Help me pick a lift...

[YourNameHere]

Hey guys, newbie here. Hope Im putting this in an ok forum section. I've read all the threads on both of the options Im looking at. I still can't decide.

Im a hobbyist. I enjoy working on my cars. The heaviest work I get into is engine/tran swaps and the such. Some light fabrication. I've done all this in the past with a jack and stands just fine. However moving into a new home and would like to buy myself a treat.

New garage is roughly 17.5 x 27.5 with ceilings around 9 - 9.5' (Im sorry I forgot to get an exact measurement on height, I just remember I can't reach them standing at 6' tall and have to jump a little)

Im lost between:

http://www.bendpak.com/Shop-Equipment/QuickJack/BL-5000.aspx

Which seems to run right around $1300

-or-

http://bigboysgaragetoys.com/car-lifts/dannmar-maxjax-dmj-6-car-lift/

Which is the cheapest I can find at $2200


There are some key similarities between the two given they are both "portable". However the quick jack is considerably more portable in my opinion.

The quick jack only goes up 20" vs like 40" on the max jax but I've done everything prior with only 18" of floor jack.

Its a huge catch 22 for me. One is ultra portable which is nice. The other is slightly portable but lifts more. But that $1,000 difference? Is it worth it to you?

Which would you get or would/could you recommend me yet another option?

 

[Spirit20]

I looked at both of these when I started to look at hoists. I have a 10' height. I ended up with a 4 post drive on hoist. only bad thing (if u want to call it that) is when taking the wheels off I put bottle jacks on the hoist to do that. But I am standing when I put them on rocker. I definitely feel more secure with this hoist. It did come with casters so I can move it if I need, a bit harder to do. I would say don't go cheap just because it is cheaper, get what you think you will use. As I say when I worked only with hand tools it was good then I went to pneumatic tools & find it very hard to go back.

 

[djbmw]

If cost is a concern,... look for a used lift. Personally I would go with a two post design (I have a base plate lift currently but it is not portable). A two post lift (vs the scissor lift) will typically give you more height (easier to work under the car), and more access to the undercarriage (the lift isnt in the way).

So, between the two you mentioned, my vote is the MaxJax (but you can find it cheaper than the link you posted)

 

[Jvvmusme]

I have both. Winner : maxjax

 

[regguy1]

I have about same ceiling height as your garage, see photos and videos of lift here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140674&highlight=26'+30'+Garage+photos+videos

Stick with the 2 post for full under car access.

Here's a great thread comparing the 2 styles of lifts:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75488&highlight=MaxJax

 

[YourNameHere]

Awesome. Thank you for the input. I appreciate it.