Quickjack

[kevh]

I am thinking of getting a car lift to make the occasional under body job a little easier. I don't have much headroom in my garage, about 800mm above the top of the car and have been considering a "Quickjack" lift which will lift just over 500mm so suits my situation, does anyone use one of these, how do you get on with it?

[mgcjag]

Post a link or photo....Steve

[kevh]

This is the one I am looking at............

https://www.quickjacklift.co.uk/car-lifts/bl-5000slx/

[Gfhug]

Consider where it will be lifting the E Type and leaving the IRS dangling for long isn’t good news.
You will need to address these points.

Geoff

[kevh]

Thanks Geoff,

What would you suggest to get around that problem, I think the only type of lift which doesn't leave the IRS dangling is a four post and I certinly can't accommodate one of those.

[Gfhug]

Tie up the IRS so the wheels aren’t dangling. Use sleepers (or similar) to support across the car for lifting. Can only find this by trying out things when you’ve got the car on it.

Geoff

[keithmac]

I have had one for four years now and used it numerous times. It has been great but is not perfect. It is barely long enough to reach the jacking points for the E-type, but a modification to the rubber support blocks and has worked fine with careful placement. Access is best from front and rear only. I believe max lift height is 22" but can be slightly less with the removal of one rubber lift block but not two per jack point
Hope this helps.
Keith

[abowie]

Thanks Geoff,
I think the only type of lift which doesn't leave the IRS dangling is a four post

Questions about these scissor type jacks come up frequently.

While they're not a substitute for a proper hoist that allows you to walk under the car they are a good compromise in situations where you don't physically have the room for a hoist.

They're safer and more convenient that a jack and stands and allow good access in situations where you don't have the room for a hoist. They pack away relatively small and can be stored hung on a wall.

Unless you plan to leave the car up on the hoist for extended periods of time there is no need to be concerned about the IRS mounts.

[Fuel.inj]

There are a number of alternatives available, but what opinions do forum members have and recommend? I.e Good, better, best.

https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/pr ... sor-lifts/

http://www.sjrgarageequipment.co.uk/scissor-car-lifts/

https://www.holden.co.uk/p/car_lift_e_z ... sional_use

[mgcjag]

Hi Paul by far the best type from your list and the only one i would use is the https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/pr ... ssor-lift/ its electric and hydrailic..A friend has one...great piece of kit....you leave it in place on the garage floor and drive on/over it to park......it gives full clearance between the ramps and you can use it to drop the engine out the bottom......one warning on use....the ramp has safety locks and to lower the car down you first have to raise it a bit first to unlock and be able to lower......you need a small air compessor attached to release tbe locks.....Steve

[kevh]

Thanks Guys

I had already stumbled upon the automotech scizzor lift while browsing and agree it looks to be a better, sturdier option, also the lifting height of 1000mm minus the 200mm already under the car works well with my headroom.
I have called them regarding delivery and unloading as my garage is not the easiest to access.

[Series1 Stu]

That Automotech does look to be a good choice and you can always support the rear axle using a transmission jack and block of wood under the IRS tie plate. Similarly under the picture frame if there is the risk of the front end over-balancing. Obviously, these would reduce access but at least it would reduce the risk of damage or injury.

One thing that isn't clear is whether it can be stopped while partially raised or whether it needs to be fully extended (probably the case). I think it would be a nice feature to have, because sometimes you can be reaching too far when laid on your back and need the core strength of a cobra to be able to stay in place long enough to do some tasks.

It would also be nice if they quoted the unit mass on their data sheet so we could know what we were dealing with on delivery.

I should have bought one years ago.

Regards

[mgcjag]

Hi Stuart...its a very robust heavey unit.....the lift has a ratchet system so can be stopped at various heights..ratchet can be seen on the tech drawing....its definatly a lift that you would leave in place although it can be moved around the floor....but not really like the others where you would store against a wall or similar.....as i mentioned it needs an air compressor to release the pnumatic locks from the ratchet befor you can lower it....Steve

[TGN]

Kev you may well find most of these deliveries are classed as kerbside.

[Fuel.inj]

Hi Paul by far the best type from your list and the only one i would use is the https://www.automotechservices.co.uk/pr ... ssor-lift/ its electric and hydrailic..A friend has one...great piece of kit....you leave it in place on the garage floor and drive on/over it to park......it gives full clearance between the ramps and you can use it to drop the engine out the bottom......one warning on use....the ramp has safety locks and to lower the car down you first have to raise it a bit first to unlock and be able to lower......you need a small air compessor attached to release tbe locks.....Steve

Thanks for the recommendation Steve. I’m looking at buying that particular model but given the dimensions of the lift what are your observations on lifting a S2 safely without damage. I.e. on pads in certain positions or straight on to the floor chassis rails.

[mgcjag]

Hi Paul......a friend uses one on his S2 2+2...its very safe....however with any lifts/jacks its up to you to work safely......you need to look at all the dinensions and make sure it works for you......I would never lift straight on to chassis rails/suspension etc without some kind of pad or cross beam......a good cheap source of pad are ice hockey pucks...very dense rubber and much cheaper than jack pads....see ebay......Steve ...this is very similar that iv seen at shows https://strongmanlifts.co.uk/product/cl ... ssor-lift/

[kevh]

Kev you may well find most of these deliveries are classed as kerbside.

Your correct Trevor, I have contacted a few suppliers of this type of lift and they are all kerbside delivery, meaning the buyer needs to have a forklift, how many buyers have one of those? I can't imagine many commercial customers have one never mind private customers. I will keep looking.

[Simonpfhc]

Hi Kev,

I have a lift very similar to the Automotech unit. A fantastic piece if kit that’s in use almost all of the time. It is pretty heavy, about 500kg’s from memory.

When mine arrived (already assembled, on a trailer) I moved it into position using an engine crane. This is what was recommended by the manufacturer, and worked very well.

[TGN]

When I ordered my two post lift,
I arranged to collect from the frieght company’s yard which would have a fork lift.
I had them put it on my car trailer. My issue was a gravel drive followed by about 50m mostly uphill.
I’ve never quite got round to buying a forklift but it’s on the list.

[mgcjag]

Its normally pallet delivery......so off loaded from a truck with a tail lift...the delivery guy has a pallet lift/trolly and can usually move it a short way if level ground .......or you get your mates around and slide the pallet on a couple of lengths of 4x2 and a scaffold pole....just like they built the pyramids... .......Steve