Phew - the title of this video got me worried for a moment John - as because of your excellent channel, I've recently not only bought an XK8, but a Strongman lift as well - never under estimate the power of your videos!! Thanks for sharing what you know, much appreciated.
I got mine cheap used ($500) from a thriving auto repair business who never used it despite it being on their shop floor because post lifts are so much more versatile. I use mine as welding shop lift table but it blocking the underside of the vehicle is why I'd only buy one new if there were NO other lift option. They're far better than nothing but IMO most sell to people who expect them to be better than they are and don't want to install a post lift. If you do any kind of serious automotive work get a post lift. The post lift takes much less floor space and can do things like lift bodies off frames, unload vehicles backed beneath it etc. Two-post lifts (they make short one nowadays which fit residential garages) are so much better that most businesses using pantograph lifts just use them for tire and brake work or repairs in those regions.
Just purchased a Clifton lift, arriving next week. I mentioned your channel as part of the reason for choosing it! Thanks for the videos for the lift and of course for the Jaguar content too.
Awesome! Thank you!. You never Know. If enough people let them Know where they saw it, I might get a bit of discount when I need something in the future😁
Thanks Jagster0. Although there is no sponsorship or deal with strongman. The more people mention the channel the more likely I might get a future discount😁👍
I end up having to use 3 different jacks to get the car on axle stands high enough for me to fit underneath because the other lifting points besides the pench welds have the plastic undertray covering them. This would be the way to go for sure.
When I built my garage 4 years ago I went with a bend pack 2-post asymmetrical. Total cost of the lift, delivery and installation was just $3,800. Best decision I've ever made. The scissor lift is a great choice if hight clearance in an issue.
I looked at all the lift options a couple of years ago and in the end went for a single post lift. It's ideal for a DIY garage because it takes up little room and is fully portable. You can even take it outside for underneath pressure washing etc if the weather is good and your garage door is high enough. The biggest disadvantage is that you need to have the garage converted so that it has no joists in the way and, if you want to drop a gearbox to change a clutch, then it's more fiddly than a four or two post lift, but still possible. Obviously the two and four post lifts need the joist conversion as well. After two years I can say that I made the right choice for me but the joist conversion is a lot more expensive than the lift! Richard
Interesting Richard, To be fair the single post is the only one I didn't consider fully as to be honest they just freak me out a bit. (And im an engineer so I should know better) the only negatives for me with the scissor is that sill area access is restricted and Im limited to a 1 meter lift. But the 2nd point was informed by the Joist situation and I too had a moment of realisation ref cost moving the joists😁. In my case it was too much for me to stomach at the time. Mine also can be pulled outside if required using clever mobility wheels .
Thanks for the overview. Looking at maybe getting something like this myself. Wouldn't have minded to see what the workspace is like under the vehicle though.
This one looks a lot better than those connected at the top but I'm still considering the ramps that aren't connected at all as it seems you could slide them in and out of an already parked car and there'd be nothing getting in the way underneath. It may not be quite as secure though.
I built and designed a semi scissor lift that allows you to work under the car. I used ACME screws instead of hydraulics because they are intrinsically safe - they won't unscrew under weight. Unfortunately, I couldn't find appropriate motors that would be small enough and powerful enough to drive it even though 1/2" electric drills work. Here's the lift ruclips.net/video/oHJm-M3fHjA/видео.html
Really interesting Eugene. I enjoyed both your videos on the topic👍 Woould you mind if i include a small extract of your video in an upcoming episode? I think a lot of them would be interested. I would of course provide subscibers with a link to your channel to watch the videos in full.
That’s an interesting design. I frankly wouldn’t trust the ACME screws (at least not in the size you chose), because even though they will not unscrew, they will wear out :) But even if your design would be converted to hydraulics, it could be interesting. Nice job 👍
Excellent Video and the idea of putting down the black tape for giudance is a good pointer. My question is do you have much space in the middle underneath the car to remove a transmission/exhaust system etc?
