Looking at a hoist - how high for a D4 body off?

[eckolsim]

Hello to all the D4 clan,

I am thinking of one of these: Shop MaxJax M6 Portable Two-Post Car Hoist (https://www.maxjax.com.au/maxjax/)
Would a lift of 1200 mm be sufficient for a D4 body off?

Thanks in advance.

Simon

[DiscoJeffster]

First issue

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/94967c4313e06e9e4662eca8ed277af2.jpg

[DiscoDB]

Hello to all the D4 clan,

I am thinking of one of these: Shop MaxJax M6 Portable Two-Post Car Hoist (https://www.maxjax.com.au/maxjax/)
Would a lift of 1200 mm be sufficient for a D4 body off?

Thanks in advance.

Simon

You would think 1200mm should be enough. All the videos I have seen look like you only have to lift the body high enough for the hoist lifting arms to clear the wheels. By that stage the front end section of the body would clear the top of the engine, allowing the chassis to be rolled forward.

If reversing the chassis out would need a higher lift than going out forward.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/345f1b063f928119d66d0f515657b3c3.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/c50dca405748ff246f772a5a963f821a.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/215a9a4d22119bffaf1915d414477de6.jpg

Of course never done it myself - only researched how I would go about it. Hopefully someone like DazzaTD5 can confirm.

[DiscoJeffster]

So body off at 1200mm, I’m trying to think what the total height is then. I guess it’s around 1900mm normal plus 1200mm, give or take mounting points chassis to hoist.

So 3.2m min likely ceiling required.

[DiscoDB]

It’s an interesting option. May even get away with a 800mm lift if only need to clear the wheels, so then would only need a 2.8m ceiling.

Would still need a minimum 4inch steel reinforced concrete floor at 20MPa.

[DiscoDB]

First issue

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/94967c4313e06e9e4662eca8ed277af2.jpg

The specs notes it has a 110-240V AC motor. But does need a 25A outlet.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/ad0c25ead05f63f9f7330f6cabeddbd6.jpg

[DiscoJeffster]

The specs notes it has a 110-240V motor. But does need a 25A outlet.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/ad0c25ead05f63f9f7330f6cabeddbd6.jpg

I presume that’s 25A at 110V so a 15A outlet here in smart land.

[DiscoDB]

That would be good. Their web site though is not very clear on this, and differs from the manual.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/73e680363ad43504e02b4bd7c081ece5.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/40b0660ed8974433cd2775b1f3a25c3e.jpg

[DiscoDB]

Should note it only has a 1,066mm lifting stroke from the lowest position to the highest position.

But the calculator suggests it could lift a D3/D4 body to max height with a 2.8m ceiling. I have used 300mm clearance to the bottom of the body lifting point, and 1900mm vehicle height.

That lifts the body only 868mm, with the first 198mm of stroke to raise the lifting arm to the body. It does have lift pad adaptors to give an extra 76mm total height. Then you could lift the body 944mm but would need a 2.85m ceiling to be safe.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240122/042536ba1f150ae24e3685f417aaa48d.jpg

Safety lock position 5 should be high enough for the lifting arms to clear the wheels as this raises the arms 878mm and the body 680mm (when not using the adaptors), but the question then is if this is enough for the front end body section to clear the motor?

You can always remove this front end section of the body and possibly get away with a 2.6m ceiling.

(Edit: checking the dimensions on my D3, the lower section of the front end body frame is about 500mm below the top of the motor - so lifting the arms 878mm and the body 680mm should be high enough to roll the chassis out forward).

[DiscoJeffster]

I guess the question is, what are the likely needs to body off at home? If it’s to get to the engine to work on it, then it’s probably enough to be able to gain the access you need.

If I look at the house I’m building, the garage is a 31c ceiling height, which is about 2700mm. Barely doable, but possible [emoji848]

[DiscoDB]

My garage ceiling is 2630mm, and the floor is 100mm steel reinforced 20MPa concrete - so also looks doable.

Would I spend $5K to be able to remove the body at home? Hmmm…..

[DiscoJeffster]

My garage ceiling is 2630mm, and the floor is 100mm steel reinforced 20MPa concrete - so also looks doable.

Would I spend $5K to be able to remove the body at home? Hmmm…..

One Powerball.

