Scissor car lift or similar
Discussion
TROOPER88 said:
Buzzer, can you drive your car straight onto the lift, is there enough clearance??
Cheers
its not a problem now its recessed into the floor.. but to be honest it was never a problem before, even with a Caterham and Lotus Elise... never had anything catch on it...Cheers
With reference to transmition and exhausts, I personally have never had a problem. I recently did a clutch on an MX5, and a Z3, and although its no where near as convenient as a full height lift, its still far better than struggling on axle stands. I have also done loads of exhausts, same thing.
When doing sill work, I just use 4 wooden blocks to elevate the car off the platforms a bit.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/TI8mL7Il.jpg)
My lift came with an assortment of spacers ( + my lump of wood ) that can fit under the sill jacking points or chassis rails.
This will add space between the lift and whatever you intend to drop or remove. Exhaust for instance.
Note the 300mm space and the total height of 1400mm. (if needed)
From the working under safety point mentioned previously mine has a series of notches that engage as the lift raises so once up
the car can be lowered onto the nearest to take pressure off the hydraulics.
As a bonus, with a sheet of ply on top it makes a great bench.
Paul G
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/HfAZVnZh.jpg)
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/0Qi8TNhj.jpg)
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/WdCn2qY1.jpg)
Edit: Reason speeling
This will add space between the lift and whatever you intend to drop or remove. Exhaust for instance.
Note the 300mm space and the total height of 1400mm. (if needed)
From the working under safety point mentioned previously mine has a series of notches that engage as the lift raises so once up
the car can be lowered onto the nearest to take pressure off the hydraulics.
As a bonus, with a sheet of ply on top it makes a great bench.
Paul G
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/HfAZVnZh.jpg)
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/0Qi8TNhj.jpg)
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/WdCn2qY1.jpg)
Edit: Reason speeling
Edited by finishing touch on Monday 9th September 13:26
While you wait for your lift to be installed, get a pair of these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOUGHBUILT-GELFIT-KP-G3...
They are worth the price, especially when viewed against the price of hydraulic help.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOUGHBUILT-GELFIT-KP-G3...
They are worth the price, especially when viewed against the price of hydraulic help.
buzzer said:
its not a problem now its recessed into the floor.. but to be honest it was never a problem before, even with a Caterham and Lotus Elise... never had anything catch on it...
With reference to transmition and exhausts, I personally have never had a problem. I recently did a clutch on an MX5, and a Z3, and although its no where near as convenient as a full height lift, its still far better than struggling on axle stands. I have also done loads of exhausts, same thing.
When doing sill work, I just use 4 wooden blocks to elevate the car off the platforms a bit.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/TI8mL7Il.jpg)
Thanks mateWith reference to transmition and exhausts, I personally have never had a problem. I recently did a clutch on an MX5, and a Z3, and although its no where near as convenient as a full height lift, its still far better than struggling on axle stands. I have also done loads of exhausts, same thing.
When doing sill work, I just use 4 wooden blocks to elevate the car off the platforms a bit.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/TI8mL7Il.jpg)
My main concern was the Boxster needing ramps to get on/off
With regard some saying that exhaust work etc isn’t possible, please remember that I need it for Boxsters where not a lot is underneath!
Exhaust and engine is accessed from the side and rear
Thanks
Seem good / good value?
I think a lot of the lifts are the same, just rebranded
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOBILE-SCISSOR-LIFT-CAR...
I think a lot of the lifts are the same, just rebranded
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOBILE-SCISSOR-LIFT-CAR...
I also have a scissor lift, very similar to Buzzers.
I'm not quite so blessed with roof height so I can never have it at full extension. But its great for doing most things, a skate/crawler thing, buzzer has one hanging on the wall in his 1st pic, or a stool on wheels works really well with the scissor lift.
Its had loads of different stuff on in, from Z4s to LWB 7 series, handled it all well. the little ramps at either end lock horizontal to give you extra length for jacking points on big cars, this was necessary for the 7!
You get rubber blocks to put under your jacking points and ontop of the steel ramp face. 1 of my cars is quite low so i have small lengths of scaffold planks at either end of the ramps to give me enough gap to get the rubber blocks onto the jacking points. (My ramps aren't recessed into the floor)
It is one of the best things i've ever bought, so much easier and so much safer (for car and spanner jangler) than jacks and stands
I'm not quite so blessed with roof height so I can never have it at full extension. But its great for doing most things, a skate/crawler thing, buzzer has one hanging on the wall in his 1st pic, or a stool on wheels works really well with the scissor lift.
