Does Your Body Hurt Less with a Lift?

[kngelv]

I have a 4-post with a rolling air jack. I got that over a 2-post because my concrete was too thin. Just built a second garage and still use the 4-post. Things are generally more accessible with a 2-post. 4-post is easier to use. Before I got the air jack I used a small airbag jack and jackstands with two rolling jack trays. It was a pain in the *** compared to the air jack. I would strongly advise that you factor in the airjack cost when buying a 4-post lift. Like others I also use my lift for things that a 2-post would not work for so it's a bit more versatile. And yes it has been a pain saver for sure. There is not one person with a lift who will ever wish they did not have one.

James

 

[ATC]

Here’s the solution.

Pffft....I've been doing that for years!

 

[kbeefy]

I love having a lift. I certainly feel better after a day working than when I was doing it on the ground.

I keep a stack of gym floor cushions handy for kneeeling on when positioning the arms. Most unibody cars I can rack on the pinch weld without even kneeling or looking.

 

[finn]

Different strokes ...

I'm in my early 70s and stalling on a knee replacement with steroid shots. For my 2 post lift I keep two kneepads at each column. When lifting a vehicle I toss a kneepad down at each lift point. I find that makes a huge difference versus kneeling on bare concrete, or lugging one kneepad around. So no regrets here on 2-post versus 4.

Though I don't always bother, there are lots of potential supports nearby to help me get up (post jacks, ****** jack, rolling stool, etc.) For positioning pads at lift points I usually only need to get down on one knee, a position I can recover from more or less gracefully.

Typical car repair for me is a couple of minutes setting the lift points and then hours working on the vehicle. The wear and tear from the latter activity isn't trivial, and I think would be worse on a 4 post lift for the kind of repairs I do.

I’m about your age, and have both a two post and two four post lifts. I’ll dispute your opinion (although I respect it). Having both, four posts are the only way to go.

I realize I am being redundant., but unless you have both, it’s not likely you can look at the situation objectively

 

[marquess]

Those big thick pads are the ticket. I have one on each side.

I have knee pads like that scattered all over my workshop and utility buildings. When my knees hurt enough that I'm thinking twice about walking 50' to the other side of the building to fetch one, I don't want the temptation of skipping a kneepad "just this time".

Those style kneepads are about $8 each in packs of 3 or 4. I have at least a dozen in my largest outbuilding (the one with the lift).

A much younger (late 50s) friend recently gifted me a "balance pad" which is an even thicker better version of a kneepad. Not being a gym rat I had no clue there was such a thing. They are ~3" thick and large. For the lift I just use the standard kneepads for the quick up and down, but for more extended kneeling I use the balance pads.

 

[ATC]

I have knee pads like that scattered all over my workshop and utility buildings. When my knees hurt enough that I'm thinking twice about walking 50' to the other side of the building to fetch one, I don't want the temptation of skipping a kneepad "just this time".

Those style kneepads are about $8 each in packs of 3 or 4. I have at least a dozen in my largest outbuilding (the one with the lift).

A much younger (late 50s) friend recently gifted me a "balance pad" which is an even thicker better version of a kneepad. Not being a gym rat I had no clue there was such a thing. They are ~3" thick and large. For the lift I just use the standard kneepads for the quick up and down, but for more extended kneeling I use the balance pads.

I need to break down and get some myself. My knees aren't 'bad', but I cannot get on my knees on a hard surface. It's like I don't have kneecaps or something...the pain is intense. Kneeling on grass, carpet, etc....I'm fine. I have kneepads (the kind you strap to your legs), but I don't like using them.

 

[marquess]

I’m about your age, and have both a two post and two four post lifts. I’ll dispute your opinion (although I respect it). Having both, four posts are the only way to go.

I realize I am being redundant., but unless you have both, it’s not likely you can look at the situation objectively

Both would be best, and if I had a 4 post too I'd for sure use it some smaller percentage of the time. Not an option for me alas, not due to cost so much as limited floor space. The wife says no more outbuildings.

I should also note that most guys my age seem to have some degree of back pain in addition to inevitable bad knees etc. I have been very blessed with (so far) zero back issues. I'm sure my perspective would change if my back as well as my knees hurt when I bent over.

 

[dante2]

I love having a lift. I certainly feel better after a day working than when I was doing it on the ground.

I keep a stack of gym floor cushions handy for kneeeling on when positioning the arms. Most unibody cars I can rack on the pinch weld without even kneeling or looking.

I did something similar with my lift cart. The cart is great for pulling a tire without letting the lift all the way down.

 

[marquess]

Most unibody cars I can rack on the pinch weld without even kneeling or looking.

Excellent point. I often use magnetic pucks for pinch welds. I can usually place those by feel (I get down on one knee on a kneepad but I could bend over enough by crouching a bit and using the car for support) and swing the lift pads under also by feel. I never have to get my face close to the ground. Then I can visually sanity-check placement while standing up.

My only problem with magnetic pucks is remembering to recover them. I had a friends car up on the lift Sunday night. It was late and I was tired and he drove off with all four pucks still attached. Fortunately he recovered all four.

 

[ratdoggy]

There's a reason every repair shop has a couple.
Crawling around on the ground isn't fun

 

[HogDude]

So I guess no one regrets getting a lift. You guys are going to make me go broke.

Now you're getting the hang of it. GJ exposes us to things we didn't know we needed.
Or as my wife would say, "wants & needs....."

 

[Jazz1]

Exactly how i got my first hernia,,,legs were to far apart when i lifted..under the knife 3 weeks later…
dang Pontiacs!!

 

[FTG-05]

In addition to vehicles, I use my 2 post Atlas lift as adjustable height work bench at times.

BBQ smoker mods; far easier to work standing upright vs squatting on the ground.