[DiscoDB]

One Powerball.

One Powerball and the D3 is up for sale…..[emoji106]

[eckolsim]

Thanks guys for the spirited interest and effort here.

I plan to build a garage and have always wanted a hoist to be able to easily service my cars. To that point, I don't want a huge building and may end up height restricted if I put a carport on top.

This lift gives some options and if I'm going to do it I should at least explore what is the worst case need for a hoist as I plan to keep my D4 (still got my D2 also) for a while. As for the power stuff for the pump I suspect that can be cleared up with the importer. I would also suspect a 15A outlet and 25A rated circuit woud be required. I am also interested in this unit as it can be stowed away if required.

My initial garage plans look like the below utilising street access to carport. I would need to tweak the carport floor height to get a decent workshop ceiling clearance underneath.

188653

[DiscoDB]

There are other similar units on the market that you can compare with as well.

AutoLift 167212E - 2.73T Lifting - Movable 2 Post Car Hoist (https://aaq.net.au/product/autolift-167212e-mid-rise-2-post-movable-vehicle-hoist-for-domestic-application/)

YL-130 Low Profile 3 Ton Low Car Hoist Semi Portable Suitable For Workshop With Low Ceiling Height - Aussie Car Hoist (https://aussiecarhoists.com.au/shop/yl-130-low-profile-3-ton-car-hoist-low-ceiling-height/)

A full height 2 post hoist would be best as this would also allow you to lift the full vehicle - which you are more likely to do much more often.

Not sure the total floor area, but if you could leave half fully open in one bay, and just add a mezzanine floor over the other half you could have more options and fit a full size hoist.

I have been working on my own workshop design for some time now - but have issues with set backs, maximum roof heights, and resulting possible width of the workshop.

This is about the lowest and narrowest 2 post clear floor hoist that I have come across that would get away with a little over 3.7m ceiling height and still be able to lift a D3/D4 so you can walk under it.

AutoLift 6214a - Clearfloor 2 Post Hoist -Maximum 3.8T (https://aaq.net.au/product/autolift-6214a-clearfloor-2-post-vehicle-hoist/)

BendPak have a similar sized hoist:

BendPak XPR-10AS 2 Post 4.5t (https://www.bendpak.com.au/car-hoists/two-post-hoists/xpr-10as/)

If you can leave half fully open and get more than 4m ceiling height then the Molnar CM245-AS in its lowest height and narrow option would be good:

2 Post Asymmetric 4.5t Car Hoist | Molnar Hoists & Lifts (https://molnarhoists.com.au/hoists-and-lifts/two-post-car-hoists/cm245-as-2-post-asymmetric-4-5t-car-hoist/)

Be mindful if looking at a full size hoist to lift a D3/D4 that the rear hoist lifting points are well inside the body and so you need to make sure the arms are long enough. The centre of gravity is also back a bit, close to the B pillar and near where the centre body mount bolts are. If lifting with the CoG at the hoist centreline you need longer arms to get to the front lifting point.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240123/aad7b27664dcf39b47d43e36f9616f53.jpg

[DoubleChevron]

you can buy old (non clear floor) type hoists quite cheaply, the post will be a lot shorter than the clear floor models. I've seen them for less than $1000 often. they probably need new brass nuts ... or the cables are old. but for non-regulator home use ... who cares. You don't need to get them certified. I just used a Vevor pump system that was $270 including delivery to convert the hoist here to 240volts (from 3 phase).

seeya
Shane L.

[DoubleChevron]

is this is exactly what you are looking at buying ??

Log in to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3645313802393219/'ref=browse_tab&referral_code=marketplace_general&referral_story_type=general&tracking=%7B%22qid%22%3A%22-2652692401714617800%22%2C%22mf_story_key%22%3A%223 435993593979797504%22%2C%22commerce_rank_obj%22%3A %22%7B%5C%22target_id%5C%22%3A3435993593979797504% 2C%5C%22target_type%5C%22%3A6%2C%5C%22primary_posi tion%5C%22%3A22%2C%5C%22ranking_signature%5C%22%3A 8204442985831356929%2C%5C%22commerce_channel%5C%22 %3A501%2C%5C%22value%5C%22%3A3.3082642776628e-5%2C%5C%22upsell_type%5C%22%3A3516%2C%5C%22candida te_retrieval_source_map%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%22696141554 7239355%5C%22%3A701%7D%2C%5C%22grouping_info%5C%22 %3Anull%7D%22%2C%22lightning_feed_qid%22%3A%22-2652697693133392939%22%2C%22lightning_feed_ranking _signature%22%3A%227330344106255399442%22%2C%22ftm d_400706%22%3A%22111112l%22%7D&__tn__=!%3AD)

low profile, low lift 240volt 2 post hoist ...

