Automotive Scissor Lift - Are They For You

If you have a shop or garage, having an automotive scissor lift is practically a must have. They make vehicle repair and maintenance so much easier for your mechanics to do, and they are relatively maintenance free. Here's a closer look at what you should know about this type of scissor lift.

This type of lift works well for all types of cars, light trucks and most any SUV or minivan. Any other vehicle that weighs much more than that will be a problem for the system. You'll need something more for heavy duty use such as a 4 post lift. These lifts work very well in tire shops and other repair garages.

How these units work is that they have a built-in ramp that you simply pull the vehicle up on and then the lift takes over from there. There will be two posts that extend out vertically and raise the vehicle up in a "X" manner.

An automotive scissor lift operates either through a hydraulic mechanism or an electric motor. Cost of these lifts can range anywhere from a low of around $1000 up to approximately $5000. The cost will depend on the type of lift you purchase and they come in three basic types. You can get a low rise lift that only raises the vehicle 3 feet off the ground...making it an excellent choice for tire shops, or you can opt for a moderate rise and/or a high rise.

A moderate rise lift will allow you to raise the vehicle 4 feet off the ground, while a high rise will take it upwards of 6-7 feet. The key here is to be careful with your ceiling height. Many have tried using a scissor lift of the wrong type due to a low shop ceiling height and discovered it couldn't be used. So be sure you select the right type for your shop capabilities.

You will not have to worry about safety because these lifts all have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent the vehicle from dropping or falling down. In most cases, the platform length will be adjustable and able to handle vehicles with longer wheelbases as well. All in all, this type of lift can work out great for a majority of shops and garages.