Its had loads of different stuff on in, from Z4s to LWB 7 series, handled it all well. the little ramps at either end lock horizontal to give you extra length for jacking points on big cars, this was necessary for the 7!
You get rubber blocks to put under your jacking points and ontop of the steel ramp face. 1 of my cars is quite low so i have small lengths of scaffold planks at either end of the ramps to give me enough gap to get the rubber blocks onto the jacking points. (My ramps aren't recessed into the floor)
It is one of the best things i've ever bought, so much easier and so much safer (for car and spanner jangler) than jacks and stands
TROOPER88 said:
buzzer said:
ThanksI e-mailed them at the start of the week - no reply.
Just for that reason, I would not buy from them.
I may sound harsh but if they can not be bothered to deal with a genuine sales enquiry, god knows what they would be like with a repair job etc
TROOPER88 said:
Thanks
I e-mailed them at the start of the week - no reply.
Just for that reason, I would not buy from them.
I may sound harsh but if they can not be bothered to deal with a genuine sales enquiry, god knows what they would be like with a repair job etc
I bought their 7532B mid rise lift which has been great so far, I also recessed it into the floor but it doesn't have to be.I e-mailed them at the start of the week - no reply.
Just for that reason, I would not buy from them.
I may sound harsh but if they can not be bothered to deal with a genuine sales enquiry, god knows what they would be like with a repair job etc
To be honest I've only ever spoken them on the phone, and they've always been excellent in getting me transferred to the right person, and always resulting in any queries being fully dealt with there and then.
I've had various requested tech info e-mailed to me within minutes of a tel call.
I got the distinct impression their customer service/back up service was excellent and they could not have been more attentive and helpful any time I called.
I realise this is not your experience from an unanswered mail, but I'd maybe give them the benefit of the doubt here, maybe they didn't receive it for some reason ??
I'm looking at getting one of these too, the automotech one, but with the two lifts rather than the joined one. I take it those foldable extensions can be locked in place then to increase the load length? Does it matter if the car isn't quite in the middle? Ie, with the jacking point on the main body of the lift at one end and on the extension at the other? Has anybody fitted quick release pipe fittings on the hoses? My garage isn't particularly big, it'd be ideal if I could disconnect the hoses ideally at the lift end and tuck them away with the control box out the way when not in use.
One for the similar camp...
After looking at the scissor lift range and having to move my tools and kit quite regularly, I opted for a lighter solution that was more manageable on my own.
It’s a Quickjack BL 5000 SLX and runs off a 12 volt supply for the hydraulic motor; there’s a 240 volt version if preferred. I keep a workshop battery or pop the bonnet to connect jump leads to the power pack. The hose fittings are dry break quick connectors and it has 3 metres of wandering lead for the controller.
Everything splits down in to 4 main components that make it easy to shift about. Each ramp can be wall mounted to keep out of the way when not in use.
It lifts around 2ft in total and keeps the underside clear in the centre as it jacks up on the sills.
There are two locking points so you can disconnect the hoses and pack everything away. I left it with an R32 in the ramps for a week whilst the on holiday and the wheels were away for refurbishment.
It’s not as cheap as some of the scissor lifts and doesn’t lift as high but for me has greatly improved working off the floor, messing around lifting corners for axle stands and given safer access to the underside of cars worked on.
Mazda on the drive for new brakes, bleeding and new tyres:
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/1kaYbZw9.jpg)
A better picture of the components:
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/enF9F762.png)
After looking at the scissor lift range and having to move my tools and kit quite regularly, I opted for a lighter solution that was more manageable on my own.
It’s a Quickjack BL 5000 SLX and runs off a 12 volt supply for the hydraulic motor; there’s a 240 volt version if preferred. I keep a workshop battery or pop the bonnet to connect jump leads to the power pack. The hose fittings are dry break quick connectors and it has 3 metres of wandering lead for the controller.
Everything splits down in to 4 main components that make it easy to shift about. Each ramp can be wall mounted to keep out of the way when not in use.
It lifts around 2ft in total and keeps the underside clear in the centre as it jacks up on the sills.
There are two locking points so you can disconnect the hoses and pack everything away. I left it with an R32 in the ramps for a week whilst the on holiday and the wheels were away for refurbishment.
It’s not as cheap as some of the scissor lifts and doesn’t lift as high but for me has greatly improved working off the floor, messing around lifting corners for axle stands and given safer access to the underside of cars worked on.
