Harbor Freight Scissor Lift 1 Year Review. Was it worth it?
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- Опубликовано: 25 окт 2019
- Well, it's been a full year since I bought and installed the Harbor Freight Automotive Scissor Lift, so I guess it's time to talk a little about it as a long term tool.
It's held up very well, having had no issues in the 100's or even 1000's of uses its had. The hydraulics and pump motor show no signs of wear and or issues, and the main unit is looking a lot better than expected.
I use it for side jobs, restoration work, and also as a table top when working on small engines or lawn mowers. To sum it up, I like it enough to consider getting a second one for the other bay!
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I had this exact lift and loved it. I did put steel plates under the wheels to save the concrete floor. Both car axles are fully accessible. I did need eight 2x12s though because my car only had 5 1/2 inches of clearance. The only reason I sold it was because I didn't want to move houses with it.
Wish I had stumbled across this video sooner. I have been looking at lifts like this and you have me completely sold on the harbor freight. Thanks for the incredible attention to detail!
You are welcome, there is a 3 year review on my other channel, it will show you 3 years in what it looks like
This seems to be what I would need for the body shop! Be great for repairing or replacing rockers and cab corners! Even wheelwells and such! Seems to have many uses! Thanks for the video!
This thing Is great! I love it.
...and the posts will not be in the way all the time.
a lot of guys rip on harbor freight stuff but they really upped their game the last couple of yrs...your review was great and now i have to decide if i need a bigger garage, higher ceilings, new house ....lol
Nice video and saw this on a bumper sticker “The older you get the better you were”
Have one for 7 years work very good ,works on my Yukon 2003 no problem
This is the kind of video that all you tubers should put out. To the point. Covered all aspects. Informative. No life history before addressing the issue. Great job Bud. Do another one in a year.
Wow, thanks! I am working on the 3 year follow up. It's out of it's extended warranty, and still working great.
You gotta be kidding me right? How can a video be a review without mentioning one single downside. This is a love song, not a review. I guess you also think that advertisements are the only thing you need to be informed?
Eric, great of you to do the follow up , I've been considering one myself . The convenience>price . take care .
I wish that I would have gotten the lift earlier than I did. Some times I should not be so frugal. My back thanks me for this every day
Got mine a little over a year ago and love it. Got many jobs done with it. I only work under it once but don't recommend it not because it is from HF, just a precaution. Working around it is awesome. Most of my cars are lower so I have to made two wooden ramps to clear the bottom. I have a two cars garage but do not have enough space on the side for two post lift so the scissor lift fit nicely under the car. Highly recommend it for working around the car.
I love this thing! I've been working on a restoration and this lift has saved my back and my time.
It has locking positions. It’s not any more dangerous than working under any other car lift, I work under a. 2 post all the time, and a rotary low rise lift as well if need be. I don’t feel any different under either lift type. Anything on any lift can fail. Just think smart with any lift, correct lift points, always lower it into the locks, do a shake test before you raise it all the way up etc, quit telling everyone you can’t do any work underneath it. You most certainly can.
I have this lift. It’s 8 years old. Served me really well. Needed a capacitor (possibly because I was pressing button repeatedly & not letting it charge up). Also one ram now leaking but vendor here in UK excellent & will send me a seal kit. Recommended
That is great the the vendor will send you a kit! Not all companies are like that
Great review man . I really need this . Years of kneeling down and laying on the floor is killing me .
Mine blew the seal
And fell on me just as I was about to lower it
It pinned me as I was under it and broke my ribs
Please don’t by these lifts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nnnnnooooo!!!!!
I was in the icu
I have this exact lift and like it a lot. I used it for my rear engine Porsche's and will some modifications (cutting the cross bar and replacing with with a steel bar and heavy bolts) I can drop the engines with it. ONE VERY IMPORTANT cautionary tale! As Farpoint showed in his video, do not permanently hard wire it to your electrical source, use a 220 plug AND a dedicated breaker. I had the inexpensive Chinese switch fail on the pump in the closed position while lifting and if not for the ability to unplug the unit, I fear my 1980 SC would have crashed through my ceiling and would now been in the garage attic space!
This looks like a nice unit. My son is a BMW Master Tech and he is doing more work from his home and this looks like an excellent choice. Great video!
