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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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-g...-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]

Originally Posted by 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-g...-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]

Originally Posted by OBeer-WAN-Kenobi

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/consum...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/consum...ging-adaptors/

Rich