Shop lift for home use

Basic needs related to restoring a 6er including
Electronics, Bodywork, Welding, Painting, Engine Swap, etc
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

Hey folks,

I have decided the time has finally come to buy a decent shop lift, and after much deliberation, I have made a decision. In the end, several things really informed my choice.

I am renting, so a two-post unit like the MaxJax is not a possibility, because it needs be anchored into the right kind of garage floor. The next best option is a scissor type lift. However, they need to open 6-12 inches before you put real load on them, otherwise the pistons don't have enough leverage and cannot lift to their full rating, so it is important that a scissor lift go as high as possible. The perfect solution for me would be a high lift, open center scissor lift. However, all the high lift units on the market are upwards of $5K, and they require 220V. The price, and the need for big power really put high lift scissor lifts out of my reach.

The next best solution would be a mid-rise, open center lift, but all the models I see on the market seem to only offer 38" of lift height at the frame. Also, I want to be able to roll around on a shop seat, and my little round one puts my head right at 50". So I need every inch of lift height I can get.

Ok, so now we land at the Atlas TD6MR. It is not open center, but it is a mid-rise scissor lift, and it has a 48" table lift height. Add the truck brackets, and it gives 53.5" of lift at the frame. Another thing I like is that TD6MR frame has a pretty small footprint on the underside of the car. I think I would be able to use high rise, 2-ton jack stands to hold the car up and drop the lift completely out from underneath. The really good thing is the price of a TD6MR. The full rise, open center lifts I would love to have are $5000+, and even the mid-rise open center lifts are over $2600. The TD6MR is $1700, and with 4 high rise jack stands lands at $2K. That is doable for me.

So based on ease of installation, power needs, lift height, and price, it looks like it's the Atlas TD6MR for me. I will report back when I have it in place, and get the vehicles up in the air.

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

Hey people,

So getting the Atlas model lift was my goal, but I ended up going with a zero interest purchase option that led me to another brand. It's the same lift though. Say hello to my Eagle Equipment PMR-6000.

Image

I am using the low truck lift parts on the front, and the high lift parts on the rear. Still comes up pretty much level, and it is super stable. I have already had it up/down 4 times to check on things and make some adjustments. This kind of lift is not perfect, but I do have access to all the parts of the car. I had it up in the air, and worked on the heat shield between driveshaft/exhaust, so accessing the underside, at the middle is no problem. I am extremely happy with the lift so far.

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
GazM3
Posts: 1791
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 12:55 pm
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by GazM3 »

Like it Jose. Sure beats jacks and stands.
BMW’s
84 E24 M635csi
90 E34 M5 3.6
94 E34 540i/6 SC E85
97 E36 M3 euro SC U/C
97 Z3 2.8 widebody

OTHERS
11 Audi S5 3.0 SC
19 VW Amarok V6
User avatar
sansouci
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1850
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 10:52 pm
Location: Southampton NY

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by sansouci »

Congratulations on your new addition! What is your floor-to-ceiling height and do you lift it to the max in your garage?
Sansouci
84 E24 633Csi Auto, Bronzit/PearlBeige 6997510
93 E32 740il M60 Auto, Alpenweis/Ultramarine
60 528i M30 5-speed Green/Beige (crushed)
71 240Z 4-speed White/Blue (rusty & sold)
65 396 Chevelle 4-speed, Marina Blue/Black (stolen)
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

Not sure about ceiling height. I think it could be 10 feet, but I'll measure it out and update this thread. I am able to lift the M6 to full height, with a little room to spare. If the trunk stays closed, I can even keep the garage door about 1/3 open at full lift. That will be nice for any time I want to run the engine and see what's going on underneath. I can just connect a dryer exhaust hose and pipe out my exhaust fumes.

This TOTALLY beats jacks and stands, gaz! I will be able to do brake work standing. 8) I also verified that I can put my rolling shop seat all the way down, and roll around under the engine bay and rear end. Woohoo! \:D/ =D>

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
User avatar
hornhospital
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 2929
Joined: Sun Jul 11, 2010 6:46 pm
Location: Silverhill, AL
Contact:

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by hornhospital »

Congrats!

And all the time my Rotary two-post lift lays there waiting for the concrete to be poured that i planned on TWO YEARS AGO. :cry:
Last edited by hornhospital on Tue May 01, 2018 5:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ken Kanne
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

Yeah, that whole "adequate concrete" thing really is a bugger. I love that you can use this guy pretty much anywhere.

