Looking for a 4-post Lift like Bendpak HD-9 BUT cheaper! Help!

[vanvalks]

Love these forums. I've been surfing the forums for WAY too long the last few days looking at lifts. Looking to get a 4 post lift like the Bendpak, but hoping to find something cheaper then the Bendpak but that does not have the cables run externally like the Direct Lift does. It's hard to tell on some of these lifts if the cables are external or not.

Anyone got some info on a lift cheaper then the Bendpak HD-9, but NOT with external cabling like the Direct Lift Pro Park 8S? MUST be able to ship within a couple days. Minimum capacity of 7000lbs. Also need a bridge jack along with it.

Brands I'm aware of so far Atlas, Prokar, Liftking, UnitedProducts, Torin Big red, Direct Lift, but NOT sure which of these have exposed cabling and which are nice and clean like the Bendpak. Might just end of going with a Bendpak, but looking to spend less then 4k. (Bendpak HD-9 with RJ-45 Bridge Jack and Caster Kit is around 4k delivered.)

On my 15th+ hour of research and hoping to save some time.

Thanks!

 

[jdaallen]

http://www.americanautomotiveequipment.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=SS7000XLT

They are on sale regularly for around $1600

I found two shops locally (unrelated) who said they would not buy Bendpak again because of maintenance issues. I know this is contrary to popular belief but just what I was told by actual owners of the lifts.

 

[gsport]

i've got a Dannmar lift #7,000 extra wide and long, i'm totally pleased with it... under $2,000 at Costco.com with free delivery... check'm out

 

[vanvalks]

http://www.americanautomotiveequipment.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=SS7000XLT

They are on sale regularly for around $1600

I found two shops locally (unrelated) who said they would not buy Bendpak again because of maintenance issues. I know this is contrary to popular belief but just what I was told by actual owners of the lifts.

Thanks for the response. That is one that I have been considering, and it is currently on sell for 1400 + freight, but they are 5 weeks out on delivery. Need something much sooner.

Do you have any personal experience with the SS-8000? Wondering how it compares in quality to other lifts. Any idea if the cables are external?

 

[vanvalks]

i've got a Dannmar lift #7,000 extra wide and long, i'm totally pleased with it... under $2,000 at Costco.com with free delivery... check'm out

Did you get yours recently? Price i'm seeing is $2399 and I'm not sure if that includes freight. Also says 4-6 weeks for delivery. Did yours take that long? I'll call them tomorrow and get delivery details. This might be an option. Thanks!

 

[jdaallen]

Thanks for the response. That is one that I have been considering, and it is currently on sell for 1400 + freight, but they are 5 weeks out on delivery. Need something much sooner.

Do you have any personal experience with the SS-8000? Wondering how it compares in quality to other lifts. Any idea if the cables are external?

I do not have any personal experience but have decided that I am buying the one each of the SS-8000 and SS-8000XLT. Just waiting to get the VCT floor done first.

 

[gsport]

Did you get yours recently? Price i'm seeing is $2399 and I'm not sure if that includes freight. Also says 4-6 weeks for delivery. Did yours take that long? I'll call them tomorrow and get delivery details. This might be an option. Thanks!

wow, they have went up, i think i paid either $1799 or $1899 for mine... i've had mine for a couple of years now.. it does include shipping though.. and it took just over a week for delivery (from calif to oregon)
good luck on which ever one you choose..

 

[vanvalks]

Are the cables externally routed on your Danmar lift?

 

[mad57]

why not look for used if you need it in a hurry? also why the big consir about exposed cables?? they really dont get in the way at all.

 

[ket-tek]

Anyone got some info on a lift cheaper then the Bendpak HD-9, but NOT with external cabling like the Direct Lift Pro Park 8S? MUST be able to ship within a couple days. Minimum capacity of 7000lbs. Also need a bridge jack along with it.

I had 2 bendpaks plus accessories shipped to me from CA to VA in a week. Way faster than I expected.

If you are ordering standard with no special requests it seems Bendpak has their most popular models always in stock ready to go out.

And the Bendpak is the only model that has a real Powered Scissor Jack, there is no other option when it comes to that. A sliding hand pump Scissor jack that is still like $700 is a ripoff, even in the videos for them they have to fast forward when they edited it because I takes like 10 minutes to lift a car with it.

The Revolution has internal cables btw..

Good luck with whatever you end up choosing..

