E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Curious as to what brand of car lift you are using, 2 or 4 post, where did you buy it, and would you do anything different if you could?   :wrenching:

A vast majority of the professional shop are using a brand called "Rotary Lift".  They are high quality and over engineered, but they are also very expensive.  Then there is BendPak.  Great quality and a little better on the value in terms of price.  The only drawback I saw to them was you have to have compressed air hooked to it in order to release the safety catch.  So either hard line compressor air to it or always have a hose laying on the ground near it.  Both of those companies sell lifts that are ANSI certified.  Most over China made lifts are not ANSI certified.  That is key and a big difference on the thickness of the metal.

The 3rd option is what I went with.  The high end Rotary Lift company decided to take their engineered design and have it made over seas.  It's one of the few over seas lifts that carry the ANSI certificate for the load rating.  And the price for it is really affordable.  I think it was like $2,200 for a 4 posts 8,000 certified lift.  So take a look at their lifts if you're buying new.  Or look for a used Rotary or BendPak lift. 

Both the Rotary Lift and Direct Lift websites are down, but here are the links to all 3.

http://www.rotarylift.com

http://www.directlift.com

http://www.bendpak.com

Interesting comparison albeit by Bendpak

http://www.bendpak.com/a-study-in-lift-design/Direct-Lift-vs-BendPak/

The one at work and home are both two post
Home - wheeltronics (snap on owns them now I think)
Work - forward lift ( Madison, IN) but says made in chn on it. I assume that is China.   :dunno:  but it is ansi certified
 

I have a four post and would not change a thing, unless I were to buy two, LOL. You have to think about what you will be doing more with the different post lifts. 2 posts are (IMO) are better slated for doing work and installation work. While the 4 posts are a better avenue for storing a vehicle. The 4 post has a large sliding frame that moves down the center and allows lifting of the vehicle for access to work on the cars. But again, more for storage. 2 post lifts have to have proper installation or they DO fall over, and once installed are not readily moved, while the 4 poster comes with a dolly kit that makes moving them a one person operation. I have moved mine to just about every spot in the shop. You can't move them with a vehicle on the lift.  :bricks:

Every Time this question comes up this image comes to mind. I have seen where an install was done with only drilling into the slab. They really need to have a separate footing designed to carry the weight or the thing WILL fail. As said, what will be the majority of use be. Storage, go with the 4 post, gonna do a bunch of resto's or work for a living, 2 post, as the vehicle is on on the lift when working on it. I am sure some use the two post for storage, but I sure wouldn't do it. Ground shaking earthquakes come to mind as well on the 2 post for long time storage. Hope this helps.  :cheers:

(https://forum.e-bodies.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allfail.com%2Fpictures%2FFunnyfailpics-car_Lift_Fail.jpg&hash=22813b226371598ffbada71c903959854ee4e863)

Missed the last part of your question. About ten guys around here went in and bought a truckload and they provided shipping and a slight reduction on the lot.  :unitedstates: :canada:

I've been looking too as I'm hoping to build a shop this summer. I'm really sold on the open end design. I know it's more money but I should only have to buy it once in my lifetime. I've narrowed it down to these..... I have a local buddy that sells hoists and other equipment and very often gets used ones from shops going out of business etc..... Time is on my side as I'm in no real rush.
http://www.rotarylift.com/LIFTS/SMO14/


http://www.rotarylift.com/Lifts/SMO14SW/

For some reason as Cody says the site is down?
Edit: link works now!

Quote from: 71GranCoupe on March 01, 2017, 12:03:03 PM
I have a four post and would not change a thing, unless I were to buy two, LOL.

What brand of lift do you have?

Quote from: 303 Mopar on March 01, 2017, 01:25:45 PM

Quote from: 71GranCoupe on March 01, 2017, 12:03:03 PM
I have a four post and would not change a thing, unless I were to buy two, LOL.

What brand of lift do you have?

