Quickjack

[darek_u]

I thought I could share my experience with others. I cannot install proper 4 point lift in my garage due to its height. Whenever I had to do anything under the car I had to put it on jack stands - it's a real PITA if you have to do it often... Couple of years ago I came across a Quickjack page in US but cost of import was ridiculous. Until now - they have few distributors in EU (Holland, Germany and Estonia). I bought it and I cannot be more happy! Now it takes 4-5 minutes from thinking "well, I should have a look at xy underneath" to actually lying under the car and looking at it. It can be as quick as 2 minutes if you keep the ramps under the car. Super simple to operate, takes minimum space, lifts the car up to approx. 60 cm above the floor (can be higher when rubber blocks are doubled up). I'm so happy that I really cannot find any downsides of it, maybe except for the price, but for the folks like me, not having too much space in their garage, it seems to be the only option. Unless someone likes to put the car on jack stands back and forth...
I bought BL-5000EXT, it's a perfect fit for W124 and very tight fit for Porsche but luckily I can use it for both. See some pictures:



Here it is stored:



Here is the power pack - I modded it a bit. It comes with rubber feet but for ease of move (it weights 20 kg) I changed them to wheels. Shifting it around the garage is a breeze now, my sour back cannot be more grateful for this



My post may look like an advertisement but I have 0 affiliation with the maker or sellers. I'm just a happy user sharing my experience

 

[nocfn]

The local MB club had an onsite at very high end coatings shop, and they use these exclusively, I got a birds-eye view of the operation on some 6 figure cars, and SUV. I think these are nice options.

 

[Rouven036]

I have a similar style scissor lift too however the 2 "tracks" are interlinked by a frame. Disadvantage there is the issue that imyou can't work on the transmission exhaust properly. The version you have allows more work. A question about the stability : do you secure the tracks on the ground somehow in order to avoid the they flip sideways?

 

[JC220]

That is a very nice Jack! My garages won't allow for a 2 post lift install. At the moment I have always used floor jacks and jack stands. But had seen these at a trade show about a year ago and been wanting a set of 4x ever since:

https://www.cjautos.eu/product_p/cr01.htm

They give decent lift and free up quite alot of the underside of the car.

 

[darek_u]

A question about the stability : do you secure the tracks on the ground somehow in order to avoid the they flip sideways?

There is no chance they can flip sideways unless you put them on a 10 deg+ slope. The whole thing is super stable, 100x times more stable than jack stands.

https://www.cjautos.eu/product_p/cr01.htm

They give decent lift and free up quite alot of the underside of the car.

That's a nice option and very compact. I've seen something similar - a combination of solid ramps and hydraulic jacks that allow for even more lift.

 

[JC220]

Yes I have a set of German made ramps which also have 2 Tonne bottle jacks in built to lift the car higher than just the ramp itself.



For transmission R&R on my w140, within a carport these were brilliant. However there are obvious pros and cons here. The major con of a ramp type device lifting by the tyres is that you cannot remove the wheel for brake servicing etc. And the taller ramp type that I have will not work on both axles at once since they are too tall to clear the rear cill on most all saloon cars. Good for high front lifting but that’s about it. Pro is the relative cheap cost and ease of storage + the fact that welding cills etc could be done as full cill access is there.

The type of lift in post #1 will allow the wheels to come off and full access to the transmission + exhaust etc. But takes up more room, costs more and will limit access to the underside – in particular the cills….

In an ideal world without a 2x post lift one would need both types to accommodate different restoration tasks. I need to think more about this as I sure could do with a lift of any type for this winter's weldathon on my project 320CE

 

[Trae]

This is very tempting. . .

BL-5000EXT or SLX? Which is best for our MBs?

 

[vexed]

I want one, badly. My garage is height challenged and I like the fact that you can take it with you. Read many great reviews on Rennlist and other forums. Me want.

 

[darek_u]

BL-5000EXT or SLX? Which is best for our MBs?

For W124 - only EXT version, SLX is too short.

Yes I have a set of German made ramps which also have 2 Tonne bottle jacks in built to lift the car higher than just the ramp itself.

JC220 this is exactly what I was referring to - ramps with jacks built-in!

 

[a777fan]

+1 on Quickjack. I've had one for a few years now, and will never go back. Everything is easier.

 

[nocfn]

+1 on Quickjack. I've had one for a few years now, and will never go back. Everything is easier.

You have one or two? Or is one a
Set of two?

 

[darek_u]

One is a set of two plus power pack and hoses.

