Experience with the HF Scissor Lift, (merged) Options

[Elliot Cannon]

The scissor lifts are almost all identical. I believe they are assembled by the same group of teenagers somewhere in China. I have used mine a lot for the past five years or so and it works great. Having said that, I NEVER get under it without some kind of safety device (big jack stands) other than the mechanical lock in the lift or the beach chair on casters that I sit on. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Maybe I'm over cautious but I don't think that's really possible.

[mepstein]

Extra safety under the car is always a no brainer. You can't be too safe. I won't embarrass my kids by being the dad who dies when there car falls on them. Embarrass them other ways, yes, but that's another story.

[Tom_T]

The scissor lifts are almost all identical. I believe they are assembled by the same group of teenagers somewhere in China. I have used mine a lot for the past five years or so and it works great. Having said that, I NEVER get under it without some kind of safety device (big jack stands) other than the mechanical lock in the lift or the beach chair on casters that I sit on. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Maybe I'm over cautious but I don't think that's really possible.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-7407-1418492211.jpg)

Hmmmm .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) .... That may be a solution for our tiny 17'-6" w x 18'-0" L (outside) x 7'-6" ceiling ht. 1921 "Model T" garage.

However, doesn't the idea of using jack stands + a scissors lift defeat the purpose of using a lift vs. good floor jack & jack stands?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[fiid]

I have one similar to this from Greg Smith.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Kw...B-Mid-Rise-Lift

It differs from most scissor lifts in that there are no bars across the middle, so for a front engine, rear drive car, you can access all of the center tunnel. I also have mine recessed into the concrete so that it lies flush in the floor, with the bottom bars covered.

(the one I have is actually from Greg Smith, but it's an older version.)

[Elliot Cannon]

The scissor lifts are almost all identical. I believe they are assembled by the same group of teenagers somewhere in China. I have used mine a lot for the past five years or so and it works great. Having said that, I NEVER get under it without some kind of safety device (big jack stands) other than the mechanical lock in the lift or the beach chair on casters that I sit on. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Maybe I'm over cautious but I don't think that's really possible.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-7407-1418492211.jpg)

Hmmmm .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) .... That may be a solution for our tiny 17'-6" w x 18'-0" L (outside) x 7'-6" ceiling ht. 1921 "Model T" garage.

However, doesn't the idea of using jack stands + a scissors lift defeat the purpose of using a lift vs. good floor jack & jack stands?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

The scissor lift will hold the car up higher than floor jacks and jack stands. I put two jack stands under the lift in case the hydraulic pressure fails then the mechanical lock fails. If both those things happen (not likely) the lift will stop at the jack stands and save my old ass from being crushed. It's a belt and suspenders kinda thing. By the way, my "garage" is an enclosed car-port. The floor is 17X17.5 with a seven foot ceiling. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[mr2by4]

I have an off brand scissor lift. I bought it used from a local guy who had restored a Mustang MachI on it. I have dropped motors out of numerous Toyota MR2's, a Porsche Boxster S and will be dropping the engine and tranny from my 914 sometime next week (I hope). It sill drop over time until it is resting on the safety catches (I mean weeks not days) but I have never had any trouble with it. I had a race car sitting on it (2200lbs) lifted at 70% for over 10 months. No Catastrophe.
Having said that, I wish I had seen Danmar MaxJacks (not sure if they existed). Occasionally the lift is in the way. VERY in the way. Most of the time it is perfect.

[patssle]

Occasionally the lift is in the way. VERY in the way. Most of the time it is perfect.

That's why I went for a 2 post lift. It's NEVER in the way and gives you access to 99.9% of the car. No regrets on that expense.

[mr2by4]

Occasionally the lift is in the way. VERY in the way. Most of the time it is perfect.

That's why I went for a 2 post lift. It's NEVER in the way and gives you access to 99.9% of the car. No regrets on that expense.

I could not find a 2 post that would fit in my garage back then. Thus if given the chance to do it over today, I would do the Max Jacks.