I bought it more than 10 years ago and it was sold under the label of Direct Lift. Not sure they are even around any more. I am sure ones today have improved from this early one. I have not had any problems at all with it. Not sure what I paid for it. something like $1650. I would really like to get another, as it is a great way to store 4 cars and only using 2 parking spots.  :cheers:

We've got two Mohawk two post lifts in the shop...As stated you need to know ahead of time what you're doing when using a 2 post lift for the footers under the slab...One lift has a gauge to weigh the vehicle...http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/ (http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/)

When I was looking i was all set to buy all BendPak lifts.  They are hard to beat for the quality and value, but they went away from the manual release and went to air at some point.  If they still had the releases like you have I would own 4 of them right now.  I even tried to find used ones with the non air release.  If you ever sell yours, just know a lot of people want those BendPaks with the normal release.   :alan2cents:

Quote from: Bills Auto Works on March 01, 2017, 08:07:34 PM
I am very happy with my Bend-Pak 10,000lb 2 post symetric lift (see pics) I have had it for 5 years or so with no issues & I use it a lot for servicing my trucks.

Cody, mine does not need compressed air to release the locks. It has a lever to release them.

I will say however that when it comes to putting the '02 Chevy 3500 4 door dually on it, the arms are a little shorter than I would prefer.


Bill

I ordered a Direct Lift Pro Park 8.  Should have it installed in the next couple weeks.   :banana:

http://www.directlift.com/Four-Post-Lift-Pro-Park-8S-Standard-P44C9.aspx

That is good news and I see they are still around. Scott Smith installed the same one in his new shop. You will like it. I see they now have 4 drip pans. Mine came with three. I may have to consider a second one. Did you get a good price on it?  :cheers:

Quote from: 71GranCoupe on March 03, 2017, 11:27:34 AM
That is good news and I see they are still around. Scott Smith installed the same one in his new shop. You will like it. I see they now have 4 drip pans. Mine came with three. I may have to consider a second one. Did you get a good price on it?  :cheers:

$2195 from a local distributor.  I'm adding the 90 degree bracket to have the motor on the front of the post instead of the side based on my garage configuration. 

Once it's installed let me know how you like it.

My next place will be setup to the 9s.

With these car stackers is there any slab prep you need to do or can they go right on a finished floor? My slab is 4-6 " I belive and I want to make sure I don't need to cut it and do a footing for a 4 post.

I bought a Direct Lift Pro8 4 portable 4 post and a Launch Tech 2 post 10,000lb. I bought both from a dealer in Post Falls Idaho, CEM Lifts. Really nice guy and he carries several brands including Bendpak and Rotary. I weighed the differences and prices and for my purposes these two filled the bill just fine. I had them deliver and install/assemble them both. Both are ANSI Certified and the guys at CEM are ANSI certified installers as well. I knew I would be installing a lift and poured the floor a full 20 inches deep with rebar throughout, it's anchored really well!

WOW, nice lifts Scott!   :clapping:  That shop is looking awesome.   :banana:  20" in the 2 post lift area is fantastic.    :twothumbsup:

Shooter: You should be fine with a 4 post lift with 4" to 6" slab.  It's the 2 post lifts that need a thicker slab. 

I noticed in some pictures they are not hilti'd down? Do they need to be if just used for storage?

Quote from: Shoooter on March 10, 2017, 06:32:07 AM
I noticed in some pictures they are not hilti'd down? Do they need to be if just used for storage?

I'm not going to bolt mine down in case I ever want to move it.  The ones I've seen in private garages are not bolted down, but the lifts in @CudaKat (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cudakat_79) shop are anchored.

Quote from: Cuda Cody on March 14, 2017, 07:20:16 PM
:takealook:  That's a tight fit, but looks like it worked great.  What are your thoughts on the lift for the money spent?

I think it is perfect for my primary purpose, car storage.  I can easily work underneath the car too.  It fit perfect in my garage space, after measuring 50 times.  I also think paying a couple hundred more to have the lift delivered and set up in about 3 hours was a good idea too, given the fact that my neighbor had to have a hernia operation after we set up his lift.    :o

So overall really good value for my purpose! 

QuoteI also think paying a couple hundred more to have the lift delivered and set up in about 3 hours was a good idea too

Yep! Me too, money well spent!  :bigthumb:

Looks great! Now we know why you were looking for lift, especially after seeing the new addition to the herd. If you get a second lift, you can store a couple more of them rare critters.

