davidbracey Feb 17, 2021 7:43 am
Subject: Mid-height car lift

Although by no means old I am getting tired of crawling around under cars so have been looking at a mid-height car lift. The problem is that the garage in which I want to fit it only allows a 1m max lift and I have a few very different cars. Think LG45 at one end of the scale and 1963 mini at the other. Jacking points vary widely also.

I’ve been looking at the EZ Lift that Holden sell as it is available with a range of different width cross beams. https://www.holden.co.uk/p/car_lift_e_z_mobile_for_home_and_professional_use

Has anyone any experience of these or others?

I suspect it will be fine for my other cars but the Lagonda is possibly too awkward for it. It’s also at the very limit of the lift weight as it’s a saloon.

Thanks in advance.

David

DavidLG45 Feb 18, 2021 8:38 am
Subject: Re: Mid-height car lift

Hi David,

I don't think I fancy getting under that. It only has a lift of 660mm too.

Short of a 4 post lift which I assume you wouldn't have room for what about some good old axle stands? MachineMart do some with a 870mm lift and 12 tonne capacity per pair.

David

davidbracey Feb 18, 2021 9:57 am
Subject: Re: Mid-height car lift

Hi David,

Thanks for your comments. And I agree with you.

Sadly, no room for a 2 or 4 poster.

I think lifting the Lagonda is a non-starter tbh, but I have managed so far with drive on ramps and axle stands so am resigned to that. I think the EZ job will be fine for my smaller cars though; mini, Morgan, DB6, etc and the 660mm lift would make brake and suspension work considerably easier. I like the idea of the casters to allow a way of pushing the rig against a wall on one side to give more clearance on the other. I rarely need full access all round. If I need better access I thought I could use the EZ lift outside of the garage as well.

When this lockdown business has passed I need to go and see some of these in use before I commit.

Back to the LG, that car really needs a drive on lift like this

https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/products/as-8240tx-4-0t-alignment-scissor-lift/

I could just about fit that in but it would be in the way most of the time.

David


DavidLG45 Feb 18, 2021 12:11 pm
Subject: Re: Mid-height car lift

Hi David,

Just a thought.
For my LG45 I made two trolleys but it does remain on it for long periods of time. I made separate front and back units with a pair of heavy duty castors on each (750kg rating each castor if I remember correctly). Made out of heavy box section steel and bolted together with 10mm bolts. The chassis sits on the trolley and bolted on to the chassis in a couple of places so keep it rigid (using existing bolts). The advantage of a DIY job is you can make it as high as you like. Works very well and can be easily pushed around. Nothing is welded so no fear of less than perfect welds giving way. Feels very solid.
You can take it apart when not needed. All the vertical pieces sit on a cross piece so none of the bolts are holding the weight. Would probably take 2 hours or so to assemble and sit the car on it, maybe less.

David

davidbracey Feb 19, 2021 8:34 pm
Subject: Re: Mid-height car lift

Hi David,

That sounds like you made yourself a good solution. Well done.

I’ll give it some more thought but at the moment I’m thinking that a drive on lift like the Automech one is the least I’d trust for the LG45.

I need a bigger garage really but Mrs B not keen to move. Disappointed

bill Feb 24, 2021 7:09 pm
Subject: Re: Mid-height car lift

Is it possible to dig a pit ? Not too expensive and many different cars will fit over it. Also very safe as not relying on electrics or hydraulics.

davidbracey Feb 24, 2021 9:07 pm
Subject: Re: Mid-height car lift

Sadly not.