Lift or mechanic's pit for new garage?

[pacosperson]

I am planning out my garage for a new build. I plan on working on my cars, tractor and UTV in this garage. Which would be the best way to go? A lift, if that is even possible with a tractor considering how back heavy it is, or a mechanic's pit?

FYI. Tractor (Kioti DK6010SE + filled tires) is probably around 5,000 lbs but I may eventually upgrade to 100hp + tractor.

Before I relocated to warmed regions, I had a pit. Complete with air, power, and a ventilation system, which is critical. I miss it every day. If I could do it again next week, I'd go with a pit again. Design it carefully. Do not allow your wife to sweep the floor into it.

 

[scootr]

Ideally one of each

 

[camshawn]

My 4 post is old. There are 2 beams that run the length of the lift and a frame on each end that locks into the columns . I can block the spring hangers to the beam and then lower the ramps to do tire and brake work. The ramps provide a nice work surface to put tools on but sometimes they get in the way trying to reach up to get to the fuel pump or power steering pump.
I did make some plywood boxes to fill in between the ramps when the ramp is down so I have a close to even surface to walk across when I am not using the car hoist.

 

[newbury]

I've always wondered why people don't jury rig 2 sets of heavy duty pallet racking (stuff that supports like 7K lbs/shelf) with a winch and ramps for a drive on lift.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

I had a pit in each of my first two home shops. They had floor drains to daylight. The obvious problem is working on suspension, brakes and other axle components. latest and last shop ha dual two post lifts, one Bend pak asymmetrical 10k extra wide and a Nussbaum 7k. Four post lifts are mainly for alignment or things where you need the suspension loaded. My ceiling is 23’5” for the fact that I have a mezzanine over the wood shop area. Total space 7700. Seemed nice at first but has shrunk since.
So I recommend a two post and a crane.

Floor drains in a pit to daylight?

Must have been built on a hill?

 

[LouNY]

A lot will depend on the vehicles being serviced and then don't forget the age of the user. The two post are nice for most jobs. But I prefer the 4 post with the rolling jack boxes.
The 4 post is much easier to get the vehicle on and more stable when up. At my age and with arthritis and bad knees getting down to align a two post is an exercise in pain and cussing especially with a low vehicle (any sedan) With the 4 post it's drive on, lift, then wonder around and get the jack box in place after checking everything over, then lift an axle, go back out from under it, lower the vehicle down to working height, pull the wheel and replace if swapping tires or adjust the height to comfortable working so I can sit on a stool while working, or stand if desired.
As has been mentioned on a cab tractor the cab has to be lifted or removed for much work, then it's time for a gantry hoist to get the cab high enough to get to the parts and pieces under the cab.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Floor drains in a pit to daylight?

Must have been built on a hill?

There's an old one car garage not far from here built on a hill that has a pit with a walk out door in the back.

 

[repete]

Had a pit, now a two post lift.
I found the pit only really good for oil changes. Wheels and brakes require lifting a vehicle. Removing major components like transmissions need a transmission jack with wheels. Pulling engine you want a smooth concrete floor in front for hoist.
If all you want to be is a Jiffy Lube then a pit will do you fine. If you are a mechanic then a lift.
BUUUUTTTTT, one annoyance to not be discounted with a two post lift is getting in and out of a vehicle... That post...

 

[JasperFrank]

In the many, many mechanic's type youtubes, I've watched, I've never seen one that uses a pit.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Another lifetime ago I traveled with Grandparents a lot, Grandad had a new motor home every few years and we traveled with another couple following in their RV and we had CB radios. Years ago when everyone dressed nice.
The other friends radioed they're having engine trouble. Grandad radios there's a garage up ahead...just pull into their bay which they did.
Guy gets out and I hear "splat". Look down to see Mr. Gallo face down in a 3 piece suit & fedora laying in a pile of grease & he's not moving. At least a 6ft drop.
Grandad walks by, says "why the heck don't you look where you're going" as we went across the street to a restaurant.