Two post or Scissor?

[Fyrme]

I know, I know.

Obviously this topic has been covered before. The one thing I'm not reading though is the everyday functionality of the full height lift scissors like the BendPak SP-7X. To me, they look real narrow in the center between the pads. Has any of you guys with a scissor regretted buying one due to working room? Or even some of you mechanics that use them in a commercial shop.
I am hoping to be ready to pour my slab by spring and I will add a lift at some point down the road. When exactly, I don't know. My first choice is the 2 post style, but the draw back for me is the posts. My shop has essentially three bays. The left and right bay have lofts above and are supported by a post on either side. This basically leaves me with a 12' bay, 18' bay, and a 10' bay. The lift will go in the 18' bay with 10'-6" side walls and scissor trusses that go up to 15'ish. What I'm worried about is with a 2 post, I'll be dealing with 4 vertical posts (two on each side) in the center of the shop. This reason peaks my interest on the scissor lifts. I would plan on recessing the scissor if I go that route as well, giving me even more open room to do other jobs.
The BendPak is rated at 7000lbs and would be maxed out with my dreamers wish list truck, and it's just that most likely, a dream. But realistically a 5500-6500lb vehicle would be the heaviest I'd lift. Also the lift would serve me as a general DIY garage lift. Anything from a riding mower, to a Transmission swap on my Grand Waggy, to a make shift temporary over sized work surface in the middle of the shop.
So now that I drew that out, can I get some feed back on some negatives that you've experienced?

 

[evildky]

If you can fit a 2 post, get a 2 post. There is a reason every shop in the works uses them (except rover because their crappy air suspension shits the bed). If you got the cash you can also do a 2 post in ground cartridge lift, more money but no posts.

 

[rburke65]

I have nothing to compare to as I only own a 2 post lift but I like mine. I have never owned a scissor lift.

 

[jgorm]

Scissor lifts are for those with limited clearance, or guys that only change tires. 2 post for sure.

 

[metalhead140]

Scissor lift is awesome. Only drawback I can think of that I have experienced is that my engine crane legs don't quite fit between the ramps. I'll probably modify it so I can set up the legs a bit narrower. The ideal solution would be an overhead/gantry crane. You have a theoretical issue with working on things under the car on the outer floor pans/sills, but realistically the access is good with lifting blocks between the car and the ramps, and there's really not much that normally needs working on in that area anyway.

The space between the ramps , at least on mine, is plenty, more than enough to work in, drop a gearbox in, etc. I think it is better than a 2 post - you have adjustable height work platforms that can be used to lift anything or as a bench. Can be a motorcycle lift without much effort. Also, it is awesome for low cars. I have lifted several cars that have to be put up onto blocks to get them high enough to lift with a 2 post. With the scissor lift you just drive them over and lift them up. Makes life much easier!

In a perfect world I'd actually have one of each (maybe one day...), but for a single hoist in a smaller home workshop I think the in ground scissor hoist can't be beat.

 

[GPKughn]

I love my scissor lift. We work on cars, trucks, trailers, and snowmobiles. It is a great all around lift that I feel very safe under. As a previous poster said, not being able to get a engine hoist between the the rails is a draw back. But that is about the only negative I have found.

 

[metalhead140]

Scissor lifts are for those with limited clearance, or guys that only change tires. 2 post for sure.

Ever used one? Just my opinion, but I think you're way off. The reason most shops have 2 posts is because they're cheaper. A number of high end dealerships have in floor scissors.

 

[Paul Bird]

Scissor lifts are for those with limited clearance, or guys that only change tires. 2 post for sure.

Wrong. I just built a 3,500 sq foot garage and have two scissor lifts. And I have room and ceiling height (13') for 10 two post lifts.

 

[Kevin54]

I would like to have a two post, but due to limited space, I think I an going to have to go with a 4 post that has mobile wheels on it.

One thing about a two post, with todays cars, if you work on them a lot, most of them the engine comes out through the bottom, Something you can do with a two post but not a four post.

I did run across this a while back and kept the pics of it. the guy made it up for his two post but uses it to work on his motorcycle and tractor. Pretty good idea I think.

 

[Kevin54]

I love my scissor lift. We work on cars, trucks, trailers, and snowmobiles. It is a great all around lift that I feel very safe under. As a previous poster said, not being able to get a engine hoist between the the rails is a draw back. But that is about the only negative I have found.

GPK.....Welcome to Garage Journal. Hope you stick around, and lets see some pics of that lift. You may not know, but we all really like pics on here

Again....Welcome!!!!!

 

[zkling]

If you can fit a 2 post, get a 2 post. There is a reason every shop in the works uses them (except rover because their crappy air suspension shits the bed). If you got the cash you can also do a 2 post in ground cartridge lift, more money but no posts.

This. I have access to a 2 post that is stuffed into a small garage. It *****. The 2 post is by far the most versatile though..... if you have the space. Next up would be a twin pad midrise lift.

Wrong. I just built a 3,500 sq foot garage and have two scissor lifts. And I have room and ceiling height (13') for 10 two post lifts.

What lifts did you go with?