John, first off you need to edit your settings to disable people from inserting links...below a link is quite unsavoury. To change your settings go to Studio>Settings>Community then scroll down to see the 'Block Links' tick box - this will disable people from adding URL's to your comments. I'm sure most others don't want to see young naked ladies while looking at your lift! Take care.
Very nice, but unless you are are someone who is always faffing with cars, perhaps not worth the expense...I haven’t looked up the cost, it I’m guessing they are probably a good couple of grand or more...tell me, what do you use to work under the car, a seat on rollers, a raised bench to lay on on rollers...? As not rising so high as to be able to walk under it, and reach up to work, I would think having to bend over under it and raise arms to work could be quite awkward, and take it out of your back a fair bit...?
1) There are 212 videos of me faffing with my cars! so safe to say I am. 2) £1700. 3) I Sit on a cushion. or my crawling board. 4) Couldn't lift higher without building a new roof on my garage.
@@ToTheGarage John Get them before they get you Love the channel I have an xkr 2000 my, 37000 miles from new , owned it for years now And still love it
I'm looking at getting one of these lifts for my garage but one thing that worries me is maneuverability underneath the car. How easy is it to work on something from underneath compared to a standard two post lift?
Hi john that was very good lift. I want to ask If you have any idea why my jaguar convertible like yours leaks oil near the sun visor and now it doesn’t open no more electrically any more. What could be the cause? If you have an idea I would appreciate you letting me know Thank you
If You are leaking oil near the sun visor then you have a failed Hydraulic pipe that goes to the roof clamp mechanism. The whole pipe to the pump will need replacing. Change them both.
Steve is correct. There is a slightly possibility that it could just be a weeping union at the clamp but it is more likely to be a failed hose. It's not a simple job but there is no other solution. 😢
Anybody have an thoughts on using this on a blocked paved drive. I have not issues using a trolley jacks axle stands or ramps on it. The large foot print of area looks as if it will spread the load ok.
I think it would work well. your car is currently exerting circa 375 kg per sq ft? on the drive. Car and ramp together would exert circa 120 kg Sq Ft. So as long as the drive way is well established, I would imagine all would be well
@@ya472 it’s merely an off the cuff calculation of the average car weight at 1500 kg spread across 4 tyres. If we assume a 1 ft square contact patch / tyre (bigger than the vast majority of tyres) Even with these huge contact patches, The car would exert 3 x the force per square foot than the ramp and car combined when spread over the ramps foot print. So the block paving would see less localised pressure from the car on a ramp than just parking a car on it.
I see these lifts and as a mobile mechanic I just think to myself, whats the point. I mean the height of the lift is putting the car in a place where to work on anything will cause you back ache. Its not high enough. A 4 poster takes the car up. There high up so you can walk beneath it. I just removed an engine from an Audi Q5 on the street in London. Never used a lift in my life. On axle stands with 3 ton jack underneath and the wheels for extra safety. Remove parts around engine and cables, then go for it. Unbolt gearbox and pull engine out. Same for everything else. But to be under that lift of yours my back would suffer horrendously. Cars just not up enough.
Hi James👍 If I rebuilt my garage then I would give myself more height and a thicker concrete base and I would then go for a two or four poster. But in the absence of the cash to do all of that, I would far rather have my scissor lift than no lift. My youth was spent fixing my old bangers at the kerb or in my dads rented council garage, so I applaud your Major work on the Q5🍺
@@ToTheGarage Thanks for the applaud. I get paid by the hour too so makes no sense to work too fast. Like the red bull car though my father who used to make propshafts had a large lorry propshaft on his roof of his Escort mk1 van. Painted black with pink ribbon front end. His journeys around Sutton where he'd worked, many people recognised his van because of the unusual advertising. So if I could have a truck with one of these scissor lifts/ramps fitted into the back. A flat bed truck 7.5 ton and the ramp on board ready to lift cars, I think it would grab people. Its not what you know but who you know. So people would talk about it and I believe more work would come my way. Mobile garage. Literally do any job anywhere. As is though, I only ever known the roadside method. It works for me.
