A topside creeper is a flexible ladder that has an inclined frame without the need for support of the wall. Also known as an over engine creeper or a mechanic ladder, it has a deck at the top of the ladder that gives mechanics and technicians the convenience of working on hard-to-reach places, such as cleaning truck engine compartment from topside.
Topside creepers are quite ergonomic and useful for automotive mechanics to work without worrying about hazards. Several features determine your pick for the best topside creeper. These include maneuverability, height adjustment, the padding on the deck, weight capacity, storage convenience, and durability (Source).
Topside creepers are constructed like one-sided ladders that do not need any support to stand. That is possible because of an elongated base (usually with wheels) to balance the weight of the ladder efficiently.
The top of the ladder includes a sturdy deck with padding to give the user comfort while using this tool. The topside ladder latches to an engine compartment so that the ladder stays in place while you work on the engine from the top.
Furthermore, the inclination is adjustable in some models to give more flexibility while working (Source). Topside creepers might not have different types, but they do have innovative designs to offer as much flexibility as possible for users.
In this review guide, we will examine top-rated topside creepers that will help you see into your car clearly, without worrying about height issues.
What Is A Topside Creeper?
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is A Topside Creeper?
- 2 How Much Does a Topside Creeper Cost?
- 3 Topside Creeper Reviews: Comparing the Best Topside Creepers
- 4 1. Pro-Lift C-2036D Grey 36″ Z-Creeper Seat – The Best Over Engine Creeper Overall
- 5 2. Traxion 3-100 Foldable Topside Creeper – The Most Adjustable-Height Topside Creeper
- 6 3. ATD Tools 8116F – The Most Foldable Topside Creeper
- 7 4. Traxion 3-700 ProGear – The Best Topside Creeper for Trucks
- 8 5. Whiteside Manufacturing Professional Over the Engine Creeper (OTE) – Topside Creeper with Tool Tray
- 9 How To Use A Topside Creeper?
- 10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Topside Creeper
- 11 Topside Creeper Brands
- 12 Topside Creeper FAQ’s
- 13 Ready to Use a Topside Creeper In Your Auto Body Shop?
A topside creeper is essentially a combination of a conventional automotive creeper and a step ladder. It makes it easier and more comfortable to work on the hard-to-reach topside parts of an engine.
Also, with it, you can take care of any other project that is elevated above the ground. Thus, this type of tool will make it more convenient for you to work on the engine bay.
It is basically designed to get above the top of the higher vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs. With foldable topside creepers, you can work on any part of the engine without straining your legs or back. Furthermore, the best mechanics creeper will reduce the need to awkwardly bend over the front end of the vehicle.
How Much Does a Topside Creeper Cost?
The cost of topside creepers varies from one model to another. Basically, the pricing of these units depends on their build quality, features, and adjustable height range.
Most topside creepers cost between $35 and $105. If you are not working on a limited budget, you can also get higher quality units at the $250 price point.
Such high-end foldable topside creeper models tend to over a set of unique features. Rather than trying to get the most affordable or expensive over engine creeper, focus on the value for money the unit has to offer.
Topside Creeper Reviews: Comparing the Best Topside Creepers
| Pro-Lift C-2036D Grey 36″ Z-Creeper Seat | |||
| Traxion 3-100 Foldable Topside Creeper | |||
| ATD Tools 8116F Foldable Topside Creeper | |||
| Traxion 3-700 ProGear Topside Creeper | |||
| Whiteside Manufacturing Professional Over The Engine Creeper (OTE) |
1. Pro-Lift C-2036D Grey 36″ Z-Creeper Seat – The Best Over Engine Creeper Overall
This over the fender creeper is designed in a Z-shape, hence it may be used as a mechanics seat or just folded for use as a mechanics creeper. Even so, the unit has a rather high weight-bearing capacity of 300 pounds.
You will also find the creator seat lightweight and easy to move around. It is fitted with 6 swivel casters, presenting to with the mobility and enhanced ease of use you need to get under the tight area.
When used as a seat, it features a low-profile design that is best suited for this application. Converting the seat into a creeper is also easy, just operate its Retractable Pin.
The durability of the unit may be attributed to its unique heavy-duty frame, which also allows it to be sturdy, even when supporting heavier users.
As for comfort, the topside creeper is equipped with thick padded cushions. These offer a comfortable base for easy movement and access during vehicle repair and maintenance tasks.
2. Traxion 3-100 Foldable Topside Creeper – The Most Adjustable-Height Topside Creeper
The 3-100 foldable topside creeper is essentially meant to help you increase productivity and safety while conveniently working form the top side of the engine compartment.
At the top of the adjustable-height stem of the tool is a padded deck for the technician to rest upon as he or she reaches into the engine compartment. Four casters slide easily around the shop.
Two of them lock once the unit is properly positioned giving the user plenty of leverage. This feature offers the comfort you need to remain on the platform for extended periods.
The padded deck is covered with heavy vinyl for comfort and durability. This also makes the product easier to clean. The base and frame of the tool are made of heavy-gauge steel with a powder coat finish to protect from scratching.
