2-post lifts to stay away from?

[jlwdvm]

Hoping to get a 2-post lift ordered in the next 10 days. It will be for personal use and needs to be a base plate model due to my 112" post height limitation. My overall garage height is over 10.5", but there are 2 spanning beams in the ceiling that support the bedrooms above the garage that are right where my posts need to go! I am looking to spend between $15-2300. We are pouring footings for the posts this week. It seems like I have been researching this forever and still can't make up my mind. Are there any lifts out there that you have had experience with that a guy should stay away from?

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

Hoping to get a 2-post lift ordered in the next 10 days. It will be for personal use and needs to be a base plate model due to my 112" post height limitation. My overall garage height is over 10.5", but there are 2 spanning beams in the ceiling that support the bedrooms above the garage that are right where my posts need to go! I am looking to spend between $15-2300. We are pouring footings for the posts this week. It seems like I have been researching this forever and still can't make up my mind. Are there any lifts out there that you have had experience with that a guy should stay away from?

I'd just make sure to buy something that is ALI/ETL certified. I have a shorter ceiling in my shop as well but I was able to get away with a challenger E10 clear floor lift. I just put the cross bar up and over the rafters. My '69 camaro will go all the way up! My lift was $2700 shipped and it's 10,000 lbs rated.

This pic was when we were installing it. I've gotten rid of some of the junk since then.

P.S. I will never ever know how I got along without this lift. It makes everything so much easier and makes things enjoyable that previously weren't.

[GregWeld]

Avoid Anything made in China... and you'd be surprised how many of them are.


Eagle Lift -- acts like they are a manufacturer and they're not - they're a reseller / rebranded lift. If you have an issue with the wrong parts --- it can take forever to get it solved. Ask me how I know first hand.

Gemini Lifts are made in Texas --- and that's actually what I got from Eagle Lift. Might as well bought it direct. But nowadays even the USA manufacturers are importing lifts from China so they can be competitive.


I since ditched that lift and went with a really good lift - Rotary Lift. But like most things you get what you pay for. I wish I'd have bought the Rotary the first time around.

[GregWeld]

Oh - btw -- the lift is the best tool in your shop once you have one. Make a wise decision. You'd be shocked how much it gets used.

[jlwdvm]

Everything in my price range is made in China! So I think I may have found a good Chinese-made lift backed by a reputable American company:
http://www.derekweaver.com/rodders-garage/2-post-car-lifts/hr8000/ The guys over on GarageJournal.com seem to think highly of Direct Lift which is a division of the same company that owns Rotary Lifts.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

Everything in my price range is made in China! So I think I may have found a good Chinese-made lift backed by a reputable American company:
http://www.derekweaver.com/rodders-garage/2-post-car-lifts/hr8000/ The guys over on GarageJournal.com seem to think highly of Direct Lift which is a division of the same company that owns Rotary Lifts.
It's not certified AND it's made in China. Remember that you're going to be under this thing....with a large heavy car on it. IMHO, spend a few minutes checking out YouTube videos of lift failures and then proceed to save up a few hundred more bucks and get one that's at least certified.

Full disclosure: Mine is Challengers less expensive model with some parts made in China BUT it's ALI/ETL certified at 10,000 lbs; 2,000 lbs more than the one you linked, and its only $400 over your price range. I'm not telling you to get the brand I have, just that a few hundred more can get you a beefier unit and some piece of mind. I went through the same thing you are going through before deciding to cough up the extra dough.

[GregWeld]

It's not certified AND it's made in China. Remember that you're going to be under this thing....with a large heavy car on it. IMHO, spend a few minutes checking out YouTube videos of lift failures and then proceed to save up a few hundred more bucks and get one that's at least certified.




EGG SACK LEE!!!


You life and your friends lives -- and your car are at risk --- this is NOT a place to be cheap.

[wiedemab]

I would buy a used US made Rotary or comparable before buying a new Chinese lift - just my $.02 You can have the used one inspected and even replace a few parts if needed and still come out OK.