Attaching the diesel tank to my farm fuel trailer. Previously, I had added a leaf spring to each spring pack on this trailer. It was far easier to work on with the trailer upside down on the lift vs. it being on the ground right side up.




Installing and de-installing the concrete, lead and steel wheel weights on my tractor (~250 lbs each):




Get the lift, you'll appreciate far longer than remembering the price.

 

[finn]

Both would be best, and if I had a 4 post too I'd for sure use it some smaller percentage of the time. Not an option for me alas, not due to cost so much as limited floor space. The wife says no more outbuildings.

I should also note that most guys my age seem to have some degree of back pain in addition to inevitable bad knees etc. I have been very blessed with (so far) zero back issues. I'm sure my perspective would change if my back as well as my knees hurt when I bent over.

Time to break in a new wife in order to get another shop built!

I have both knee and back pain, but primarily back.

I swear I spend more time looking at cars on the lift than working on them these days.

Off to the big city, ( population 25000) to see the pain Dr. about some Facet block shots Friday. Oh Joy!

 

[kbeefy]

Look, xtra wide just fits a trailer....



Also useful for putting a 500# top on your van....

 

[Blk88GT]

Yes, absolutely. No more brutal tension headaches.

 

[Jetfixr320]

My Buddy and I share shop space, been wrenching for a long time, both well into Our 50's. We bought a 2 post and a 4 post last year.
We both said that we should have got lifts a long time ago!

I prefer the 2 post lift. Obviously takes a little more effort getting the car lifted. But, definitely more access.

 

[aka Larry]

I love seeing alternate uses of 2-post lifts.

I've used mine to unloaded a large toolbox off the back of a pick-up, and to even rotate a utility trailer upside down. I used it once to raise the back half of a boat trailer (with the boat on it) ld replace the leaf springs. Most recently I used to move a heavy steel wood stove from my trailer to the shop floor.

 

[firebirdparts]

Since we're comparing notes, I've lifted a hot tub with mine. Twice.

 

[marquess]

Time to break in a new wife in order to get another shop built!
...

Eh, after 50 years I just barely have this one trained and that took a lot of work. I'll have to make do with four outbuildings.

 

[gizardlizard]

I lift every piece of equipment I own with my two post. Two dirt bikes (made adapters for bikes) zero turn tractor, three vehicles, side by side and trailer. Only regret was not having one years ago. I’m old and have zero problems setting the arms. The day I realize I can’t get off the floor, is the day I no longer belong wrenching in the garage.

 

[Smilodon]

In addition to vehicles, I use my 2 post Atlas lift as adjustable height work bench at times.

BBQ smoker mods; far easier to work standing upright vs squatting on the ground.

Your car isn't smoking, but your smoker thinks it's a car...

 

[67King]

The only thing that comes close to the best value as my lift is my pressure washer. And it isn't just about comfort, it is also about safety.

 

[clutchee]

100% worth it!

3 years ago, wife surprised me at Christmas with it. Having lower back issues and putting off surgery she knew I loved my shop time and crawling around wasn’t helping my back.

Since then, she’s made jokes about how much I use it or have projects on it.

Last year got deal on 4 post from a close friend who passed. It was setup and had old hot rod on it.

Now, I tell everyone, just spend the money on one.

Since buying, buddies needing to “use it” have paid rental in bbq, crown royal, and other donated stuff.
My only rule is noting overnight, if so, they seem to camp out.

 

[pbon]

I am slower getting up and down at 61 than 31. Back then it would not bother me to get out from under the car 10 times to get a part or tool, or to set the car in jackstands. I still could, but would rather not. Had a 2 post lift in my last garage and prefer them for their greater under car access, but my current garage has a wood floor so I cannot have a 2 post (I do have 7 steel beams helping support the wood floor). 4 post is still way better than no lift.

 

[BobnCO]

Also useful for putting a 500# top on your van....

That’s a sweet top, where did you find that. I want to build out a simple cargo van but don’t prefer the canvas type.

 

[kbeefy]

That’s a sweet top, where did you find that. I want to build out a simple cargo van but don’t prefer the canvas type.

Found it used on Marketplace, didn't really fit my van but I made it work.
My last campervan was a canvas pop top, this one with real glass windows and real screens is much better.
The original manufactuer was Chefs Campers, I guess they were based in WA but they were before the internet and it's hard to find much info online.

Pop over to my build thread if you want to discuss it further...

campervan build Link

 

[TerryH]

Absolutely! My old body says I should have bought one decades ago. Many times I just raise it part way and use my rolling mechanics seat. I don't even bend over to clean wheels any more. Also should be noted that we had the transmission out of this car 5 times before I bought the lift. lol...

 

[BruceMc]

Get the lift, you'll appreciate far longer than remembering the price.

When I was debating spending the money, I even made a spreadsheet with the different brands, shipping costs, and all the options. I knew to the penny how much it was going to cost me.

Ten years later I couldn't tell you what it cost without digging up the old invoices.

 

[Glemon]

I don't know if it makes that big a difference to my body, it is not too hard on me to work lying on my back, but getting up and down sure is less fun than it used to be.

Pain from wrenching is usually from reaching into hard to access places and contorting hands or arms to get there, scraping them getting in or out, leaning over the hood (back) crawling backwards into the footwells to work under the dash.

One huge difference, if you work on crusty old cars you can remove parts without a bunch of rust flakes or PB Blaster dropping in and on your face, hair and eyes.

As I have said before, light, leverage, and access you get with a lift make jobs so much easier, saves a lot of time and effort.

 

[Demon69]

For guys with a lift, does your body hurt less after working on your car? Is the pain a lot less or just a little
It will be a big spend for me, so I am debating if it is worth it.

If youve got the ceiling height, have a think about what sort of work youll be doing and go for it