Support/Lift Equipment, What Do You Use?

[CRTDI]

I'm in the process of sourcing and procuring lifting and support equipment for the Jetta and a couple of other cars that I own. About 20+ years ago I used to do most of my own repair work and now I'm wanting to do it again.

I've been looking around at places like Sears, Harbor Freight and Northern Tool and I'm not to impressed with all the Chinese made equipment that I see these days. Really shocked by the Craftsman tools at Sears. That used to be the place I could really depend on for quality tools, now it seems like a such a mixed bag, some things look good, others are questionable.

Focusing now on a floor jack, jack stands and ramps, I'm real hesitant about getting under a car thats supported by the 99 dollar floor jack/jack stand special available at Sears. That stuff just looks like an accident waiting to happen.

Finding a floor jack has been tough. The old tough and dependable Hein Werner jack that I used to own exists in name only. Now owned by a Chinese company but built in the U.S., it now appears to be the same design as many other Chinese manufactured units. I did manage to find what appears to be a quality floor jack, though it's a bit more heavy duty than what I'll ever use it for. But, I'd rather have one a bit overrated than underrated for my application. For an added bonus, it's actually built here in the U.S. by a U.S. company.

Here's the floor jack I've selected, a Milwaukee Hydraulics 4 ton, model 40:
http://www.milwaukeehydraulic.com/products.html

A video promo for Milwaukee Jacks here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64fUiH8W_Gc

I'm considering these jack stands, but I'm not to sure if these are the best design choice the for the Jetta: http://www.asedeals.com/flat-top-jack-stands.html

For ramps, I'm looking at a pair of the Peterson TC Deluxe: http://www.autoramps.com/car_ramps.htm mainly because I don't like the plastic/composite offerings, but I'm also unsure if these are going to be compatible with the low front end on the Jetta.

I would be like to know if the jack stands and ramps that I'm considering are going to work with the Jetta. Also, any alternate equipment suggestions or if you would like to share what you are using would be appreciated.

 

[Steel]

They make plastic extentions that fit into the second set of metal ramps. I had the problem with my P5 (very looow car) that it would just push the ramps. $30 extensions fixed everything.

I forget the name of the brand, but I'm sure you can find them at any old carpart store.

 

[brianstrange]

I purchased a used Kwiklift on craigslist about two years ago. If you have limited ceiling height in your garage, I swear by them. Very safe and a great working height.
www.kwiklift.com

 

[CRTDI]

I ended up ordering a Milwaukee 4 ton floor jack direct from the manufacturer, Milwaukee Hydraulics for $626 plus shipping. I thought this was a good deal as it's close to what you'd pay for a Milwaukee 2 ton unit as offered on some retailer's web sites. If your interested, go to Milwaukee Hydraulics web site to get their phone no. and ask talk to a very informed young lady named Caroline.

I decided against the flat top Esco jack stands and went with a more traditional model offered by US Jack.
http://www.usjack.com/catalog/Page 10.pdf

I went with the 3 ton rated stand, for $51 a pair plus shipping. These are rated at 3 tons per stand instead of the usual rating in sets/pairs. The stands are made in the U.S. by a U.S. company. I also ordered these through the manufacturer with a real nice lady there named Diane.

Looking forward to Christmas...

 

[CRTDI]

The floor jack and jack stands finally arrived, some pics:
My initial impression of the build quality for this 180 pound beast appears to be excellent, arrived nicely packaged and undamaged.

The 3 ton jack stands from US Jack, didn't appear to be quite as beefy as expected, but on closer inspection appear to be well constructed.

All settled in and awaiting a hopefully long duty life...after the cold weather goes away.

 

[coalminer16]

I went with a lighter lifting jack made by OTC. Lighter both to move around and the wallet (weights 43lbs) with a 2 ton rating. Of course I always use jack stands too just incase the lift fails. I might have to check out the ramps that were posted. I like the removable ramp the most. I have the composite (plastic) ones. They work fine and can hold a lot of weight but I too like metal.

 

[Herm TDI]

I bought a Bend-Pac (US Made) sissor lift


Very handy & well made

 

[Canadian_Grizzly]

Oh Herm I am jealous... how much?

 

[rackaracka]

BendPak ML6

I bought this "jack" about 5 years ago. It's invaluable for doing any sort of engine work, wheel service, exhaust work, even detailing... It's hydraulic and powered by a 12V deep cycle battery. It will lift my Dodge 2500 Cummins truck (gvw 8800) 6'8" high. I am able to lift a car in my garage and roll it to the other side of the garage (Requires a nice floor) The only nuisance with this jack is that the lifting arms are not low enough (with pads installed on short extensions) to go underneath most low profile vehicles. I usually drive the front up on ramps and then jack and block under the rear wheels. You can see my blocks under all 4 wheels with Herbie up.

