Lift options? Brands, recomendations experiences, looking for informed opinions Options

[Calwaterbear]

Guys,
I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2 post lift. while the 914 is light, I alsoi have to hoist up a LandRover Defender 110 as well, weighing in at 6500 - 7000 lbs.

I'm thinking a 9000 lbs rated lift will be fine.
But there are several different brands now available - with a WIDE range in prices.
so the cheap ones include
Launch (they now have a 1 piece design for towers), Autocraft, and Tuxedo. I assume all are probably Chinese - but I don't know for sure. all could be had for under 1500 - plus I will need to pour a 20X25 slab.

The Greg smith Elite seems like a good price for a unit they brag about, and have good reviews posted - but by whom?

Further up the price line - add an extra 500 - 800 bucks is the Bendpak, I think they are good quality

then some really pricey units above that.

so anyone have any idea on suitability - I'm using the lift once a month or so, i'm just a lazy hobbyist!

[flyer86d]

I installed a Bend Pack 10,000lb extra wide two post when I opened my shop in 2005. I used it daily thru the end of 2015 when I sold the shop. I had vehicles on it ranging from an Austin Healey Sprite to one ton duality trucks and it never struggled or gave me a problem. I did have to replace both equalizer cables at 5 years due to fraying at the lower pulleys but that was not a big deal. They are a great product. I would have put it in my garage at home but the posts are 12ft 1 in and my ceiling is 12ft even. I'll have to get a low post lift when the time comes. You have to trust your lift when you are pulling, pushing and shoving on the car over your head.

Charlie

[Mark Henry]

I have an AAMCO 7000lbs two post, way better than the chinese lifts, heavier, over engineered, one lever safety locks that you can't defeat, USA made hydraulics, 220v.
No problem with our old Pontiac Torrent, lifted full size Jeeps and standard pickups.
But I would say that they are about the limit for the 7000lb lift.
Used, 8 years old when I got it off of Kijiji (like craigslist), $1000 cash. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

I would have put it in my garage at home but the posts are 12ft 1 in and my ceiling is 12ft even. I'll have to get a low post lift when the time comes. You have to trust your lift when you are pulling, pushing and shoving on the car over your head.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I had the guy measure mine 11'-11" I have 12'-1.5" ceiling so I was golden...or so I thought. The frickin' hydraulic cylinders pop out the top 4 inches. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)
Luckily I did the shop in aboveground pool steel side sheeting (new 2nds, got it cheap) and it bent the steel up enough, plus it didn't hit the trusses.

If you do get a chinese lift I'd go for the 10K and treat it like a 7K lift. If buying used you don't want a three phase lift. You can get a converter, but you'll have figure that into the total price. Also make sure it has all the pad extenders for high ground clearance vehicles like a pickup.
When figuring out the cost don't forget you have to stand the towers up, have a thick enough pad, $100+ worth of redhead bolts, plus the electrical wiring.