I was lucky and bought mine from a friend when he moved. I knew the lift since it was brand new - he took good care of it. I paid less for it than a new not so nice lift.

[parsonsj]

Mohawk makes some of the best lifts in the world. They use hydraulic lines rather than a cable or a chain to keep the two sides in sync. Perfect for when you are cramped for space.

http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/consumer/automotive-lifts/2-post-lifts/a7/

[67ragtp]

Greg and JP hit the nail on the head,not a place to cheap out. I would wait and save the money for a Mohawk or Rotary.

This is my choice, a bit spendy but Im filling the penny jar, check out the Mohawk tire engaging option, now you have a 2 post and 4 post combined,

Http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/consumer/automotive-lifts/specialty-items/tire-engaging-adaptors/

Rich

[GregWeld]

I'd contact the local lift installer/sales places in your area.... and get on a list with them for when they have to take one out of someones place --- or they're swapping out etc.

A buddy of mine once bought ALL the equipment in 3 Ford dealerships -- and he ended up with 80 lifts! He sold them all in a month. This was top of the line stuff!!

I bought a Snap-on parts washer from him for $750 --- and while that seems "expensive" compared to the Harbor Freight versions --- this thing is commercial grade - filtered and could be used everyday all day for the rest of my life. Plus it says Snap-On on it and it's red! WTF is better than that!!


OH ---- And make certain you get an ASYMMETRIC lift!!! Do not settle for anything else. That way you can open your doors wide open while the car is on the lift.

The other thing you should consider is the lifting arms -- what their height is off the floor. You don't think it's important until you find out they won't go under what you're working on and then you have to jack the POS up every time you want to use the lift. What a PITA. So if your frame clearance is 4" and your lift arms need 4.5".... well -- that half an inch suddenly becomes real big.

My Rotary only needs 3 5/8".... and the only thing it won't pick up is my Lotus. That I have to drive up on ramps before the arms will swing under it. But it's only 95mm off the floor to the body pan. On my old Eagle lift -- all my hot rods and any of my buddies low cars had to go on ramps at least in the front -- what a PITA.

Also compare RISE --- because depending on how tall you are --- you might find yourself working hunched over. Again - doesn't seem like much but 3 or 4" of rise difference can make a big difference if you're tall.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

I respect the fact that some of us aren't made of money and you nearly have to be to buy a Mohawk lift. Those things are ridiculously expensive and part of the reason for that has more to do with Government contracts than anything else. Once you get on an "approved supplier list" where Government entities can just be lazy and buy your lift without going through certain quoting processes you can pretty much charge whatever you'd like. Mowhawk does have a unique feature with it's hydraulics but it isn't worth what they charge IMHO.

Certified is certified as long as it's the right agency doing the certs anyway. Yes, Chinese stuff usually is of a poorer overall quality, and I know how things are done in China; God knows I've been over there enough, but as long as it's certified, backed my an American manufacturer, and it's physically beefy enough I'm all for saving the money. I would NEVER get a Chinese; or American lift for that matter, if it isn't certified.

When you get to a certain point, it really has more to do with the foot pattern of your lift and the strength and quality of your concrete and anchors than the lift itself. Getting it installed properly and not being an idiot when you run the thing have at least as much to do with your overall safety. Most lift failures in the videos online that I've seen are anchor failures and improperly balanced or a load too heavy for the lift. Not even certification will save you if you pick up a crew cab diesel truck unbalanced with your 7,000lb lift on your 3" un-reinforced concrete.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

I'd contact the local lift installer/sales places in your area.... and get on a list with them for when they have to take one out of someones place --- or they're swapping out etc.

A buddy of mine once bought ALL the equipment in 3 Ford dealerships -- and he ended up with 80 lifts! He sold them all in a month. This was top of the line stuff!!

+1
I tried to find a good used one first but I was unable to so I ended up buying what I have.

