Which home garage lift for cars?

John explains, the pro & cons of each style of car lift / or car ramp, for use in a domestic garage by the enthusiast. To the Garage is a channel for everyone who is interested in working on their own car, conducting their own processes such as, building a foundry, building a powder coating set up etc. Johns personal fleet of vehicles come in for scrutiny. The channel is particularly useful for owners of the Jaguar X100 (XK8/XKR) who have adopted the channel as a community to share ideas, secrets and best practice.

[@AthelstanEngland]

You're a really good presenter. Not just the subject matter but your manner of talking retains interest. Great job. Also editing to speed up the moving bits around is appreciated. Thank you.

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks! 👍

[@famousamoss]

Thanks for taking the time to research and advise benefits of each. I reached the same conclusion and installed a similar type yesterday…very happy!

[@bkell1011]

Thank you for the thoughtful analysis!

[@ToTheGarage]

My pleasure!

[@richardsutton01]

Just catching up with your channel John. I've had my XK8 for over 20 years as well as several other cars. I was faced with exactly the same issues about a year ago and after doing the research I decided to have my roof modified to remove the beams so that I could lift my cars and be able to work whilst standing up. I then went for the single post lift with just one cross-beam from Automotech Services. It is also mounted on a pallet lift so it can be moved around the garage and tucked out of the way when it's not in use. It's very stable but I also bought two high jacks which can be stood under the outside corners of the car if I need to do some heavy spannering.

[@ToTheGarage]

I like the idea of the two high lifts. They would make me feel a lot happier while tugging at stuff underneath👍

[@stephenrose8188]

Great and most useful video I have seen on the pro's & con's , very well explained without bells, whistles and god knows what that some people seem to contaminate their videos with. I have now watched your other videos related to the Strongarm type both installation and use. Really good job John, thank you!

[@alanmilton8056]

As always really useful, pragmatic info on such a tricky decision. Thanks John.

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks Alan. Took some serious thought to come to my decision. (6 weeks🤯) so by the time I made the video I had achieved 'clarity😁'

[@lindacarter5531]

Best explanation I’ve ever seen 👍

[@michaelfleming8517]

Just stumbled upon your Channel. That was a really helpful video. I’ve been thinking about getting some sort of ramp/lift for my garage. Your explanation of the pros and cons was great. Thank you for making this video. I shall definitely watch more of your stuff. Cheers. Michael

[@dtribe409]

Great video, during lockdown I've been planning my dream garage with lift etc. You definitely done your research.

[@ToTheGarage]

Glad it was helpful! Dont just plan it, do it if its at all a possibility.

[@father2111]

Brilliant video, answered all questions, very informative thanks very much.

[@johngibson3594]

Great video love the use of props and explanations

[@ToTheGarage]

Thank You John

[@48sydney]

The scissor option is the best one for a number of reasons. You don't lose your garage as it is, stability and portability and easy to just take wheels off. I've seen them in use and they seem very practical for the home garage. Just the sill areas are more difficult. Good choice.

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks Alan. Cant wait to get it installed and have a play now/

[@nearlythere9443]

John, just about the same thought process that I have been through, except I did not even give a 4 poster a second thought and I too am going to go with the same type of lift you have chosen.

[@ToTheGarage]

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do 👍

[@harryscott1445]

Hi John, The Two pillar would always be my choice( re -inforcement accepted ), however I note that the diagonal crack running across your floor would intersect same, therefor not suitable in your situation. Agree with your thought process on the side lift...I would be the same. I therefor agree with the scissor lift option, ( the footprint would have no bearing on the aforementioned floor crack). I would certainly consider installing wall lighting( 700 - 900 MM in height). Excellent as always John, well thought out.

[@ToTheGarage]

Yes, I think the 2 post is the best all-rounder if you have the height and the floor is ​in good nick. As i have neither, I'm happy with my choice. It arrives Thursday. I hope🤞

[@rickdebord8941]

Great video John! Did you consider a pit in the floor? If so, Why did you rule it out?

[@ToTheGarage]

Yes I did. But in my experience, they all end up full of water and or Oil

[@ryandewing9483]

Good Video, thanks for the pros and cons. I watched it at 1.75x speed and it was just right!

[@ToTheGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@nowthenad3286]

This is a great video.

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks

[@corystansbury]

I am also doing a scissor lift. Because it's new construction, they'll be flush mount with the floor when down. Also, 16 amps is gonna be rapid!