Mazda on the drive for new brakes, bleeding and new tyres:
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/1kaYbZw9.jpg)
A better picture of the components:
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/enF9F762.png)
barpilot said:
One for the similar camp...
After looking at the scissor lift range and having to move my tools and kit quite regularly, I opted for a lighter solution that was more manageable on my own.
It’s a Quickjack BL 5000 SLX and runs off a 12 volt supply for the hydraulic motor; there’s a 240 volt version if preferred. I keep a workshop battery or pop the bonnet to connect jump leads to the power pack. The hose fittings are dry break quick connectors and it has 3 metres of wandering lead for the controller.
Everything splits down in to 4 main components that make it easy to shift about. Each ramp can be wall mounted to keep out of the way when not in use.
It lifts around 2ft in total and keeps the underside clear in the centre as it jacks up on the sills.
There are two locking points so you can disconnect the hoses and pack everything away. I left it with an R32 in the ramps for a week whilst the on holiday and the wheels were away for refurbishment.
It’s not as cheap as some of the scissor lifts and doesn’t lift as high but for me has greatly improved working off the floor, messing around lifting corners for axle stands and given safer access to the underside of cars worked on.
Mazda on the drive for new brakes, bleeding and new tyres:
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/1kaYbZw9.jpg)
A better picture of the components:
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/enF9F762.png)
That seems a lot of engineering to lift the wheels a foot off the ground. My poor old back would soon complain. not to mention my knees.After looking at the scissor lift range and having to move my tools and kit quite regularly, I opted for a lighter solution that was more manageable on my own.
It’s a Quickjack BL 5000 SLX and runs off a 12 volt supply for the hydraulic motor; there’s a 240 volt version if preferred. I keep a workshop battery or pop the bonnet to connect jump leads to the power pack. The hose fittings are dry break quick connectors and it has 3 metres of wandering lead for the controller.
Everything splits down in to 4 main components that make it easy to shift about. Each ramp can be wall mounted to keep out of the way when not in use.
It lifts around 2ft in total and keeps the underside clear in the centre as it jacks up on the sills.
There are two locking points so you can disconnect the hoses and pack everything away. I left it with an R32 in the ramps for a week whilst the on holiday and the wheels were away for refurbishment.
It’s not as cheap as some of the scissor lifts and doesn’t lift as high but for me has greatly improved working off the floor, messing around lifting corners for axle stands and given safer access to the underside of cars worked on.
Mazda on the drive for new brakes, bleeding and new tyres:
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/1kaYbZw9.jpg)
A better picture of the components:
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/enF9F762.png)
https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/products/as-7...
I have this - is a scissor lift with independent platforms. Automotech were amazing to deal with and their post purchase support has been excellent also - I had some issues comissioning it due to my mechanical sympathy and they provided great tech support over the phone.
In terms of useability others have mentioned some of the pros and cons. Its superb for suspension, brake work etc. I have dropped an engine on an old Porsche and also the gearbox and both subframes on a mk5 golf. Access to the sills is perhaps the only limitation but I have made some wooden crib stands so I can raise the car on the lift, put the wheel stands under and then let the lift down out of the way.
I too have limted head height but having a car a metre off the ground makes life so much easier than axle stands and trolley jacks and its a superb compromise if there isn't room for a proper 2 post ramp.
I have this - is a scissor lift with independent platforms. Automotech were amazing to deal with and their post purchase support has been excellent also - I had some issues comissioning it due to my mechanical sympathy and they provided great tech support over the phone.
In terms of useability others have mentioned some of the pros and cons. Its superb for suspension, brake work etc. I have dropped an engine on an old Porsche and also the gearbox and both subframes on a mk5 golf. Access to the sills is perhaps the only limitation but I have made some wooden crib stands so I can raise the car on the lift, put the wheel stands under and then let the lift down out of the way.
I too have limted head height but having a car a metre off the ground makes life so much easier than axle stands and trolley jacks and its a superb compromise if there isn't room for a proper 2 post ramp.
buzzer said:
Heres my setup as it was and also now where i have sunk it into the ground which makes it easier to move bikes around the garage. The platforms also now work independently so i can have a car in the garage and a bike on the lift. It was a big job to sink it in the ground though...
What did you have to do in order for it to work independently?I am looking for a ramp that can do both cars and bikes, and was looking at getting the quickjack above, as you can push them together and get a plate for the top of it... but I would probably prefer a "proper" lift, if I could get them to work as you've done.
![thumbup](/inc/images/thumbup.gif)
356D said:
https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/products/as-7...