Everyone that sees mine asks the same question, aren't you going to bolt it down? NO, it is movable and that is the the second best part of the 4 post lift. Of course, having the lift is the best part!

I am contemplating getting a second lift and if I do, I will have it installed. When I got mine it was like 12 years ago and the setup was OK, but would not try it now.

303 mopar what height is your ceiling in the shop?

Quote from: Shoooter on March 17, 2017, 12:41:52 PM
303 mopar what height is your ceiling in the shop?

The lift is actually in the garage at my house.  It has 12' ceilings.

Mine is 10.6 hopefully I can stack 2 cars

Quote from: Shoooter on March 18, 2017, 05:23:07 PM
Mine is 10.6 hopefully I can stack 2 cars

I have about 8" from the Charger roof to the ceiling, and a little room to spare from the top of the Satty to the lift so yours will be close.  This might help.....

http://www.directlift.com/ceilingCalc.aspx (http://www.directlift.com/ceilingCalc.aspx)

That seems like it's a little to short?   :notsure:  Could you position the lift between trusses?

Quote from: Shoooter on March 18, 2017, 05:23:07 PM
Mine is 10.6 hopefully I can stack 2 cars

Yup I could do that. The link provided says I only need 9'6" for it to stack 2 ebodys.  I'll make it work

I tried out my 2 post for the first time yesterday, a customers Super Bee was the first victim. Worked great!  :banana:

Quote from: 303 Mopar on March 03, 2017, 11:10:35 AM
I ordered a Direct Lift Pro Park 8.  Should have it installed in the next couple weeks.   :banana:

http://www.directlift.com/Four-Post-Lift-Pro-Park-8S-Standard-P44C9.aspx

I am looking at purchasing the same lift. How is it working out for you? Do you feel safe working under it? Say an oil change or snugging down some bolts...

Quote from: 303 Mopar on March 14, 2017, 07:31:05 PM

I think it is perfect for my primary purpose, car storage.  I can easily work underneath the car too.  It fit perfect in my garage space, after measuring 50 times.  I also think paying a couple hundred more to have the lift delivered and set up in about 3 hours was a good idea too, given the fact that my neighbor had to have a hernia operation after we set up his lift.    :o

So overall really good value for my purpose!

A couple of hundred??? I called and they asked where I was located. When it was all done and said I received a quote of a couple of thousand. What did I do wrong??? Not enough charm?

I had never installed a lift in my life.  It was a big deal when I decided to install my 4 post lifts myself.... but it was super easy.  Didn't need a fork lift or anything.  At least with the Direct Lift they come pretty much ready to go.  Pull them out of the box and line everything up.  I ended up installing several of them and super happy I saved the money and did it myself.  If you can install an engine in a car then you going to have little to no trouble installing a 4 post lift.'

The 2 post lifts are a little more work, but the 4 posts are easy.   :alan2cents:

I got mine from gregsmith and I believe it is the same thing as Direct Lift and I love it.  It is great, it is easy to move around, it has a real smooth up and down motion.  The only thing that I could complain about would be that I wish I got the 220 version, but I did not have 220 in my last garage like I have in my pole barn now.

Quote from: Cuda Cody on June 23, 2017, 06:05:04 PM
I had never installed a lift in my life.  It was a big deal when I decided to install my 4 post lifts myself.... but it was super easy.  Didn't need a fork lift or anything.  At least with the Direct Lift they come pretty much ready to go.  Pull them out of the box and line everything up.  I ended up installing several of them and super happy I saved the money and did it myself.  If you can install an engine in a car then you going to have little to no trouble installing a 4 post lift.'

The 2 post lifts are a little more work, but the 4 posts are easy.   :alan2cents:

My brother-in-law bought (2) four post direct lifts. He said the assembly was simple with the exception of the runways. He mentioned they were a little heavy to deal with alone and having a forklift helped in his case.

I caught up reading some 'testimonials', from the direct lift site, with another sole assembler stating the assembly is easy, yet bulky.

