Scissor lifts.
- Thread starter blade7
- Start date
Hi. I have the one in picture. Wish I’d bought one previously as it’s so much better than jacks and stands. Had a 110 Landrover on it no problem. However, Cayman is very low so I’ve had to adapt accordingly. It’s very well made and of good quality steel as mine is currently outside with little corrosion as a result. The biggest issue is it VERY HEAVY so difficult if you need to move around. The hoses and control box wires could do with being longer and of course the framework can get in the way sometimes but overall I’d say great investment. I have pics but struggle to upload but will try again.
Yes. It uses hydraulic fluid to lift rams and air line to lift a safety bar over substantial toothed track. As lift raises it clicks into new position. When lowering it just lifts away from tracked teeth as fluid is returned to master cylinder. Hope that makes sense. I even tie down vehicles as extra precaution. For cayman underside it has key ways for inserting a lift block. I have aluminium ones but don’t like them as you then have metal on metal which can slide. Rubber blocks better but be careful of cracks forming from getting trapped.
Compressor is separate. I already had one but small dedicated one is cheap enough. The ends of ramps are hinged to act as on off ramps or can be locked in situ to extend. I bought some rubber curb ramps off Gumtree to add to set up. It isn’t a cheap setup but I’ve always got something on it 
. I had to obtain the mobility wheels separately which was frustrating. The control unit frame also acts as leverage when moving about on FLAT floor but the wheels on mine are weak….broken. Several makes are around and I’ve also seen the separate sizzor lifting ramps for each side but interestingly someone nearly had an accident with that type (YouTube 911 project).
. I had to obtain the mobility wheels separately which was frustrating. The control unit frame also acts as leverage when moving about on FLAT floor but the wheels on mine are weak….broken. Several makes are around and I’ve also seen the separate sizzor lifting ramps for each side but interestingly someone nearly had an accident with that type (YouTube 911 project).
Interesting topic is the influx of Chinese tools. Prices of kit that were professional only a while back have helped bring prices down. BUT, quality is questionable. If you look at marketplace, it’s saturated with unbranded red/blue/black plastic cased tools. My cheap shock/spring compressor has split at a major weld! Glad I spotted it. Certainly should stick with branded tools for correct certification. Fingers and eyes don’t grow back. Safety first.
blade7
Well-known member
It's hard to know where tools originate from now, and even well known brands could outsource manufacture to the far east. I have seen low cars run onto these lifts, that leave no room to slide the rubber blocks into place. I'd want the 2 sides linked and bolted down too.
Defo Agree but you’d also have to check roof height restrictions if going indoors. When lowering, it actually lifts another couple of inches to disengage the safety bars. Two posts are also a lot cheaper nowadays but harder to hide and what you gain with better access underneath loses out with door banging.
True - there are a couple of revisions about, the newer revision quickjacks go slightly higher. I've been watching ebay for a used set for some time. They are on offer periodically at costco.
The "accident" referred to above was on a YT channel where the guy is restoring a 997 turbo (having just finished a 996 turbo). He did explain that the accident occurred as he hadn't set them up properly. The locks hadn't engaged either as he had it lowered below the lock height. Whole car decided to slide sideways and down. Luckily he had a few friends in the garage and they managed to rescue it before anyone or the car got damaged.
Scissor lifts do look nice for those with smaller garages, I've also seen people hollow out the floor and fit them flush with the ground.
Would be nice to have something like this for when I have to refit the engine. It takes bloody ages to raise the car in a "safe" manner on 4 jack stands.
You have not said what it is that you intend to use the lift for as this is a major factor in determining what is most appropriate. All have pro’s & cons depending upon you are looking to do.
If it is regular maintenance, such as brake pads & oil changes & maybe more involved works such as suspension changes then either a scissor lift or a set of Quick Jacks will work. Depending upon your available height and the spec of the scissor lift selected you should be able to easily walk underneath to carry out most tasks although this does depend on the lift design. Recessing into the ground makes the most sense as it avoids a lot of the ramp issues that befoul many performance/sports cars. It also means the area is clear when the car isn’t on it, rather than being a big lump in the garage when not in use.
I can highly recommend a set of Quick Jacks. I have had my 944s2 on them for far longer than I care to admit & they have provided more than adequate access for the aforementioned tasks and a whole lot more - front crossmember removal, engine mount replacement, front wishbone removal, complete front suspension & steering removal to name but a few.
The big advantage with the Quickjacks is the relative lack of space they take up when not in use and their portability - you can take them to the vehicle. My son needed to some work on his car and was simple to set up the Axle stands under mine, lower the Quick Jacks and take them to his waiting car.
I am familiar with the YouTube incident referred to & he freely admits it was his issue in not checking they had locked in place. I’ve not had any issue with mine at all.
If it is regular maintenance, such as brake pads & oil changes & maybe more involved works such as suspension changes then either a scissor lift or a set of Quick Jacks will work. Depending upon your available height and the spec of the scissor lift selected you should be able to easily walk underneath to carry out most tasks although this does depend on the lift design. Recessing into the ground makes the most sense as it avoids a lot of the ramp issues that befoul many performance/sports cars. It also means the area is clear when the car isn’t on it, rather than being a big lump in the garage when not in use.
I can highly recommend a set of Quick Jacks. I have had my 944s2 on them for far longer than I care to admit & they have provided more than adequate access for the aforementioned tasks and a whole lot more - front crossmember removal, engine mount replacement, front wishbone removal, complete front suspension & steering removal to name but a few.
The big advantage with the Quickjacks is the relative lack of space they take up when not in use and their portability - you can take them to the vehicle. My son needed to some work on his car and was simple to set up the Axle stands under mine, lower the Quick Jacks and take them to his waiting car.
I am familiar with the YouTube incident referred to & he freely admits it was his issue in not checking they had locked in place. I’ve not had any issue with mine at all.
blade7
Well-known member
Would there be enough clearance to remove a turbo engine from underneath, using Quick jacks?
Not used one of these ramps (yet) myself but looking at the height specified and having taken my own engine out from underneath, I would say there's plenty of room Paul.
Pete
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