 

[poor1]

How about these. I'm jusat ablout to buy a pair.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150930882733?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[DPM]

chinesium, methinks. Tread carefully...

 

[poor1]

They are but designed in the UK. I've had some good stuff from China.

 

[OlyTDI]

2 year old thread but I'll add my $0.02:

Bought the MaxJax from Dannmar last year. http://www.maxjaxusa.com/ an excellent option especially if you want lift portability and/or don't have ceiling height for a full-height lift.

It was a little spendy for the home mechanic but I had built a shop and wanted the capability of really working on my vehicles. I haven't regretted it once and get a little giddy when I have that car up in the air. I think it's on sale through Costco right now for $1999 with free ship. I got mine through Garage Equipment Supply and they price matched so shop around.

I modified mine so that the hydraulic pump is wall mounted and the hydraulic lines are overhead. I cannot emphasize enough how much it has improved access to the vehicle and increased the pleasure factor when working on cars.

There are extensive threads on this option over at The Garage Journal Board http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/

 

[blackty]

I have a Kwiklift also. Love it...Jim

 

[JSWTDI09]

They make plastic extentions that fit into the second set of metal ramps. I had the problem with my P5 (very looow car) that it would just push the ramps. $30 extensions fixed everything.

I forget the name of the brand, but I'm sure you can find them at any old carpart store.

These are also from Peterson they are called "ultra ramps" and you are correct, the extensions are necessary with Jettas. I have the exact ramps you see in the picture above. The newer ones are painted black instead of yellow (I guess so they match the extensions better). See link below:
http://www.autoramps.com/ultra_ramps.htm

Have Fun!

Don

 

[ymz]

Bought the MaxJax http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/

I've looked at that - for the day I win the lottery... (hard to do since I never buy tickets... but that's another thread...)

How do you determine whether or not to trust the integrity of the concrete floor in your garage?

Yuri

 

[OlyTDI]

Well, there is a thickness and strength specified -- 4 inch at 3500 lb if my memory is correct (don't quote me on that!). My floor was poured in the last five years so I had a pretty good idea how thick it was. But to be sure, I drilled a couple of probe holes and used a piece of wire to determine thickness. Mine was 4 inches.

Since install, I've had no cracking or other evidence of problems. There are six anchors on each column and I've also checked the torque from time to time and found no need to cinch them up.

I, too, was a little taken aback by the price but if you look at a good quality floor jack, ramps, creepers, etc., you're probably half way there on price. I just took the plunge knowing I wouldn't regret it.

 

[ymz]

When they constructed my garage, they were going to pour 4 inches, and I requested they pour 5... however, I don't know what rating it may be, and although my contractor said something like "it's fine" for putting in a lift, I don't quite have the confidence... Is there a test that can be performed after the fact for strength or capacity?

Yuri

 

[andy7079]

You can drill a core sample and have it lab tested to determine the strength. However, most concrete should exceed their requirements, especially for an outdoor garage use. They call for 2500psi concrete that is 4" thick. You can check the thickness by drilling a small hole and checking like OlyTDI did. If the strength were less than 2500psi, you'd probably see some visible cracks, especially up there in Canada. The freeze/thaw cycles would dictate a decent strength concrete. How long ago did they pour the garage floor?

 

[sootie]

I use an ezcarlift for all my lifting needs, stable, and it is portable, so I can move it around in the trunk of my Jetta, to the track, etc.. Even changed the exhaust from the turbo back on several jettas. All you need is 110v and a drill. http://www.ezcarlift.com/ I love thins thing, while it might be nice to have a little bit higher reach, it goes high enough to swap the engines in my 914 with ease. And best of all, you can use it in any garage.

 

[JB05]

Doesn't the density of the concrete mix, 4 bag vs. 5 bag for example, have a bearing? I'm enjoying all the pics. You guys have some very nice set-ups.

 

[andy7079]

Doesn't the density of the concrete mix, 4 bag vs. 5 bag for example, have a bearing?

Yes. Its directly related to the compressive strength of the concrete. 5 Bag is roughly equivalent to 2,500PSI, 4 bag would be about 2,000.

 

[OlyTDI]

From Dannmar's FAQ on the MaxJax found here:

http://www.maxjaxusa.com/faqs/installation.html

Do I need a special floor or foundation to support my lift?

Most residential or commercial foundations are strong enough to support a MaxJax™ lift. The minimum requirements are 2500-3000 PSI 4" thick concrete. Be sure to check your floor on the possibility of it being a post tension slab. In this case contact the building architect before drilling. Visually inspect the site where the lift is to be installed and verify the concrete is in good condition. If your concrete has cracks or other defects, please consult with a certified contractor before proceeding to install the MaxJax™ lift.

