stuartmac Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 Hi All Does anyone have experience of 4 post home lifts I'm currently considering something like a Strongman Glenfinnan primarily so I can park 2 classics (inc my TR4) in one half of my double garage but also use it as a lift for maintenance etc Any advice / comments gratefully received Thanks Stuart Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ntc Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 Stuart As good as you will get miss mine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motorsport Mickey Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 The Glenfinnan is well liked and respected for home garage use, Strongman has an excellent name and reputation and can supply support and home fitment advice, a good choice as endorsed by Neil. No room in my garage, not enough roof height, but the Strongman Clifton restricted height scissor lift does the job. If I could fit a 4 post a Glenfinnan would be my choice. Mick Richards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Eddie Cairns Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 The price goes up in the New Year. There is one main problem with the Glenfinnan and the Dunkeld but if you accept that then it will not be a problem, The maximium space between the outside of the car tyres is 1,760mm. Some modern car ie the Ford Focus and Audi's will not fit on there. Is your garage floor in good condition? Most floors are 100mm of concrete but Strongman now suggest 150mm. There are plenty 4 post lifts on 100mm concrete floors. How far are the cable runs so that includes the vertical measurement as well and do you know the size of cable you have to the garage from your house consumer unit. You should do a quick voltage drop calc. If you post the info I can do that for you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ntc Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 I had a Range Rover on one Stuart if you need more info pm me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 I Too have a Strongman Glenfinnan, and as with Neil, happy to chat about it, John. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Down Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 Several years ago I was lucky to pick up an MOT capable 4 post lift second hand for £500, the seller even delivered it. Generally ex garage lifts are fitted with a 3 phase motor so will need a 1 phase/ 3 phase convertor for a normal domestic mains supply. I managed to knock one up but they are available now from many suppliers. As Eddie points out, consider the voltage drop situation . When starting the motor will have a very high initial starting current well in excess of a 16 Amp supply that is why Strongman specify a 16 A motor breaker. A normal 16 amp breaker will most likely trip. I had the problem that my lift would happily cope with a TR but not the much heavier Land Rover. Increasing the cable size to the motor sorted it. It was the initial high current surge through the thinner cable that caused so much voltage drop that the motor could not get up to speed. Summarising You could save a considerable sum by buying a second hand lift at auctions etc. but be prepared for a bit of hassle. A new Strongman would be much easier. If you opt for the Strongman, their jacking beam looks rather cumbersome, other manufacturers units are far more compact. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Eddie Cairns Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 Yes my two post has a startup current of 80 amps and after a second or so pulls about 20 amps. It is a 2.2KW motor which would suggest 10 amps or so!!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted November 13, 2016 Report Share Posted November 13, 2016 My Clifton is quite happy with the standard circuit breaker. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rog1 Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Type C? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motorsport Mickey Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 My Clifton runs quite happily on the standard Type B contact breaker. Mick Ricahrds Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rog1 Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Thanks Mick, interesting to note. Some don't. Cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianhoward Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Hi Stuart I purchase one of these: - http://www.sjrgarageequipment.co.uk/4-post-lifts/ 4m long and even has removable wheels so that it can be moved around should there be the requirement. I uprated the breaker to a 'C' type and all is good. Cheers Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motorsport Mickey Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Even with a 4 post lift that you want mobile make sure the legs and the lift are bolted down in use, it's too easy for this to happen otherwise. Mick Richards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Bourne Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 Hi Stuart This is what I bought and fitted from Automotech - very pleased. best Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Vincent Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 That is one seriously tidy garage! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Vincent Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 At the Ally Pally show recently there was a company displaying some very reasonably priced lifts. http://www.garageequipment.co.uk/Garage-Lifts/4-Post-Lifts Rgds Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bill Bourne Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 That is one seriously tidy garage! Thank you - But... I still can't find some things when i want them. I've put them away somewhere ! But I always find the things I don't want and ... aha, that's where you were then put them back and forget where I've put them again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted November 14, 2016 Report Share Posted November 14, 2016 " Even with a 4 post lift that you want mobile make sure the legs and the lift are bolted down in use " And equally, make sure that the floor to which the lift is bolted is fit for purpose - 6" or preferably 8" of reinforced concrete. The average garage floor is nowhere near adequate to support a four or two post lift . . . . . Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuartmac Posted November 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2016 Hi all Thank you for all the comments, suggestions and advice The garage comprises a new 150mm thick reinforced slab so is ok and it is relatively easy to run a new cable back to the consumer unit as the garage is attached to the house. Ill have a trawl around before I decide, noted that there is a Strongman price increase soon Regards Stuart Quote Link to post Share on other sites
flinty Posted November 15, 2016 Report Share Posted November 15, 2016 Hello Stuart. Another vote for Glenfinnan, I bought mine about 7 years ago on an introductory offer. It cost Wait for it £1750 collected and I collected it on a trailer and I can tell you they are very very heavy , Steve. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Harbottle Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Hi Stuart I got a 4 post lift several years ago and very happy with it. Idea was to store additional car underneath which is fine but it only came with three oil drip trays. Suggest which ever you get check how many it comes with to ensure enough to cover whole ramp area. Paul PS and Steve is right they are very heavy, get help assembling. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
had17462 Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Bought mine from eBay delivered and fitted with trays and sliding Jack £2400 all in. Nick Quote Link to post Share on other sites
duncan Posted November 21, 2016 Report Share Posted November 21, 2016 one on gumtree, https://www.gumtree.com/p/car-part-accessories/strongman-glenfinnan-4-post-ramp-single-phase-new-condition/1200796407 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motorsport Mickey Posted November 21, 2016 Report Share Posted November 21, 2016 Crikey...! I thought my garage was tight for a lift. Mick Richards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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