Oil drain dolly (1 Viewer)

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kcjaz

kcjaz

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I'm installing a 2-post lift next week and am eagerly anticipating my first oil change while standing up and not on a floor creeper. So I'm looking at oil drain dollies like this:


I was just going to get a cheapo 5 gallon HF dolly but they don't look good when it comes to draining the oil from the 5 gal tank. Most of the pneumatic "self extracting" dollies are 20 gallon capacity which is way overkill for me. The one above is 8 gal which seems about right for me as I currently just fill a 5 gal container and then take it to O'Reily's (where I'm at they won't take more than 5 gallons at a time anyway). The only thing I see might be an issue with this one is that the catch pan max height is only 46". I'm 5'11" so I'll have the frame at 6' or so I think I'd want to have the pan a bit higher. That's probably not a real issue. Anyone have a recommendation on an oil drain dolly? Maybe one that is cheaper than $136?
 
I bought a HF 20 gallon oil dolly for close to $130 on sale. You’ll like the extension (reach) the 20 gallon dolly offers. Draining the 20 gallon dolly is simple too. You’ll be cleaning up more with the shorter dolly IMO. You might also consider a large transmission drain catch (plastic) that fits over the top of the dolly mouth. Very handy in keeping things clean.
Best of luck and be very careful when using your two post.
 
I am enjoying the timing of this discussion because I just received my new oil drain dolly on Friday. My selection criteria is probably a hard miss relative to what has been shared here, but alternate data might still be of interest or value so here I go ...

My prior dolly came with my 2-post lift when I installed it 15 years ago. It worked for me but it required manual draining / plastic funnel was easy to break (last one I broken when I dropped an oil filter), so I was ready for a change ... an upgrade.

I opted for durability/quality which jumped the price by ~2x compared to other options. I have not tested it yet, but it certainly appears to be a quality product when I assembled it.
Used Oil Drain.jpg
 
looks like that thing has pneumatic emptying. Do you have to put an adapter or a shutoff on the main inlet for that?
 
e9999 said:
looks like that thing has pneumatic emptying. Do you have to put an adapter or a shutoff on the main inlet for that?
Click to expand...
Yes it has the pressured emptying. It came equipped with a quarter turn shut-off valve at the tank, so I am interested in seeing how well I can control output flow with the valve (i.e., filling small containers so I don't overfill by mistake).
My only action was to add the plug compatible with my air hoses.
 
LDowney said:
Yes it has the pressured emptying. It came equipped with a quarter turn shut-off valve at the tank, so I am interested in seeing how well I can control output flow with the valve (i.e., filling small containers so I don't overfill by mistake).
My only action was to add the plug compatible with my air hoses.
Click to expand...
It doesn’t appear to have a shutoff valve in the main drain tube from the catch pan to the tank. Maybe there is a check valve in the tank. For the air connection to pressurize the tank, the main drain tube needs to be closed off or you might get an oil fountain. A check valve would be nice because you can’t forget to close it or forget to reopen it.

Edit: it does have a check valve.

IMG_3844.jpeg
 
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I generally avoid HF stuff but bought one of their oil tanks a few months ago. It has a tank shutoff but the pan has to be fully extended for it to close. It's definitely possible to blow oil out the top if you're not paying attention to what you're doing. Don't remember exactly what happened but was experimenting with draining and shut the air supply off but pressure in the tank continued pushing oil. Fearing oil all over the floor I think I inadvertently turned the big shutoff valve and ended up with oil all over the floor, work bench, etc, etc. Fortunately it didn't reach the ceiling. I've since added another valve just to relieve tank pressure.
 
Smithtec said:
Are there specific hazards of using a two post?
Click to expand...

You want to place the arms under the vehicle and balance it front to back pretty carefully. Some vehicles (FJ40 a notable example) are front-heavy and short, so an under-hoist stand under the front end is pretty much a necessity.
 
1911 said:
You want to place the arms under the vehicle and balance it front to back pretty carefully. Some vehicles (FJ40 a notable example) are front-heavy and short, so an under-hoist stand under the front end is pretty much a necessity.
Click to expand...
Good to know, since I plan on buying a two post! Need to get underneath with the pressure washer.
 
I can definitely see myself being showered in oil with one of those things. Not a biggie, I usually end up covered in the stuff crawling under the truck anyway... :)
 
Smithtec said:
Are there specific hazards of using a two post?
Click to expand...
Aside from the obvious (proper arm placement), the other hazards come from not paying attention when lowering a vehicle. The locking pawls(both) must be fully disengaged so pay attention that the vehicle lowers evenly. If one doesn’t fully press the lock release, one side can remain locked while the opposite side lowers.
The other hazards is pulling off large components like transmission, axels etc. This can change the CG making the vehicle unstable. Lastly, using large cheater bars to break stubborn bolts free. This can make an already precarious situation even more so. Use those jack stands whenever your common sense tells you. Those who lack common sense will not last under a two post very long.
I can’t imagine I’d still be working on my own rigs without a lift…
One last word, anyone who owns a 2-post needs to retorque the base plate anchors twice a year at a minimum.

best of luck!
 
Waorani said:
I generally avoid HF stuff but bought one of their oil tanks a few months ago. It has a tank shutoff but the pan has to be fully extended for it to close. It's definitely possible to blow oil out the top if you're not paying attention to what you're doing. Don't remember exactly what happened but was experimenting with draining and shut the air supply off but pressure in the tank continued pushing oil. Fearing oil all over the floor I think I inadvertently turned the big shutoff valve and ended up with oil all over the floor, work bench, etc, etc. Fortunately it didn't reach the ceiling. I've since added another valve just to relieve tank pressure.
Click to expand...
You don't say... :rofl:

 
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