[Tom_T]

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-7407-1418492211.jpg)

Hmmmm .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) .... That may be a solution for our tiny 17'-6" w x 18'-0" L (outside) x 7'-6" ceiling ht. 1921 "Model T" garage.

However, doesn't the idea of using jack stands + a scissors lift defeat the purpose of using a lift vs. good floor jack & jack stands?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

The scissor lift will hold the car up higher than floor jacks and jack stands. I put two jack stands under the lift in case the hydraulic pressure fails then the mechanical lock fails. If both those things happen (not likely) the lift will stop at the jack stands and save my old ass from being crushed. It's a belt and suspenders kinda thing. By the way, my "garage" is an enclosed car-port. The floor is 17X17.5 with a seven foot ceiling. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Would that be a Red-Green Show sort of belt & suspenders Elliot? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I get what you mean though, but I thought you meant a set of those +/- 48-60" tall jack stands.

Otherwise, I'd think that the extra force from the drop if the scissors jack failed, might either kick out the short jack stands or crush then from the momentum of the drop down.

Your carport/garage is about the same size as mine, so I think it will work without my having to "raise the roof".

Thanx! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
///////

[3d914]

You may not get many responses.....the former owners might be crippled from the car falling on them...can't type etc.

Try
Www.craigsmithequipment.com

it's www.gregsmithequipment.com

Garold, nice lift. I noticed on some of the scissor lifts that the car shifts forward a few inches as the lift is raised. I'd like to find one that lifts straight up. How is the Atlas?

TIA

[fiid]

It doesn't seem to move the car much. It's geometry doesn't allow the ramps to move forward or backwards. They do ask you to put the weight at the fixed end though, which is different for front engined vs mid/rear engined. Obvs (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif).

[PancakePorsche]

The HF lift you refer to is a exact copy of my Bendpak lift. I love it and it works well with 911-914 cars. It does block center of car and not good for transmission work on front engined, rear drive.

It folds up so flat I park my car trailer over it. It also does not go high enough to over lift a car in a regular garage. I can drop engine in my 914's easily in less than half hour. I installed a hydraulic quick disconnect so I can store power unit in my shed.






quote name='DMCF1Fast' date='Dec 13 2014, 06:31 AM' post='2121916']
I'm thinking about getting this lift from Harbor Freight and wanted to know if the adjustments for the jacking pads fit 914s and 911s well? I think I saw some people had this lift on here a while back but can't find the posts when I search. Also if you have experience with this lift did you like it?

http://t.harborfreight.com/6000-lb-capacit...lift-91315.html
[/quote]

[GaroldShaffer]

You may not get many responses.....the former owners might be crippled from the car falling on them...can't type etc.

Try
Www.craigsmithequipment.com

it's www.gregsmithequipment.com

Garold, nice lift. I noticed on some of the scissor lifts that the car shifts forward a few inches as the lift is raised. I'd like to find one that lifts straight up. How is the Atlas?

TIA

It was $1500 out the door a few years ago.

[Amphicar770]

I have a SnapOn, made by Wheeltronic, lift that I bought via Craigslist for about $800 dollars. It is built like a tank and I have no concerns about how well it is built from a safety perspective. I did have the hydraulic ram rebuilt for good measure, that was about another $100.

While the scissor lifts lie pretty flat, they can still be a pain with low profile cars. Most owners build some form of ramp from lumber. I went with the RacerRamps as shown here (yes, they are expensive):

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bti-rr-clr-4/overview/



I also have a 4 post lift from Craigsmith with the rolling sliding jacks which allow you to get the wheels up in the air as well. If you have the room, I would definitely go with one of these rather than the scissor lift, especially if you will also need to build or buy ramps.

[billh1963]

I bought one of these a couple of months ago. Got it new off craigslist from a pilot in the military who bought it and then was suddenly deployed. Paid $1000.

The nice feature is that it truly is portable. No one piece is over 50 pounds. Looks to be well made as well.

EZ Car Lift

[BK911]

I have the HF scissor lift.
No problems during dozens of engine drops over the past ~10 years.
Dont know how I ever lived without it.
But as usual; use at your own risk, your mileage may vary, images are closer than they appear, etc...