 

[vanvalks]

why not look for used if you need it in a hurry? also why the big consir about exposed cables?? they really dont get in the way at all.

I'm just not a fan of the exposed cables, IMO doesn't look good and also seems like a small safety issue

I had 2 bendpaks plus accessories shipped to me from CA to VA in a week. Way faster than I expected.

If you are ordering standard with no special requests it seems Bendpak has their most popular models always in stock ready to go out.

And the Bendpak is the only model that has a real Powered Scissor Jack, there is no other option when it comes to that. A sliding hand pump Scissor jack that is still like $700 is a ripoff, even in the videos for them they have to fast forward when they edited it because I takes like 10 minutes to lift a car with it.

The Revolution has internal cables btw..

Good luck with whatever you end up choosing..

Thanks for the input. I do like the idea of the powered scissor jack instead of the hand pump jack.

How are these four post lifts if you are working extensively underneath the car on the engine? Is everything easily accessed? I will be using it less for storage and more for working on a project car.

 

[ket-tek]

How are these four post lifts if you are working extensively underneath the car on the engine? Is everything easily accessed? I will be using it less for storage and more for working on a project car.

I've been building a couple project cars with the HD-9's and I love them. Complete access to everything I've needed to do. Fabricate a complete exhaust pulled a couple motors, big brake swaps, loaded alignments, etc..

If you are dropping a motor out the bottom with the whole crossmember and everything then a 2 post is easier surely, as you can lift the car up off the motor/member.

But for a long term complete project build up the 4 post is better in my opinion, and I love having ~20ft of workbench down both sides (the runways). As lots of parts and tools get sprawled out on them during the build and they stay with the car right where they are needed and not all over the floor, benches, carts, etc..

 

[NXGTS]

I've been through this before. Debating if it is worth going with a less expensive lift.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118045

I know it's a tough decision to part with the dollars. I feel as if I exhausted all options and at the end of the day, weighing all the options, Bend Pak seemed like the best value. In the end I went with BP. Mine will be delivered Monday. It is in a rail car in Chicago as we speak.

 

[vanvalks]

DONE! Lift ordered. Thanks guys for your input.

I went with the Bendpak HD-9, RJ-45 Jack, and Castor kit. Should have it next week sometime!

I'll post some pics once it's all up and together. In the end I decided an extra 1k over the next 30+ years of use is a no brainer.

NXGTS your thread was exceptionally helpful. Thanks!

 

[HD_Softy]

I have two Bendpak XPR-10A in my shop and I'm very happy with them. I did a lot of researching and even talked to the reps at Rotary and Bendpak about their products. I chose Bendpak because I wanted safety over price. Here's a caparison link I found very helpful.
http://www.asedeals.com/files/Product_Compare_BP_vs_Rotary_1_.pdf

 

[Flybigrc]

I purchased an Atlas 8000 lb 4-post lift from Greg Smith's for $1950 delivered.

I have had it for over a year and I am very happy with it. I store my 1968 corvette on top and park my 2004 vette under it. I was about a 4 hour job to build and I found the quality of the parts to be very good.

Besides the covettes I have put a trail blazer, jeep grand cherokee, Saturn Vue, tiburon, honda civic and cavalier on it, no issues.

I like that it has the main lock and the spring loaded safety lock on each leg along with the slack cable as it third safety mechism. Also the fact that the locking plates are adjustable is very helpful when leveling it.

It came with drip trays, casters, ramps and a jack tray. The casters worked great. We put it together on an angle in the garage, put on the casters and moved it to thre side I wanted it on. Also, mine is not bolted and I have not had any issues.

 

[toolman1967]

I purchased an Atlas 8000 lb 4-post lift from Greg Smith's for $1950 delivered.

I have had it for over a year and I am very happy with it. I store my 1968 corvette on top and park my 2004 vette under it. I was about a 4 hour job to build and I found the quality of the parts to be very good.

Besides the covettes I have put a trail blazer, jeep grand cherokee, Saturn Vue, tiburon, honda civic and cavalier on it, no issues.

I like that it has the main lock and the spring loaded safety lock on each leg along with the slack cable as it third safety mechism. Also the fact that the locking plates are adjustable is very helpful when leveling it.

It came with drip trays, casters, ramps and a jack tray. The casters worked great. We put it together on an angle in the garage, put on the casters and moved it to thre side I wanted it on. Also, mine is not bolted and I have not had any issues.