 

[jgorm]

Ever used one? Just my opinion, but I think you're way off. The reason most shops have 2 posts is because they're cheaper. A number of high end dealerships have in floor scissors.

I've never used one, but I can tell you that my 4 post lift has frustrated me enough when trying to pull exhaust, transmissions, etc, because of the lack of clearance. There is no way I would want to deal with the scissor beams under there too. They are great for changing tires or oil, but a 2 post will be far superior for suspension work, engine / ****** swaps, and exhaust work.

 

[GPKughn]

Thanks for the welcome. I've been an avid reader for awhile and really enjoy this forum. As you requested here is a picture of my lift with a project vehicle that we worked on for my youngest son.

 

[ADSR]

I would like to have a two post, but due to limited space, I think I an going to have to go with a 4 post that has mobile wheels on it.

One thing about a two post, with todays cars, if you work on them a lot, most of them the engine comes out through the bottom, Something you can do with a two post but not a four post.

I did run across this a while back and kept the pics of it. the guy made it up for his two post but uses it to work on his motorcycle and tractor. Pretty good idea I think.

That's awesome right there!!!

 

[Fyrme]

Thanks guys. As expected, I see it's a house divided. Like I said above, I technically have room. My big hang up is moving around not two, but four vertical obstacles in generally the same place centered in the shop but each pair of posts will be only like 4' apart from each other. That to me is a problem. I'd love to Get a Rotary SL210 in floor two post. If when the time comes, in the unlikely event I have the money, this thread will be a Moot point I guess.

 

[Jagmandave]

Sounds to me like you need one of each!

One thing, lifting pickups and other frame type vehicles is difficult and sometimes impossible with a scissor lift like the one you're mentioning. They work best with unibody vehicles.

Pickup trucks, SUVs and such with frames you'll need a 2-post, so it really comes down to what you're going to be working on. I like the scissor lift for most any repairs as it's completely out of the way and you can open the doors easily.

The scissor lift I'm talking about is a full rise type where the two pads are not interconnected by framework, unlike the less expensive mid rise I have.

 

[metalhead140]

I've never used one, but I can tell you that my 4 post lift has frustrated me enough when trying to pull exhaust, transmissions, etc, because of the lack of clearance. There is no way I would want to deal with the scissor beams under there too. They are great for changing tires or oil, but a 2 post will be far superior for suspension work, engine / ****** swaps, and exhaust work.

Scissor lift has way more room and clearance underneath than a 4 post, I wouldn't consider a 4 post for anything much other than storage. 4 posts are mostly for storage or inspections, a scissor lift is just a 2 post lift without the posts in the way of the doors! Look, I thought similarly until I used one. The additional space around a scissor lift compared to a 2 post is invaluable, particularly in a smaller garage/workshop. And the scissor lift is so useful for jobs other than as a car hoist too. I have my f250 on my scissor at the moment with the gearbox out of it underneath on a gearbox jack, so I can replace the throw out bearing. Last month my wife had her BMW up on it swapping out the engine. The width issue for the engine crane legs is literally the only disadvantage I have struck with it, I thought the scissors would be an inconvenience too, but it just really isn't an issue. And the advantages compared to a 2 post are many too, as I listed in my other post. I don't see anyone who has used a full height in floor scissor lift who doesn't think they are a good thing, just that most of us have only seen/used 2 post hoists, so it can be hard to come around to something different.

 

[metalhead140]

Sounds to me like you need one of each!

One thing, lifting pickups and other frame type vehicles is difficult and sometimes impossible with a scissor lift like the one you're mentioning. They work best with unibody vehicles.

Pickup trucks, SUVs and such with frames you'll need a 2-post, so it really comes down to what you're going to be working on. I like the scissor lift for most any repairs as it's completely out of the way and you can open the doors easily.

The scissor lift I'm talking about is a full rise type where the two pads are not interconnected by framework, unlike the less expensive mid rise I have.

Pickups can be lifted using arms and pads across the 2 ramps (as I do for my f250), but it is a disadvantage compared to the 2 post in terms of under car access. It's a minor issue in my view, but worth considering if that's what you'll mostly be lifting. Here's a (poor, sorry) picture of mine.

 

[Fyrme]

Thanks metalhead. So other than having to duck under the cross arms, do they get in the way of anything else while working underneath? At the moment, I own 4 vehicles and 3 of them are full framed. And I foresee that being the norm here on out.

 

[metalhead140]

Not really for me, but I guess they might depending on the car. I was concerned about it for dropping the gearbox actually, but picked up the truck a little further back than I have previously (so cross beam was behind the gearbox) and it was no issue at all, and still completely stable (as a matter of principle I bounce all vehicles I lift front and rear when they are a few inches off the ground before lifting higher). I do wish I had about a foot extra clearance to the garage ceiling... Not an issue with smaller cars, but would be nice to get an extra few inches under the truck, I have to duck slightly under the cross beams. That's a limitation of my garage though, not the hoist, and I certainly won't complain compared to doing the job without the hoist.

 

[VictorBravo]

Related to the question on under car access, has anyone seen the newer Danmar Cadet 6000XL?