I want one of these sooo badly, they all seem to hover around 2k mark. Do you think with this item would survive outdoors? (Obviously not electrically) I am thinking of laying a driveway just for this item.
I DONT SEE WHY NOT. The hydraulic cylinder are the most rust sensitive item and they are totally covered by the platforms. With a bit. of thought and good drainage it should be doable?
In warmer countries I've seen 2-post lifts installed outdoors. They had fabric canopy I think but it looked much more like sunshade than rain protection. And also in colder countries I've seen these in carports / cold garages.
We have a 2 post hoist installed outside that has been there since 2012, we covered the electrical motor with a bucket lol this is New Zealand and with a rotary type Hoist.
Hi John ...my rear speakers are making a horrible noise on my xkr cab....have you got a video on how to change them ...look through your videos but unable to find one
Hey man, i have one of them, different brand. I have a piece of advice. Do not lock the ramp. What happens if your motor or pump stops working. This means you wont be able to get your car off. Even if the latches are not under the catches fully, if there was a fluid leak or something, it was fall about 2cm before engaging into the latch.
Hi The Strategic Scholar. £1700 plus delivery from Strongman Tools. Simple to install as long. as you already. have or can fit the appropriate mains supply
@@ToTheGarage Hi, thanks for getting back to me, after watching your fabulous reviews I decided, this was the one I was going to buy, so I thought I'd research Strongman a little bit more, and their company video showing how to install it, shows the safety release mechanism being hooked up to an airline ! Is your lift a different model then, or have they just done away with the need for an airline? Thanks again for the reply..
@@Mister_Pinx Earlier versions. did I think have. an air actuated. safety device. Im assuming its been phased out and its an old. video? Check with them before you buy though.👍
@@ToTheGarage Yes, you definitely need the wheels dangling to wiggle your stage 2 over the axle and drive shafts. I tried with the rear wheels on ramps and had to jack it up from the ramps.
A great tool. Thank you for showing us
Phew - the title of this video got me worried for a moment John - as because of your excellent channel, I've recently not only bought an XK8, but a Strongman lift as well - never under estimate the power of your videos!! Thanks for sharing what you know, much appreciated.
Wow, thanks. NO shock was intended.😁
I got mine cheap used ($500) from a thriving auto repair business who never used it despite it being on their shop floor because post lifts are so much more versatile. I use mine as welding shop lift table but it blocking the underside of the vehicle is why I'd only buy one new if there were NO other lift option. They're far better than nothing but IMO most sell to people who expect them to be better than they are and don't want to install a post lift. If you do any kind of serious automotive work get a post lift. The post lift takes much less floor space and can do things like lift bodies off frames, unload vehicles backed beneath it etc. Two-post lifts (they make short one nowadays which fit residential garages) are so much better that most businesses using pantograph lifts just use them for tire and brake work or repairs in those regions.
Just purchased a Clifton lift, arriving next week. I mentioned your channel as part of the reason for choosing it! Thanks for the videos for the lift and of course for the Jaguar content too.
Awesome! Thank you!. You never Know. If enough people let them Know where they saw it, I might get a bit of discount when I need something in the future😁
Thanks Jagster0. Although there is no sponsorship or deal with strongman. The more people mention the channel the more likely I might get a future discount😁👍
Cheers Jagster0
And put a sheet of plywood on the top and its al rage impromptu workbench. I’m jealous of your double garage. My single wide is tiny in comparison.
A lot to be said for a variable height workbench👍
I end up having to use 3 different jacks to get the car on axle stands high enough for me to fit underneath because the other lifting points besides the pench welds have the plastic undertray covering them. This would be the way to go for sure.
