Strongman Car Lifts

[EdwardB]

Would appreciate some help if possible. I’m currently in the process of building a new garage and I’m trying to finalise which car lift to select. (The garage will also have a Mechmate Inspection Pit).
I’ve narrowed my decision down to a four post Strongman Lift with Jacking Beam. Strongman offer three sizes/model: Findhorn; Glenfinnan; and Dunkeld.
The Findhorn is the largest and is the standard MOT size. If I can get it installed with adequate working space around it, I’ll probably go for that one. However I don’t want to dismiss the other options if they’re workable.
I have the Interceptor width at 1753mm (which I assume is the body) and the smaller width of the Glenfinnan and Dunkeld allows a width of 1760mm across the tyres, which should work but might be a little tight.
Does anyone have any experience of working with a Jensen and any model of Strongman Lift? I’m seeking any direct relevant experience before I commit.
Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,

Edward

[Mark1Stu]

Yep, I've got one. Can't remember which one off the top of my head.

If you PM me your email address I can send pictures of it (it has a jacking beam too). The one I have isn't too wide to prevent you parking a car next to it (in a double garage). The ramps are too steep though - had to make my own wooden ones so the exhaust wouldn't catch on it.

Stuart

[Grant]

Yep, I've got one. Can't remember which one off the top of my head.

If you PM me your email address I can send pictures of it (it has a jacking beam too). The one I have isn't too wide to prevent you parking a car next to it (in a double garage). The ramps are too steep though - had to make my own wooden ones so the exhaust wouldn't catch on it.

Stuart

Can't you put the pics on here for us all to see then Stupot?

[EdwardB]

Stuart,

Many thanks for the response, really appreciate it.
To identify the model you have the following is a brief explanation.
The Findhorn is the biggest of the three models at 4380 long and 2980 wide.
The Dunkeld is the same length but narrower at 2500 wide.
The Glenfinnan is the most compact being shorter at 3500 long and 2500 wide.
All measurements are from outside of the posts.
Curious to know which model you’re using and how you find it.
Thanks in advance for any help.

Edward

[Mark1Stu]

Dunkeld I believe. I definitely went for the narrower one. I can get an FF on it. Concentrates the mind driving on and off - especially if you're reversing on - as there isn't much plate width either side of the tyre. But for me, it's worth the hassle as I can still park a car by the side of it in my double garage.

I had it installed by Strongman - worth the extra with my weak back The floor turned out to be far from level, so again they made it look easy setting it up.

[EdwardB]

Thanks Stuart,

I’ll have to think this through. Your comments on the ramps didn’t surprise me, they look quite steep in the pictures. Just out of interest were they detachable or did you have to cut them off the lift?

Thanks again for your help,

Edward

[Mark1Stu]

They're detachable Edward. I tie the wooden ramps to the metal shaft, where the ramp retaining pins are located. To avoid the ramp slipping away as you drive on (not that they ever have tbh).

It's certainly well built and feels sturdy with a car on it. The only thing needed was an updated circuit breaker for the household electrics - as there's a spike in current when the lift motor kicks in. Normal household ones are a little too sensitive, apparently.

[Steve H]

Hi Edward,

I have two of the strongman lifts, both the Findhorn four posters with jacking beams. One of them was a special narrow one (a bit of a bargain at the time) I think 700mm gap between the ramps, but "full size" in all other aspects - the full width lift is a much better bet at something like 880mm. I'd say get as big as you can get away with. Price is much of a muchness for the different sizes.

I've worked on all my Jensens incl. interceptor, FF and CV8 and other bigger stuff on them and They are very capable, and nicely made. I looked at ex-MOT ramps, but they always seem to be for sale as they'd been condemned...

I installed them both myself with moral support from my good old Dad, straightforward when you get your head round putting them together and running the cables, but as Stu mentions they weigh a ton (at least)!

Either way, Id thoroughly recommend them. Not sure where you're located, I'm in Surrey if you want to have a look.

Cheers,

Steve

[Steve H]

Ps - on the ramps, I believe they now do longer versions as an option. Without measuring them can't be sure, but one of my lifts' ramps are about a foot shorter and are a bit too steep. T'other ones are just right and every car goes off and on without issue.

Good luck!

[EdwardB]

Steve H,

I’ve PM’d you but just in case anyone else is reading I think Strongman may now being supplying slightly longer ramps, but on several models they’re listed as not detachable, which obviously affects space needed and seems strange to me. I’ll discuss with them and update.

Edward

[interjen]

Don't forget 2 post lifts as well, I've had one now for about 3 years and still worship it! Love the fact it's 100% wheels free.
All the best
Simo.

[DPP]

I dont have a Strongman but another 4 post ramp and am glad i went for the largest model, as long as you have enough space its worth the bit extra. A jacking beam is a must if you want to use it for some work on the cars and not just extra parking space.
I also have a 2post ramp but prefer the 4 poster and use the 2 post for longer jobs, with a 4 post ramp you get lots of space on the ramps for tools and parts removed which i find very handy.

An electric winch is also handy and fairly cheap, I made a bracket for mine so I can clamp it to the ramp and pull non running cars on with ease.

[jvcarrier]

I went for another make of 4 poster as the Strongman was not wide enough to take my every day driver.

I did not bolt it down initally so I could play with the positioning (lowering the ramps onto a couple of skates each end allows me to push it around).

Surprising how much space one needs around it to work easily I had thought I would have the lift plus one parking space and have ended up using all of the space as a workshop.

Regards
John

[EdwardB]

Thanks to everyone who responded, appreciate your input.
Special thanks to Steve H who kindly allowed me to visit his place on Sunday and show me his Strongman Lift and what I think must be the best organised workshop in the Club.
Although I had the various dimensions, nothing quite beats seeing something like that in position and operating.
Thanks again Steve, very kind of you to make the time for me.
Hope to see you at some future event soon.

Edward