 

[ricsim]

I just bought the same BL-5000EXT.
In front of my E250D


but i've just noticed that SLS version can be associated to an Extension kit. (leaflet added in the package)

 

[nocfn]

I bought the extension as it is needed for all 3 MB I have and a Taco. The E has been up off the ground for a few weeks while I change the transmission fluid and filter. My 3 day schedule to do it has hit snags due to schedule conflicts and not having the washers in stock. All 7 dealers were out of them, so were the hardware stores and Naperville had to order them from Germany. Fedex shows delivery today. (yes I used the SL filter and yes I removed X pipe off the left manifold.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I've been wanting one of these for a while. And now, as part of "Black Friday" sale from Home Depot, the BL-5000SLX is on sale for $1050 QUICKJACK BL-5000SLX 5,000 lbs. Capacity Portable Car Lift-BL-5000SLX AC 110v - The Home Depot (no EXT available from them).

I know with this 29.5"-60" spread it's good for W202/R129, just need to measure W211 when I get home. Worse case, as I just add the extension later as well. But looks like I will be ordering one of these for the holidays for me as well.

Thanks all for sharing your experience and the visuals!

Regards,
D

 

[nocfn]

I needed the extension for the W124, Even with the extension the W126 isn't viable unless I use the frame rail - and I wont.

 

[Jlaa]

For W124 - only EXT version, SLX is too short.



JC220 this is exactly what I was referring to - ramps with jacks built-in!

+1 on Quickjack. I've had one for a few years now, and will never go back. Everything is easier.

I bought the extension as it is needed for all 3 MB I have and a Taco. The E has been up off the ground for a few weeks while I change the transmission fluid and filter. My 3 day schedule to do it has hit snags due to schedule conflicts and not having the washers in stock. All 7 dealers were out of them, so were the hardware stores and Naperville had to order them from Germany. Fedex shows delivery today. (yes I used the SL filter and yes I removed X pipe off the left manifold.

I've been wanting one of these for a while. And now, as part of "Black Friday" sale from Home Depot, the BL-5000SLX is on sale for $1050 QUICKJACK BL-5000SLX 5,000 lbs. Capacity Portable Car Lift-BL-5000SLX AC 110v - The Home Depot (no EXT available from them).

I know with this 29.5"-60" spread it's good for W202/R129, just need to measure W211 when I get home. Worse case, as I just add the extension later as well. But looks like I will be ordering one of these for the holidays for me as well.

Thanks all for sharing your experience and the visuals!

Regards,
D

This is all super extremely tempting. So my smallest car requires the BL-5000SLX (because the EXT is too long). Do any of you use the SLX and then use the extension kit with the SLX to work with the w124?

 

[nocfn]

I have the SLX and the add on EXT pieces. (2 purchased after I bought the SLX) The SLX worked on my daughters Honda, the EXT add ons work for my son/s Taco. This was a TRD version from 2005 which he owns a 19 model now, not sure if it fits or not.

 

[a2alpine]

I’m curious myself, I’ve gotta do a transmission swap on my e420.(sunvalley trans just arrived ) This looks like it would make it so much easier.

 

[nocfn]

Getting the w124 three feet (ymmv) off the ground is very helpful.

 

[Jlaa]

I have the SLX and the add on EXT pieces. (2 purchased after I bought the SLX) The SLX worked on my daughters Honda, the EXT add ons work for my son/s Taco. This was a TRD version from 2005 which he owns a 19 model now, not sure if it fits or not.

thanks! Just to be clear --- you use the extension pieces for the spruce green machine, right?

 

[JC220]

Its interesting reading my posts above from 2018 dreaming of a 2x post lift



I have a high quality good used one now that I bought from a friend. Only problem is I need to put up a shed to house the darn thing. Very much looking forward to being able to service and restore my cars without crawling around the cold garage floor. Next year..... I need to get that put up for sure

 

[mikeym]

I have been using SLX version with 2x8s. As always do your own risk assessment!

 

[nocfn]

Bolas grande!

 

[JC220]

I lightly sprained my lower back yesterday and paying for it since! Just a reminder to look after you back!

This got me looking at Quick Jacks again. I see on their UK website today there is a new version coming in the next few months which can lift 3 inches taller. This seems worth waiting for just an FYI!

I added myself to the email notification so I intend to buy once when the higher lift version is available. Still haven't my garage or 2 poster sorted so this would be the best solution for the moment.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I lightly sprained my lower back yesterday and paying for it since! Just a reminder to look after you back!

