My father recently had a vehicle lift installed at the house. He has graciously invited my brother and I over to use it anytime we need it.

So, with that said, we're both going to be contributing with the purchase of a few items. My brother is getting a set of under-hoist stands to support control arms, axles, etc. I'm planning on buying him an upright oil drain. Problem is, I have no idea on quality of these items. Looking for some guidance from anyone that does.

From what I can see most of the 10+ gallon units seem to have a built in air powered empty mechanism to save from having to dump the oil out manually. Is this worth it? I don't see any of these items getting used like they would in an auto shop, but I also don't want to be buying cheap crap.

So, who has experience with these and do you have any recommendations?

Unless he is changing a lot of oil, I would get something like this Eagle #605 and see if you can find a wheel kit. I wouldn't get the larger ones that have all the moving parts.
Back a few decades ago when I worked on cars for a living, I used one like the 5 gallon Eagle. You can do a several oil changes before you need to empty it and it won't be too heavy.

https://www.zoro.com/eagle-lif...l07uoQhoC-8sQAvD_BwE

You should also get an empty 55 gallon drum ($10-20 locally) and a wheel kit to store the oil so you have enough to occasionally call an oil recycler and not need to carry the old oil somewhere yourself. The wheels allow you to keep it out of the way and wheel it to the door when the truck picks up the old oil. That way they won't make a mess dragging the hose into the shop, they can do it by the door.

I, too, had a two-post vehicle lift installed when I built my outbuilding. Best money I ever spent.

I use an oil collection container and funnel similar to the one posted above, except that mine has a plastic reservoir and is on wheels.

It get the job done. It's large enough to hold 5-6 oil changes, so I just pull the funnel and tube and haul the jug to our recycling center to dump it when it gets full.

Remember, like guns, safety first!!!

I purchased a cheap Harbor Freight model about 7 years ago. It has worked really well. Add some compressed air when ready to drain it. If I had a full fleet of vehicles I would have purchased a better quality unit. This one supports about 6 vehicles. If I had to do it again I would have no problem buying the HF unit again.

quote:

Originally posted by JRC:


I use an oil collection container and funnel similar to the one posted above, except that mine has a plastic reservoir and is on wheels.

This is what I purchased, and have used for many years. It does a great job. The funnel part will lift and lower, has a screen in it to catch the drain plug that I fumble and drop in, and is on wheels. Nothing fancy, but nothing to break!!

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
Unless he is changing a lot of oil, I would get something like this Eagle #605 and see if you can find a wheel kit. I wouldn't get the larger ones that have all the moving parts.
Back a few decades ago when I worked on cars for a living, I used one like the 5 gallon Eagle. You can do a several oil changes before you need to empty it and it won't be too heavy.

https://www.zoro.com/eagle-lif...l07uoQhoC-8sQAvD_BwE

You should also get an empty 55 gallon drum ($10-20 locally) and a wheel kit to store the oil so you have enough to occasionally call an oil recycler and not need to carry the old oil somewhere yourself. The wheels allow you to keep it out of the way and wheel it to the door when the truck picks up the old oil. That way they won't make a mess dragging the hose into the shop, they can do it by the door.

So on something like the one linked, how high does the funnel go? Looks like the specs only show it adjusting up to 38" high. If the vehicle is over my head aren't I going to want something that goes up to say 60-70"?

As for emptying, my brother works for an industrial equipment company, so he has access to oil disposal, just a matter of putting it into his container, thus the reason I was looking at the air assisted units to pump it out.

I have a lift at home and use one of these for my oil changes... https://www.harborfreight.com/...ain-dolly-90582.html

Anything bigger would be much heavier when it comes time to take it to the auto parts store and dump in in their recycler tank.

A mechanic I know puts a standard oil pan on top of his transmission stand. Then empties it into a 55 gallon drum.

If you live in a city with some population then google for a NAPA warehouse and go pay them a visit. They'll be open to the public with a sales counter.

quote:

Originally posted by CWR67:
I have a lift at home and use one of these for my oil changes... https://www.harborfreight.com/...ain-dolly-90582.html

Anything bigger would be much heavier when it comes time to take it to the auto parts store and dump in in their recycler tank.

This is exactly what I've done. I usually try and recycle the oil when it has about 4 gallons in it to minimize getting any of the used oil on me!

I would get a metal one like 220-9er posted, but wheels are MANDATORY. Yes, up to about 60" is good. You won't need it to go much higher. I wonder if that ad is with the neck collapsed, not extended.

Because the large investment was made by others, and you are trying to say thanks for the opportunity to use said investment I would buy quality. Every time they use it they will either think "thanks, that was thoughtful", or "why did he buy this cheap piece of junk that leaks, and is a hassle to use"