I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a 4 post lift. I work in a 2 car garage and run my tinny welding business out of there as well, space is a premium. I think I like the idea of a movable rack, the type you move on casters. But I'm not sold on it either. Who do you like? Who to avoid? Any advice? This seemed interesting https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Garage-Pro-8-000
Call Tony at www.advantagelifts.com and he can guide you through the process of what would fit your needs.
It's a no brainer. How else can you "build a garage", ie increase your garage capacity by one, for $5k or less?
It may give me more room to work as well. I'm 57 I go through stretches of saying screw it I'm spending some $ then hold back. Just do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you have the ceiling height? Have you thought about a 2 post or is the movable feature important? Used 2 post lifts from dealerships/garages are usually inexpensive and if you go with a quality brand (Bend-pak, rotary, etc) they can last many more years. Of course the thickness of your concrete is a factor as well. 2 posts give much better access under the car. My 2 cents!
Well I just measured the garage. The load bearing I beam is at 96" and the rib of the Garage door is only 93". DAMITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT I will only gain a 3-4 feet.
Is the garage deep enough to go past the beam? If not, and this is what I did, can you put the lift in sideways past the beam and use dollies to turn the car. Or, just brainstorming, put the car on the 4 post lift and roll it past the beam sideways?
I have been happy with my Bendpack. I may lift it 2 inches would like just a bit more height. About the same price as a Wildfire.
The beam is in the middle or near middle of the garage. I don't see how I can get it to work unless I find total height below 90". I'm going to make some calls to see if I can find shorter post. Hell if I could get a short one roll it out of the garage and work on the car outside so I have some height. The drive way does have a slope.
Raise your garage 4' or so and set it on some new walls. I've seen it done before and it's not that hard to do. Keith
Add my name for Advantage. Modified the trusses in my garage, & I can even get my 66 Impala on it & still park the Vette, Jag or Mustang under it w/1 more step to go higher. Unfortunately, Can't take my GMC Truck up all the way though. ;-( But can still get it up enough to work under on a roll around stool instead. Beats laying on Cold Concrete freezing 69 yr. old bones.
I had a Direct Lift for 10 years in my previous shop. Never gave me a problem. It came with the casters. It was a bear to move but do-able by myself.
The trick to any of these moving devices is to clean the floor. Dollies, jacks, lifts, can be stopped dead by a dust particle - no kidding. Sweep the floors well ahead of trying to move 4000 lbs on little wheels! Then sweep them again!
Agree a clean floor is the only way to go. If I got one to roll out in the drive way (that would still fit into my garage) that might be gold. Drive way ha a slop, I will have to look at that.