This got me looking at Quick Jacks again. I see on their UK website today there is a new version coming in the next few months which can lift 3 inches taller. This seems worth waiting for just an FYI!

I added myself to the email notification so I intend to buy once when the higher lift version is available. Still haven't my garage or 2 poster sorted so this would be the best solution for the moment.

Take care of your back, we ain't getting another one!

Lift - I'm kind of in the same boat as you are... Quick jack, at the right price would work, but reality, for another $1.5k a full 2 post lift can be had in the properly prepped garage, really really want the actual lift! Still trying to decide to sell the house and build the proper pad with thick garage floor out in the country, timing just doesn't work at the moment.

 

[nocfn]

My QJ with extenders on it works great, but sadly it still is not long enough to get the jack points on the 126. My issue with it is that I cannot leave it out, so to speak. I hope to get a two poster lift for my garage now that I am in a new locale. However, I will need to either have the garage door tracks extended higher to feed close to the ceiling (raise it 2 feet) or be forced to keep the door shut when the car is on the lift. My shop faces north with 3 windows on that side, a side door east along with the single garage door on the south side. I will not need AC with that type of flow so my budget for the jack system went up by 2k. Pulling the trigger is another matter....

 

[JC220]

Take care of your back, we ain't getting another one!

Lift - I'm kind of in the same boat as you are... Quick jack, at the right price would work, but reality, for another $1.5k a full 2 post lift can be had in the properly prepped garage, really really want the actual lift! Still trying to decide to sell the house and build the proper pad with thick garage floor out in the country, timing just doesn't work at the moment.

Thanks, yes I know I was careless yesterday morning. Basically working too quick with heavy wheels and Towbar and knew I done harm striaght after but took a while for it to fully set in. Live and learn!

Yes a 2 post lift is best solution but for ceiling clearance - even after I have the 2x post lift up ill still have 3no garage spaces which have low ceilings. So the quick jack would still be useful in any one of those low ceiling garage spots where a 2 post lift is not possible.

I think you could still use the quick jack outside also in a pinch. Say for a brake job outside - or can anyone that already have one comment on that please? Are the wheels small and really require smooth concrete to work on? I only have tarmac or poorly finished concrete at present. When I get my garage extension done ill rip up the old garage floor and have the whole lot powerfloated at that time.

I also need these solutions to work with anything from 124 CE's up to LWB W140 / W220s. I guess that is the 5000 model + the extensions in the case of the quick jack If i understand that correctly.

 

[gerryvz]

I pinched a nerve in my lower back about 2 months ago, whilst lifting our Yellow Lab's rear end into the back seat of our SUV (it's a tall jump for a dog). Typical/ordinary maneuver, but man, it was painful and I felt it for a full month-plus, though the pain did start fading after the second week. Gradually......

 

[dionphaneuf]

So is there not an easy solution for a quick jack that works with a 124 and a c126 @nocfn ?
I'm tiring of using jack stands myself, and the $1200 (ish) to my door is attractive. Being in a rental means a lift is a no. My thinking is buy these now, use em for a few years and then sell for $800 when (if?) I get a place capable of having a lift. $400 over 3 to 4 years seems like a small price to pay to avoid jackstands.

 

[Jlaa]

My QJ with extenders on it works great, but sadly it still is not long enough to get the jack points on the 126. My issue with it is that I cannot leave it out, so to speak.

@nocfn what do you mean by "I cannot leave it out"? I am really hoping to get a QuickJack BL5000SLX this year to use on my 993 and to use on my w124 with QJ extenders..... if the QJ can be had for around $1050 like it was on Black Friday sale at home depot last year.

However as @dionphaneuf might be able to appreciate as he lives in the same city, I have limited space and my garage is like a puzzle. Everything need to be arranged just so to fit in my garage. I was hoping to arrange it like @darek_u as he mentions here:



but your comments intrigues me.... thanks.

 

[mikeym]

So is there not an easy solution for a quick jack that works with a 124 and a c126 @nocfn ?
I'm tiring of using jack stands myself, and the $1200 (ish) to my door is attractive. Being in a rental means a lift is a no. My thinking is buy these now, use em for a few years and then sell for $800 when (if?) I get a place capable of having a lift. $400 over 3 to 4 years seems like a small price to pay to avoid jackstands.

See attached…ofcourse the standard disclaimer applies… do it as your own risk….

I bought them for 900$ new at Costco clearance and sold last year for 1100$.

 

[a777fan]

QJ also makes some branded hooks which work pretty well.

