truly portable 2 post lift idea

[whateg01]

I see 2 post lifts that are described as portable, but they still require bolting to the floor. (I've also seen the one on a trailer that really is portable, but that's not really what this is about.)


There are the multipoint lift systems used to lift larger vehicles, where each post synchronously lifts an individual tire of a larger vehicle.


I have also seen ads for a single post lift that extends under the vehicle.


Why are there no 2 post lifts that merge these ideas. So, two individual posts, best tied together at the bottom somehow, that perhaps have outriggers extending fore and aft to keep the vehicle from tipping forward or aft, that could be disassembled and stored in the corner but set up anywhere the ground/floor is level? The closest I recall seeing is this, but it seems something vertical would be stronger.

 

[geartow]

The Mohawk universal scissor lift is close to what you are seeking . But they haven't been made for 10+years and are highly sout after on the used market. Bringing more used than when sold new.

 

[finn]

Considering how much steel is required, are they really all that portable?

Shipping weight on a commercially available bolt down two post lift runs in the 1600-2000 lb range from what I remember. Adding outriggers will increase that, probably significantly.

 

[mike93lx]

I see 2 post lifts that are described as portable, but they still require bolting to the floor. (I've also seen the one on a trailer that really is portable, but that's not really what this is about.)


There are the multipoint lift systems used to lift larger vehicles, where each post synchronously lifts an individual tire of a larger vehicle.


I have also seen ads for a single post lift that extends under the vehicle.


Why are there no 2 post lifts that merge these ideas. So, two individual posts, best tied together at the bottom somehow, that perhaps have outriggers extending fore and aft to keep the vehicle from tipping forward or aft, that could be disassembled and stored in the corner but set up anywhere the ground/floor is level? The closest I recall seeing is this, but it seems something vertical would be stronger.

Why is this a problem that needs solving? What's the use case that justifies all those outriggers just to avoid a few bolts?

Seems like a setup that would be such a pain in the *** to setup that it would never get used. Even my quick Jacks are heavy enough that I am not excited to get them setup

 

[zkdiesel]

Y not? Because of liability and dumbasses using them wrongly on gravel, dirt, a slope and suing.

There are options for portable. But there isn’t a good system for a full scale 2 post that’s not bolted down

You realize if the posts aren’t square and plumb as you go up with the arms the arms will change distance apart, usually resulting in the arm “popping” on the spot you have the pad on? Don’t believe me, go try it with a model with the posts leaving in/out or front to back

 

[m6z]

Portable lifts are a farce.

I guess it's all in the advertising.

Could I put something like a Max Jack in my small two car garage? Sure, but now it's a one car garage, because unbolting it and moving it every time I need to do an oil change is unpractical.

 

[MadMechMaster]

A possible use case would be to use it over a slab of unknown quality/condition. A bolt in requires a good base. A system with outriggers would spread the load far out past the center of gravity.

A mid-rise system that takes down to ~200-250 lb components would be ideal for the home gamer. Vs something like the QuickJack.

 

[mike93lx]

A possible use case would be to use it over a slab of unknown quality/condition. A bolt in requires a good base. A system with outriggers would spread the load far out past the center of gravity.

A mid-rise system that takes down to ~200-250 lb components would be ideal for the home gamer. Vs something like the QuickJack.

200lb components? Really?

My QJ frames are 100lb and even as big as I am (6'5" 220lb) they are solidly at a weight that could injure me if one slipped. Building a "portable" solution made up of 200 lb components is nuts

 

[MadMechMaster]

It depends on what portable means to the user. A single MaxJax column is about 300 lb. Once delivered and set up on wheels, it shouldn't be too bad to move around on site. This is probably what the OP is looking for.

A lift like this wouldn't be something to take to track day. Nor would it be for a skinny 16 year old to set up alone.

 

[username2]

"Why are there no 2 post lifts that merge these ideas."

It's certainly an area that could always use another invention. I see the problem. Material costs, expensive-to-ship, issues with safety standards and liability, different needs (access to periphery, access to middle), setup time.

I always thought it would be kind of cool to have 'jackstands' that bolted in place of the wheels. You don't get a standing-height setup, but it sure would be stable and relatively inexpensive.

 

[mike93lx]

I always thought it would be kind of cool to have 'jackstands' that bolted in place of the wheels. You don't get a standing-height setup, but it sure would be stable and relatively inexpensive.

What benefit would that offer over just jackstands? I'm not picturing it.

 

[username2]

What benefit would that offer over just jackstands? I'm not picturing it.

Can't fall off or tip over since it's mechanically connected. Maybe put casters on it. I'm a huge fraidy-cat when dealing with something like a clutch under a car on jackstands (and a jack and a spare tire and some wood).

