Garage build; pit or lift

[acme]

Hopefully (!) soon to be building a three bay garage, the question is a pit or a lift?

With accommodation above so a regular roof height should I go for a pit or a lift, therefore probably a two post. Had an engineer out and he's stated a pit would be more than a lift, though I'm still to test that with a builder.

I've heard pits can be dangerous, likewise I'm not sure I trust a two post (though I'd only buy from a reputable company like strongman tools), so any thoughts/suggestions or advice from those who've been through this?

Plus I'm assuming any lift will require the floor to be re-enforced?

Thanks

[acme]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, 2.4m ceiling height.

A good point about the pit issue around the wheels. Me & a mate replaced all the suspension on a car two winters ago and it would undoubtedly have been much easier if on a lift, probably little different via a pit.

[acme]

Murph7355 said:

I have a 4 post lift, bought to allow storage of two cars in a single garage.

It's great, and I felt good vfm (£1,600 or so IIRC).

I like the idea of a 4 post lift but with a three bay garage don't need anymore space, plus I can't due to the roof height.

[acme]

WinstonWolf said:

Flammable vapour in a pit and accidental ignition? I think that's why they're less popular these days.

Thanks for that, I knew there was a reason! - and my cars are old.

Plus 99% of the time it'll be me in the garage on my todd, so would like to 'de-risk' this all.

Cheers

[acme]

TA14 said:

2.2m post height? http://www.sjrgarageequipment.co.uk/4-post-lifts/

Interesting, another to look into for definite, cheers

[acme]

Many thanks for all the feedback fellas, seems pretty clear, a pit is a bad idea.

Given that I'll be having a block & beam floor a pit I'd assume would require solid concrete tanked, so even more expense. So as long as the concrete is deep enough a scissor lift seems best. Apart from the safety issues the comment that you can't get to the wheels is also what did it for me, inevitably most stuff involves getting the wheels off from recent experience.

Probably going to look at getting one of these when the time comes;

http://sm-t.co.uk/product/montford-mid-rise-scisso...

Cheers

[acme]

I was told 6-9 inches, preferably the latter for two post/single post for the obvious increased loadings on a single point.

I understand what's being said about it still not being ideal on a scissor lift, but for the enthusiast it makes sense and is a lot easier than lying on your back for hour on end, though not ideal. A four poster is obviously much better but it takes up such a huge amount of room and is difficult regarding ceiling height if there's anything meaningful above.