[Lucky]

I need a lift -- don't we all? But I'm not ready to go with a 2 or 4 post. I think I want one of the so called "mid-rise" scissor lifts which can lift 6000 lbs to 36" - 48" and only require 110v.

Kurt & other lift experts... are these a good choice? And what are the must have features (such as mechanical locking) that I need to look for? Any brands to avoid? And which brands should be on the short list? Do they wear/tear garage floors?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

[VaSteve]

Tony has one. Maybe he can ring in.

[BillJ]

I have the rotary mid-rise (4 feet of lift) that really is great for most projects . Any project where you need to get at the bottom/side of the car this lift works fantastic. The only thing it restricts is dropping parts (like the motor for example) right out the bottom. This is based on the fact that the lift itself gets in the way, and that the lift swings the vehicle forward while going up. This is impossible for the 914, but may be possible for the 911... Try to get a pump that is 110v, or just rewire a plug for 220v.


http://www.rotarylift.com/Products/P...pplication.asp

[APKhaos]

I have the lower Rotary low rise - around 28" of lift - which is perfect for my height-challenged garage. Cant say enough about how good this lift is.

[TD in DC]

Does the garage floor need to be absolutely level? If not, what is the maximum slope that I can get away with?

[Vicegrip]

A cheap 2 post might cost less than a Roarty mid rise and can do all that a mid rise will. install is a bit more than a 4 post but is not hard to do. I installed mine in about 5 hours total. You need 4 inch thick concrete surface for a 2 post and there is one that will fit under 9 foot. Two post will give you the best service options. A mid rise is the easy setup and fit anywhere option but not the best for service and a 4 post is only good for storage. 4 post take up room side to side and they are not well suited for work on anything wheel or susp related.

HBL is all out of mid rise lifts but we do have one 2 post Rotary if you have a 18 foot of clearence.

Todd, if you ate thinking about your garage floor I think it is way too sloped unless you built a cement a base and some ramps. Measure the rise for 8 to 10 feet. IIRC it is on the order of a foot.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Kurt Mickelwait

HBL is all out of mid rise lifts but we do have one 2 post Rotary if you have a 18 foot of clearence.

18' Wow. I think I have around 12' clearance. If I build a 2nd free-standing garage (someday, maybe...) I'll do a 2 post, but for now a scissor makes the most sense given limited garage space.

Sounds like Rotary is a popular choice. I've found some other brands in the $1000 to $1500 range that look like they may be good, but I was hoping to come in below $1000 including shipping. Here is one I'm considering:

http://www.americanautomotiveequipme...1668/index.htm

[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by Kurt Mickelwait

HBL is all out of mid rise lifts but we do have one 2 post Rotary if you have a 18 foot of clearence.

How much for the 2 post? I have unlimited overhead clearance if I install outside. Don’t care what the neighbors think (he planted bamboo ) can always put a light on the top for airplanes.

[cmartin]

That looks just like the Harbor Freight version. Check them out, they go on sale once in a while for ~$800.

[Vicegrip]

With a 12 foot clearence I would not think twice about the $2300 or so for a 2 post. You need to add about 3.5 feet side to side so this might be the limiting factor for you. I have a cheap Bend Pack 2 post and under the use it is in now it will last about 500 years. It was under $2300 to the door.
The lift you have linked to is a roller type and will munch the floor after a while. You can run it on a steel strip to prevent that. That type tends to be less weight, less cost but also less stable than the paralagram type.

Dave I will check but it would not be any great deal. This is the type I have 35 of and it is a parts bin for me.