2 post car lift opinions

Hi all,

I did a forum search since I thought this had been discussed at some point, but to no avail. I think I'm gonna buy a two-post lift for my garage. Soon, I intend to build a better (read: taller and bigger) garage, but I'm going to buy the lift first (long story). ANYWAY, I've always regarded Bend-Pak to be one of the best, and they seem to be priced accordingly. I'm looking for around a 9000lb assymetrical two-post. Can anyone offer opinions on ones they own/like/use?

Thanks,
Pete

Indeed, Bend-Pak makes a quality lift, but they're a little pricey.

If you're on a budget and want a quality lift at more reasonable price, you might want to check out these guys,..... http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/

I bought one of their lifts about 1-1/2 yr ago and I really like it.
This is the one I have,.... http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Direct-Lift-Pro-9F-p/tppro-9fp.htm

The only draw-back to it is, the floor plate gets in the way from time to time. BUT,....I didn't really have a choice where I only have a ceiling height of 10-1/2 ft.

The ones that have an overhead bar and a clear floor are the best way to go,......providing you have the room in your shop.


Here's a few pics of mine installed and in use,......... (I made a cross-bar for mine that bolts to the ceiling,..... just for a little peace of mind)

My garage is only a 24x24 ,......so needless to say, it's a little tight.

Thanks! Yeah, I looked into the Greg Smith stuff. Actually, it was the one I most likely would get, since it looked like good stuff, and was a bit less spendy. Your endorsement was duly noted! I was shopping for the "clear floor" models. I figured I would cut a hole in the ceiling if it wasn't tall enough!

Thanks,
Pete

I like the BEND PAK I've got. There local to me so I got "free freight" and had them install it. A couple of things to think about when choosing. When we designed my new garage I knew I wanted a hoist so...14 foot ceiling was a given to clear the overhead linkage, for a clear floor, at least where the hoist posts are. Pay the extra $ for the asymmetrical type, much better door clearance. In the bay that has the lift we poured the floor 6-7 inches thick with double rebar. NO cracks 12 years later BUT, you should'a heard the installer cuss, every anchor hit rebar. When pouring the floor, make it FLAT with no pitch. Run the electrical overhead. IF you will be lifting trucks...get a set of the extra long lift adapters. Unless your shop is really large, don't center the lift on the floor. It needs to be offset to the front to match the center of gravity of the vehicle(s). Plan on spending a few hundred $ for accessories like: oil drain caddy AND large, square, plastic tray to top it when you drop a trans pan, 1 or 2 hi-lift support jacks to hold things up while working on other things. I suggest 1 screw adjusting and 1 quick jak, with a pedal, to match.

I wish my garage could fit a hoist!!

Just a reminder USE THE SAFETY LATCHES!! A shop in town had a Honda CRV up on their 4 post and a cable snapped and the CRV fell on the car beside. Big mess, thankfully no body hurt, and only Honda's getting crunched but could have been much more badder!!

Bill

Also, keep an eye on the local classifieds. Shops often go out of business and sell off their old hoists...... A buddy bought two used and one new one in his shop and they all work great!

Bill

billandlori wrote:Also, keep an eye on the local classifieds. Shops often go out of business and sell off their old hoists...... A buddy bought two used and one new one in his shop and they all work great!

Bill

Yeah, auctions are a good place to find shop equipment. I bought my lift at a local tire company going out of business. 2 post lift for $750.00

TJ

I have a EAGLE #10,500 Acemetical. I've had it for 9 yrs w/o issue. The acemetrical is nice when you have a truck on it you can lift the truck w/doors opened. Easy in/out also.

I have the Eagle Equipment 9,000 lb. asymmetric lift and I love it, zero problems. I got it on a special deal they had about 5 years ago, free shipping.

I have a Panther lift i have had for three years no problems good quality and good customer service mine is the 11,000 pound. asymmetrical style

I can't wait to have a lift. I wish I would have bought one when I was 18. I bet I'd like working on stuff a LOT more.

Thanks for the input!!

Pete

I bought a used Bend-pak , nice unit. I looked at several new unit's and the Bend-pak with the same weight rating was about twice as heavy made cables were bigger and dual plus the vertical post and swing arms were a hell of a lot beefier.

The assymetrical arms are nice also. Best I could tell the Bend-pak is rated at working capacity and the others are rated at max.

Don't know how I got by with out mine.............

Well, I bought this one:

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TPPRO-PV10

Almost got the Atlas Nine, but the salesman talked me into the next step up. Thanks for all your responses! I'm glad to be a part of the fraternity of car-lift owners!! It took me long enough, but my tired old body sure will like it!!

Pete

I've always wanted one, and I have the height, but I don't know about space. I have an oversized 2 car garage that I can fit 2 in with benches and all the usual 'stuff in the corner" along the walls, but the door is a little less than 2 cars wide. That center pole would cause me to lose a ton of room.. What to do?

? Center pole??

Oops. The pole towards the center of the garage.