Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Adding more fuel to the fire, for those with large wallets/unbreakable charge cards and wives who are truly supportive, the Mohawk Model A7 two post lift is a pretty neat solution. The lift uses two hydraulic pistons, connected by single fluid line that can be routed above the lift or buried in the floor.

When I built my garage addition, I planned for a two post lift and built in large pads beneath the concrete floor and installed a 220 volt outlet in ceiling above where one of the lift posts would be installed. The idea was to purchase one of these lifts, because of the versatility of the lifts operation. With a less than 10 foot ceiling, I figured I could cut the ceiling above the posts, shove the posts through the ceiling and by cutting a slot in the concrete floor, use the optional floor installed hydraulic line. This would eliminate the hump between the posts for the normally cable operated systems, so it would be easier to roll the street lumps between the lift posts.

Then reality struck, as the Mohawk lift was four times the MaxJax price and then there were the shipping costs from the east coast. Sigh......

Rob Walker
26-4889

TeeJay wrote:
Rohan point re the bias location of the +2, and door opening is very valid and a useful point.

All the best in your selection. At my age, it was one of the best garage related purchases I have made.

Jon.................continue though to do your researching ......... as at my age I find it damned hard work when some idiot parks next to me I can't get out the drivers door so have to climb over the centre console from the passenger side. I suppose as the majority of major components in the interior are on the drivers side it gives the 'useful' bias for a +2 at least.

I suppose it all depends on the size of your 'beer belly'..................wine in my case but no doubt whisky may be closer to you up there. :wink

Regards

Steve

:

Bill wrote:Like Rohan I bought a MaxJax 2 post lift - it is great - I have the same vertical shop height (8 ft) problem.

The major advantage is that the whole underside and suspention is clear to work on. I use a rolling chair under the vehicle. It is also handy for lifting the body off of the chassis and I can lift one vehicle up and store another under it. It is also fully portable - if you move take it with you. It cost me about $2400 Canadian with taxes to my shop door.

Bill

My car on Bill's MaxJax:



Certainly gets my vote

pharriso wrote:
My car on Bill's MaxJax:

Certainly gets my vote

Excellent picture clearly showing no link required between the two posts on a MaxJax.

Sort of clarifies or begs the question why would the offset/bias comment be valid or useful point other than just relative to an individuals particular installation........it could not be simpler to just have installed the posts wider apart to cater for a larger vehicle if building/floor space is available.

The MaxJax design and 'some' other models provides for this and marketing literature details the options for installation.

Also additional floor inserts can be fitted and one post moved out or indeed both posts easily moved to a different location.

I never liked lifting on the underside sill/rocker on the fibreglass car either so I had four plates made with a boss that slotted into the jacking points first for the lift arms to be positioned onto rather than sandwiching the fibreglass underside.

All the best

Steve

Plus 2 wrote:

pharriso wrote:
My car on Bill's MaxJax:

Certainly gets my vote

Excellent picture clearly showing no link required between the two posts on a MaxJax.

Sort of clarifies or begs the question why would the offset/bias comment be valid or useful point other than just relative to an individuals particular installation........it could not be simpler to just have installed the posts wider apart to cater for a larger vehicle if building/floor space is available.

Steve

I positioned my Max Jax posts about 3m apart. This enables me to drive my car trailer into that bay in my garage or the bay next to it also ( 6 metre wide garage). At 3m the arms to pick up an Elan with its short wheel base ok, if the posts are much closer together you would struggle to get the arms under the sills even at their minimum length. Both Elan doors can easily be opened with this width. With the wider plus 2 and its door positions you hit the posts more quickly and the door opening is more restricted. Moving the Plus 2 towards the passenger side post when on the hoist enables easy access to the drivers side while on the hoist which is the side you normally need.

You can easily position the posts wider apart if you want and have the space and don't mind using more than one car bay in your garage. But if you have spare space in your garage you need to buy another Lotus

cheers
Rohan

Some excellent comments, experiences and observation, just what I was after.

The point about door opening is especially pertinent - I had never even thought about that.

I do like the look of the Maxjax but it looks expensive and beyond my reach.

I have requested details of another 2 post lift which is movable and has low rise posts (only 2.m). It looks good and I will share them when they arrive.

....and how about trying for a bulk buy?

Jon

Jon,

If price is really an issue then look for a 'seller refurbished' model.

My friend bought one on this basis a couple of years ago and put a best offer in of ?750 (vat inclusive) and it was accepted. The ramp was actually excellent condition as supplied and just been an ex 2 year lease model that appeared to have had little use. Not from this seller http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EUROTEK-24-BM ... 4adb68070c but it was actually the same eurotek model and came with a 6 month guarantee.

Had to collect it on a car transporter as delivery was about ?200+

If you are anywhere near the Wirral (hey it is wet anywhere north of Coventry as far as I am concerned being an ex Manchester guy from Stretford) this company has a showroom with the models on display........http://www.garageequipmentonline.com/pr ... wgod87oAMA .................twist their arm and you can pick up brand new the latest model for ?1000 but have to pay vat but get a 2 year warranty. 'Twist the knife' you may even get a better price

Again though with this model it is a fixed dimension between the posts, but new equalising hydraulic pipes can be made up longer and the baseplate extended at a cost if really wide vehicles needed to be accomodated. However check the dimensions as it is standard width, as for the Elan you may be OK......

Lots of other sellers though to chose from if you continue researching. Probably rare though to see a seondhand MaxJax model type as they really are one of the best due to the ability to easily vary the width and have a clear floor to roll things around front to back without the baseplate linked chequer plate covering pipes.

Regards

Steve