Starfire61 Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 Hi all- I've been looking around at lifts for the last few months & have been pretty overwhelmed with the variety of products & number of makers out there.Does anybody have any suggestions/recommendations as far as features & manufacturers? Anything I should avoid? Any advice would be much appreciated-Thanks!Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57plymouth Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I have a Backyard Buddy. It is very convenient for anything that does not involve removing the tires. It can also be moved around the garage, so I am not tied to one bay.http://bacooper.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album10&id=Picture_016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I have a 9000# Bend-Pak two post. I bought it a year ago, cost $2300 delivered. For a "hobby" quality lift I'm VERY satisfied with it. My only criticism is the assembly directions absolutly STINK. There are cheaper ones out there but the Bend-Pak is certified. I think that's important. Once you have one you will never be without one again. If you want commercial quality (and price) think Rotary or Mohawk........Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oldsmobile1915 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I also have bend-pack 10,000 2 post and a 12,000 4 post extended. I have been very happy. I use my 4 post as an elevator to the second floor of my garage, and the tailgate of my pickup is even with the second floor, so there is no carrying heavy things upstairs anymore! I love my lifts, and wont ever go without one again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 Chuck, I too have a Bend Pac (the smallest four post $2K). Buy only a certified unit for safety. Regardless of where they are made, I think they all have to meet these requirements. If you only go up and down a few times each year, you really don't need much more than a $2K unit. I use it to store one up and two under, and for routine maintenance on four cars. If you have several cars and do your own maintenance, you may want to consider a heavier duty model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 I have a mid-rise lift that is the perfect tool for suspension and body work. Your choice will greatly depend on what you plan on using it for. Here are a some of my thoughts...a) The 4 post type are good for under carriage work and adding a parking spot plus some can be mobile. Two post type are permanently mounted but take up less floor space.c) Scissor lifts do go high, but are portable, inexpensive and great for body and suspension work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TJOaks Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 I also bought a Bend-Pak. I decided that the 2 post lift would better suit my needs so I opted for the #10,000 model. For a few dollars more I got the assymetrical and wide option. It was $2200.00 with free shipping. I have had it for about 2 years and have been totally satisfied. Once you own one you will never be without again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oakland Posted January 1, 2008 Share Posted January 1, 2008 I am thinking about getting a lift and was wondering how stable the 2 post lifts are. How hard is it to balance the car on it? I assume it has to be bolted down, but do you need any kind of foundation or could you bolt it to a concrete garage floor approximately 4" thick? It seems the 4 post lift would be a lot more stable. I would appreciate any feed back. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Leonard Shepherd Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I installed a 2 post asymmetrical lift on my garage about 3 years ago. The lift manufacturer - http://www.forwardmfg.com/ only requires a 4" slab, which is what I have. There hasn't been any cracking. I did weld brackets, mainly to support large shelves on both sides on the garage. The advantage of asymmetrical is that you can open the doors of the car while it is on the lift.I had to build my garage with a cathedral ceiling because of the county zoning codes that restrict the height of a detached building. I also had to make it small because of my lot size. Because of the small size of my garage I built sliding doors because an overhead door would interfere with the car on the lift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 Cathedral ceiling was a nice idea. Roger the over head door interferance issue. I have to be careful with mine if I put my PU on the lift............Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdsbob Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I addressed this door issue by getting a door that rolls up into a can at the top of the door Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 That's another good option in warmer climes. The lift was an after thought but I needed good insulated doors anyway. I don't think the roll ups are insulated but I'm not sure..........Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfire61 Posted January 14, 2008 Author Share Posted January 14, 2008 I haven't been on the forum in quite awhile- Thanks for all the great comments about the lifts!Chuck Tuma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffinpa Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 I am expanding my garage and am also looking for a 4 post lift. Does anyone know off hand the ceiling requirements for these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tom Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 I have a Backyard Buddy and the minimum is about 10'. I don't think any of them will work with a ceiling much lower than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbirdman Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 The 4 post will work with lower ceilings, you just won't be able to get the car up high enough to stand underneath it. I bought a lift so I could safely work underneath my cars. It's better than jack stands and easy to get the car up in the air. I have 9' ceilings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Charlie Larkin Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm kinda doing my "dream shop" now...dream shop because at least for another couple of years, it will be that! In all seriousness, I prefer to buy American-made tools. I trust the quality and know that certain private and federal standards must be maintained in order to cover their hind-quarters.Aside from Backyard Buddy, are there any other American-made lifts available short of the heavy-duty commercial models that are still good quality?Charlie Larkin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dep5 Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I bought a two-post 12,000lb ROTARY lift from the folks in Madison, Indiana and I highly recommend them. I bought the highest rating in the price range at the time.http://www.rotarylift.com/I've used it for general duty, to pull engines and lift a body off the chassis. I also unloaded an 8,000 Monarch lathe from a trailer with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrayCav56 Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 I have a Backyard Buddy and love it. I think it is superbly made and just know that I am safe under it. My garage is only 9 foot 4 inches high, so I don't store another car underneath, but since our stinking homeowner association doesn't allow sheds at least I have room for my tractor, mower, snow blower, etc, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dave Mills Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 I just installed a direct Lift, Four Post. My ceiling is 12 feet high in this bay. I am very pleased with it, so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraso Posted November 5, 2009 Share Posted November 5, 2009 (edited) Some ACCCC members have had some experience with garage lifts: Garage Lift Article Edited January 23, 2017 by fraso Link Update (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest twofords Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I have a lift-away trailer GVW 11,500 lbs trailer with built in lift. Email robertpodgurski@yahoo.comBob After Wensday will be back home search the site I think it's listed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now