Please tell your son to not buy from harbor freight. They have subpar tools and if a ratchet breaks that’s 1 thing of a lift breaks you have no more son.
I need to replace the run capacitor on my harbor frieght lift it came in with the wheel damged and capacitor missing. I contacted Mouser electronic and they said the information they need to size it on the motor label is not listed. Any chance you can tell me the specs of the run capacitor?
Great review. This might be exactly what I need
Where did you get the pad spacers for trucks that you mentioned in the video? I have the same lift.
As long as the pump box doesn't arrive damaged like mine you'll be fine. Delivered in July and still waiting on the parts or an entire pump to arrive in Nov. The parts are hard to get .Poor packaging on the pump is part of the problem . It's a bear to unload even using a lift gate. Expect to like mine whenever I finally get to use it. I need ramps too for my lower cars to clear it
I have had the same lift now for about 1 year, only comment I can offer is " I pin it to the floor with the hole and let the pin slide up and down as the lift moves up and down". This provides some means so the lift does not move around
Want one and the 1000 pound lift table. Always better to get stuff at somewhat eye level.
maybe a 1/4" 8x4 steel plate or smaller for under the unit will be good for your concrete floor .
I have used mine for transmission work on r w d by moving the lift rearward with tall truck Jack stands up front allowing plenty of room and stability.i secure the front on stands first then lift the rear to level.works great😎
A lot of people like to talk poorly about these lifts, but I really like mine! Good job on the year in review! Glad to see its holding up!
It's really a great lift! It's saved my back many times over the last 18 months.
Just keep those hydraulic rams polished and lubed and you will be fine. HF does not provide rams with hard chromed shafts so if you get any oxidation on them, they will damage the seals with lots of operation.
Great video..awesome personally. Thank you.
I am just wondering if this thing has to be extended all the way or is there lock points at various set heights?
I heard you mention 12 inch spacers. Do they come with it? And any other spacers?
Thanks for taking the time to make this video, it was helpful and very informative. What advice do you have for someone like me wanting to get into the automotive repair business?
Good timing. I have a video for this Wednesday that covers that EXACT topic. Stick around.
Would there be an issue with dropping the engine and trans along with the sub frame on a Honda Odyssey?
Would've been nice to see a car on it too. Seems like it would get inthe way a lot. Did you consider putting a pit in your floor, if ceiling height prevents you from putting in a proper lift?
What is the width measurement of the platform? Not with the frame lift pad arms.
Hello. You mention a Honda Civic in the video. Several months back I removed a Civic motor from the top side to work on it. Is there room to lift a car, any car, and lift it with the sub frame on the floor with the motor on it? Thanks
Still holding up good? Thanks for the review sir🤙🤠
Do you experience any wobble while the car is on the lift? I noticed that with my arms totally extended that I have a bit of wobble/deflection from the arms. Is this normal/safe? My jack points are very wide so this is the only way I could get the car on the loft
I’m curious, is this the type of item that should have a safety X-ray every few years to check for hairline fractures?
At my work people would come in with portable devices to perform this service on a scheduled basis but admittedly for heavy lift machinery.
Very nice review and professional
Thank you kindly!
You said you probably could not do a transmission on a rear-wheel drive car because of the equipment (pointing to lift cylinders) Why not back the car in so the space is available? Looks like its open on the opposite end.
Good Video, thx... one question, are there more than one stop for this...could you list the heights that it can lift too from the lowest tot he top... Ihave a lower ceiling than most and would like to be able to use this indoors...thanks.
I'll try to make a video of that for you over the break.
Great video bought a used one haven't got the garage cemented yet the two boards you have for smaller cars can they stay in place all the time,also do you have to reposition them for each vehicle that doesnt clear .Can you let me know thanks Dale
Does HF still sell this lift? I do not see it on their web site.
How long is the cords and hydraulic hose?
Hi Eric, this is a great video just around the time I am thinking of buying one of these here in the UK. I own a BMW Z4 so would need the pieces of wood alongside the lift as you do. Do you have a video of a car actually on the lift, no one seems to have done that. Thank you.
