Okay, so I’ve been meaning to get a scissor lift for my garage for ages. I finally pulled the trigger and decided to get one for working on my vehicles. It’s a game-changer, let me tell you!
The Hunt
First, I spent like, a week just looking at different models online. There are so many options! Different lifting capacities, different heights, different power sources… it was a little overwhelming, to be honest. I needed to establish what I wanted.
I started with the research and taking measurements for what I wanted, looking for a good balance between price and features. I eventually narrowed it down to a few that seemed to fit my needs, which were:
- Capacity: I needed something that could handle at least the weight of my heaviest car.
- Lift Height: I wanted enough room to comfortably work underneath.
- Power:110V, since that’s what I have in my garage.
The Purchase and Delivery
I picked one I liked, placed the order, and then the waiting game began. It took about a week to arrive, and it came on a big truck. Getting it off the truck and into my garage was a bit of a workout, even with a pallet jack. It is very heavy, and moving it was a bit of a project.
Setting It Up
Unboxing it was pretty straightforward. It came mostly assembled, which was a relief. I really, only had to:
- Attach the hydraulic lines.
- Add hydraulic fluid.
- Connect the power.
- Double-check all the bolts and connections.
I am not going to lie, I was a little nervous about the hydraulics, but the instructions were pretty clear. I just took my time and made sure everything was snug and properly connected. Make sure to be careful with the fluid.
First Test Run!
After getting everything connected, it was time for the moment of truth. I plugged it in, held my breath, and hit the “up” button. It whirred to life, and slowly but surely, the platforms started to rise. Success! I cycled it up and down a few times, just to make sure everything was working smoothly, and checking for any leaks. All good!
Actually Using It
The first real job I used it for was an oil change. Seriously, it made it so much easier. No more crawling around on the floor with a creeper! I could stand comfortably underneath and have plenty of room to work. It gave me the necessary and best leverage.
Since then, I’ve used it for all sorts of things – brake jobs, suspension work, even just cleaning the undercarriage. It’s one of those tools that you don’t realize how much you need until you have it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who likes to work on your own vehicles, I can’t recommend a scissor lift enough. It’s a significant investment, sure, but the convenience and time savings are totally worth it. Just do your research, pick the right one for your needs, and be prepared for a bit of a workout getting it set up. But once it’s in place, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