 

[mike93lx]

Can't fall off or tip over since it's mechanically connected. Maybe put casters on it. I'm a huge fraidy-cat when dealing with something like a clutch under a car on jackstands (and a jack and a spare tire and some wood).

If your jackstands are at risk of tipping over, you need better stands and to learn how to set them up. That's not something that needs to be bolted to a car.

If you can do the work with stands bolted to the hubs, just drive the car up onto ramps

 

[username2]

If your jackstands are at risk of tipping over, you need better stands and to learn how to set them up.

Thanks. That's the problem. I'm just too stupid.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Two post lifts are already relatively cheap. What's expensive is the concrete and tall ceiling so that they're both safe and useful.

-Ryan

 

[mike93lx]

Thanks. That's the problem. I'm just too stupid.

Not always about being stupid and I didn't say you were. Lack of experience, training and confidence can also be factors.

A car should be absolutely rock solid on jackstands. Anything less and you would be stupid to get under it

 

[VolvoRyan]

Can't fall off or tip over since it's mechanically connected. Maybe put casters on it. I'm a huge fraidy-cat when dealing with something like a clutch under a car on jackstands (and a jack and a spare tire and some wood).

Honestly, being a fraidy-cat is a good quality to have.

Get the overkill jackstands for the really high lifts. For example 4-6 ton for a car. Double up on the jack stands.... and stack wheels up near where you're working. I've done a number of rear main seals this way.

-Ryan

 

[whateg01]

Absolutely right about two posts needing to be parallel. That could be done a couple of ways, but I can see where it would be an opportunity for error.

As far as tipping is concerned, that would be the reason for outriggers, or legs, or whatever. Similar to this lift. In fact, I like the idea behind this one, except that the reason for a 2 post vs 4 post is being able to get to the middle of the vehicle to, say, drop the engine/****** out.

One demographic that I could see benefitting from a portable lift that isn't bolted down would be renters. The landlord might not like a bunch of holes drilled and anchors set in the driveway. Another, as mentioned already, would be where the existing slab isn't capable of supporting a lift with that small of a footprint, but spread out, it could.

 

[mike93lx]

A 4 post with a bridge jack satisfies that issue.

 

[Old Man Roger]

A 4 post with a bridge jack satisfies that issue.

Not very portable though. Some might not be able to leave it set up in the driveway full-time.

 

[mike93lx]

Not very portable though. Some might not be able to leave it set up in the driveway full-time.

Just as portable as a 2 post made up of 200+ lb parts, IMO

 

[Old Man Roger]

Always wanted a set of used car lot display ramps.

 

[whateg01]

A 4 post with a bridge jack satisfies that issue.

Not when the subframe has to come out with it.

 

[mike93lx]

Not when the subframe has to come out with it.

Lol. There is always an excuse about why something can't work.

A 4 post can be used for basically anything. You can set the car on stands on the ramps for extra clearance.

Besides that pulling a sub frame is not a common procedure

Good luck in solving this problem

 

[whateg01]

Besides that pulling a sub frame is not a common procedure

Pulling motors from modern vehicles, dropping the subframe is in fact pretty common. Working on many modern trucks, it's fairly common to lift the cab off the frame rather than pulling the motor, which is easiest to do by lifting the cab. So I guess you can call that an excuse if you want but just because it's not something you do regularly didn't mean it's rare.

 

[mike93lx]

Pulling motors from modern vehicles, dropping the subframe is in fact pretty common. Working on many modern trucks, it's fairly common to lift the cab off the frame rather than pulling the motor, which is easiest to do by lifting the cab. So I guess you can call that an excuse if you want but just because it's not something you do regularly didn't mean it's rare.

If you are regularly pulling motors, lifting cabs and removing subframes, you need a better workspace, not a portable lift.

No one operating a real business doing these things would use a portable lift like you are describing, in my opinion. Maybe your needs are completely contrary to that.

 

[zkdiesel]

Pulling motors from modern vehicles, dropping the subframe is in fact pretty common. Working on many modern trucks, it's fairly common to lift the cab off the frame rather than pulling the motor, which is easiest to do by lifting the cab. So I guess you can call that an excuse if you want but just because it's not something you do regularly didn't mean it's rare.

Yes but those are shop type jobs. Real shops have real lifts. Buy a shop, build a garage, or pour concrete.

Where do you store such portable 2 post? If guy doesn’t have space for a real one probably doesn’t have space to store one

 

[whateg01]

...

I always thought it would be kind of cool to have 'jackstands' that bolted in place of the wheels. You don't get a standing-height setup, but it sure would be stable and relatively inexpensive.

There are things like that. I don't know if I would call them jack stands since they are a single height solution, or at least the ones I've seen were.

