Workshop pit

[Grassman]

I am putting up a new workshop and was going to put a pit in but reading google and its like i'm building my own coffin!!!
I can understand the issues of gasses being heavier than air and collecting then suffocating you or igniting with a spark etc.
Do those of you with a workshop with a pit use it or is it a bit of a novelty?
Would you build a workshop without one?

 

[DX 3.90]

I think it depends what you want it for, if just cars, truck etc then a 2 post lift would be better, and prob cheaper! But if trucks then they can be great but there are issues with water and lighting and steps. Once you used a vehicle lift you wouldn't want a pit, just think how manybtimes you'll be in and out for tools when repairing something! On the gas front we never had a problem but we didn't use it too much. Oh and you need a heavy cover for it= a bugger to get off!!

 

[Forever Fendt]

we have got a pit in our workshop best thing we ever did its 6m long with steps to one end and has recessed lights down both sides the pit is fabricated from 6mm plate and has a recess pressed in the sides to take the lights with the floor and steps from chequer plate and a angle around the top for a jacking beam and oil drainer tray with it been a steel tank backfilled with concrete any water ingress is not a problem

 

[Derky]

We had one in our old workshop and i would never go back to one once i used a four post lift.

 

[roscoe erf]

Post lifts are OK if you have the headroom pits are OK if done right each has its place never had a problem with gases what gases are u worried about

 

[Grassman]

Can't say that I'm concerned about gases. It's just all the negativity about pits in general I read about. Apparently the gases settle in the pit. You pass out. You die!! Don't weld in the pit or the gases light. You die!!
I'm sure these things can happen but with a bit of common sense they aren't a massive issue.
My real issue is that am I going to go to a lot of trouble building one then not really use it.

 

[Cowcalf]

Post lifts are OK if you have the headroom pits are OK if done right each has its place never had a problem with gases what gases are u worried about

Perhaps their own !!!!!!!!

 

[Mursal]

The best type have only 3 sides with the forth a work area, if you know what I mean? Easier if you have a site on different levels, but you cant get stuck under the vehicle. A pit is a cheaper option than a lift, if you have the funds go for a lift.

 

[roscoe erf]

Can't say that I'm concerned about gases. It's just all the negativity about pits in general I read about. Apparently the gases settle in the pit. You pass out. You die!! Don't weld in the pit or the gases light. You die!!
I'm sure these things can happen but with a bit of common sense they aren't a massive issue.
My real issue is that am I going to go to a lot of trouble building one then not really use it.

http://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/w-t-f.11626/page-66 gases post 1307

 

[pycoed]

we have got a pit in our workshop best thing we ever did its 6m long with steps to one end and has recessed lights down both sides the pit is fabricated from 6mm plate and has a recess pressed in the sides to take the lights with the floor and steps from chequer plate and a angle around the top for a jacking beam and oil drainer tray with it been a steel tank backfilled with concrete any water ingress is not a problem

Definitely put recessed lighting/sockets & a shelf for tools along the sides. I'm really sorry I didn't do that with mine.

 

[GavinJ]

The best type have only 3 sides with the forth a work area, if you know what I mean? Easier if you have a site on different levels, but you cant get stuck under the vehicle. A pit is a cheaper option than a lift, if you have the funds go for a lift.

Are you sure? Lift can be bought very cheaply these days secondhand even more so. The cost of blocks for a pit and the work I would go for a lift.

Admitedly it is easier to park an implement over a pit so depends on the use.

 

[Clive]

we put a full length HGV pit in our workshop a few years ago - came pre built, just dig hole, connect air and electric, concrete around it and its all done, no leaks or damp etc

we use it a lot and wouldn't be without it

 

[Dave W]

I posted the same problem about 18 months ago.
I dont really want to do much with cars/vans and space in new workshop is a bit limited.
Came to the conclusion that rolling round on a smooth painted concrete floor is a giant step forward from rolling in the sludge like I was before.
I've identified a corner of the yard where I can install a decent sized 4 post ramp for occasional use. If it proves to be invaluable I can always move it indoor

 

[Chalky]

I put one in about 5 years ago- great.

Think you would be paying a bit for a lift to pick up a JCB telehandler(getting those damn belly plates off)- or even more to pull the crawler & 8m Vaderstad over to check all the bearings underneath!

Cars & vehicles- lift. Ag kit- pit. What's to go wrong with a hole in the ground- we are on chalk, so it is dry.

 

[Grassman]

I still don't know what to do.
It's main use will be going under machinery for servicing and repairs. Not working on cars and vans.
I am making the transition from mud to concrete so perhaps a mechanics creeper will be the tool.

 

[Dave W]

Pits are nearthe the topyear of anythe HSE hit list and will jump all over you if they see a pit that isn't 100% within the regulations.

It would need to be fully fenced off and covered when not in use along with all the correct signeage.

This may or may not ne a concern depending on your stance with HSE.

 

[roscoe erf]

Pits are nearthe the topyear of anythe HSE hit list and will jump all over you if they see a pit that isn't 100% within the regulations.

It would need to be fully fenced off and covered when not in use along with all the correct signeage.

This may or may not ne a concern depending on your stance with HSE.

where do you think i put the inspectors

 

[roscoe erf]

so not a good idea to cover with straw pit what pit

oops oh that pit

 

[S J H]

Could people post some pics of there workshop pits please. Hoping to build a new workshop later in the year so would be good to get some ideas.