[DiscoDB]

Came across this interesting alternative for a movable, clear floor, and no overhead beam 2 post hoist:

Hood Auto Performance Products | HAPP95: 2 post free standing hoist, 1.75m high lift, adjustable width – SALE $3890, FREE Seat! (https://happ.com.au/hoist_and_lift/happ-95-new-fully-adjustable-1-75m-lift/)

Hood Auto Performance Products | HAPP90: 2 post electric – hydraulic lift, free standing hoist, Adjustable width – $3690, FREE Seat! (https://happ.com.au/hoist_and_lift/happ90-3t-two-post-hoist-fully-adjustable/)

[DiscoJeffster]

I couldn’t see anywhere what the floor spec needed to be to mount it anywhere.

[DiscoDB]

For all the spiel on the hoist design process, they are a bit vague on the info regarding the concrete floor.

The main home page states minimum 100mm for the 4T two post hoists, and 125mm for the 4.5T, but preferably 150mm. But no spec on concrete strength.

However, the installation manual for the HAPP95 states minimum 200mm, but then shows a diagram stating 250mm and >25MPa.

https://happ.com.au/doc/happ%2095%20Manual%20va.pdf

The same specs and diagram is shown in the 4T HAPP40 manual as well - which contradicts the home page info. The 2 post base plate sizing looks common across the full range.

They do sell a 700x700x16mm large base plate kit that can be used to spread the load over 4 times the footprint. And even have a stabilising bar that could also be used if the large base plate is an overkill.

Also check your current slab design - mine is 100mm thick but has a 500mm deep by 450mm wide footings running not only around the perimeter of all the floors, but also through the centrelines of the floor (in both directions) including the garage. Which means a 2 post hoist could be bolted directly over these footings.

They do have design engineers and so could probably confirm if you contact them.

What I like about the design is depending on the accessories fitted to the car, it could lift a complete D3/D4 (although I would prefer a min 3.5-4T rating). You could even lay down a concrete pad outside for use when weather permits, and still remove and store indoors, plus then set up a second mounting point inside the garage for lower height lifts.

[DiscoDB]

I guess the question is, what are the likely needs to body off at home? If it’s to get to the engine to work on it, then it’s probably enough to be able to gain the access you need.

If I look at the house I’m building, the garage is a 31c ceiling height, which is about 2700mm. Barely doable, but possible [emoji848]

If you are building and serious about adding a hoist, then if your garage roof uses a standard truss design between the ceiling and roof it could be changed to a cathedral type design with larger (deeper) rafters and a collar tie at half height which gives greater internal space but no change to the external height.

It opens up all the wasted space that standard pre-fabricated roof trusses create.

This could easily give you an extra 300-400mm above the car footprint.

[DiscoJeffster]

If you are building and serious about adding a hoist, then if your garage roof uses a standard truss design between the ceiling and roof it could be changed to a cathedral type design with larger (deeper) rafters and a collar tie at half height which gives greater internal space but no change to the external height.

It opens up all the wasted space that standard pre-fabricated roof trusses create.

This could easily give you an extra 300-400mm above the car footprint.

Yeah sadly I’m on a narrow block at there is another storey above the garage. Next time I say

[DiscoDB]

Yeah sadly I’m on a narrow block at there is another storey above the garage. Next time I say

Living space is so overrated. [emoji12]

[Tombie]

Floor spec is easy to overcome.
Cut out the floor, dig hole to specified depth, reo, tie in and pour new concrete pylons / footings.

Or use spreader plates. Simple’s. [emoji41]

[Eric SDV6SE]

Living space is so overrated. [emoji12]

Yep, ive been told many times "you live in your garage" by SWMBO, so maybe there's truth in that. A cathedral ceiling and a hoist,a fridge and couch in the corner, I'd be in my Nirvana