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MG MGA - Car Hoists / Ramps

Several months ago I started a thread on this topic. Now I am in my double garage and surveyed the options I was wondering if the following type is a possibility for occasional use, being relatively compact:

http://automotechservices.co.uk/garage_scissor_lift_as-5500.html

Anyone tried one? Any comments?

Thanks

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve,
I've toyed with similar but when you look closely, once you have the car in the air, you are still stuck with the framework being an obstacle to full access underneath. I have looked at tilters, which sit centrally,lift about 600mm, but you can then tilt front or rear to a greater height and work on the front or rear; access centrally is still limited though. Also the tilter is slipped (in its collapsed form) under the car from the side (unless you manufacture some ramp arrangement fore and aft)which means you have to have the clear space to do so.

regards
Colin
C Manley

Steve,
A fellow member of the MGCC Victoria has recently imported one of the Ezcarlifts from the US. While it only lifts 26" it does allow clear access down the drive line of the car. Build quality is superb. If you don't have head room for a 2 poster these are good alternative.
http://www.ezcarlift.com/
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

On the Ezcarlift website photo section there is a section on MGs. Great photos of a 1929 midget, 1936 VA, MGA. etc.
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Mike

Nice bit of kit. However, I was looking at a video and it showed only 26" of lift compared to 40" on the scissor jack I linked. I could do with that extra height.

Colin. Interesting point about accessibility. I am not sure I want to go down the tilting route with all the fluids on board. e.g. petrol, engine oil, brake fluid, battery.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Just spoken with the UK retailer. He said that a German Company (www.welt-der-werkzeuge.de) is marketing the same lift at almost twice the UK price, but they have a YouTube video of it in operation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DEn0bp8Y2U

Steve
Steve Gyles

This the style to suit me..but the price does not. I have a double large garage but standard headroom. the scissor type and others seem to congest the area under the car and limit access..
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-Post-Car-Hoist-MaxJax-Fully-Portable-Low-height-Lift-/300593446701?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fcc3ff2d
Neil Ferguson

I just use a standard professional hi-lift trolley jack and put the car on four axle stands. It's then stable and high enough to work on with nothing in the way - I just move the stands around as I need access to different areas.

Much cheaper than these lifts and much less to get in the way.
dominic clancy

Steve, have a look at MaxJax... http://www.maxjaxusa.com
I'm considering this lift, it seems to have nice features for a lift device.

George
G Goeppner

Dominic..I use a trolley jack and stands at present but the lifting gives me some qualms . I do it in many stages as I dont trust the trolley lifting pad to contact to car at angles..so the whole process is jack up a small amount , stand adjustment again and again. Any advice..and how high do you take it?
Neil Ferguson

Neil

Researching the 2-posts I note that most of them are about 9 feet wide which does not suit me with all the other equipment I store and use in the garage. The scissor seems like a reasonable all round compromise.

Dominic, that's what I've been doing these past years, but as years catch up I am finding I need a bit more room underneath. Let's not forget that I am actually registered disabled from my flying days and I don't have the body flexibility of yesteryear. 20 years on and you will know what I mean. Are you going to Beaulieu?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve..you are right about the widthof the 2 post units..I can't manage to get such a beast in. Also agree about the age bit. I am now 67 and getting down to ground level and back up is getting to be a major task ....and even when achieved full cycle there is a long period when the back and knees are in rigid mode. It is time to fit some grease nipples onto
the body.
Neil Ferguson

George, the MaxJax does look quite interesting. Check it out at Jay Lenos garage (http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/more-video/maxjax-portable-lift-system)
Andy Bounsall

I too, have height problems in my "standard-sized" garage! I have recently purchased a second hand car lifter such as the tyre suppliers/sellers use. It cost me $A300 but I had to buy my own (manual) pump which cost me $A70 (the professionals use electric 3-phase pumps which are not suitable for my single phase household supply!). It lifts the car about one metre. The ones most commonly used here in OZ are named "Formula" and made in the USA I think.
Barry Bahnisch

Barry..that sounds an interesting alternative. Do you have a pic. and more details. I cant envisage the hoist.
Neil Ferguson

Neil, Sorry I do not have a picture! The hoist is under my 1910 Humber. In any case, I am too dumb to post a decent picture. If you go to a tyre supply place you will see one of these hoists in action but some are pneumatic and not suitable for us MG or hobby users. It took me some time to find one that the tyre blokes were willing to sell me (they still use them!). You can probably buy similar devices new, made in Asia, but almost the same price as a "two-poster". "Formulas" are popular, very durable and often still in use.
Barry Bahnisch

I just stick the jack either under the cross member at the front or under the centre of the rear axle and up it goes in one lift. The other end must be stable (i.e. on wheels or stands) before the other end goes up. I have very substantial stands too. Can get plenty of room to lie on the clean floor underneath and work, but I am only 68kg (that's 150lbs in old money) so there's not a lot of me to get in the way.

The car is then extremely stable - normally the stands go under the spring pans at the front and under the axle ends at the back, so well spread out and unable to slip.
dominic clancy

Steve, I p/chased a 4 Poster Lift from www.asedeals.com/garage. made by Dannmar. Its a treat to work with on my mga thats in boxes except for the frame which is currently on the lift with my wife's Mini Cooper underneath it. Costs $1800.00.USD+ $800.00.USD Installation. Had to have the garage door raised but boy it makes life alot easier. My garage is 22' x 15'. The lift was installed in 2006 and its worked great....Clive... Do I need help on this mga .
c allen

This thread was discussed between 31/08/2011 and 05/09/2011

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