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
brickwhite
Posts: 797
Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2010 3:29 pm
Location: Broomfield, CO

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by brickwhite »

I put in a knock off 2 post lift .. it was $2500 installed....

Love it


Image
- 12 535i
- 92 325ic
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

Yep, that right there is THE way to go brickwhite. My little guy is way better than crawling around on the ground. I'm a grownup for god's sake, time I start working like one. :lol: :wink:

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

Today I added a little upgrade to my lift. I can easily disconnect the safety lock cable and stow it away with the lift, but being unable to detach the hydraulic hose means I have to leave the power unit in the middle of the floor. So I decided to make it detachable with some adapters.
liftdisconnect.JPG
liftdisconnect.JPG (106.01 KiB) Viewed 22336 times
What you see above is a combination of the following parts.
1/4" NPT quick disconnect male/female fittings - $20 from Amazon
1/4" NPT male to 37degree female adapter (Gates 6FJX-4MP) - $2 from a local supplier
1/4" NPT female to 9/16-18 adapter (Gates 6MJ-4MP) - $5 from a local supplier

So for another $30, the hydraulic hose can be disconnected at the power unit, the hose coiled up safely on the lift, and the power unit stowed away with the 10-ton jack stands, leaving a more open floor.

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
Carlp336
Posts: 362
Joined: Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:55 am
Location: Winston Salem NC

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Carlp336 »

i have an atlas lift.. its the ATTD-APEX10H
the tall 10k lb model.

i was fortunate to buy a home that had great start for a shop with a nice structure.. fast forward 8 yrs and concrete. i have a lift..
this will be my second year of owning it, i love it. i wish i couldve gotten it much much sooner..

i wired in a second box on the outside with a removable breaker/fuse like on AC units. allows me to make it inoperable with out having to kill the power. great with kids and traveling if i go out of town.


Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Last edited by Carlp336 on Thu May 31, 2018 1:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
.1977 H&B 630CSI - http://www.sidedraftsix.com.
Carlp336
Posts: 362
Joined: Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:55 am
Location: Winston Salem NC

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Carlp336 »

i did buy the lower pad for the lower cars... and some of these for safety and support of heavy items
https://www.harborfreight.com/automotiv ... 61600.html
.1977 H&B 630CSI - http://www.sidedraftsix.com.
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

I found these for $25 more than the HF units, but they are 10-ton.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093 ... UTF8&psc=1
1987 M6 - My dream car
User avatar
hornhospital
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 2929
Joined: Sun Jul 11, 2010 6:46 pm
Location: Silverhill, AL
Contact:

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by hornhospital »

The good (as I see it): much greater capacity.

The not so good: height adjustment by pin-in-hole.

From having used both, I can tell you the screw-adjustable stands are MUCH easier to use.
Ken Kanne
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
Carlp336
Posts: 362
Joined: Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:55 am
Location: Winston Salem NC

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Carlp336 »

i got the HF ones on sale and with the coupon for an additional 25%. i think i paid around 55$ each for them.. they are really nice and solid. suits my need well.
.1977 H&B 630CSI - http://www.sidedraftsix.com.
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

I did look for ones with a screw adjustment issue for stuff like holding up exhausts and whatnot. I figure the several screw type jacks I have laying around ought to work well if I need to hold a transmission up, or something like that. For stuff like holding up exhausts or other smaller things, I have several adjustable roller stands like these.

Image

Since my lift only goes up to 48 or so, I figure they should work for my needs. We'll see how it goes.

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
mirdif64
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Jul 08, 2017 9:04 am
Location: UK

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by mirdif64 »

Jose,
How are you getting on with the lift ?
I am looking at purchasing a similar lift due to space constraints. Also put off the open centre (center) style due to the additional cost.
Was just wondering if you were able to use the high rise stands or does the lift structure get in the way ?
Regards,

Steve.
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

Hi Steve,

I have learned a couple of things.

First, the arms on the lift are a bit short to reach the factory lift points of our 2006 530xi. I am welding up some short extensions that will slip over the arms I have, and reach the factory lift points. If you can't weld, Titan lifts makes some 26" long extended arms you can buy for $100 a pair. You need two sets of those, and can order them from JMC Equipment online.

I have not had a chance to use my tall jack stands, but hope to tinker with that when I go to remove the subframe from my 1973 2002.

I did upgrade the lift with a quick disconnect for the hydraulic line. Now, I can drop the lift all the way down, disconnect the safety lock cable and hydraulic hose, and store the power unit separately. That will reduce the stuff "living" in the middle of the floor, and takes less than a minute to re-connect when I am ready to use the lift.