Also compare RISE --- because depending on how tall you are --- you might find yourself working hunched over. Again - doesn't seem like much but 3 or 4" of rise difference can make a big difference if you're tall.

If he's got the lower ceiling height the rise probably isn't going to be as critical. I can get mine all the way up with my camaro but I still have to hunch a bit to get under certain portions as I'm 6'3" tall BUT.....I find myself only raising it 3/4 of the way and cruising around under the car with a rolling stool. I find that much more comfortable than standing all the time. So, a lower rise (in your low ceiling application) isn't all that bad and it's a hell of a lot better than no lift at all, you just have to improvise a bit.

[jlwdvm]

I am already going to have to remove some sheet rock and maybe a little wood from the bottom of the spanning beams in my garage, so that narrows down what lifts I can use. After I remove the sheet rock I will have around 112" of height. The beams hang down about a foot from the ceiling. I talked to my installer and he spoke highly of Dover, which is the parent company of Rotary and Direct Lifts. regardless of what lift I get, it will be installed correctly on an over-done foundation and will be used properly. I am vet and used to work with animals that out weighed me by about 1800# and usually wanted to kill me. One thing I learned pretty quick was to think 2-3 steps ahead, use your head and always have an escape route....I guess that applies to working on 3500# cars too. You have to be smart working under jack stands too...and I've been doing that for too long as far as I'm concerned!

[Sieg]

Greg and JP hit the nail on the head,not a place to cheap out. I would wait and save the money for a Mohawk or Rotary.

This is my choice, a bit spendy but Im filling the penny jar, check out the Mohawk tire engaging option, now you have a 2 post and 4 post combined,

Http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/consumer/automotive-lifts/specialty-items/tire-engaging-adaptors/

Rich

"Ideal for 13″ through 16″ tires"

Have you contacted them regarding tire diameter spec vs rim diameter?

[parsonsj]

Once you get on an "approved supplier list" where Government entities can just be lazy and buy your lift without going through certain quoting processes you can pretty much charge whatever you'd like. A bit off-topic, but that's a myth. Mohawk is more expensive because it costs more to make.

[dhutton]

I have 3 lifts from Derek Weaver in my shop. No problems with the company nor the products. They have certified 2 post lifts.

It would be nice if I could afford better but all my money is invested in the stock market... :G-Dub:

Don

[67ragtp]

"Ideal for 13″ through 16″ tires"

Have you contacted them regarding tire diameter spec vs rim diameter?

Sent them this email a while back:

The car is a 69 Camaro, I run a 275 30 18 on the front and a 335 30 18 rear tire. According to a pdf they sent me it says “ EACH WHEEL ADAPTER IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE STANDARD TIRE SIZES FROM 13” TO 16” TIRES”. But then it also says the maximum outside diameter is 32.5” , my tires are only 25 to 26 in diameter mounted on an 18 inch rim. It then says that it is recommended that the hub diameter of the tire is not less than the inside width of the forks(16.125”). Since my rim diameter is 18 if the tire went down on the lift it could not fall through the forks. The only other issue is the tire width, the rear tires are a 12 to 13 inch section width, I don’t know how long the forks are, I’m guessing near 10 inches, perhaps you could educate me on that one.

So my question is can I safely put the Camaro on the system1a lift with the wheel adapters? The car weighs 3470 lbs

response:
Here’s a quick layout of the customers tires.

Figuring a 108”wheel base and 74” outside width (need this to be verified, as I just looked it up on google), the physical reach of the adapters should accommodate this vehicle fine.

The adapters fit fine around the tires, as long as the height clearance is available (forks are no wider than the tires themselves, so height clearance may be irrelevant).

The length of the forks cover at least (if not more) 2/3 of the tire, so this is acceptable as well.

[jlwdvm]

If I figure in shipping costs to the HR8000 I could get this certified lift for less than $1000 more. Still seems like a reasonable price at $2875.

http://www.revolutionlift.com/RTP9-9000-Pound-Capacity-Two-Post-Lift-P1C3.aspx#MoreDetails

[GregWeld]

Looks like a decent lift that would fit your heigh challenged garage.