The height of the padded deck may also be altered, making the Traxion 3-100 suited for use on an assortment of vehicle types. Folds for easy storage.
3. ATD Tools 8116F – The Most Foldable Topside Creeper
The ability of this tool to fold into a more compact size makes it a perfect choice for garages and repair shops that have limited storage space.It has been proven o be one of the best topside creeper tools for getting to the engine from an elevated position. The comfortable padded deck of the tool makes it less tiresome, even when used for extended periods.
It allows you to bend over the engine compartment at different heights and experience less fatigue. You will also be able to adjust the height of the deck to the appropriate one, depending on the clearance of the vehicle you are repairing or maintaining.
This elevated creeper features heavy-gauge steel construction and is powder-coated to make it scratch-resistant. The padding on its deck is made of heavy vinyl for engraved durability and improved ease of cleaning. The adjustable height of the unit operates between 44 and 64 inches.
4. Traxion 3-700 ProGear – The Best Topside Creeper for Trucks
This makes it sturdier and allows for easy positioning of the Traxion 3-700 creeper around the vehicle. With a maximum height of 75 inches, this product has been proven to offer productive and access to the engine compartment of numerous vehicle makes and models.
You will find the new ProGear to be a bit wider, and taller, hence usable on an array of vehicles. The unique design of these tools includes a fully padded frame with replaceable, padded upholstery cover.
Just as with other products by Traxion, this 75 inches unit offers the quality you can rely on. For instance, the padding covers on the Traxion 3-700 topside creeper are secured in place using Velcro.
This makes it easy to remove for cleaning. Again, the upholstered cover slides over a sling instead of a hard plywood deck. This allows for improved comfort, reduces weight, and makes it easy for you to replace the decking.
The overall design of the unit has been proven to improve access to about 40 percent more areas in the engine compartment.
5. Whiteside Manufacturing Professional Over the Engine Creeper (OTE) – Topside Creeper with Tool Tray
This may not be the most affordable product in this buying guide but is quite versatile and comfortable to use for long hours.The frame, tool tray, and base of this creeper is very durable, featuring a heavy-duty construction for improved strength and durability.
The frame will allow you to adjust the height of the top deck to between 43-1/4 and 57-3/4 inches. The top deck is also padded, making it comfortable to rest your body against, even when looking for extended periods at a time.
Although it comes unassembled, the manufacturer offers an easy-to-follow assembly manual. This allows you to assemble the unit in under 12 minutes.
It is also fitted with wheels, making it easy for you to move the equipment around the garage and position it around any vehicle. You will find this tool rather sturdy, capable of supporting a weight capacity of a little less than 400 pounds.
Using it is quite productive because of the tool tray to give you quick access to your aides.
How To Use A Topside Creeper?
Using a topside creeper is quite easy. After assembling the unit, you just need to attach it to the front of your vehicle at a relevant height so that you can access the engine.
Climb the ladder of the creeper and adjust lay over the padding to view your vehicle’s engine for repair and maintenance work. One thing you do need to keep in mind while using it is to stay safe of the corners near the padding of the creeper.
As these corners are not guarded with a cushioned material, they can bump into your legs, which can be painful. With a creeper, you have the support needed to maintain top-facing engines in trucks and SUVs, without the need to bending.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Topside Creeper
A topside creeper is one of the most important garage tools any mechanic needs to have. The tool will enhance your efficiency, and reduce stress on the feet and the back, which may result in complications later on in life.
However, choosing the right one can be a daunting task, with so many makes and models in the market. To help you buy the best topside creeper, here are some of the things you should consider:
Weight Bearing Capacity
Not only should a mechanic’s creeper be rugged enough for the demanding work environment, but also needs to be sturdy enough to support the weight over and over again.
Different types of creepers have varying weight holding capacities. It is advisable to get one that is made of quality materials, as described below.
Additionally, you also need to check the maximum weight bearing capacity as stipulated by the manufacturer.
It is essential to make sure you can stand firmly and feels safe while working for long hours. Only topside automotive creepers of high quality will be able to bear enormous weights.
Height Adjustment
Unlike traditional mechanic’s creepers, topside creepers may be elevated above the ground. As such, you Ned to check how flexible your preferred model is in this regard.
A fixed height creeper will restrict you to a certain height. Various topside creeper models differ when it comes to the minimum and maximum height adjustment.
Most of the best topside creeper models are designed to offer flexible height adjustment, often ranging between 43 and 72 inches.
If you happen to carry repairs on lifted trucks every now and then, you may need to go for creepers that can extend even higher. Depending on the height of each repair task, the took should allow you to adjust to the right height.
Maneuverability
Navigation and movement of the creeper is another aspect you need to consider. Mounted topside creepers are essentially tedious to move around.
This is precisely why the leading foldable topside creeper manufacturers equip their units with either caster or wheels at the base. Basically, more casters at the base make it easier to move the creeper.
However, such a mechanism needs to have an intuitive and secure locking mechanism in place. A top side creeper should come with locking latches to secure it in a fixed position while you are working.
For best movement, top side creepers with four wheels are an ideal pick. With high-quality and smooth-rolling casters, it will be easy for you to work in different areas without the need to manually lift the creeper.
