Garage Lifts (Ramps)

zagatoes30

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20,759
Similar to the thread on tilt lifts looking for the expertise of the forum on this.

For the new garage build I have the space to put in two lifts / ramps but am undecided on the type of ramp to put in. Primarily the ramps will be used for storage as opposed to maintenance and my mind was to put in four posts lifts that allow me to run the car on and leave them sat on the wheels as I feel the cars will be safer and more secure than on a 2 ramp lift where the cars is mounted on 4 arms.

Any views?
 

lifes2short

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5,821
the cars would be perfectly safe on either 2 post or 4 post, however, if its simply for storage then 4 post is the way to go for obvious reasons, 2 post would be a pain in the 4rse as you would need to line up the arms, find suitable lift points and then wind the pads in or out bla bla, 2 post very handy for maintenance/repairs, you can get jacking beams for 4 posters, presumably you only have single phase electrics
 

zagatoes30

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20,759
the cars would be perfectly safe on either 2 post or 4 post, however, if its simply for storage then 4 post is the way to go for obvious reasons, 2 post would be a pain in the 4rse as you would need to line up the arms, find suitable lift points and then wind the pads in or out bla bla, 2 post very handy for maintenance/repairs, you can get jacking beams for 4 posters, presumably you only have single phase electrics

In Co Wexford electricity is a new fangled thing, a bit of that modern magic but yes only single phase - single phase 4 posters are relatively easy to get hold of here so I suspect that will be the way to go
 
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rockits

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9,167
I went that way Andy with a wide/high 4 post and very happy with it. Feels much more robust and I can use it as a service lift as well when needed safe in the knowledge it is built like the proverbial brick out house.

Got a scissor lift too which is a nice quick and easy lift to do alloys off, brakes, suspension etc. With the 4 post it is an a4se to move cars are around as you move the one outside out the way. Then get the bottom one out the drop the lift and get the top on down/out. Then put bottom one back.

1st world problem of course but still an issue regardless.
 

zagatoes30

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The garage has been designed with storage in mind, the rear half is low with enough width to put three cars in there close together for longer term storage, above is the man cave with small shower room / toilet and little kitchenette. The front half of the garage is double height which leaves room for 2 ramps which when raised will lift the cars inline with the man cave which will have a balcony / glass partition so the cars will be clearly visible from the cave. Below the ramp room for 2 more that are in the most use.

Overall space for 7 in a insulated and heated space which will allow me to buy some more ;)
 
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lifes2short

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5,821
The garage has been designed with storage in mind, the rear half is low with enough width to put three cars in there close together for longer term storage, above is the man cave with small shower room / toilet and little kitchenette. The front half of the garage is double height which leaves room for 2 ramps which when raised will lift the cars inline with the man cave which will have a balcony / glass partition so the cars will be clearly visible from the cave. Below the ramp room for 2 more that are in the most use.

Overall space for 7 in a insulated and heated space which will allow me to buy some more ;)

sounds like a great design, just love the idea of the glass partition, when are you hoping to start the build
 

philw696

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25,114
As I'm planning my workshop here in France and have 3 phase as it was a former Carpenters business I'm having a 4 post for vehicle inspections and putting large stuff on like a 4x4 and general service work will be on a 2 post giving lots of space to the underside.
Most of the time I will be on my own so Safety is my No1 factor in my decisions.
 

Motorsport3

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869
The garage has been designed with storage in mind, the rear half is low with enough width to put three cars in there close together for longer term storage, above is the man cave with small shower room / toilet and little kitchenette. The front half of the garage is double height which leaves room for 2 ramps which when raised will lift the cars inline with the man cave which will have a balcony / glass partition so the cars will be clearly visible from the cave. Below the ramp room for 2 more that are in the most use.

Overall space for 7 in a insulated and heated space which will allow me to buy some more ;)

It could nearly work as a dealership!
 

Hawk13

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1,471
I'm also looking at installing a 4 post ramp - commonly referred to as parking ramps - the plan being to store the classics on a lift (with lots of drip trays) and also use for regular maintenance.

Approx. 2 grand gets you a 4 post lift that can be used with household electrics.
 

lifes2short

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5,821
As I'm planning my workshop here in France and have 3 phase as it was a former Carpenters business I'm having a 4 post for vehicle inspections and putting large stuff on like a 4x4 and general service work will be on a 2 post giving lots of space to the underside.
Most of the time I will be on my own so Safety is my No1 factor in my decisions.

Ooh i do love a good garage/workshop build, don't forget to post pictures with progress, any idea what make of ramps you're going for, i have Ravaglioli and bloomin good quality, not cheap but you get what you pay for, unlike the cheap/dangerous Chinese sh1te
 

zagatoes30

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sounds like a great design, just love the idea of the glass partition, when are you hoping to start the build

Plan is to start in the New Year, just discussing with contractors here - actually here its talking to a man called Pat, Liam or something similar all is word of mouth and a fair bit of oohs and aahs
 

philw696

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25,114
Ooh i do love a good garage/workshop build, don't forget to post pictures with progress, any idea what make of ramps you're going for, i have Ravaglioli and bloomin good quality, not cheap but you get what you pay for, unlike the cheap/dangerous Chinese sh1te
Yeah you can't beat the Italians for Garage Equipment and they make lots of it.
Most of what I used in New Zealand was Chinese made and I got to know a major supplier installer and maintenance engineer there who was Suisse he rated the Chinese hydraulic lifts highly.
The trick is to buy from an established and recognised supplier rather than some internet suppliers that sell everything from Lifts to Dildos.
 

2b1ask1

Special case
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20,220
Research carefully before buying; there are several 'German' manufacturers that when you look into it are producing in China. It scares the living daylights out of me thinking about using a poor quality lift. I will be getting mine inspected soon, just need to replace some limit switches.

HSE link
 

philw696

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25,114
Some of those case studies are frightening.
Most of my working life has involved being underneath cars one way or another and certain vehicles frighten me due to design or weight as everything is getting bigger and heavier.
 

lifes2short

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5,821
Research carefully before buying; there are several 'German' manufacturers that when you look into it are producing in China. It scares the living daylights out of me thinking about using a poor quality lift. I will be getting mine inspected soon, just need to replace some limit switches.

HSE link

yup, my lift installer has come across some shocking chinese lifts with arms buckling, poorly welded etc and frankly an accident waiting to happen, raviglioli are one of the best as are werther
 

lifes2short

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5,821
hydraulic lifts highly.

the hydraulic 2 posts as i understand are not as controllable as the more expensive screw/rotary lift type. you don't have to lock the screw lift type or go up before going down, the screw type like ravaglioli just simply go up and down as you want
 

2b1ask1

Special case
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20,220
Mine is a two post rotary spindle Nussbaum from late 90's It has had a fairly hard life and has cost me a fortune to get it up and running but I got so far down the rabbit hole!