Scissor Lift Install Questions / Advice Needed

[flyinb501]

Hey Guys,

I would like to install a scissor lift in my garage and I'm planning on recessing it into the concrete so it is not in the way. I've been looking at these three units:

http://www.harborfreight.com/6000-lb-capacity-scissor-lift-91315.html

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/A...KFjaEZafbv3TrO_67I5crep3QhdTN4H4_YaAv8j8P8HAQ

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...9p8aUmEAvZyhgQrx0N8wKCMkmNHVF9lBtQaAku38P8HAQ

My predicament is which stall in my garage to install it. I'm leaning towards the 3rd stall (right side), which is longer than the other 2 stalls. I've included some pics below. I would have to put in a new wall mount garage door opener for sure. I'm afraid with the wall on the right side that I won't have enough room to work though.

I don't think the middle stall is an option because there is a floor drain between the left 2 stalls so the concrete is sloped. Also, I can't pull my truck in far enough to close the double garage door without the front of the truck practically touching the wall.

I will primarily be using this for a BMW 3 series, and occasionaly for a Dodge Ram 1500, and my wife's Infiniti JX35 SUV. My other concern is the lift reaching the jack points for various unibody framed vehicles.

Any feedback or advice you could offer me on the different lifts, and the install would be greatly appreciated.

 

[superskaterxes]

everything you need to know is in this thread

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35433

my personal advice (since i have my own scissor lift as well) is to put it on the right side and get rid of all that **** along the wall. Looks like theres plenty of room there and you never have to worry about not having enough room in front of the car to work.

 

[tc-cad]

I agree with superskaterxes. Also you may be able to install it far enough forward that you could leave garage door opener alone. Make some kind of cover for it so garage floor is flush just so you don't trip over it when walking.

 

[superskaterxes]

for the amount your going to spend to get it installed, the 8500 opener is a drop in the bucket.

 

[Matt M PA]

I have the Greg Smith lift in my middle bay. That garage door opener is set up off center....but I do have a torsion spring door which allows for such an installation.

I made a pair of wooden ramps so my daily driver (even the Viper) clears the lift with no issue.

If the OP wants to see my set-up etc, just say the word.

 

[flyinb501]

everything you need to know is in this thread

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35433

my personal advice (since i have my own scissor lift as well) is to put it on the right side and get rid of all that **** along the wall. Looks like theres plenty of room there and you never have to worry about not having enough room in front of the car to work.

Yep, I think that is the best option. I just need to figure out what to do with all that **** along the wall. I need more space. I'm still worried that I will only have about 2 feet on the right side of the car to work. Maybe that is enough...

I agree with superskaterxes. Also you may be able to install it far enough forward that you could leave garage door opener alone. Make some kind of cover for it so garage floor is flush just so you don't trip over it when walking.

I'll definitely want to make some type of cover so it is not in the way.

for the amount your going to spend to get it installed, the 8500 opener is a drop in the bucket.

Yep, I'm not worried about the cost of the new garage door opener. What kind of cost could I expect for the concrete work if I do all the demo myself? I didn't think it would be too bad...

I have the Greg Smith lift in my middle bay. That garage door opener is set up off center....but I do have a torsion spring door which allows for such an installation.

I made a pair of wooden ramps so my daily driver (even the Viper) clears the lift with no issue.

If the OP wants to see my set-up etc, just say the word.

The ramp idea would be fine if the lift was installed on one of the left side stalls because that is where we park cars. But on the right side stall that is reserved for a little aluminum dirt bike trailer, the Harley, and other misc stuff. So I'm constantly moving stuff around in that stall and the ramps would really get in the way. THat's why the only way I want to do it is recessed with a cover so it is like it's not even their when not in use.

 

[garagelogician]

Ever thought of a 4 post? Then you're not locked into one location if doing a bigger job (you could roll it over to the middle bay), and you can store stuff on it or raise it up out of the way when not in use. The only floor space you'd give up is for the posts.

I'm in a similar situation and considered an in-floor scissor lift as well (though my 3rd stall is shorter than the rest of the garage), and I've decided a 4 post is the best option for me. Won't have to deal with any concrete work at all either.

 

[CraigStu]

A lot of friends around the DC area have bought lifts-different styles-from Greg Smith. They are all happy so that would be my recommendation.