Hub Stand

Hub Stand is designed to allow you to easily make caster and camber adjustments, saving you time & effort while improving accuracy & repeatability.

www.hub-stand.com

 

[mike93lx]

There are things like that. I don't know if I would call them jack stands since they are a single height solution, or at least the ones I've seen were.

Hub Stand

Hub Stand is designed to allow you to easily make caster and camber adjustments, saving you time & effort while improving accuracy & repeatability.

www.hub-stand.com

WARNING: Do not go under the vehicle when using Hub-Stand — Do not use Hub-Stands as a dolly — Do not exceed 800lbs per Hub-Stand

 

[mike93lx]

Always wanted a set of used car lot display ramps.

There is a set for sale in Indiana on Craigslist ...

 

[finn]

Interesting thread. Late in my career, I had the misfortune of having the responsibility of screening outside inventions dumped on me. I met some interesting people, like Bruce Crowley, Doc Watson, and others.

I quickly learned that inventors and ideal men are pretty touchy, and you have to be careful to avoid leaving the impression that you have the opinion their baby is ugly.

Almost all of them start getting pretty defensive as soon as you give them advice or do a critique on their idea. Guess it’s human nature.

You, as an inventor, really need to take an unbiased look at your idea, list the advantages, and potential faults, failure modes, costs, physical constraints, and adverse consequences. Also, possible corrective actions

 

[MadMechMaster]

There's a point where what a home gamer want's to do crosses into semi-pro. That's when you should maybe get into a pole barn with a real, permanently installed lift. The proposed lift would have to function in a low height garage with a bad slab. That would be its major advantage. But the mid height hurts my neck and back thinking about working under it.

A floor jack and a set of stands will get the job done for infrequent use. Someone with a small family fleet of 4 cars would be doing oil, brakes, tire rotate, inspections and such often enough for something like a Quick Jack to be worth the price. That's where I am looking at the moment. I'm curious if anyone has safely dropped a FWD drivetrain or pulled a trans with one.

I wouldn't get the value out of MaxJax at over $3k, since the last time I changed a motor was 20 years ago.

 

[Old Man Roger]

There's a point where what a home gamer want's to do crosses into semi-pro. That's when you should maybe get into a pole barn with a real, permanently installed lift. The proposed lift would have to function in a low height garage with a bad slab. That would be its major advantage. But the mid height hurts my neck and back thinking about working under it.

A floor jack and a set of stands will get the job done for infrequent use. Someone with a small family fleet of 4 cars would be doing oil, brakes, tire rotate, inspections and such often enough for something like a Quick Jack to be worth the price. That's where I am looking at the moment. I'm curious if anyone has safely dropped a FWD drivetrain or pulled a trans with one.

I wouldn't get the value out of MaxJax at over $3k, since the last time I changed a motor was 20 years ago.

I’ve changed the engine in an 02 firebird using jack stands and a chain hoist. In a 1 car garage. Yes, you have to take it out the bottom.

 

[m6z]

I’ve changed the engine in an 02 firebird using jack stands and a chain hoist. In a 1 car garage. Yes, you have to take it out the bottom.

You don't have to take it out the bottom, but it's certainly faster.

 

[Old Man Roger]

You don't have to take it out the bottom, but it's certainly faster.

I guess, but I didn’t see it coming out in one piece that way.

 

[whateg01]

I guess, but I didn’t see it coming out in one piece that way.

Yeah I don't see the engine, transmission, transfer case, and subframe coming out the top on my SRX

 

[Old Man Roger]

Yeah I don't see the engine, transmission, transfer case, and subframe coming out the top on my SRX

I meant just the engine..lol

 

[m6z]

I guess, but I didn’t see it coming out in one piece that way.

No. We pulled the heads and then the short block. It was a pain. If you've only got a cherry picker, it'll work though. We were just swapping the short block though, so all that stuff had to come off anyway.

 

[Old Man Roger]

No. We pulled the heads and then the short block. It was a pain. If you've only got a cherry picker, it'll work though. We were just swapping the short block though, so all that stuff had to come off anyway.

No way in hell I would go through that, half the engine is under the windshield..lol

 

[garfieldzzz]

Absolutely right about two posts needing to be parallel. That could be done a couple of ways, but I can see where it would be an opportunity for error.

As far as tipping is concerned, that would be the reason for outriggers, or legs, or whatever. Similar to this lift. In fact, I like the idea behind this one, except that the reason for a 2 post vs 4 post is being able to get to the middle of the vehicle to, say, drop the engine/****** out.

….]

We got one at work, its a flimsy useless POS getting pushed from one to another corner as apart from tyre changes its good for nothing.