There are some videos with cars on it along with a riding lawn mower, please check them out. I am kicking myself for waiting so long to purchase one.
Thanks for the video, I've been thinking about getting one. If you don't mind me asking what did you pay? Appreciate your feedback & God bless..🇺🇸
You said that you change the oil on cars, where do you put the drain pan? Looks like too much of the lift in the way to place the big drain pan directly below the oil pan?
Horror shart does have some things that are just amazing. Like this lift. Then there is stuff you get that barely makes it home before it breaks.
Great review, you have swayed me to go with this, over a 2 post lift that is 3 times more expensive. Thanks!
Not true, you can get a 2 post for the same price.
How tall ceilings do you need to have to be able to use this
Very helpful, thank you
How do you work underneath this thing or is it meant for you to work underneath it? It would have been nice to see a car on top of it
Does your lift wobble the last couple of inches when going up?
"getting old is fun" - my kinda guy
Good information thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Ok how much is rated I'm looking for this mechanism and want to mount a sissor lift or what ever maybe one unit that raises and dump to mount on dump trailer only need few feet of lift may just build it
It can lift 6000LBS.
I was thinking about getting one but I'm worried if I put too much force or weight on one side it could tip. Like if I were loosening a really tight bolt with a breaker bar and I'm putting a lot of force behind my truck could end up rolling off? Am I being irrational or is that something that could actually happen?
I am sure that it could happen, I make sure that the car is stable when I lift it. I stop a few inches off the ground and make sure it is secure and again about a foot off the ground. I would rather take a few minutes to make sure I am safe than rushing it.
I would love to have one of these, however I unfortunately don't have a garage. Totally agree with you about getting older and it being more difficult to lay on the ground and do work.
very nice video. i just purchase one tuxedo scissor lift just like your from homedepot, does it need a air compressor to operate it? how come i don't see it in from your video.
No air needed. Mine is 220V AC plug, and the safeties are operated off a cable.
Question for you I do a lot of side work engine and transmission how is pulling a front wheel drive sub frame with engine and trans dose it give you room to get it out or in the way.
It's tight depending on the car, but it can be done. Best option is to get a lift table to slide up under it and then drop the cradle onto it. Volvo, and Honda civics work for sure, so I'd say most will.
@@FarpointFarms thanks for getting back ya I figured lift table or jack stands. Right now doing them in a gravel drive way with Jack's and jackstands my atv jack worked great for it too.
Dang .. I'm searching high and low for an affordable lift to do my transmission again (T45 in my Crown Vic) .. Guess it's back to jack stands, and scootin' around on card board ..
I really like this video. Have you done a follow up on any problems or issues since you first posted the video? I looking to buy a lift for my shop.
So far this unit has worked great for me, there are a few jobs that the lift is not the best for but for normal work is has been great.
Excellent video as always. Would love to make this purchase just do not do enough to justify it.
Nice vid
It looks good and seems to work good,however I would be concerned about replacement parts. I've always had issues getting repair parts from harbor freight. Especially on something in this price range.
So far I have had great luck with it. Not being able to get parts was a concern of mine as well and I hope that I will never have to worry about it.
Awesome thanks
I’ve owned mine for about 10 yrs and it’s FANTASTIC. I found and added arms that are about 6” longer, and found a set of stackable truck adapters for under the rubber pads. Recently, I finally cut a channel in my concrete floor and ran the hydraulic and release lines in it and covered them with 1/4” plate so everything rolls over it smoothly - including me on my stool! Best part is being able to sit down and do a brake job :-)
Where did you find longer arms?
What's the approximate price for something like this . I do a boat load of brake jobs and my knees can't take it anymore. I need to sit
1899
@@gizzyguzzi ouch
i bet you could get an antenna tuner and use it on 27Mhz as well ;) - i really wish we had 'harbour freight' in the uk - and love to have one of these !
You can order one online
Horror Freight Sucks. Spend a few extra dollars and save your own life.
Good review. Looking into this vs max Jax mid rise 2 post. This just seems way more mobile (since I can snugly fit 2 cars, I like to have the option of hogging the whole garage when I don’t have a second car). It’s gonna be for my mk1 cabriolet ps nice caddy :)
I can't speak for the other lift, but this thing is worth it's weight in gold!
