Does anyone use a Kwiklift for their Snake?

Bob In Ct · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 06:52 AM

I was looking at Kwiklift ramps at www.kwiklift.com , is anyone out there using them? Are they worth it? Is it inclined when you drive into the garage?

Bob

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 07:01 AM

Bob,

I got one of their first ones they sold and I love it. I know of several people who have them and have never heard a bad thing about them. Only problem I had was backing onto it with damp tires as the powdercoat is slick. Solved that by going to the hardware store and buying two small strips of that stuff 3M makes and sticking it on the ramps. Have never had another problem with slipping. And yes, it is inclined when you drive up on it. The front legs fold up inside the runners. If you aren't going to be working under the car you can just park on it and leave it inclined. Casseleenie has one and you can talk to him about it. They are perfect for working on the underside of the car. I can either lay on the creeper or sit up when up front and I put carpet under mine as it is easier to sit on. Ramps can also be laid down flat or completely removed easily if I want to do something and they are in the way.

Ron

Bud Man · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 08:48 AM

I have had one for about a year, and I don't know what I would do without it. Beautifully made, and very secure. I found the company very pleasant to deal with, also.

If there is only one negative for me, it's that the car needs to be running to get it up on the ramps. I am sure one could use some sort of winch mounted across the stands, but you would have to improvise.

Other than that, a great tool.

Bud

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 09:08 AM

Bud,

A small electric winch mounted on a steel table about the height of the back of the ramp and wide enough so that it can be put against the rear legs works great. Just attach the table legs with a nylon strap around the ramp legs to stop it from kicking out and it is easy to remove when you are through.

Ron

OneFastRide · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 10:13 AM

Bob -
I bought a Kwiklift this summer. I have very limited space in my one car garage. The Kwiklift is fantastic. Makes working on the underside of my spf a joy. Simple, effective engineering and extremely well made. A great tool sold by terrific folks.
If you don't have the room or the budget for a "real" lift, this is the ticket. Highly recommended.
Steve
ps - I have both the front and rear crossmembers on mine. On the front crossmember I added on a piece of right angle steel large enough for my floor jack to catch as a lift point. With this slight modification I can easily attach and remove the front supports without any help. This lets me set the lift flat on the floor and park the car on it without having the car sitting on a ramp at an angle.

casaleenie · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 05:17 PM

Bob in Ct.

I bought one early this spring... Could not be more happy.
Perfect height. Best money I've spent yet, other than the car.
Off season you can lay it flat and they will give you ramps for free if you insist which make it easy to drive on and off..the ramps are just 2x4's and some flake board . A set of metal ramps are included in the package deal...
Darn thing is made well and must weigh 500lbs..

The owner of Kwiklift was on his way to Carlisle Pa. from Broken Arrow, Ok and delivered me one to Columbus,Ohio. In fact there were two lifts on his trailer for delivery in Columbus.. Save me some shipping costs... I drove down from Cleveland and met him along side the highway.. Had it home and assembled in four hours from the time I picked it up...

Ron 61..

3M makes a grit sided adhesive about three or four inches wide and it sticks like crazy... Two strips down each ramp and you'll never slip... about $30. worth... Home Depot sells it. I'm sure I'd be slipping without it...

Lynn Johnson · #7 (**permalink**) 11-11-2003, 06:32 PM

Got to add my $.02 cents worth. Best piece of equipment in my garage. When I am doing stuff on car, park on it at incline. When not expecting to work under car, pull the front supports and lay ramps flat on floor. Drive on and off and park just like garage floor.

Here is another neat thing about this lift. When you are going to be out of town, vacation, etc. Park your car on the lift, raise it to up position and lock it. Yes, there is a hole on the inside of each ramp, across from the pin that locks the rear legs up. You can get a lock with a long hasp, and lock the ramp, so it cannot be lowered and the car removed.

Danny Johnson, owner of Kwik-Lift, told me about a guy who had his garage broken into and several cars stolen, all his tools etc. His favorite Hot Rod was locked up on the lift and it was the only thing left in the garage when the guy returned home.

It gives me a good feeling to know my precious SPF is locked up in the air where some a$$hole cannot get it when I am away.