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

[TA14]

What does acc above but regular roof height mean? A 2.4m high ceiling? As long as you can lift your vehicle to a sufficient height in the height restriction go for a lift/ramps. A bit of mesh in the floor is cheap although constructing a pit is usually cheaper than a lift. A lot of job are difficult from a pit since they tend to be around the wheels.

[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.

[Murph7355]

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).

[Venom]

I'd go with a lift personally. I'd have thought the excavation and retaining structure costs of a pit would exceed the price of a decent lift.

An additional problem with a pit is that it can collect stuff over time - oil, leaves other ste that blows about - a problem my godfather had quite a bit of fun with given that his old MG that liked to wee itself plenty.

[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.

[WinstonWolf]

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

[EggsBenedict]

Lift.

Went through this dilemma when building our garage. Pits don't offer much TBH, and they're a pain in the undercarriage if you live in an area where the water table is high-ish.

Depending on what car you're talking about, two post will be fine. Scissor lift also pretty good actually, and a fair bit cheaper

[TA14]

acme said:

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.

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

[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

[S11Steve]

My new double garage is up to wall plate height now, and I had the same questions prior to build, however the pit was ruled out as we are on bed-rock - the cost of digging out and installing drainage etc was roughly half the cost of the entire garage build.

The garage is a single storey, but with a traditional style roof using purlins attached to a steel ridge beam. This will give me plenty of height to get a ramp in at a later date which is likely to be a 4 poster ramp, as it is easier to install, and less likely for any vehicle to drop off it.

[Narom]

I'd say a lift, being able to take it completely off its wheels securely would do it for me.

Though i have seen these:

http://ezcarlift.com/

[Hol]

Slightly envious as I have a freestanding 5.5m2 double garage in a corner plot with an artex'd ceiling and boarded out loft space above. It was built when the house was.

I looked at a lift a couple years back, but to lift a car high enough to achieve a comfortable working position on the wheels, I would have to loose half the loft space as the cars roof would need somewhere to go.

Also, one of the posts would continuously be in the way of both cars opening their doors.

Edited by Hol on Friday 4th August 16:54

[S27]

Lift and wouldn't consider pit.

Many years ago knew a chap working on petrol tank/ pipes, overcome by petrol fumes in a pit fumes are denser than air. Lost his life.

Very sad ironic thing should have been aware as worked in an oil refinery.

S

[S6PNJ]

acme said:

I like the idea of a 4 post lift but I can't due to the roof height.

My neighbour built a 2-bay garage and had a 4 post lift installed. He also had a room over, but to accommodate the lift height when in use, he had a 'pop-up' floor that could be raised when using the lift. Another option maybe?

[TA14]

S11Steve said:

I had the same questions prior to build, however the pit was ruled out as we are on bed-rock - the cost of digging out and installing drainage etc was roughly half the cost of the entire garage build.

Wow. FWIW I built a pit in the early 90s. The ground was clayey so digging out was tough but all done by hand and the cost wasn't much. The pit was not used much though - ok for drivetrain stuff but little use for suspension or brakes and getting in and out wasn't easy.

[BlackZeD]

Looking at a house at the moment.
If it comes off I will be looking at getting one of these;

https://www.quickjacklift.co.uk/

[Steve H]

acme said:

TA14 said:

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

Interesting, another to look into for definite, cheers

Not much use if you can't get it far enough up.

You are generally towards 3.0m for a two poster and need over 3.5m to get a car fully up in the air.

Have a look here - http://www.automotechservices.co.uk/products/as-61...

Great kit to have and much better than a pit for sure but you need head room to use it properly.

[Pica-Pica]

acme said:

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

In the workshop at Ford Dunton and Köln R&D we used two posters (with twin arms each side). That coped with Transits and passenger cars. They make it extremely clear to work under, I am not sure of the make, clearly the best and safest I would imagine. If you can, go for a two poster, rather a four poster, and far better than a pit.