Again, urethane wheels are less likely to get stuck in a crack, as compared to steel wheels. Creepers with urethane ball-bearing wheels are smoother-rolling, allowing for a more pleasant, convenient experience. Oversized urethane wheels are even more mobile.
Padding and Cushioning
Topside creepers are essentially meant you to support you at a comfortable height to carry out a repair. The comfort level offers by your preferred model is an important consideration, especially for professionals who will be using the creeper for extended periods at a time.
The cushioning and padding on your preferred model should be comfortable to rest your body against, even when using the tool for long hours.
Consider buying a creeper model with a cushioned or padded deck as it is the place where you will be spending most of your time. For enhanced comfort, go for a model that has durable covering with additional padding.
Additionally, you will need an ergonomic creeper design that is comfortable and still makes it easy for you to access the part that needs repair. The comfort features on the tools should not impair your flexibility while on a foldable topside creeper.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Although some of the best topside creeper models are very durable, you still need to maintain and clean them properly for them to last.
Get one that is rather easy to clean and maintain. Your preferred model should be made of easy-to-clean materials and the parts should be effortless to maintain.
The garage environment is rather messy, and the tool will be dirty and greedy at the end of every day. The cushioning and padding on the unit needs to have a vinyl cover.
With such material, you only need to wipe the unit to clean it at the end of the day. It is also important to ensure that the material is stain resistant.
Convenient Storage
Most garages and auto repair shops do not have all the space to store equipment and tools after use. The top topside creeper you get should be foldable into a compact size for easier storage after use. This is particularly important for repair shops and garages that have limited storage space.
Other Considerations
In addition to these, make sure to get one that offers the additional features and capabilities you desire. For instance, you may need a model that offers angular positions flexibility and has the kind of upholstery design and materials you prefer. While at it, you should ensure that you get the best value for money.
Topside Creeper Brands
Just as us the case with most repair and maintenance professionals, a mechanic is as good as his or her last project. To ensure that you always deliver satisfactory results to your clients, you need to use the right tools and equipment for each job.
Topside creepers are a must-have as far as engine repair and maintenance projects are concerned. For you to save the money and time associated with the search, it is advisable to only but tools and equipment by the reputable manufacturers.
Here are some of the renowned foldable topside creeper brands you should consider:
TraXion
For the period this manufacturer has been in business, it has been producing affordable, yet high-quality, durable, and reliable tools and equipment for the automotive industry.
The various outdoor gear, truck accessories, and tools by this brand are known the world over for their dependable performance.
Topside Creepers by TraXion are made of high-quality materials to serve you for years to come. Designed using state-of-the-art technology and with the customers in mind. In addition to serving your needs, such products will offer you great value for money.
Pro-Lift
Pro-Lift offers some of the innovative and complete variety of creepers and creeper seats in North America today.
Regardless of the pro-lift topside creepy model you opt for, you can rest assured that you are getting the best quality, ergonomic design, and durability the brand is known for.
Lifting equipment by this brand is some of the best in the industry for quality and innovative technology. Designed after professional grade equipment standards, Pro-Lift equipment surpasses current ANSI standards.
All products by this manufacturer are kept under close quality control standards, right from their design to production. Patented products by Pro-Lift cater for a unique twist to your garage maintenance needs
ATD Tools, Inc.
ATD Tools Inc. ATD Tools Inc. specializes in the production of tools and equipment for professionals in the automotive industry.
ATD Tools is mainly popular for the production of stools for brakes, diagnostics, lifting, paint and body, air conditioning, pullers, and welding, as well as air tools, power tools, and tool storage.
Topside Creeper FAQ’s
What is the Maximum Weight-Bearing Capacity for Topside Creepers?
This varies significantly from one model to another and mainly depends on the base and frame construction of each model.
On average, the weakest of these tools can safely support between 56 and 150 pounds. Stronger models are capable of supporting up to 400 pounds, as mentioned above.
How is a Topside Creeper Assembled?
The specific procedure may differ from one model to another. It starts by securing the climbing section to the base, followed by securing the angel adjustment keepers.
This is followed by the attachment of the base crossbar support before attaching the chest pad frame.
Finally, you need to attach the tool pouch and then install the chest pad. However, each model comes with an assembly manual to guide you step by step on the assembly of hat particular creeper model.
Ready to Use a Topside Creeper In Your Auto Body Shop?
Enhanced efficiency, improved efficiency, and reduced fatigue are some of the main benefits of a good topside creeper. However, you just have to buy the right automotive creeper to reap such benefits.
For instance, you will need a foldable unit with adjustable height that offers the desired level of comfort. With this topside creeper buying guide at your disposal, choosing the best topside creeper should be a walk in the park!
Make sure that you choose a creeper that suits your purpose effectively. You might also want to invest in an adjustable ladder that helps you access a variety of vehicles easily. Many professionals just assemble a topside creeper and use it that way without folding it away after use.
That way, they can save time by not needing to assemble it every time. If you have enough storage space, then you can keep an assembled piece ready at your disposal.
I need to buy good one but i dont know what to consider. Please help me to choose best one.