Lift for garage

[Stagdad]

I was thinking of digging a pit in my single garage... obviously it means the car is still on its wheels, but could always jack up.
Anyone got a pit? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Heavier than air flamable gas build up. Pits should have extraction system.

[ramjam2005]

Just a heads up but technically you need building regs for a pit and you won't get them now because they are considered a significant H&S risk. I explored the option when building my garage about 15 years ago. That explains why you never see a pit in a workshop any more. Still haven't got round to buying a lift yet but would be beneficial.

As AJLC previously mentioned there is now too much to consider with the building regs for a home build pit to make it cost effective, - drainage, ventilation, lighting, access, trip / fall prevention. They are there for good reasons, as in the tragic stories mentioned here. Whilst building a garage some 30 years back I didn't need planning permission but did need to submit plans for building regs. I asked the guy drawing up the plans about incorporating a pit and he trawled off a list of regs I'd have to meet. so I dropped that idea.

Someone suggested to dig out and concrete the pit during the build, place timbers over it just 2 inches below the surface prior to pouring the concrete garage floor then once inspected and passed, cut out the 2" concrete top to expose the pit and everyone's none the wiser ! Not that I did, nor do I encourage anyone doing this.

45 years back things were easier....just dig a trench and not many questions asked..but the same potential hazards were and WILL always be there and must be used sensibly.

I too am considering the purchase of a mid-height scissor lift similar to dasadrew's for my current garage even though I have limited height clearance.

It's horses for courses. Pro's and Cons for both.

[RobinLegin]

A fellow petrol head with 3 jaguars (XK150 s convertible: Mk2 3.8: E type) has a pit in his garage. Having owned a property in France, he now uses it as a wine cellar.

It will take me a while to invest in a lift - much wanted - but as I am now retired, I have to think carefully about digging into savings. The ability to generate savings is considerably reduced but I am not complaining. However, a thought has just crossed my mind. Could a number of us clubs together, agree on the type of lift we might need (height restriction) and approach a supplier to get a discount/significant price reduction? Or is that in the land of the fairies?

[Stagdad]

I bought 4 hydraulic ramps as a smaller and more manageable for me option as my garage hasnt got the hight for a lift. If i want to do suspension work i use some stands i have made from acro props which i cand wind up under the car and drop the wheel/wheels i want to work on. Works for me and there is less in the way under the car than a sissor lift

[Adrian B]

Well a lot to consider with our common problem, must admit it has put any thoughts of a pit out of my mind now,the main problem for me with a single (but not too narrow) garage is that by the sound of it the "tilting" style lifts can only go in from the side of the car which

[Adrian B]

Oops cut off mid sentence!!by the sounds of it the tilting lifts can only go in fron the side of the car which could be a problem in a single garage...the only option seems to be a drive over ramp lift which look great for the job but at a price though!

[dasadrew]

I found my lift on eBay. It was about half list price and was practically brand new - had never been set up and the hydraulic hoses were still in their bag. They are, however, extremely heavy and cumbersome to transport and I'm pretty sure that has an effect on the price as it's difficult to find someone who will collect it!

I'd search around and find a lift name and type/number and put it in an eBay search. Mine is a Nussbaum Sprinter Mobil II for example.

Drew

[Adrian B]

Thanks i'll do some more homework,i have seen quite a few at the practical classic's show before too,wish i'd taken more notice at the time but you never know it may be on this year!!!