I need to approach this with caution since I done something really dumb in life regarding herniated disk and weight limitations (how much weight I 'should' pick-up)

I figured if I was driving distance away, to have a couple of guys to assemble, it would be worth some $$$. However, when I was quoted a couple of thousand from someone in Colorado Springs (closer to where I live), I felt that was a slap in the face.

BTW - What would your guesstimation be for the runways? 

The guys here at CEM charge around $400.00-$600.00 to deliver (locally) and install any lift they sell. Should give you an idea of cost.

Quote from: wldgtx on June 23, 2017, 09:01:50 PM
I got mine from gregsmith and I believe it is the same thing as Direct Lift and I love it.  It is great, it is easy to move around, it has a real smooth up and down motion.  The only thing that I could complain about would be that I wish I got the 220 version, but I did not have 220 in my last garage like I have in my pole barn now.

I purchased my Direct lift over 10 years ago. It came with a dual voltage motor, 115/230 making it more versatile. I picked it up from the guy who bought like 20 of them for resale, for $1750 and loaded it on my open trailer. Backed it into the shop and used my engine hoist to move the heavy pieces around. Other than the main runways the parts are not all that heavy. I was not under a time frame/constraints and had it done in a weekend. No problems at all in the time I have had it. I really like it and use it mainly for storage, but can do just about any task needed. I would have went with a 2 post had the primary use been for actual repair/maintenance, but as said, I use it mainly for storage.   :cheers:

Quote from: RockyMtnXpress on June 23, 2017, 05:49:37 PM
I am looking at purchasing the same lift. How is it working out for you? Do you feel safe working under it? Say an oil change or snugging down some bolts...

A couple of hundred??? I called and they asked where I was located. When it was all done and said I received a quote of a couple of thousand. What did I do wrong??? Not enough charm?

I feel totally safe under the lift as it is very stout.  Direct Lift is one of the few certified lifts that are still affordable.

The delivery charge from McGee to my house was $200 and installation was $500. 

Quote from: RockyMtnXpress on June 24, 2017, 06:27:10 AM

I need to approach this with caution since I done something really dumb in life regarding herniated disk and weight limitations (how much weight I 'should' pick-up)

I figured if I was driving distance away, to have a couple of guys to assemble, it would be worth some $$$. However, when I was quoted a couple of thousand from someone in Colorado Springs (closer to where I live), I felt that was a slap in the face.

BTW - What would your guesstimation be for the runways? 

The runway with the hydraulic pump and hardware is the heavy one.  I would estimate it is at least 100 lbs.  Lifting this is how my neighbor got a hernia.  The posts and other runway are around 50-60 lbs or so.  To me, it was worth the $200 delivery because I would have had to rent a trailer to put it on plus take time off work and gas.  It was worth the $500 to install it because 1 hernia operation costs way more than that.   :drinkingbud:

Upsate:

Okay! So I wimped out and made arrangements to have it delivered and installed. 303 convince me! It is better to have a younger man step in to do the job, then it is for me to go through all the excruciating back pain ever again. Delivery and install is tentatively set for the 24th of July. Can't wait! It's been a long time in the works.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 :congrats: congratulations on your new lift.  Take a few photos once it's installed.   :bigthumb:

Heck ya @RockyMtnXpress (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/wedg2go_593)!  Smart man getting it delivered and installed.  Can't wait to see it!

Quote from: DAYLEY/CHALLENGER on March 09, 2018, 04:33:26 PM
I have been thinking of building a shop and clearing the garage for the wife's Jeep. Also,was thinking of a lift.  Seems like some like the two post and some the four post. I am leaning to the four post.  Could this thread be revised into a poll?  Two post or four post? Just asking?

Done, now go vote!   :banana:

Two post vs four post really depends on what your doing with it....  Both have their good & bad points..
If your gonna be dropping the engine/trans K as an assembly the four post would be a PITA...  But if your doing exhaust work the Two post doesn't load the suspension so you have to guess where the suspension will interfere with your exhaust....
If you decide on a four post get yourself a couple of the rolling jack assemblies so you can pull wheels, brakes & suspension...   