When I built my garage 4 years ago I went with a bend pack 2-post asymmetrical. Total cost of the lift, delivery and installation was just $3,800. Best decision I've ever made. The scissor lift is a great choice if hight clearance in an issue.
Thats a good lift. I take it you have no height restriction
Wish I had this slick setup.
Spoil yourself Gary. You are worth it!
I looked at all the lift options a couple of years ago and in the end went for a single post lift. It's ideal for a DIY garage because it takes up little room and is fully portable. You can even take it outside for underneath pressure washing etc if the weather is good and your garage door is high enough. The biggest disadvantage is that you need to have the garage converted so that it has no joists in the way and, if you want to drop a gearbox to change a clutch, then it's more fiddly than a four or two post lift, but still possible. Obviously the two and four post lifts need the joist conversion as well. After two years I can say that I made the right choice for me but the joist conversion is a lot more expensive than the lift! Richard
Interesting Richard, To be fair the single post is the only one I didn't consider fully as to be honest they just freak me out a bit. (And im an engineer so I should know better)
the only negatives for me with the scissor is that sill area access is restricted and Im limited to a 1 meter lift. But the 2nd point was informed by the Joist situation and I too had a moment of realisation ref cost moving the joists😁. In my case it was too much for me to stomach at the time. Mine also can be pulled outside if required using clever mobility wheels .
Thanks for the overview. Looking at maybe getting something like this myself. Wouldn't have minded to see what the workspace is like under the vehicle though.
Fair comment Jamie. I will see what I can do.
Nice video,thanks for sharing!
Thank you for showing the car, as now I understand the justification for a lift. 😛
This one looks a lot better than those connected at the top but I'm still considering the ramps that aren't connected at all as it seems you could slide them in and out of an already parked car and there'd be nothing getting in the way underneath. It may not be quite as secure though.
I think the very low rise ones would be fine . Just if you start lifting more than a foot, I would be a little unsure🤔
If the weight is at the front of the car and the lifts centre of gravity isnt centre, it does matter which direction the car is.
Our cars have a pretty balanced axle to axle weight. Not due to a light engine as much as having a Heavy rear axle
Thinking about this for my own home
I built and designed a semi scissor lift that allows you to work under the car. I used ACME screws instead of hydraulics because they are intrinsically safe - they won't unscrew under weight. Unfortunately, I couldn't find appropriate motors that would be small enough and powerful enough to drive it even though 1/2" electric drills work. Here's the lift ruclips.net/video/oHJm-M3fHjA/видео.html
Really interesting Eugene. I enjoyed both your videos on the topic👍
Woould you mind if i include a small extract of your video in an upcoming episode? I think a lot of them would be interested.
I would of course provide subscibers with a link to your channel to watch the videos in full.
That’s an interesting design. I frankly wouldn’t trust the ACME screws (at least not in the size you chose), because even though they will not unscrew, they will wear out :)
But even if your design would be converted to hydraulics, it could be interesting. Nice job 👍
Excellent Video and the idea of putting down the black tape for giudance is a good pointer. My question is do you have much space in the middle underneath the car to remove a transmission/exhaust system etc?
Plenty. Recently did the exhaust system and access to the. gearbox is completely unhindered though I cant claim to have removed it
@@ToTheGarage Great! Thank you for getting back to me so quickly very much appreciated.
John, first off you need to edit your settings to disable people from inserting links...below a link is quite unsavoury.
To change your settings go to Studio>Settings>Community then scroll down to see the 'Block Links' tick box - this will disable people from adding URL's to your comments. I'm sure most others don't want to see young naked ladies while looking at your lift! Take care.
Cool setup....
Thanks Mark
How high is your roof?
8 ft to the horzontal rafters
What a nice lift
Thanks
Awesome video, what is the height of your garage?
Hi mate... great video, have you ever had a BMW R56 mini on your lift or would you say the mini would be too small for it ? .. regards Andy
Hello.. great video.. is your lift a mid rise lift? or full rise lift.