I have done several repairs on it so far, including a simple oil change that became a nightmare of prying off a stubborn oil filter, in a very awkward to get at position. I cannot imagine how pissed off I would have been to deal with that filter, lying on my back, with the car on just some jack stands. So far, this lift still seems like the best solution for my specific needs.

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
mirdif64
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Jul 08, 2017 9:04 am
Location: UK

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by mirdif64 »

Hi Jose,
I have now purchased a similar lift. Just got to fill up the hydraulic oil and connect the power.
This arrangement will hopefully work out OK. I would have loved to get the full length (open centre) scissor lift but it was prohibitively expensive, more than 4 times as much !!
I'm hoping to sort out jack stands, etc once I get it up and running. I think with a bit of thought I will be able to make up a plate to sit on top of the frame and also use it as a motorcycle lift.
IMG_20180705_142708_2CS.jpg
IMG_20180705_142708_2CS.jpg (637.89 KiB) Viewed 21861 times
IMG_20180705_142449_1CS.jpg
IMG_20180705_142449_1CS.jpg (852.79 KiB) Viewed 21861 times
mirdif64
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Jul 08, 2017 9:04 am
Location: UK

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by mirdif64 »

Up and running now. Thought I'd start with a small car first. Baby steps and all that.
Attachments
IMG_20180713_145836_3CS.jpg
IMG_20180713_145836_3CS.jpg (1.34 MiB) Viewed 21788 times
User avatar
sharkfan
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 2235
Joined: Tue Sep 28, 2004 3:14 pm
Location: Guildford, U.K.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by sharkfan »

mirdif64 wrote: Fri Jul 13, 2018 2:19 pm Up and running now. Thought I'd start with a small car first. Baby steps and all that.
Is the car sitting directly on the long blue plates of the rising part of the lift or some other kinds of pads?
2001 Alpina B10 V8 Touring (1 of 12 rhd)
1997 Alpina B12 5.7 L (1 of 2 rhd)
1995 Alpina B10 4.6 Touring (1 of 1 rhd)
1985 BMW M635CSi (1 of 524 rhd)
1982 BMW 635CSiA (1 of 100's left from the 1000's made and still valiantly fighting against a rusty grave)
mirdif64
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Jul 08, 2017 9:04 am
Location: UK

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by mirdif64 »

sharkfan wrote: Fri Jul 13, 2018 3:43 pm
mirdif64 wrote: Fri Jul 13, 2018 2:19 pm Up and running now. Thought I'd start with a small car first. Baby steps and all that.
Is the car sitting directly on the long blue plates of the rising part of the lift or some other kinds of pads?
Sharkfan,
It has rotating arms attached to the long blue plates which lift pad adapters can be slid on to.
Attachments
IMG_20180708_182330_1CS.jpg
IMG_20180708_182330_1CS.jpg (1.23 MiB) Viewed 21779 times
baders
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1084
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2014 7:38 am
Location: Perth Australia

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by baders »

Is the idea of that lift to enable tall jack stands to be placed ? By itself seems like it would make access to many underside parts hard.
1986 635csi LOCUTUS / Arktis Blau Metallic / Pearl Beige / S38B36/ Close ratio dogleg 5sp
2002 E46 M3 / Topaz Blau Metallic / Black Nappa / 6 speed SMG software tuned / Bilstein PSS10 Coilovers / CMP RACP reinforcement
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by Da_Hose »

Yes, the idea is the jack stands allowing you to drop the lift and access the entire underside of the vehicle. I have already used the lift to gain full access to the rear end, and driveshaft heat shield. Eventually I will see about using the stands and test my ability to access the guibo/tranny. Today I did the brakes on a 2005 Rav4. Holy cow that was so much easier, and faster than using a rolling jack and low stands. Still totally happy with the purchase.

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
mirdif64
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Jul 08, 2017 9:04 am
Location: UK

Re: Shop lift for home use

Post by mirdif64 »

Jose/baders,
I am planning to use a combination of wheel stands and/or jack stands for under vehicle access.
Borrowed a stand (from a chassis jig) to get an idea what height of wheel stand I would need. Planning to get actual ones made up based on a flat base plate, 4 uprights and a recessed top plate for wheel to sit in.
Attachments
IMG_20180719_133947_4CS.jpg
IMG_20180719_133947_4CS.jpg (1.36 MiB) Viewed 21595 times
Post Reply