning the arms on the two post syle seems like a dance worth avoiding along with the posts in the way.
It's not fun on lowered cars. In a traditional garage, a 2-post lift takes up precious functional space. The other thing, with scissors, is you can get a lift for any size garage. 8-foot ceilings, just buy a low-rise.

I'd like a mid-rise or full height, as I have a 10 to 12 foot ceiling. I just don't want to spend crap ton on it.

On the TwinBusch, it's a name brand but I'm unconvinced it is any better in any way I care to the other choices. If you are looking at retail, Jim, you might consider https://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/Specialty-Lifts-s/294.htm

Filippo
 

fmorelli

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Jeffman

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Jan 7, 2017
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Damn is it heavy. That would essentially be a permanent install in my garage.
Ship Weight1,355 lbs.
[TBODY] [/TBODY]
 

langsbr

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Apr 5, 2017
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Damn is it heavy. That would essentially be a permanent install in my garage.
Ship Weight1,355 lbs.
[TBODY] [/TBODY]


In the video, the guy said it has wheels that can be installed to move it around. Not where you'd move it to, but it could be moved. :)
 

fmorelli

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Damn is it heavy. That would essentially be a permanent install in my garage.
Ship Weight1,355 lbs.
[TBODY] [/TBODY]
Yes but the beauty is it's not in the way. Just park right over it.

Filippo
 

NoQuarter

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Nov 24, 2017
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Can you lift from the flip up silver ramps or just the blue part only?

It also shows stacking rubber lift blocks for extra height. Don't believe it. QuickJack advertised the same thing and it is bogus.

Too tall of rubber lift blocks just wants to..... fall over!
 

NoQuarter

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Nov 24, 2017
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Yes but the beauty is it's not in the way. Just park right over it.

Filippo

Especially if you go the ultimate install. Cut out the floor in the shape of the rectangles, dig out the gravel base. Re-pour recessed concrete to get a flush with the floor install.
 
  • Agree
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fmorelli

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I'm on 6 acres in northern virginia (just outside of crazy DC metro area), on a gravel road, kids grown up and too much house ... so don't expect to be here too much longer. Another nice scissor lift benefit above ground, is it can come with me to the next place and pretty much guaranteed to work in any garage. (one can be one's own worst salesman ....)

It's the Ronchco Scissor Lift. It slices! It dices!

Filippo
 
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The Convert

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Jun 4, 2017
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