Very nice, but unless you are are someone who is always faffing with cars, perhaps not worth the expense...I haven’t looked up the cost, it I’m guessing they are probably a good couple of grand or more...tell me, what do you use to work under the car, a seat on rollers, a raised bench to lay on on rollers...? As not rising so high as to be able to walk under it, and reach up to work, I would think having to bend over under it and raise arms to work could be quite awkward, and take it out of your back a fair bit...?
1) There are 212 videos of me faffing with my cars! so safe to say I am.
2) £1700.
3) I Sit on a cushion. or my crawling board.
4) Couldn't lift higher without building a new roof on my garage.
I want one.
Isn’t she just lovely? Yup!
Yup indeed
How hard it to remove transmission with this type of lift sincenit has a big bar in the middle. Do you feel its in the way?
There is a bar (synchroniser) at floor level but nothing anywhere else. So the gap between the rising platforms is completely clear
@@ToTheGarage thanks.
Hi John
I like the lift, a good addition
But was that rust I saw on the rear of the sill area?
P.s I love the color of the car
Yes it was. A few blisters just in front of the rear left wheel. I will have to get to them soon.
@@ToTheGarage John
Get them before they get you
Love the channel
I have an xkr 2000 my, 37000 miles from new , owned it for years now
And still love it
I'm looking at getting one of these lifts for my garage but one thing that worries me is maneuverability underneath the car. How easy is it to work on something from underneath compared to a standard two post lift?
Most of the work I do under cars is exhaust, prop, driveline. These all look like it would be harder to get to rather than easier?
What is the make and the cost of your lift?
£1700 plus VAT and Delivery in the UK. Strongman is the make. Clifton is the model.
@@ToTheGarage thanks
Hi john that was very good lift. I want to ask If you have any idea why my jaguar convertible like yours leaks oil near the sun visor and now it doesn’t open no more electrically any more. What could be the cause? If you have an idea I would appreciate you letting me know
Thank you
If You are leaking oil near the sun visor then you have a failed Hydraulic pipe that goes to the roof clamp mechanism. The whole pipe to the pump will need replacing. Change them both.
Steve is correct. There is a slightly possibility that it could just be a weeping union at the clamp but it is more likely to be a failed hose. It's not a simple job but there is no other solution. 😢
Richard and Steve have put it better than I could have Khoder.
Thanks guys
What if lights go out and the car is lifted up. How do you get it down?
Just do it in the dark or use a flashlight.
Anybody have an thoughts on using this on a blocked paved drive. I have not issues using a trolley jacks axle stands or ramps on it. The large foot print of area looks as if it will spread the load ok.
I think it would work well. your car is currently exerting circa 375 kg per sq ft? on the drive.
Car and ramp together would exert circa 120 kg Sq Ft. So as long as the drive way is well established, I would imagine all would be well
@@ToTheGarage question how would it fair. Outside weather wise ?
@@MrGreen_ It would get wet if it rained, and go rusty! But I believe they are portable....
@@ToTheGarage How did you calculate the car exerting 375 kg per sq ft of tire patch? That is some light car.
@@ya472 it’s merely an off the cuff calculation of the average car weight at 1500 kg spread across 4 tyres. If we assume a 1 ft square contact patch / tyre (bigger than the vast majority of tyres) Even with these huge contact patches, The car would exert 3 x the force per square foot than the ramp and car combined when spread over the ramps foot print. So the block paving would see less localised pressure from the car on a ramp than just parking a car on it.
I see these lifts and as a mobile mechanic I just think to myself, whats the point. I mean the height of the lift is putting the car in a place where to work on anything will cause you back ache. Its not high enough. A 4 poster takes the car up. There high up so you can walk beneath it. I just removed an engine from an Audi Q5 on the street in London. Never used a lift in my life. On axle stands with 3 ton jack underneath and the wheels for extra safety. Remove parts around engine and cables, then go for it. Unbolt gearbox and pull engine out. Same for everything else. But to be under that lift of yours my back would suffer horrendously. Cars just not up enough.
