2 post or scissor lift?

4JAKE

Hey guys..

Just wondering what the thoughts are on the full height scissor lifts compared to 2 post lifts?

I've used 2 posts before but never a scissor lift, and looking at pictures, I am worried that the scissor lift is a bit cramped for space, I'm allowing you would only have about 4 ft between the two lift legs when it's up and your under the car ....So bit cramped like a pit

Any thoughts?

biko

In my opinion 2post is better, gives you more room under car.

4JAKE

biko wrote: »

In my opinion 2post is better, gives you more room under car.

The reason the scissor lift was in my mind was because I only have 17ft in width and the 2 posts are about 12ft to the outside of posts... A flush mount scissor lift seemed ideal. As it's not in the way when not in use..

But I wouldn't like that cramped feel you have while in a pit.. And no one around me has a scissor lift to try out

Guy:Incognito

The place I used to work had 2 scissor and 2 2 post lifts and tbh it was much of a muchness. Theres 4 mechanics there and each have their own lift. There wasn't anything the lads on the scissor lifts couldn't do or had any more difficulty with over the others.

Think if I had my own garage that was any way tight I'd try for an in ground scissor lift.

4JAKE

Yeah, definitely the flush fit scissor lift are a gift when space is tight, for me to access the rest of garage I will have to drive through the 2 post lift..

The pictures I have seen of the scissors lift they do look a bit cramped when underneath a car, I know the cill isn't accesable like a 2 post but that doesn't really worry me... It's just the feeling closed in between the 2 ramps is what I'm worried about.. Will cost an extra 1k for the flush scissor lift so I don't want to end up regretting it

biko

Have you worked with both types before? Do you have a personal preference?

JohnBoy26

4JAKE wrote: »

Yeah, definitely the flush fit scissor lift are a gift when space is tight, for me to access the rest of garage I will have to drive through the 2 post lift..

The pictures I have seen of the scissors lift they do look a bit cramped when underneath a car, I know the cill isn't accesable like a 2 post but that doesn't really worry me... It's just the feeling closed in between the 2 ramps is what I'm worried about.. Will cost an extra 1k for the flush scissor lift so I don't want to end up regretting it

I wouldn't worry too much about that IMO, there is still enough of space to open the car door.

Id rather a two post lift myself, IMO they are a stronger job, although a scissors lift is still very good.

You can get the two post lifts with the cables running overhead as well, which avoids having to drive over a hump, although the roof will need to be a bit higher.

dgt

If you have the room for a lift, make it a 2 post lift. A lot more access space

dooroy

I have only seen the scissors lift but haven't used one . I have used a 2 post lift and a 4 post ramp which would be similar to the scissors lift .
And I would have to say that the 2 poster gives much more access for a lot of jobs . When a vehicle is on the 2 poster if you can prop both ends ( length of wood etc ) then it makes the vehicle very stable.

4JAKE

biko wrote: »

Have you worked with both types before? Do you have a personal preference?

I have worked under loads of 2 posts, I have worked under 4 posts aswell... I have never been under a car on scissor lift... It's the fact of have the scissor mechanisims at each side of you that makes me think they are a tight space to work in, as I mentioned, a bit like a pit with a wall at either side of you

dooroy

Did you see a 1 post lift in action - came across them when I was looking up lifts and I think they are designed for when space is tight.
A friend of mine had a 'side lift' I suppose you'd call it many years ago - you wheeled it in under the car and then lifted . He got it I think on a trial basis and had it for years - he also had 2 pits at the time . It got a lot of use and gave great access. As it was mobile it was great for lifting out engines etc when there were no engine cranes

4JAKE

dooroy wrote: »

Did you see a 1 post lift in action - came across them when I was looking up lifts and I think they are designed for when space is tight.
A friend of mine had a 'side lift' I suppose you'd call it many years ago - you wheeled it in under the car and then lifted . He got it I think on a trial basis and had it for years - he also had 2 pits at the time . It got a lot of use and gave great access. As it was mobile it was great for lifting out engines etc when there were no engine cranes

Think most of that design, one post, portable ones obstruct the under side of bar as it has to reach across from one sill to the other, and also it's like stepping over a pallet truck

Doom

Stay away from screw types....Rarely properly maintained.

4JAKE

Doom wrote: »

Stay away from screw types....Rarely properly maintained.

That's a 2 post option I take it? What's the best to go for? Is there a 2 hydraulic ram type

dooroy

I have a 2 post which I bought a few years ago - has a hydraulic ram in each post with chains running over them ; and also cables going from one side to the other so that both sides lift and lower together ; locks about every 4 inches - if hydraulics fail arms are locked ; rated at 3200 Kg and has worked very well .

Guy:Incognito

4JAKE wrote: »

I have worked under loads of 2 posts, I have worked under 4 posts aswell... I have never been under a car on scissor lift... It's the fact of have the scissor mechanisims at each side of you that makes me think they are a tight space to work in, as I mentioned, a bit like a pit with a wall at either side of you

Most things you'll be doing will be under the engine I'd imagine so you won't be between the 2 sides of the lift for the majority of the time anyway.

Try get yourself in to somewhere that has a scissor lift for a proper root around if possible.

dooroy

I think the main difference between the scissors lift and the pit is the fact that you can simply walk out either end of the lift whereas in the pit you usually had a wall at one end and steps at the other . Also some pits were on the short side so vehicle completely covered them - not a nice feeling .
If space is a problem then the scissors lift would be a good option - with a bit of work adapting an existing floor .
My shed is 20 ft wide and the 2 poster is about 10' 6" leaving about 4' 6" each side . The posts are about 9' 6" high . You would have about 3' 6" each side which isn't bad .
I find the 2 poster much better for access than the ramp for example when doing any suspension work .

4JAKE

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

Most things you'll be doing will be under the engine I'd imagine so you won't be between the 2 sides of the lift for the majority of the time anyway.

Try get yourself in to somewhere that has a scissor lift for a proper root around if possible.

Yeah I need to find some where... I suppose really centre sections and rwd gear boxes are all that will have me in the centre of lift