Hydraulic Lift in Garage

[Newbeginnings]

Has anyone had a hydraulic lift installed in the garage to access the attic? We have the attic stairs, but would like to know more about the lift, checked on line and they seem to run in $2,000 range and know some of the handymen in The Villages install them. What brand did you use?

[Bay Kid]

I would really like a small lift for golf carts. I think that would fit in the existing garage if you are careful.

[villagetinker]

If you are working on your golf cart, why not use a set of extended car ramps, should be a lot less expensive.
On a side note we have 4 cars, 2 daily drivers, and two collectables, and I am planning on contacting an architect to see if the garage ceiling can be raised a few inches to stack the cars. I know I will probably have to give up the attic storage when I do this.....I will be interesting to see what they say....

[Carla B]

Didn't the OP say he wanted access to the attic? Maybe a lift would be better than climbing the stairs, which my spouse does several times a day.

[ditka41]

Harbor Tool in Leesburg and Ocala can obtain (or stocks) electric auto lifts. Matco Tool can also supply them, but more expensive. Installation is not too difficult although it requires some drilling into the concrete floor for the four posts. Two man, three hour job if you're handy. Would easily allow you to add a flat platform for transfer of articles to your attic area over the garage. Just be sure to have enough clearance between the floor and ceiling to accommodate it. Capacity wise, no problem, they can lift a car. When I did this in Illinois 5 years ago, the cost was less than $1500.00. Don't know price now. Hope this is helpful in your consideration.

[Bogie Shooter]

If items going to the attic are so heavy a lift is required.............eventually the attic floor will collapse.:boom:

[DougB]

Didn't the OP say he wanted access to the attic? Maybe a lift would be better than climbing the stairs, which my spouse does several times a day.

He goes into the attic several times a day?

[JoMar]

He goes into the attic several times a day?

Man cave....:coolsmiley:

[ditka41]

Each time I store the holiday decorations, extra TV, unused golf clubs, etc., I think about a power lift also. It's not especially the weight involved, but it is very awkward shoving large boxes (Christmas Tree is major pain) up the narrow, pull-down, steps that are currently used. If those trusses won't handle a few hundred extra pounds, the place is unsafe anyway, and why would they sheet some space and provide a light up there? Someday perhaps our builders will start considering more storage space. I'd like larger garage attics specifically designed for storage and more houses built with three car garages. Somewhat difficult adjusting to life here without my normal assortment of "toys" and a nice basement. It's like exchanging all the cars,cycles, boats, work-shop for our fantastic weather. The "majority vote" in this family favors the weather so another family meeting with her won't solve the storage problem. If I keep posting like this, I may need the "man-cave" very soon. Self-storage rental places anyone? ---Then you need a truck.

[Bogie Shooter]

Retirement is a time to get rid of "stuff"!:wine:

[rubicon]

Yea boogie I agree but I can't convince my wife liquidation liquidation not accumulation

[LuckySevens]

I also wish the builders would build taller roofs above the garages so we could actually stand up in the attic storage space. Also, why can't they come up with a better attic stairs? There's nothing like holding a big box above your head while you are hanging on with your toes on the top steps of the ladder. It seems very scary to me.
We saw a couple of houses built across 466A that had an actual room built above the garage and normal stairs leading to the attic. Do not know the home style name.

[golf2140]

If items going to the attic are so heavy a lift is required.............eventually the attic floor will collapse.:boom:

Great wisdom !!!!!! :bigbow:

[NYGUY]

Retirement is a time to get rid of "stuff"!:wine:

Absolutely!!!...

[mulligan]

Keep in mind, folks, that unless you have trusses designated specifically "attic trusses", they are designed to support their own weight and the weight of the ceiling only. Yes, you can pack some stuff up there, but remember you're on your own if there is a collapse.

[newkid]

Check out Versa Lift for attic storage.

Versa Lift - Attic Storage Lifting System (http://www.versaliftsystems.com/?utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=VersaLiftSystems.com-wsm)

[ditka41]

So, now the sky is falling? Does anybody know what attic load specifications were considered in the design of "Designer" houses? Would hate to be "set-up" for disaster because they installed a floor and lighting up there. Possible liability considerations?

[mulligan]

Romac will have the engineering drawings on file for your home. Not sure if you would need section/lot# or some purchase order info (which warranty would certainly have access to.

[Newbeginnings]

I talked to a contractor who installs them, the versa lift is what he recommends. We buy it, he installs. Our new house has headroom for my husband who is 6'2". I wanted this just for the reason one person stated, carrying boxes over your shoulder and climbing stairs, not safe in my mind. Our ceilings in the garage are 10 feet tall and that is alot to climb carrying boxes on your shoulder, like Christmas decor, seasonal stuff. Thanks everyone for the input, I think we found what we are looking for in a hydraulic lift.

[ditka41]

Thanks for the info Newkid. This is a good idea and Electric is so much simpler than hydraulic for a small lift like this.

[pgc4340]

We had the attic prepped and pull down steps installed when we built our house here years ago. It was great for a several years, but not so much now so hubby has been arranging and rearranging our garage to move things from the attic so he doesn't have to climb so much. Three weeks ago, he was putting Christmas items on a top shelf in the garage, fell off the ladder and broke his leg. If there is such a thing as a lift that would make attic access easier I would love to know about it. Our garage is too small for Christmas decorations, tools, luggage and two cars.