 

[Jlaa]

QJ also makes some branded hooks which work pretty well. View attachment 146217

That’s a nice branded hook, no doubt lagged into a 2x4 there! I’m surprised you didn’t strap it to the wall tho like @darek_u —— don’t you have some seismic activity in SEA?

 

[a777fan]

That’s a nice branded hook, no doubt lagged into a 2x4 there! I’m surprised you didn’t strap it to the wall tho like @darek_u —— don’t you have some seismic activity in SEA?

Indeed. I should come up with some additional securing gusseting or something. Until then Üter will catch it.

 

[Jlaa]

The EZCARLIFT also tempts me:

www.ezcarlift.com

Drawbacks Compared to Quick Jack:

• More expensive (1900 vs QJ @ 1500, or at 1200 on sale)
• Seems to use two crossbars front and back

Benefits Compared to Quick Jack:

• Seems to get at least 6" higher than QJ
• Allows for side access under the car because of the scissor design, whereas QJ does not
• The car goes up and down straight up and down, as opposed to shifting forward/back 12" with the QJ (which is important if you have tandem car parking)......

Just typing out my thoughts....

Other QJ users' comments are welcome.....

 

[alabbasi]

I bought an old rotary from 1981 from a mechanic friend of mine about 12 years ago for $400. It needed new seals and pump unit which cost another $1200. It's been absolutely fine since. I also have a 12000lbs challenger 4 post that is only used to store my 6.3

 

[a777fan]

The EZCARLIFT also tempts me:

www.ezcarlift.com

Drawbacks Compared to Quick Jack:

• More expensive (1900 vs QJ @ 1500, or at 1200 on sale)
• Seems to use two crossbars front and back

Benefits Compared to Quick Jack:

• Seems to get at least 6" higher than QJ
• Allows for side access under the car because of the scissor design, whereas QJ does not
• The car goes up and down straight up and down, as opposed to shifting forward/back 12" with the QJ (which is important if you have tandem car parking)......

Just typing out my thoughts....

Other QJ users' comments are welcome.....

First limitation which would make this a no go personally, would be the fact that you need to insert the frame from the side. My garage is just not wide enough to be able to do that. (Single holer )

 

[Jlaa]

I bought an old rotary from 1981 from a mechanic friend of mine about 12 years ago for $400. It needed new seals and pump unit which cost another $1200. It's been absolutely fine since. I also have a 12000lbs challenger 4 post that is only used to store my 6.3

View attachment 146219

That’s awesome! Your garage has 9000% more square footage than mine. . Mine, side by side, is only 17 feet wide! For that reason anything with posts doesn’t work bc of the width. My garage also has 8 foot ceiling, and is also not on grade - it is built into a hillside so there are two stories of house BELOW the garage. So drilling into the concrete to put in posts is also not a good idea. Under the garage floor there are steel i-beams and a crapton of wood joists and engineered wood joists holding it all up.

First limitation which would make this a no go personally, would be the fact that you need to insert the frame from the side. My garage is just not wide enough to be able to do that. (Single holer )

Ugh … they thought of that tho - there is a kit to accommodate single holers - EZ CAR LIFT - FREE-STANDING USE-ANYWHERE CAR LIFT! FAST. SAFE. STRONG.EASY.

 

[dreaming.haze]

Like others have mentioned - I picked up my QuickJack set (5000lbs version) during a Black Friday costco special for ~$1200 after tax. Needed to pick up the extenders as well for use on the W124 chassis which was $255 after tax.

Overall, for the price paid, I would say they haven't proved their worth fully. It was cumbersome to get the initial process of getting the hydraulic hoses properly made and not leaking. Once set up, they only save a small amount of time compared to the common jack + stands. The benefits come from wanting all four wheels up in the air at the same time OR you are wanting to work under the rear end of the car. I've always felt a bit cautious towards raising up vehicles with the diff, so the quickjack puts my mind at ease. From a safety aspect - I do feel safer with the quickjacks with my usage so far.

With the above though, it will hinge on what kind of jobs you are considering getting yourself into. For the common DIY, it really is a "nice to have". The setup time is similar to other methods just due to getting the jackpoints at the right spot / ensuring you've space the car properly in the garage to have it lift on a pivot / etc. Like @a777fan - I've got a single car garage, but luckily it is a bit wider and you can store the quickjacks to the side of the car without driving over them.

 

[gsxr]

Once set up, they only save a small amount of time compared to the common jack + stands. The benefits come from wanting all four wheels up in the air at the same time OR you are wanting to work under the rear end of the car. I've always felt a bit cautious towards raising up vehicles with the diff, so the quickjack puts my mind at ease. From a safety aspect - I do feel safer with the quickjacks with my usage so far.

