Quick Jacks or Scissor Lift... which is best...?

[gcpeters]

Hi Everyone

I have been looking for quite some time to get a set of quick jacks but due to some of the negatives (the height), the fact you need to get the EXT to fit an F10 BMW on etc i have not yet clicked "buy now".

Whilst looking around i can see that if you spend a bit more you can get a scissor lift - such as the one here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AB-MR3000-3-ton-Vehicle...

Has anyone got a scissor lift like the one above and how do you get on with it?

thanks

GP

[Chris32345]

I've you have the height in the garage a scissor lift will always be better
But the quick jack's are portable and work within the height of the average garage

[Richyvrlimited]

I've been pondering the same, also have space for a 2 post, but it'd be tighter than the scissor lift linked.

Can you still do exhaust work / gearbox out type stuff on a Front engine RWD car with those things, or is access restricted?

Thinking specifically for an MX5

[rigga]

Scissor lift will be more useful, as even the low rise will raise the car a meter in the air, but, they are a heavy thing and although touted as being able to manoeuvre about, I doubt you'd be doing it more than once. Delivery was an issue for me too, as most wanted to dump the package on my front drive, nowhere near the garage at the bottom of the garden .

Quickjacks are very portable, and mine are upright in the corner of the garage when not used, raise the car enough to do most I want to, leaving the underside of the car free to work on.

I'd like a lift, but I'm OK with what I have.

[PhilF329]

I've been looking at this too. Has anyone had experience of one of those tilting scissor lifts that have adjustable width from say CJ Autos and would they recommend them?

I am quiet keen on a scissor lift with adjustable arms but as someone else said it wouldn't be portable and would have to be 'built in' to avoid getting in the way

Thanks in advance

[sjj84]

I've got a scissor lift, it's massively useful for many things. Currently using it as a height adjustable work bench whilst I'm doing a bit of woodwork. So much better than trying to squeeze on a workmate or working on the floor.

Mine is rated to 3.2t, easily manages to lift my 5 series.

[chrisch77]

I bought a set of quickjacks last year and have to say they are great; if you are restricted to a tight modern build garage like I am then a scissor lift wouldn’t work unless I put the car into the garage in one straight orientation.

With the quick jack I can drive in through one door of our double garage and turn the car at an angle to be able to work on it, then set the lift up. It wouldn’t be possible with a scissor lift as I would have to drive over it whilst turning in or out, and it would be impossible to slide into place after the car is in situ.

They also store nicely under my 6’ long workbench.

[jimPH]

gcpeters said:

Hi Everyone

I have been looking for quite some time to get a set of quick jacks but due to some of the negatives (the height), the fact you need to get the EXT to fit an F10 BMW on etc i have not yet clicked "buy now".

Whilst looking around i can see that if you spend a bit more you can get a scissor lift - such as the one here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AB-MR3000-3-ton-Vehicle...

Has anyone got a scissor lift like the one above and how do you get on with it?

thanks

GP

That looks like it has the nylon sliders, they'll break off. Look for metal bearings.

Make sure the lock solenoids are electric and you don't need compressed air

I got this and it's cheaper.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOBILE-SCISSOR-CAR-LIFT...

If i could do it again, I'd buy quick jacks. You don't need to be that high and its easier to position your car away from the wall and lift your car. Plus the 110mm or so is actually quite high to get your car on and it's a bit of a faff, especially if you are lowered. Plus you will always have the lift in the way when not using it.

Edited by jimPH on Tuesday 16th February 08:32

[PhilF329]

Thanks guys - interesting feedback. Has anyone used one of the tilting scissor lifts?

[chrisch77]

PhilF329 said:

Thanks guys - interesting feedback. Has anyone used one of the tilting scissor lifts?

No, I looked into that option but decided it was too inflexible, even if you get one of the ones with three different track lengths. It also looked like the lifting platforms may be too short to reach between the designated jacking points on typical cars I would want to use it on, so you are reliant on lifting directly on the sills - no thanks!

[PhilF329]

Thanks Chris, that's exactly what I thought.

Unless I build in a scissor lift, it sounds as though it a set of quick jacks then!