MaxJax Manual here: http://www.dannmar.com/dannmar-products/two-post-lifts/files/PS-7REVA_v2.pdf

 

[sootie]

Yes I looked at the max-jack to limiting for my uses. And the fact that I have pads poured in my garage for a two post lift, and 12 foot ceilings in my garage. My pads are a section for 4' x 4' by 12' deep. Top 5" is tied into the slab structure with rebar, it was designed with the idea I was getting a two post lift. I was about 99% ready ot pull the trigger on a two post until I saw the Ez-Car Lift. I then when with it. I liked the fact I can do 90% of my lift work, yet don't have the limits that a two post would do to my floor design. Everything in my shop is on wheels, even my heaviest workbenches. This allows me to reshape the shop to do work I need to do. You have a 40 foot trailer that needs brake work done in the dead of winter, it can go in the shop. And the two post lifts just would not allow that sort of flexibility.

The Ez-car lift will also allow me to move chassis on the lift with the optional wheel kits, I can move all my stuff into the shop and pack it tight when I go on vacation. Or in winter I store the boat, 2 summer cars, and still have a bay open for service, by using these and the lift to move the cars around to place in storage spots. For what I do I would not have found a better product. Only limitation that I know of is you don't want to lower a vehicle down to the ground with out its tires on to detail the roof. As the design does not allow for the maximum lifting capacity until its up a few inches above the floor.

I have no affiliation with ez-car lift, just a strong supporter based of my years of wonderful service and support. Product is made in the USA, the engineer that designer it still runs the show, and is very responsive to your support needs. Best of all it is an innovative product that I am surprised has not been copied by the Chinese and tossed into Harbor Freight for 2/3 rds the cost, for a huge profit margin. All with inferior workman ship and quality.

BTW, if your seriously looking at any lift go over the the garage journal forums, and read all the posts about the lift you are looking for. You will even see installation notes and the proper way to set these units up etc.... For garage design and how to do things the the 10th degree that place is the king. My suggestion is not to look at any of the pictures in the garage galleries as they are addictive.

Max Jack installs:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136439&highlight=Max-Jack
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87143&highlight=Max-Jack
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71225&highlight=Max-Jack
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=105669&highlight=Max-Jack
This guy ripped up his floor
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31852&highlight=Max-Jack

 

[rackaracka]

Those look like great options. I really love the mobility of the ML6. My wifes Enclave is really tight to lift in the garage, so I do it at the foot of my driveway.
Levitation anyone?

I do the same thing with my Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins pickup

 

[TDIJetta99]

I wish they still made those ML6 lifts.. I used one for a while at the junkyard I worked at years ago and loved it.. The only thing remotely similar is 110V powered, and doesn't look half as sturdy as the ML6..

 

[PDJetta]

Those look like great options. I really love the mobility of the ML6. My wifes Enclave is really tight to lift in the garage, so I do it at the foot of my driveway.
Levitation anyone?

I do the same thing with my Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins pickup

You have to be the envy of the neighborhppd with that lift! Nice.

--Nate

 

[Ian F]

I bought a Bend-Pac (US Made) sissor lift


Very handy & well made

I have a nearly identical set-up in my garage. I bought mine from asedeals.com, although the prices have gone up quite a bit since 2007 when I bought mine. FWIW, Harbor Frieght sells a nearly idential lift for about $1300 right now. One nice feature of the H-F lift that mine doesn't have is a remote cable release for the safety catch, so lowering the car is a bit easier/faster (vs. raising the lift a bit, reaching under to flip the catch lever, then lowering the car). Other lifts also seem to have more elevation points for the safety as well. Mine has 3 or 4.

The Max-jack was introduced a few months after I bought my lift, or I would have bought it instead. I do want one for my next shop since it can do things the scissor lift can't - like allow for full undercar access when working on RWD cars (although access with the scissor lift isn't as bad as one might expect) or lifting a car to put on a rotisseri and then being able to unbolt and move the lift posts out of the way. The mobility of the Max-Jacks is the main reason for wanting them in a shop that will be used for other things besides wrenching.

One of my next projects is to replace the ramps to get the car higher with a raised, insulated floor in the garage and wall mounting the pump. That will happen after I relocate some appliances and other stuff to the basement. The other option would be to chop up the floor and recess the lift, but an elevated floor would take care of a couple of other issues as well.

 

[993er]

After going back and forth trying to decide between a portable 2-post lift and a scissors lift, I finally decided upon the MaxJax Lifting System, a portable two-post lift with a capacity of 6000 pounds that is produced by Dannmar Equipment.

No regrets!

My MaxJax Custom Install in The Garage Journal forum.

Soon to be used on my TDI as well.

 

[merk]

my old garage has the "pit of dis/repair" stairs and all! Nice to stand and work. Any fuel work still happens outside laying down...can't have it all! Every now and again I toss a lit match down there to burn off any residuals