Only issus I'd have with it -- the stuff that would normally go across the top is going along the floor. So when you're trying to work around where that is ---- or use a tranny jack etc -- that stuff is in the way. But EVERYTHING has a trade off...

[Sparks67]

I respect the fact that some of us aren't made of money and you nearly have to be to buy a Mohawk lift. Those things are ridiculously expensive and part of the reason for that has more to do with Government contracts than anything else.

Here is a few used Mohawk 2 Post lifts.

http://www.bethroseauction.com/property-details.php?property_ID=543

My friend used to find these all the time, when he was in the hydraulic repair business. There is always auctions, tool companies going out of business, and companies that would want to get rid of slightly used equipment.

Jeff

[coolwelder62]

My .02 is. You have a choice. There are great lifts made right here in the USA.I wouldn't even think about a china made lift if it can be bought here. I agree with Greg. It's a safety thing .The chinese don't care about safety. If something happen's their 6000 miles away. I could see if it was a saw or a grinder.But not a lift.

[Jay Hilliard]

My .02 is. You have a choice. There are great lifts made right here in the USA.I wouldn't even think about a china made lift if it can be bought here. I agree with Greg. It's a safety thing .The chinese don't care about safety. If something happen's their 6000 miles away. I could see if it was a saw or a grinder.But not a lift.

+1 on what Scott and Greg has stated. I got a used Rotary from a dealership. Mine was in great shape. Call you local Rotary/lift dealer. They have used ones all the time from expired leases, shops closing, etc.

[jlwdvm]

Problem is that most shops aren't going to use a base plate lift, which I need due to my ceiling height restrictions. Got my 4'x4'x1' 5000 psi footings poured and finished last night. My concrete guy told me you could drive a semi on them in 5 days!

[Moose]

well thanks to this thread, I stepped back from buying one from greg smith equiment.

Ended up getting a rotary SPOA9. I was talking to a friend, and he had a friend that was selling the rotary out of his commercial shop. He needed it gone so he could get a 4 post for alignments.

picked it up for 900$. its a year and half old. SCORE!

[GregWeld]

Perfect!!!

[wiedemab]

well thanks to this thread, I stepped back from buying one from greg smith equiment.

Ended up getting a rotary SPOA9. I was talking to a friend, and he had a friend that was selling the rotary out of his commercial shop. He needed it gone so he could get a 4 post for alignments.

picked it up for 900$. its a year and half old. SCORE!

That's what I'm talking about.... I love my SPOA10!

[sniper]

Ended up getting a rotary SPOA9. I was talking to a friend, and he had a friend that was selling the rotary out of his commercial shop. He needed it gone so he could get a 4 post for alignments.

picked it up for 900$. its a year and half old. SCORE!

that's a really good deal.

I purchased 3 used Rotary lifts for $1050 each. They all are all about 6 years old. I recently had the cylinders rebuilt on one of them for about $300 for the pair.

The peace of mind of a good lift is worth it.

[Ketzer]

I've got a BendPak. Has worked flawless and seems very well made. I looked for over a year to try and catch one of those nice used deals you guys are finding everywhere now. Finally gave up and bought new. I agree it is the most handy tool in the shop!

Some comparison stuff...
http://www.bendpak.com/a-study-in-lift-design/Two-Post-Lift-Comparison/



Jeff-

[SSLance]

I've got a BendPak. Has worked flawless and seems very well made. I looked for over a year to try and catch one of those nice used deals you guys are finding everywhere now. Finally gave up and bought new. I agree it is the most handy tool in the shop!

Some comparison stuff...
http://www.bendpak.com/a-study-in-lift-design/Two-Post-Lift-Comparison/



Jeff-

Pretty sure that is the same comparison article I read...before I decided to purchase my Atlas from Greg Smith Equipment.