The writeup says: "Want full access to every part of your vehicle while servicing it? The Cadet 6000XL is perfect for you."

http://www.dannmar.com/dannmar-products/specialty-lifts/cadet-6000xl.asp

I've been wondering if that is really true--as in, can I drop a 2001 Audi allroad engine and transmission using one of these?

 

[Grape Ape]

Never used a scissor lift, but I like the clear access you get underneath using a two-post.

This is an Atlas OH-10X with 9'-9-1/2" between the columns.

 

[Jagmandave]

Pickups can be lifted using arms and pads across the 2 ramps (as I do for my f250), but it is a disadvantage compared to the 2 post in terms of under car access. It's a minor issue in my view, but worth considering if that's what you'll mostly be lifting. Here's a (poor, sorry) picture of mine.

Yes, in the last part of my post I mentioned needing a frame across the scissor to lift anything other than unibody cars, but that does make it pretty workable......

 

[Jagmandave]

Related to the question on under car access, has anyone seen the newer Danmar Cadet 6000XL?

The writeup says: "Want full access to every part of your vehicle while servicing it? The Cadet 6000XL is perfect for you."

http://www.dannmar.com/dannmar-products/specialty-lifts/cadet-6000xl.asp

I've been wondering if that is really true--as in, can I drop a 2001 Audi allroad engine and transmission using one of these?

No. I have a scissor lift made the same as that, and I also have an Audi Allroad, it will lift the car easily enough, but trying to work under the middle of the car would be difficult, and I can't imagine being able to get the transmission out

 

[Denwood]

Having a two post myself, in a small shop there are advantages to having the lift disappear when not in use. I bought four short rise stands for use under my lift for $300 all in. One might argue that as long as the lift you choose can actually lift your car, the ability to drop the lift, leaving a vehicle on stands would ameliorate any issues with access to center drive lines etc. Given that thinking, a scissor lift dropped into the slab leaves nothing behind when not in use.

 

[mechanix311]

I have the mohawk full rise scissor lift and let me tell you it has impressed me. I have 10ft ceilings and can raise most cars to full lift. Once i recess it into the floor it will be the best choice for my space 22x20x10 as right now i trip over it. This lift has many different mount points and I have yet to find something i cant fit onto it. Lifts a 3/4 ton truck just fine. If I had the room for a dedicated lift bay I would go with a asymetrical two post for sure just because of the lift capacity and I do alot of mechanical that sometimes is difficult with a scissor even though i have open driveline access. If the columns are going to bother you recess a nice scissor and be done with it.

 

[redmondjp]

I've got the Bendpak SP-7X in my garage now (only 8' 6" ceiling so I'll use a chair underneath the vehicle) - don't think my slab would support a 2-post so the Bendpak is nice as it just sits on top. I think it's 31" between the risers so that's a pretty fair amount of space IMO. I have a lot of shop time on 2-posts lifts as well. I got an amazing deal ($1500 from a private party out of his home garage) on CL on the Bendbak and couldn't pass it up.

I plan on making a tabletop out of 1 1/4" plywood that bridges the risers so I can have a variable-height work table - I suspect that I will use the lift for most of the time in this manner - especially for working on lawn mowers and riding tractors (probably make a different setup for the tractor so I can access them from underneath). That is both a blessing and a curse, as all of my horizontal work surfaces automatically become storage!

 

[keperkey]

For those with a recessed Mohawk, have you come up with a plate to cover the lift when it is not in use? Any ideas? I really am leaning toward to Mohawk, but I like how the SP-7x and others sit flush once down.

 

[mechanix311]

keperkey when I recess my mohawk I am going to recess a lip around the outermost edge so a flat steel plate will sit flush when not in use. It will take seriously close measurements because the lift will need to support the center of the plate when down so it could be driven over. I plan on using it to lift my vehicles and to be an adjustable welding table for projects. When I need to use the lift for cars I will raise the lift slightly and slide the metal plate over with a small winch mounted to a wall. That steel plate will be heavy. The quality of the Mohawk is awesome and it is a very stout piece.

 

[Fyrme]

Thanks guys. This is a good discussion with useful opinions here.

 

[white6589]

Fyrme,
I had this posted in the NON Chinese full rise scissor lift thread but thought it would interest you.

Here's the one I use, but it was a real "find". I believe it was built in Europe, (like Italy maybe?) and was distributed in the US for a short time.

http://rotary.blitzrotary.eu/product...686a4/0#images

Pics of Mine:

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Goes full rise, VERY stable and works real good for work tables when I need them. I'm going to recess them into the floor soon to get them level with the floor and to get rid of those grey ramps.

The Atlas SLP-7K from Greg Smith looks to be a copy of the Rotary GLP35:

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-SLP-7K-Full-Rise-Scissor-Lift

Hope this helps

 

[VictorBravo]

No. I have a scissor lift made the same as that, and I also have an Audi Allroad, it will lift the car easily enough, but trying to work under the middle of the car would be difficult, and I can't imagine being able to get the transmission out

Thanks for the info.

 

[keperkey]

How much is the Mohawk now? I cannot find an online dealer.