This. ^^^

Safety + all 4 wheels up are the main benefits.

With the above though, it will hinge on what kind of jobs you are considering getting yourself into. For the common DIY, it really is a "nice to have". The setup time is similar to other methods just due to getting the jackpoints at the right spot / ensuring you've space the car properly in the garage to have it lift on a pivot / etc. Like @a777fan - I've got a single car garage, but luckily it is a bit wider and you can store the quickjacks to the side of the car without driving over them.

If you have the available width and at least ~8' of ceiling height, I'd strongly recommend a permanent-mount 2-post low-rise lift instead. Yeah, they cost more and yeah, you won't be able to walk underneath unless you have >10' ceiling height, but if you have the space... skip the portable stuff.

For the single-car bays or other restrictions where you have no choice, then the QJ / EZCL are still a major upgrade from hydraulic floor jacks.

 

[Jlaa]

[Quick Jack] Overall, for the price paid, I would say they haven't proved their worth fully. It was cumbersome to get the initial process of getting the hydraulic hoses properly made and not leaking. Once set up, they only save a small amount of time compared to the common jack + stands. The benefits come from wanting all four wheels up in the air at the same time OR you are wanting to work under the rear end of the car. I've always felt a bit cautious towards raising up vehicles with the diff, so the quickjack puts my mind at ease. From a safety aspect - I do feel safer with the quickjacks with my usage so far.

With the above though, it will hinge on what kind of jobs you are considering getting yourself into. For the common DIY, it really is a "nice to have". The setup time is similar to other methods just due to getting the jackpoints at the right spot / ensuring you've space the car properly in the garage to have it lift on a pivot / etc. Like @a777fan - I've got a single car garage, but luckily it is a bit wider and you can store the quickjacks to the side of the car without driving over them.

For my purposes, I would like to have a mid-rise lift not only to get all 4 wheels off the ground, but also to be able to get the car in the air and leave it in the air for days at a time, while still being able to park another car next to it and shut the garage door. See below (old picture). The reason is because I don't want to always feel like I am rushing to get something done THAT DAY and get the car OFF THE JACKSTANDS. I'm terrible at mechanical stuff when I can't sleep on stuff.

If I use jackstands in the garage pic below, then one car would have to be out of the garage and the car-to-be-worked-on would have to be in the middle (because there's no room on the wall-sides to operate a jack).

I don't like leaving cars outside overnight ---- My driveway isn't long enough to hold a car without blocking the sidewalk (a parking ticket) and I do not like the idea of street parking (by braille).

 

[alabbasi]

That’s awesome! Your garage has 9000% more square footage than mine.

Don't be silly, that would make your garage only 1sq/ft , Unless you're doing exhaust or transmission work. A scissor lift is a nice option as you can do just about any suspension work or engine work with one and it fits nicely in a two car garage.

These also look interesting as they appear to be a 1 post lift attached to a heavy duty pallet jack and are totally portable. You can can drag it out to the driveway and work on your car, then stow it away.

 

[JC220]

The more I am looking at this the more I am thinking of going for a Mid Rise Scissor Lift. These can raise up to 1m high generally and appear very sturdy for not much more £££.

AS-7532B 3.2T Mid Rise Scissor Lift - Automotech Services Limited

The AS-7532B Mid rise scissor lift is surface mounted giving a low profile of just 110mm. Its unique design gives a clear working area between the platforms when the vehicle is being worked on. An ideal lift for busy body repair shops or tyre bays. Features Lifting capacity 3.2T Lifting height...

www.automotechservices.co.uk

I need to get a forking garage spot available first though - S320 Going then back to S430 to get it out of garage then order one in Autumn. There is place in Ireland that does them so I'll order from them and budget on it being about £1.5 - 2k GBP for a professional grade lift like in the link above.

The trouble is the like of W140s are heavy., heavy cars and no matter what the load rating says I think I would be nervous with a W140 perched on top of a quickjack.

I also didnt realise the Quick Jacks move forward - these ones lift directly vertical so better for tight spaces like my garage.

 

[alabbasi]

I see mid rise lifts for sale all the time used for under $1000. There's one for sale now but it's 300 miles away from me and I can't be bothered to go and get it.

 

[dreaming.haze]

I also didnt realize the Quick Jacks move forward - these ones lift directly vertical so better for tight spaces like my garage.

