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!

[burton73]

I have a Dannmar 4 post.
It says that the • Power Unit Made in USA
• Visible Locking system for added security
• Runways constructed of solid plate steel
• Runways coated with the best nonskid textured surface available
• Two-hose hydraulic system eliminates leaks

I have the Aluminum Approach Ramps [Add $295.00] more as the steel has been too heavy for my bad back at 54lb compared to 17lb

http://www.dannmar.com/dannmar-products/fo...t-lifts/D-7.asp

https://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/4-post...CFc61wAodZ9cMOg

I do not remember what I paid for it as my friend bought a number and gave me a deal, my price was with delivery and set up. When I moved the guy moved it across town and set it up for $500. I have seen these sold at Costco’s as well. It is not very tall and fits 2 Porsches in a standard garage but you have to see how you get into the garage as far as the doors. Also if you have a center lift power door it may need to be changed.
I am selling my unit and that may be good for a guy in the Los Angeles area.
My buddy has used this brand for 20 years and never had a problem.

Bob B
Lifting Capacity: 7,000 lbs. / 5443 kg.
Overall Width: 105" / 2667 mm.
Outside Length: 170-1/2" / 4331 mm.
Overall Length: 203-1/2" / 5169 mm.
Height Columns: 82" / 2083 mm.
Minimum Runway Height: 4-1/2" / 114 mm.
Maximum Rise: 68" / 1791 mm.
Maximum Lifting Height: 72.5" / 1841 mm.
Width Between Columns: 92-1/2" / 2350 mm.
Runway Width: 18-1/2" / 470 mm.
Width Between Runways: 37-1/2" / 953 mm.
Runway Centerline: 52-1/4" / 1327.14 mm.
Outside Edge of Runways: 74-1/2" / 1892.3 mm.
Drive-Thru Clearance: 68" / 1727.19 mm.
Length of Runways: 160-1/2" / 4077 mm.
Locking Positions: 10
Lock Spacing: Every 4-1/2" / 114 mm.
Lifting Time: 45 Seconds
Standard Motor: 110 VAC 60Hz. 1Ph
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1550

[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

[DamonsCarrera]

I've always had good experience with Bendpak. They are a little more expensive, but not unreasonable compared to Rotary, etc. They seem very well made compared to some other brands. And they have great customer service. They will even paint to order.

-Damon

[jim912928]

I have a Dannmar for going on 6+ years. Works perfect, leak free, stable, moveable...been thinking about buying a 2nd.

[somd914]

I've had a Greg Smith BP8000 two post for 1.5 years, gets used a good bit between me, my sons, and their friends. I also have two independent mechanic friends who each have had the same unit for several years with no issues - they were the endorsements that sold me.

If you are concerned about Chinese construction, do you research as I found some "American" units were actually Chinese.

I will say for us with the Porsches and our daily drivers (BMW 330ci, Golf GTI), the lift is well sized and supports the cars without movement. I wouldn't entertain a full size truck or SUV on it despite its 8,000 lb rating. It will probably lift and hold that weight, but based on some mid-size SUVs that have been on it, the vehicle rocks slightly though I don't detect any movement in the posts - believe it to be an arm geometry issue.

[TM_Corey]

I've always had good experience with Bendpak. They are a little more expensive, but not unreasonable compared to Rotary, etc. They seem very well made compared to some other brands. And they have great customer service. They will even paint to order.

-Damon

My OCD is pleased with this photo....

[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.

[Cairo94507]

I had a BendPak 4 post in my last house and loved it. I will likely go to them again for my next lift. Probably a year away from the garage remodel.

[Jett]

I've always had good experience with Bendpak. They are a little more expensive, but not unreasonable compared to Rotary, etc. They seem very well made compared to some other brands. And they have great customer service. They will even paint to order.

-Damon

My OCD is pleased with this photo....

Lol... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

[strawman]

I've got an Atlas 9k direct-drive (no chains) two-post lift from Greg Smith that I installed in my side yard. My garage ceiling is too low for any full-size lift. Been a year of bliss. Outside installation voids the warranty, but I'm okay with that -- I just lube it often. $2300 delivered, and it appears to be rock solid, even with a full-size Chevy pick-up or my VW Eurovan Westy on it. It seems to not even notice when I lift my 914 or BMWs...

[carr914]

I've got a Rotary - 11 Years now, not a single Issue - but that was what I was going for when I bought American! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[IronHillRestorations]

Rotary. Mine is about 21 years old, no troubles

[yellowporky]

http://www.twinbusch.com/product_info.php?products_id=4

we installed this unit a year ago and have been very happy. it is a german company and design andthey have their manufacturing in china but they claim built to their standards.
we are very happy with it.

[jsaum]

What type of anchors are used to secure it to the floor?

[DamonsCarrera]

These ...

anchor bolts

[rudedude]

I have a rotary 7000# 2 post hoist that came out of a car dealership when it was remodeled. Has lifted my suburban with no trouble. Works even better on the light cars. Paid under a grand 15 years ago and have never had any issues.

[N_Jay]

My OCD is pleased with this photo....

My OCD is bothered by the lack of appropriate oil stain under the car, but the real issue is my envy is off the scale!

[Ferg]

These ...

anchor bolts

Another vote for Bend Pak, I've had mine for over 10 years, so far zero issues.

Regarding the bolts ect, that brings up a good point. With a 2 post and the weight of the Rover, if you have just a standard residential garage "pour" you are likely not going to have enough, so budget concrete work as well.

[Calwaterbear]

Yeah, I am familiar with the concrete issue. The guys at Greg Smith say 3" thick of 3000 lb concrete. I am pouring a pad outside - california you know! will have a tin roof over it.

I plan on pouring a 4" thick 20 X 25 foot slab , and will dig down and make the mounting areas footings about 1 foot deep - 3 foot X 3 foot.