I often see comments on the forums by members who wish they had a lift.
A few years back I bought a Atlas MR-06 portable lift. It weighs 1000 lbs is rated for 6000lbs and rises over 4 ft. I can get my XK8 windshield frame to the ceiling. Power requirement is 30A 110V. When I bought it I picked it up with a Ford Winstar, as it comes on a 4'X8' pallet. It can be moved around fairly easily.
Atlas® MR-06 Portable Midrise Lift

 

I also have been looking at lifts. The big issue is the height, most poles go in the 142 inch range and this is way too high for the average garage. I have a two block build up, after fill, and if I place this lift between the rafters it is only 1 inch above the bottom. I have found out the concrete is fine as far as the PSI (4000lbs), but I had a crack appear on the other end of the 40 foot that has a good 1/2 inch separation. Of course the builder says this is normal and is going to fill it with a patch. Concrete is only 1 year old, so I'm waiting a little longer to see what else happens.
The lift I'm looking at is only 111 inches high and is 9000 lb. Surely it will save my back, even if I set on a roller stool to work under the car.

Auto Lift AL2-9K-FP 9,000 lb. Capacity Symmetric Two Post Car Lift

Wayne

 

I have a MaxJax lift and it works very well. It goes up about 48" and can get a little higher with pad extensions. Height of the garage ceiling being the limiting factor.

 

That's a terrific piece of kit although sadly not one I could justify purchasing.



Does it slide under the XK8 or do you have to first raise the vehicle slightly to get sufficient clearance?

Graham

 

I built a pair of ramps to raise the car, just 2X4 laid flat with plywood on top. That was when I had a Z3, but the XK8 needed shock mounts and was also low. Now I still use the ramps because it helps me line the car up.
It was necessary for me to buy the lift, I am no longer able to work on my back without feeling dizzy and nauseous. I use a small furniture dolly with a milk crate for a seat. It comes with low and high pads. To use the high pads I have to first raise the car, then put blocks under the wheels to slide the high lifts in place. I also use hardwood blocks to be sure the exhaust doesn't rest on the arms.

 

I'm considering getting the scissor lift at Harbor Freight within the next year. It's well rated, and can be had for just a bit over $1k USD with one of their 25% off coupons.

Automotive Scissor Lift

It still won't solve my fear of a car collapsing on me, which is why it's gotta be 99.999% dependable. This one seems to be, but I'm still open to other options under $2k next year.

 

Those scissor lifts scare the hell out of me.

 

It looks like a knockoff of my AJAX lift. They both have a mechanical lock that has to be released to lower, that's why the bike clutch handle on the pump module. The center shaft is notched to receive a shoe which catches to keep it from collapsing.
But it requires 220V where the AJAX runs on 110V