To the above point, It will move either forwards or backwards depending on how you have the units setup. I generally have the hydraulic pump at the front of the car, so the movement would be backwards in an arc from the ground. I haven't done a measurement, but does feel similar to ~12" or so. Just have to be cautious on initial placement of the car before lifting it and all goes well.

 

[gerryvz]

In my opinion a Quickjack has little to no benefit over jack stands, mainly in terms of height not being that much more. I don't mind jack stands and use them and/or ramps religiously.

A mid-height scissor lift makes more sense to me than a Quickjack, but even then, I would rather have a full lift. I don't think the cost to benefit ratio of a quick jack is there.

 

[Jlaa]

In my opinion a Quickjack has little to no benefit over jack stands, mainly in terms of height not being that much more. I don't mind jack stands and use them and/or ramps religiously.

A mid-height scissor lift makes more sense to me than a Quickjack, but even then, I would rather have a full lift. I don't think the cost to benefit ratio of a quick jack is there.

If you have a narrow side by side garage or a one-car-wide garage, anything with posts doesn’t work.

Mid-height scissor lift is neat, but the drawback is that it is so clunky and how do you store it if you don’t want to leave it under the car?

Quick Jacks and EZCarlifts can be broken down and stored, for example, hanging from the wall. People with limited space have a certain number of constraints…. It would be so great to put in a full lift or a scissor lift recessed into the floor concrete or even a maxjack midrise lift with posts but all those are not possible.

These things save space even over jackstands because with jackstands you have to have enough room on either side of the car to operate a jack with its loooing handle….. whereas with a QJ or EZCL you can raise the car even if the car is close to a wall. These things are solutions to help in places with limited space.

 

[Sam SL]

I have used my Quick Jacks for 2 years now. Here are my real world experiences of the unit:

I like its portability and how they store away by hanging on the wall. They are heavy (65 lbs per ramp) to lift off the wall and set up. Some days they seem heavier than others as I am not getting any younger. They are awkward to line up under the car because of their weight and the fact they do not raise straight up and down. The fact they pivot slightly forward or backward as they rise can be annoying. One has to guesstimate where to place the blocks to line up with the jack points of my 124. The garage floor has to be levelled and flat. Unfortunately for me my garage floor is not flat due to a crack that developed years ago. I have to work around that or the ramp would rock. All in all, my friend and I now conclude that Quick Jacks are anything but quick. I have to allow at least 30 minutes to get my car up in the air and have it position so I have the jack points properly lined up and the car's fore/aft's clearance because of the rising arc motion of the ramps. Don't forget every time you use it the hydraulic lines have to be connected and then disconnected when ramps go back onto the wall. Before purchasing I viewed quite a few YouTube videos and everyone had a love-in with the product and no one mentioned these nuances.

After one season one of the hydraulic couplers gave out and fluid leak rendered the unit unusable. QJ sent me the replacement parts under warranty and that took 10 days. I question how durable the parts will be when the lines have to be coupled and decoupled from the pump each time out. As a hobbyist I don't think my QJ has been deployed more than 10 times in 2 years.

One last thing. The wall hook QJ markets for $60 is a total cash grab. I bought a pair of suitable hooks from a Dollar Store for $5. Does the same job because if you read the QJ tutorial the hooks are to be mounted at a height that allows the weight of the ramps to rest on the floor which means the floor takes most of the weight. I venture to say the extension pieces they sell is just another way for them to make more money. Kind of bugs me they did not make the ramps 3" longer as that would make them fit more cars and still short enough for something like a 993.

 

[Jlaa]

To the above point, It will move either forwards or backwards depending on how you have the units setup. I generally have the hydraulic pump at the front of the car, so the movement would be backwards in an arc from the ground. I haven't done a measurement, but does feel similar to ~12" or so. Just have to be cautious on initial placement of the car before lifting it and all goes well.

I have used my Quick Jacks for 2 years now. Here are my real world experience of the unit:

I like its portability and how they store away by hanging on the wall. ... I have to allow at least 30 minutes to get my car up in the air and have it position so I have the jack points properly lined up and the car's fore/aft's clearance because of the rising arc motion of the ramps. Don't forget every time you use it the hydraulic lines have to be connected and then disconnected when ramps go back onto the wall.

Thanks for relaying your experiences. I am concerned about the arc as well and I'd rather not deal with hydraulic lines if I don't have to.
I'm going to go for an EZCarLift since it goes straight up and down and there are no hydraulics. I'm going to wait until there's a sale this year to purchase one.