Single Post vs. Scissor Lift - Advice and thoughts?

[Corellian Corvette]

I need some advice. I'm really in need of a lift, but due to space limitations and the premium I have on parking, there is no room for a 2- or 4- post lift in my shop so those are out of the question.

That means my choices are somewhat limited. I would like the convenience of having a full-height lift capacity, as I would like to have easier access when working on my 60's era muscle cars. Ceiling height is not an issue.

I need something that I can park on/over when not in use, as again, parking is at a premium.

I think I've narrowed my choices to either a single-post lift (like the Atlas SP6000)

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-SP6000-Single-Post-Specialty-Lift-p/tp-xl-sp6000.htm

or something the SLP-7K Full Rise Scissor Lift.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ATTD-SLP7K

I would like to get some real-world thoughts on these options.*@#$

I can see the advantages of the scissor lift in terms of stability, less space, easier to park on, and it appears like better under-car access. It also seems like it would be easier to 'move' if need be.

The single-post I'm nervous about stability, it's a permanent install, and the under-car access APPERS to be a little more limited... BUT if it works I get another parking space!

I would love some real world experiences and the pros- cons- of these options. I'm particularly curious about which one gives more flexibility for working on the cars.

Also - the only other full size scissor I've seen is from BendPack, and its 2x the cost. If there are others out there please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

 

[356vintage]

I've had this single post lift installed over 5 years now and I really like it.
While these cars weigh less than your Corvette, the lift remains very stable for our use.
I won't gloss over the fact that you can walk up to it and move the lift by pushing on it from one corner. It does move a little.
I was a little hesitant when planning for the single post because we live in earth quake country. I've strapped the upper car to the lift just in case of a shake.
The accessibility is good but without a jack system that spans the two ramps, you are limited to working on the underside of the cars. These are available.
To be perfectly honest, this is more of a parking lift but it works well for these light Porsche cars. Plus, I wanted compact parking for both cars.

 

[ptins]

Who manufactures this lift?

 

[ersatzs2]

There is extensive conversation about scissor lifts so just use the search function; there are many alternatives to what you portray here and and one direct-from-china alternative that many on GJ have used and love.

There is not a lot of discussion about single posts, but here is some:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77246

I am in the process of buying the BendPak which is tres cher but all the other options seem like 'off' brands that I'm not sure I trust. But I've never seen the one 356Vin posted so hoping he also posts source & mfr.

See bendpak installed here:
http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-s...9645-help-acr-lift-garage-recomendations.html

 

[356vintage]

Here is the lift I have in my garage. www.geminilift.com
It's a small company in Texas. They sell direct or through their dealer network.
I bought mine about 6 years ago, had it painted gray and shortened the ramps (cause I didn't need them long). Gemini did the work and shipped via truck to me in California. The only thing I would have done differently is recess the base into the concrete floor.
Rich

 

[Berg]

I love my Bend pak ... Its just too compact and safe . Local BMW shop uses these ... I'm pinched for space so the SPX7 iirc is the way to go.

 

[GrandmaSideways]

My old boss owns a luxury boutique dealership and has a loft downtown with one space.
Frankly, I don't like his single post. The cars dance around, and well, I just see his rangerover bouncing and shaking as it gets lifted and it freaks me out. I half expect it to just fall off one day. I frankly don't feel safe leaving the cars on or under it. Call me crazy. A four post is the way to go if you can. doubt it'd be much more space than a single. Keep in mind the deck of all the single posts I've ever seen are solid, so really, you won't be working on it. Of course, it won't drip on a car underneath it.
For your amusement, please see my friend getting stuff out of his trunk on top of the single post hoist, using the hatch of a Panamera as a step ladder.

 

[ersatzs2]

The cars dance around, and well, I just see his rangerover bouncing and shaking as it gets lifted and it freaks me out. I half expect it to just fall off one day. I frankly don't feel safe leaving the cars on or under it.

I hear you , which is one reason the BendPak single post is appealing despite the really premium price (~$6K)

I know a four post is much more stable/solid and a lot cheaper, it's just that once you put one in, you have sacrificed that floor space forever. I have been using my floor area in a lot of configurations, and I like the idea of storing one car up in the air with two cars under it on a tangent. That way I can pack three cars into a small space during winter, and still have room near the benches and a fully accessible second bay...

The Texas company Gemini looks really interesting Vintage356 thanks for the link I have contacted them. Negatives vs the Bendpak would appear to be: the large threshold remaining under the car(which you said you would've recessed) and my suspician that it is somewhat lighter than the BendPak in terms of stability.

Unfortunately this is one of those things you have to decide without actually seeing, so thanks for the descriptions.

 

[356vintage]

The Gemini lift is certainly not the only one and BendPak does make a nice lift. I didn't need a lift that holds heavy weight for our vintages Porsches. By the way, I had mine made large enough to handle a new sports car if I ever decided to park it on the lift.
This lift does not have a solid floor and working under a car is doable. If I needed to do brakes or remove wheels I'd buy the lift jacks that span the ramps. I've removed motors and gear boxes from our cars while on this lift, and it's very convenient.
Having said that, if I had the space, I'd buy a 4 post lift, for stability.
Yes, the lift does move around a little but I never thought of it as being too unstable. Our cars are fairly light.
We live in earthquake country, I strap the car on the lift to the lift with two straps just as an extra precaution. The total answer, no, but it gives me a little piece of mind.

 

[LWW]

using the hatch of a Panamera as a step ladder.

That's the best use for that "Porsche" I've seen so far!

 

[39Tudor]

I have a Mohawk USL-6000 Scissor Lift in my garage.
Fully collapsed it measures about 5 inches high.
Works well in my garage with 9'6" ceilings.
Can raise my Ranger high enough to do wheel and brake service as well as changing oil.
Provides a narrow corridor to access the centerline of the vehicle so it could be used for transmission and drive shaft service.

Hydraulic cart has a quick connect for hydraulic and air supply for the lock release. It is currently set up for 110V operation but I plan to rewire to 220V.

One other advantage is that it is portable and I can roll it out on the driveway in front of the garage if I need to raise anything to a full 6 foot working height.

I plan to recess mine into the floor because my mustang will not clear and I am currently using ramps constructed from 2X12s.

I purchased mine used from a member here on the site.

I'm very satisfied with my purchase. Here's a link to the Mohawk site.

http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/consumer/browse-lifts/scissor-lifts/usl-6000/

Jerry