@@FarpointFarms Will the wheels on the lift dig into the driveway?
Hey Eric nice video. Have you ever put a full size pickup on that and how did that go?
Yes it lifts my Toyota T100 (Tundra) and I've also put a Ford F150 on it. Both were fine. You can get high risers for it to help with any clearance issues, but on these two I just used wood blocks.
Guys got a nice clear voice, he just needs a better clipon or lapel microphone
I have a new mic, but I', having issues getting working right. Hang in There!
Do you think this would work for ATVs too? Looking at a atv lift table, but this would allow me to work on my car too! Have you used it for anything besides cars?
Yes it will. I've used it to raise my riding mower. That is about the same size.
they really are a great bit of kit ,wish id got one years ago would of saved my back ,its so great to do things now at chest height.i dont do that much now but when i do its sheer luxury lol ,ive put a cover on mine out of ply keeps everything neat check it out on my channel there a bunch of other stuff as well ,thanks for showing us your set up .Ant from Wales UK
Does the concrete need to be a minimum thickness or PSI with this like a 2 post lift. I am debating this or the iDEAL 6,000 lbs Mobile, Low Profile, Single-Column Lift . I looked at the Max Jack and you have to cut out your garage floor and reinforce it, and then I would be scared about removing and installing the bolts that secure the posts repeatedly.
No, and that is why I went with it. It does recommend a hard concrete, but it can be used in 99% of normal garage floors. For me to put a two post in would have required me to cut out the floor and dig down to pour a huge deep footing. The cost and trouble involved was not worth it.
Also don't take a chance that a 2 post will work with what ever is poured already. A co-worker died last week at home when his at home lift ripped out of the garage floor and crushed him.
@@FarpointFarms OMG that is horrible and exactly why I am deciding on these three. Quick Jack- least expensive, portablable. will fit most vehicles, allows access under car.. Downside is it only lifts the car like 2 feet and I really dont like the manual safety locks.. Titan scissor lift- much like the HF but 6600 lbs rated, has better wheels, and the jacking arms seem to be longer, The warranty is longer and seems to be better quality, Lastly I came across this which although expensive seems to be the perfect thing- mobile 2 post lift from Ideal. NO install. mobile and offers everything a 2 post lift does but safer -iDEAL-6-000-lbs-Mobile-Low-Profile-Single-Column-Lift-FREE-truck-adapters. thoughts?
hi MR can we use for change transmission family car Toyota avalon 1997 by this lift?
You should have no problems with it.
Definitely safer than a handyman jack and cinder blocks
What about exhaust work, like over axle pipes, on a late model mustang GT?
Check out my page, I just made a video of me doing exhaust work with mine.
How hard is it to move around? Great vid been wanting one of those great for working on the body too nothing in the way like Side posts!
It weight over 800 pounds so my back says that it will not be moved--ever.
Your opinion on this left for a Side-by-Side garage would be very appreciated. Thank you, sir.
If you mean side by side Gator style units. This would work great for that use.
Not bad at all for the price and one year of duty . And think of the wear you saved on you back and knees !
Right? If I can delay knee replacement for another 2 years this thing will have more than paid for its self!
Farpoint Farms
That’s a good outlook and economical hahaha ,, maybe you can avoid it all together working smarter instead of harder . 👌 . Look fwd to this weekends videos
It seems HF may have discontinued this lift. All I can find is a motorcycle lift on their site. Anyone have a link?
It comes and goes from their website. Keep an eye out and when they make more it will return.
Where did you bought your lift from
havent been able to find them spacers, like a link to this if you have one
Supply chain issues are making them hens teeth to find, hopefully it will turn around soon.
Cool video and Thumbs Up.
Thank you very much!
@@FarpointFarms
You are welcome also.
Do they still sell these can't see to find them on their site
With all the supply chain issues I am sure that they are having a hard time sourcing the materials to make it, give it time.
New subscriber, can you lock it in place?
Does HF still sell this lift? I haven't been able to find it.
They were having supply chain issues before- it tends to come and go off their site.
Do you have the link for the song?
The farpoint farms song? Fellow RUclipsr Marky Shaw made that for me.