Four post is nice cause you drive up & hit the button, a two post you have to get down on the ground to set the pads.... But once it's in the air you have full access to the bottom of the engine, trans & rear axle plus all the suspension..

Then again I've never seen a car fall off a four post lift... Can't say the same about a two post lift...

 :stop:

Wonder what happened there!
Doesn't even look like the lift is mounted to floor?

Quote from: 6bblgt on March 10, 2018, 12:40:58 PM
:stop:

I stand corrected.... Not good... But thats an equipment failure, two post lifts drop cars mainly because people don't understand gravity & safe lift points...

I bought this lift from Greg Smith Equip. and the only issue is wondering why I hadn't done it sooner. It has removable casters that allow you to move it anywhere and I also got the scissor jack that allows me to lift the car up to remove tires etc. Haven't tried moving it with car on it yet, but one person can push it around otherwise. 

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Garage-Pro-8000-EXT
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-RJ-35-Sliding-Jack

Everything appears to be made in China. The only issue I had was a seal on the hyd cyl for the scissor jack went bad. But the service dept quickly took care of it and sent me a new hyd cyl.
After using it a few times the lock position on each post had to be reset, but that was expected with the cables stretching after being used for first time.

Quote from: 1 Wild R/T on March 10, 2018, 12:56:49 PM

Quote from: 6bblgt on March 10, 2018, 12:40:58 PM
:stop:

I stand corrected.... Not good... But thats an equipment failure, two post lifts drop cars mainly because people don't understand gravity & safe lift points...

I think I know what happen in that pic because I almost had the same happen to me. Luckily I was paying attention. In this pic, first there was an hyd oil leak (paper on floor)that allowed the lift to start going down, but one safety catch did not work. Each post has an adjustable metal plate with slots that acts as the catch points for the locks on the ramp itself. In this case it looks like the lock for each post caught except for the passenger side front which allowed it to keep traveling down. I didn't have a leak, but was just lowering it after some work. I just happen to be looking at a post and saw it starting to move inward a little so I stopped and lifted it back up.  There is one very long steel cable used for the lifts and new steel cables will stretch after first few uses.  My incident happen after (guessing) 50 full cycles with a car on it. After I readjusted it I've never had to do anything again. That was 3 years ago. 

Quote from: Katfish on March 10, 2018, 12:56:27 PM
Wonder what happened there!
Doesn't even look like the lift is mounted to floor?

it appears lock on post by RF tire didn't latch/wasn't properly adjusted/failed (other?) then gravity took over

Just as Dan and Randy said, mechanical failure/error(s). I check mine every time it goes up to insure the locking levers are on the ledge 100%. About once a year I go through and adjust to the 9th degree the interlocks and the release linkage so to avoid what happened with the sideways four poster.

 :wrenching:

Installed a BendPak 10K two post lift about 15 years ago, it's been flawless. I am considering a four post for the other side of the shop at some point.

My '70 D100 just fits under the direct lift in case anyone is curious

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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/9ec59c7a03ad4efd78fa66cf386c4b97.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191009/6af22be232621b8ba83b950044228e4f.jpg)

Having grown up in Steubenville Ohio near the Wheeling Pittsburgh steel plant, I have a very strong belief in BUY AMERICAN.  This is especially true when I am going to use the device to keep me safe under a car.  4 years ago I bought a MADE IN THE USA, WORTH lift from Texas.  I got the 2 post.  I am thrilled with it.  They were a little slow in delivering,  but it has been great.  I also just bought a 4 post lift for storing cars.  I debated between the Worth again and the Backyard Buddy which is made close by near Youngstown Ohio.  I have a friend that has the Backyard Buddy and loves it.  It was a close debate between the 2, but ultimately I chose the Backyard Buddy.  It will be here in a week or so.  Note that the price is negotiable.  Neither my friend nor I paid anywhere close to teh price that they advertise.
If we want to live in a country where people have jobs, we have to demand American made products.
(//)

Is Bendpak made in USA?

Bendpack used to be made in the USA, however now they are made in China.  I have a friend that had one that is 15 years old.   Made in USA. The current models are imported from China.