I have this - is a scissor lift with independent platforms. Automotech were amazing to deal with and their post purchase support has been excellent also - I had some issues comissioning it due to my mechanical sympathy and they provided great tech support over the phone.
In terms of useability others have mentioned some of the pros and cons. Its superb for suspension, brake work etc. I have dropped an engine on an old Porsche and also the gearbox and both subframes on a mk5 golf. Access to the sills is perhaps the only limitation but I have made some wooden crib stands so I can raise the car on the lift, put the wheel stands under and then let the lift down out of the way.
I too have limted head height but having a car a metre off the ground makes life so much easier than axle stands and trolley jacks and its a superb compromise if there isn't room for a proper 2 post ramp.
I too have limited headroom in my garage, and as a ex mechanic I'd love one of those lifts, and would buy one if I could get it delivered to the rear of my house, down a unmade road, which I suspect they wouldn't, and just dump it on the drive at the front, where it would stay. I have this - is a scissor lift with independent platforms. Automotech were amazing to deal with and their post purchase support has been excellent also - I had some issues comissioning it due to my mechanical sympathy and they provided great tech support over the phone.
In terms of useability others have mentioned some of the pros and cons. Its superb for suspension, brake work etc. I have dropped an engine on an old Porsche and also the gearbox and both subframes on a mk5 golf. Access to the sills is perhaps the only limitation but I have made some wooden crib stands so I can raise the car on the lift, put the wheel stands under and then let the lift down out of the way.
I too have limted head height but having a car a metre off the ground makes life so much easier than axle stands and trolley jacks and its a superb compromise if there isn't room for a proper 2 post ramp.
rigga said:
356D said:
https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/products/as-7...
I have this - is a scissor lift with independent platforms. Automotech were amazing to deal with and their post purchase support has been excellent also - I had some issues comissioning it due to my mechanical sympathy and they provided great tech support over the phone.
In terms of useability others have mentioned some of the pros and cons. Its superb for suspension, brake work etc. I have dropped an engine on an old Porsche and also the gearbox and both subframes on a mk5 golf. Access to the sills is perhaps the only limitation but I have made some wooden crib stands so I can raise the car on the lift, put the wheel stands under and then let the lift down out of the way.
I too have limted head height but having a car a metre off the ground makes life so much easier than axle stands and trolley jacks and its a superb compromise if there isn't room for a proper 2 post ramp.
I too have limited headroom in my garage, and as a ex mechanic I'd love one of those lifts, and would buy one if I could get it delivered to the rear of my house, down a unmade road, which I suspect they wouldn't, and just dump it on the drive at the front, where it would stay. I have this - is a scissor lift with independent platforms. Automotech were amazing to deal with and their post purchase support has been excellent also - I had some issues comissioning it due to my mechanical sympathy and they provided great tech support over the phone.
In terms of useability others have mentioned some of the pros and cons. Its superb for suspension, brake work etc. I have dropped an engine on an old Porsche and also the gearbox and both subframes on a mk5 golf. Access to the sills is perhaps the only limitation but I have made some wooden crib stands so I can raise the car on the lift, put the wheel stands under and then let the lift down out of the way.
I too have limted head height but having a car a metre off the ground makes life so much easier than axle stands and trolley jacks and its a superb compromise if there isn't room for a proper 2 post ramp.
When I explained this, they sent it with their engineer in a van with an engine crane to offload it instead
Sandy59 said:
I bought their 7532B mid rise lift which has been great so far, I also recessed it into the floor but it doesn't have to be.
To be honest I've only ever spoken them on the phone, and they've always been excellent in getting me transferred to the right person, and always resulting in any queries being fully dealt with there and then.
I've had various requested tech info e-mailed to me within minutes of a tel call.
I got the distinct impression their customer service/back up service was excellent and they could not have been more attentive and helpful any time I called.
I realise this is not your experience from an unanswered mail, but I'd maybe give them the benefit of the doubt here, maybe they didn't receive it for some reason ??
A couple of pictures here of my basic installation :To be honest I've only ever spoken them on the phone, and they've always been excellent in getting me transferred to the right person, and always resulting in any queries being fully dealt with there and then.
I've had various requested tech info e-mailed to me within minutes of a tel call.
I got the distinct impression their customer service/back up service was excellent and they could not have been more attentive and helpful any time I called.
I realise this is not your experience from an unanswered mail, but I'd maybe give them the benefit of the doubt here, maybe they didn't receive it for some reason ??
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/uAcgrXrj.jpg)
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/8dEWVij8.jpg)
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