You mention crawling up inside the lift to do work. What safety devices are there to prevent it from collapsing? Seems dangerous. I ask with sincerity, not sarcasm. Love your videos.
The unit has a large safety lock that keeps the lift from collapsing in the event of a fluid leak or cylinder failure. It works just like a modern 2 or 4 post lift. I feel as safe under it as I do any other lift.
what stablizes this lift, so it does not tip over?
Magic--JK
No, the way that it is designed it works. The unit is very heavy and has a wide stance, once the vehicle is on it and it put there correctly, it is balanced. If you follow all the safety protocols they are safe- do something that you should not, you might regret it
Is the forward right foot chocked up with a piece of wood, perhaps to stop it rocking?
I can't find it on Harbor Freight website
the last time I looked it was showing on their site as online only. I guess it is hit or miss as they have them available.
What are the safety mechanisms for this lift? It just doesn’t look to be trustworthy to be underneath it while doing work?
It has a large mechanical finger that locks the unit once it's at a set level. These look scary, but that is all. They just look that way. They are as safe (or unsafe) as any other 2 or 4 post lift out there. I've literally spent 1000+ hours under and around this unit and it is still a stout as the day I bought it.
Thanks for review - What size is your garage? As long time Mechanic what dimensions for garage would you recommend to have enough space for tools, bench & reasonable storage? Would value your opinion Sir?
Well..... It think a 200 foot by 200 foot would be just about right for me! That said, realistically, this is a 24 deep by 30 wide shop with a 6 foot workshop to the side. It works great, but I would have loved it if it was 28 or even 30X36 instead. The extra depth would make moving around modern longer cars easier that it is. As of now, I get maybe 3 up front and 2 in the back to move with the car on the lift. With a 28 I could get engine hoists in and out a lot easier.
I am blessed to have a shop so even though it's a bit cramped when working on more than one project at a time, it sure beats the 17 foot deep by 15 foot wide shop I worked out of before moving here.
@@FarpointFarms Thanks for info. & recommendations- I was thinking of going little larger than 22" × 36' but have been holding of because China virus & recently crazy material cost but times moving on & now thinking of pouring footers myself hire retired Mason up the road to lay block building- We'll see Maybe gonna shoot for 30'×'40 if government don't keep running me broke- Also gonna try dug out pit to walk under for the most that can be done from pit- Enjoy your videos Take Care Buddy!
My first job had an in ground hydraulic. It was nice because it was out of the way. I spent the next 30 years dodging the posts on the above ground lifts.
Do you see any benefit of not having the rack in the way. Perhaps I being nostalgic but for home use it seems that it would be a benefit when the lift is not I use as well as walking around the car while you are working in it.
Personally, I would never crawl under there to work on anything. I would use it to raise up a car to work on it wheels, brakes axles etc I just think if you have a concrete floor and the room it's better just to get a 2 post lift (so many post height variations). They can be purchased for under 2k installed down here in Florida and typically have a 9k-11k capacity.. but hey, nothing wrong with a sissor lift if that's what works best for you!
How much is it
How do you think it would go with an old 911? considering the engine is in the back along with most of the weight. I need to get into my resto project.
I have used it to lift air cooled beetles with no issues.
@@FarpointFarms Thanks for the prompt replay, much appreciated.
Have you ever lifted a silverado or equivilent on it ?
I have done a Toyota Tundra without any issues
Is there a concrete thickness requirement to use this safely?
no. that is one of the benefits of this lift. I would do at least 3-4" but that is my opinion. For most 2 post lifts it is closer to 6" depending on the concrete that you use
@@FarpointFarms would it work on asphalt?
Good video
Glad you enjoyed
@@FarpointFarms Yes.. Very helpful
Very cool, but I think they stopped selling the lift. I looked it up and I could not find it 9/18/21
I talked with a rep over at harbor Freight and they have stopped selling them due to parts shortages. As soon as this mess clears up, it will be available again. They are filling back orders when parts come in, and then will re-launch the product. It does suck since I was considering buying a second one for the other bay here at the house.
Nice review. The concern that I have is the stability. It seams the car could move to the side Can you comment on that
At 1:20 he mentions its stability
I'm not sure you understand how stable something becomes when you place 3-4000 lbs on top of it.