[@geoweeks]

John Thanks for yet another thoughtful post - especially the XK8 series . I have just gone through the same process to buy a lift for my 2005 XKR convertible (carbon fibre) and in the end going to the the next mid rise with the arms rather than the platform type. The major issue turned out to be delivery at a reasonable cost because suppliers such as StrongArm expect you to have a forklift at home and will quote silly prices for Hiab transport. Eventually found one (bhrepairs.co.uk ) who would organise a tail lift and pallet truck to get it into my garage but they are very very heavy ! Very pleased .with the end result. Suggestions for a future XK8 video would be installing a Bluetooth adapter while maintaining the original radio setup Cheers George

[@ToTheGarage]

Thanks for the comment. What you have was my 2nd choice👍. The Blue tooth adaptor may well happen🤔

[@defjenjag5220]

Scissor lifts are great for home garages, I would have bought the same but went for the BendPak QuickJacks in the end which have their advantages and disadvantages. Whatever you get will transform home mechanics / detailing etc

[@ToTheGarage]

Hi mate. I certainly considered going down the Quickjacks route. Mainly for ultimate in portability. But then I balanced that against the convenience of the extra height . Its a difficult choice

[@johngibson3594]

You can get a single post lift with wheels so you can use it inside or out doesn’t have to be mounted to the floor. No install and easy to sell later on. If access is needed under the middle lift up and put blocks or platforms under each wheel allowing access to center. Large jack stands can ease your issue of it being unsafe and use the lift as intended And safely verify vehicles on by shaking it before going up. Atlas makes the single post lift I am talking about it’s about 3400 in the states

[@ToTheGarage]

I have just watched the Atlas single post lift video John. It does look super cool and the price is excellent. Still freaks me out a bit but the lift height and portability are excellent.👍😁🎄

[@KM-gm5ps]

Excellent video thanks, I've spent the last year dreaming of having a double garage with a lift and hope to try and achieve it in a couple of years. My vision is a 4 post ramp with two classic American cars parked one on top of the other - one day maybe!

[@ToTheGarage]

Go for it! K M You only live once

[@clivehaynes2183]

Good video, I have a 'Herkules' air lift which can be run off of any compressor so no extra space for hydro/elec unit and has a resting height of only 40mm a large area of the underside is blocked off. The one option you missed was to dig a pit which when boarded takes up no room at all and this is an option that I'm considering.

[@ToTheGarage]

I like the concept of a pit but have been in too many that. were full of water to start digging😁

[@flyurway]

I was going through this same decision a year ago. I have a good sized (24'x32') garage with an 11' ceiling but I also have a full size truck and 3 motorcycles (one of which takes up almost the same floor space as a small car) the associated shelving/work benches/tool chests plus my XKR. I first debated the scissors lift but it's not high enough and no access to the center of the car. A twin post was out because the 2 posts will always be in the way plus I don't trust bolting it to my floor - I knew all too well the "save on cost" ethics of the guy that poured it! I was all ready to plop down on a 4 post (and figuring the p.i.t.a. logistics of lift-jacking for brake work, etc.) which would also allow me to store the bikes under the car when I ran across the single post lift. That was the way to go. It moves around very easily, lifts my truck to the rafters (almost 5 feet) and I can lift the Jag to the limit. The single transverse beam doesn't really block any undercarriage access, I could easily pull the trans if I wanted. The only drawback to the single post is that it IS creepy having your entire vehicle cantilevered from one side. I doubt you could knock the vehicle over if you tried but it does bounce around if you get aggressive and it gives you the creeps. The solution to that is a single tall tripod stand on the unsupported side and even my 5700 lb. truck is rock solid, it then virtually mimics a twin post lift. When not in use it rolls easily out of the way and I can park over it if need be. All in ran me just $3K. Yep, I can still - just barely - get everything in the garage and still close the doors!

[@ToTheGarage]

Fantastic info Andork. Thank you so much. I think you put it perfectly with the phrase 'Creepy' I have looked at the single pillar and Its the 'Creepy' that stopped me. Absolutely follow your logic and respect your choice though. Thanks for both watching and Sharing. Stay safe John👍😁

[@flyurway]

@@ToTheGarage Gotta say, when your truck weighing a better part of 3 tons is just hanging up there, it does make the hairs stand up. But it's not really going anywhere and, like I said, a tall stand (even a length of 4x4 would work!) under that opposite end and it really is as solid as anything else, takes all the "bounce" right out. For anyone with enough ceiling but not a ton of floor space the single post is the cat's meow. Guess that could be a pun, huh?

[@MitchGrooms]

OH BOY, EXCITED TO SEE THIS ONE.. GREAT PICK,, I WOULD PICK THE SAME ONE..

[@ToTheGarage]

Its on its way Mitch😁. It arrives Thursday. And both Thursday and Friday will seem like eternities as I am attending several meetings away from home this week😔. I hope your 'Meeting' that you mentioned on another forum went well Mitch.👍 John

[@MitchGrooms]

@@ToTheGarage Thanks my friend, it did not happen. Make us a great video on this new addition, can't wait..

[@ToTheGarage]

@@MitchGroomsWill Do👍

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Very informative video m I went with the maxjax M6 lift ..thank you

[@ToTheGarage]

Glad it helped

[@bartholomewkelly7034]

Hey Man. Nice Vid. Why not use your Compressor to drive the Hyd. Motor in your Lift! I chose this option. Ta

[@ToTheGarage]

My compressor looks big and impressive but is old and leaky🤣

[@Car_Lift_Manufacturer]

underground Scissor lift is best, but need Dig the ground