Hi James👍
If I rebuilt my garage then I would give myself more height and a thicker concrete base and I would then go for a two or four poster.
But in the absence of the cash to do all of that, I would far rather have my scissor lift than no lift.
My youth was spent fixing my old bangers at the kerb or in my dads rented council garage, so I applaud your Major work on the Q5🍺
@@ToTheGarage Thanks for the applaud. I get paid by the hour too so makes no sense to work too fast. Like the red bull car though my father who used to make propshafts had a large lorry propshaft on his roof of his Escort mk1 van. Painted black with pink ribbon front end. His journeys around Sutton where he'd worked, many people recognised his van because of the unusual advertising. So if I could have a truck with one of these scissor lifts/ramps fitted into the back. A flat bed truck 7.5 ton and the ramp on board ready to lift cars, I think it would grab people. Its not what you know but who you know. So people would talk about it and I believe more work would come my way. Mobile garage. Literally do any job anywhere.
As is though, I only ever known the roadside method. It works for me.
I want one of these sooo badly, they all seem to hover around 2k mark.
Do you think with this item would survive outdoors? (Obviously not electrically)
I am thinking of laying a driveway just for this item.
I DONT SEE WHY NOT. The hydraulic cylinder are the most rust sensitive item and they are totally covered by the platforms. With a bit. of thought and good drainage it should be doable?
In warmer countries I've seen 2-post lifts installed outdoors. They had fabric canopy I think but it looked much more like sunshade than rain protection. And also in colder countries I've seen these in carports / cold garages.
We have a 2 post hoist installed outside that has been there since 2012, we covered the electrical motor with a bucket lol this is New Zealand and with a rotary type Hoist.
Hi John ...my rear speakers are making a horrible noise on my xkr cab....have you got a video on how to change them ...look through your videos but unable to find one
Not Yet Debbie but Its a job that I do want to do.
@@ToTheGarage ...thanks for letting me know ..I might leave them for now and wait for your video as they are always so informative and very helpful
Hey man, i have one of them, different brand. I have a piece of advice. Do not lock the ramp. What happens if your motor or pump stops working. This means you wont be able to get your car off. Even if the latches are not under the catches fully, if there was a fluid leak or something, it was fall about 2cm before engaging into the latch.
What make is the lift please?
Strongman and the model is 'clifton'
Memory foam in place of hard rubber compound! What a joke.
My dream.
Make it come true👍
👍
👍
How much did you get this one for? Who is the supplier? Easy to install?
Hi The Strategic Scholar. £1700 plus delivery from Strongman Tools. Simple to install as long. as you already. have or can fit the appropriate mains supply
Shame you need a compressor to use it..
No I don't!
Electrically operated safe mech release. Not hooked to my air in any way
@@ToTheGarage
Hi, thanks for getting back to me, after watching your fabulous reviews I decided, this was the one I was going to buy, so I thought I'd research Strongman a little bit more, and their company video showing how to install it, shows the safety release mechanism being hooked up to an airline !
Is your lift a different model then, or have they just done away with the need for an airline?
Thanks again for the reply..
@@Mister_Pinx Earlier versions. did I think have. an air actuated. safety device. Im assuming its been phased out and its an old. video? Check with them before you buy though.👍
Too much trouble 😂😂😂😂nope
The live chat has now timed out😔
2 poster is great but takes up too much width for me and the floor would need some rienforcing
I don't think a four poster is as flexible without adding a cross beam Jack so that. you can work with the wheels dangling.
@@ToTheGarage Yes, you definitely need the wheels dangling to wiggle your stage 2 over the axle and drive shafts. I tried with the rear wheels on ramps and had to jack it up from the ramps.
@@ToTheGarage Exactly my thinking John. I would say that 90% of the time that I have car up on my lift I end up with the wheels off.
So ya still gotta bend down to work? Pfffft
Unless I get rid of the garage roof🤔