My Atlas looks very similar in construction to the Bendpak BTW, nearly identical.

And regarding replacement parts for my Chinese made lift...the distributor is in Indiana and stocks everything you could possibly need for them.

Nothing wrong with a Rotary though, they are a good lift too and it sounds like someone found a pretty good deal on one above.

[INTMD8]

I've owned an asymmetrical BendPak for about 9 years now. Never once a problem with it.

I think they are made overseas now, not sure if they were when I bought mine.

I've known a few guys with off brand Chinese lifts and they seem to be a bit less reliable. (problems with pulleys and cables/etc).

And as mentioned, get low profile arms. One of the lifts at the shop I work at was ordered without them and it can be a real pain in the ass.

[Revved]

I've been pretty happy with my Asymetrical 10k Bendpack- it's a year old now. I've worked on Rotary my whole life before now so I'm spoiled. Its clunky, it's loud but I haven't had any issues with it. And it was nearly $1500 cheaper than the comparable Rotary at the time.

[TheJDMan]

Summit Racing sells the entire Bendpack line of 2 post lifts.

[jlwdvm]

I know...free shipping too, but Bendpaks 2-post floor-plate model isn't certified and costs the same as the revolution.

[jy211]

anyone have a 4 post lift in their home garage?

[jlwdvm]

Well, I ended up ordering this: http://www.directlift.com/Pro-9F-Two-Post-Lift-P43C8.aspx
There is a Direct Lift warehouse less than 3 hours away and shipping was $230. I compared shipping weights of the 9k lifts and the 8k lifts with the 9's being significantly heavier and probably overbuilt for what I will be lifting. I spoke with warehouses in 2 different states and everybody was prompt, knowledgeable, and nice! Direct Lift is owned by Dover...who also owns Rotary and Revolution I think. My footings should be nice and cured by now...hope the install goes smoothly!

[ord27]

great info. I am also considering a lift. mine will need to be installed outside, under a carport. I'm wanting to store the Superbee above where we park a car. I also want the lift for car restoration uses. I like the look of the tire adapters.

Is a two post lift ok for storing? or do I need to only consider a 4 post lift

thanks

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

great info. I am also considering a lift. mine will need to be installed outside, under a carport. I'm wanting to store the Superbee above where we park a car. I also want the lift for car restoration uses. I like the look of the tire adapters.

Is a two post lift ok for storing? or do I need to only consider a 4 post lift

thanks

Most people use a 4 post for storage but as long as it has locks, I see no reason why you couldn't use a 2 post for storage too. My Camaro has been sitting up on mine for long enough now that it might as well be for storage! :headspin:

You'll want to make sure the lift height (to where the last lock will engage) is high enough to store whatever you want under it though.

[johnzSS]

I too have heard great things about Bendpak. This will be my next purchase once I get situated.

I reached out to them last month looking for additional information about a lift for my house. They are very quick to answer and questions and also provide US vs. them side by side comparisons of build quality and features.

+1 for Bendak

[vstol]

I'd just make sure to buy something that is ALI/ETL certified. I have a shorter ceiling in my shop as well but I was able to get away with a challenger E10 clear floor lift. I just put the cross bar up and over the rafters. My '69 camaro will go all the way up! My lift was $2700 shipped and it's 10,000 lbs rated.

This pic was when we were installing it. I've gotten rid of some of the junk since then.

P.S. I will never ever know how I got along without this lift. It makes everything so much easier and makes things enjoyable that previously weren't.

Old post but thinking of the LE-10 how is yours holding up

[ZMAN1969]

old thread but there are other American made lifts other than Mohawk:

http://worthequipment.com/2postlifts.htm

they have 2 and 4 post I bought a used one and this is damn stout definitely thick steel
I am happy with mine and had it 7 years

[BigBronco]

Need to get one of those 9' tall Worth 2-posts!

[slofut]

I've been using a Revolution 10klb 2 post for several years now, been very happy, no issues. Sold by Rotary, chinese but seems very well made.