This is exactly the kind of information I have been looking for. That is the lift I have been looking at but really wanted a real life testimonial from an actual customer and user. THANKS!!!

 

[Dave Nelson]

I purchased an Atlas 8000 lb 4-post lift from Greg Smith's for $1950 delivered.

I have had it for over a year and I am very happy with it. I store my 1968 corvette on top and park my 2004 vette under it. I was about a 4 hour job to build and I found the quality of the parts to be very good.

Besides the covettes I have put a trail blazer, jeep grand cherokee, Saturn Vue, tiburon, honda civic and cavalier on it, no issues.

I like that it has the main lock and the spring loaded safety lock on each leg along with the slack cable as it third safety mechism. Also the fact that the locking plates are adjustable is very helpful when leveling it.

It came with drip trays, casters, ramps and a jack tray. The casters worked great. We put it together on an angle in the garage, put on the casters and moved it to thre side I wanted it on. Also, mine is not bolted and I have not had any issues.

As this is my first post, I want to say hello to everyone. I have been lurking on the site for quite some time and have obtained a great deal of valuable information. Last week I also purchased the Atlas 8000 Lift from Greg Smith Equipment in Delaware. I am located in South Jersey, which made it convenient as I am only 50 miles from their warehouse. I have been comparing four post lifts for quite some time and looked at several other makes that were on display at Carlisle.

I was very impressed with the quality of the Atlas 8000, especially the quality of the welds. With the help of two helpers and a cherry-picker, we had it up and running in @ four and a half hours. The lift operates flawlessly and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a four post lift.

 

[Steves32]

DONE! Lift ordered. Thanks guys for your input.

I went with the Bendpak HD-9, RJ-45 Jack, and Castor kit. Should have it next week sometime!

I'll post some pics once it's all up and together. In the end I decided an extra 1k over the next 30+ years of use is a no brainer.

NXGTS your thread was exceptionally helpful. Thanks!

I have the HD-9 & the rolling jack. You'll love it. I love it even more that the 4 posts are bolted down now.

 

[vanvalks]

10 hours and 1 smashed finger later I got the lift all setup! The fact that the lift adds an extra parking space to the garage + all the convenience of having the lift to service my vehicles really makes it worth the $$!

 

[CamarosRus]

bump

 

[darkk]

Cheaper? Might as well buy ramps....

 

[dngo]

Not sure how the portions of the cable that are exposed on the Direct Lift would be a safety issue. The exposed portions never move.

Dave

 

[CamarosRus]

For those in Washington or Oregon
i took my truck trailer to Portland OR
and picked up two DIRECT PRO PARK 8S.
$2095 + $175(ocean shipping) = $2270.

As there is no sales tax in OR I also went to
Harbor Freight Best Buy and Home Depot....

Direct Pro Park includes caster kit, jack tray (for bottle
jacks) and drip trays

In conclusion Bend Pak HD9 or HD9ST may or may not
be a BETTER lift.....but significantly more money

Direct Lift is owned by ROTARY (Madison,IN) and there
is NOTHING WRONG with the Direct Pro Park.

 

[Junkman]

Lifts are like car brands.... everyone has their favorite. Today, most car brands are good and reliable, and will serve and owner well until the warranty ends. Lifts are like this also, most people wind up liking what they purchased, and like cars, if there is a problem, it isn't so much the brand that determines how satisfied you will be with the repair process, as it is the dealership. If they are a good dealer, then everything runs smoothly, and you are satisfied, if not, no matter how good the brand, you will never forget how you were treated. I went with a Bend Pak the first time I purchased a lift, and purchased it from a local dealer. The local dealer didn't deal with the missing parts very well, and I was stuck with a lift that couldn't be completely installed as a result. My lift had been assembled for display at a car show, and then disassembled and returned to the warehouse, where the parts went missing. I tried to work with the local dealer for almost 2 months, before I put it on my trailer and returned it to them, and then waited another month to get a refund.
I then purchased a new one from Bend Pak, and couldn't have been happier. They gave me all the support that was necessary due to my not understanding part of the assembly process. I loved the lift, but it was undersized for my cars, since it was too short for the wheel base. I then made an "adapter" to lengthen the runways to accommodate my car, and I was happy. Eventually, Jeff Kritzner of Bend Pak learned about my "modification", and suggested that I sell that lift, and buy another, since he didn't think that I should have to use a modification to the lift that might not be safe, since it hadn't been tested or approved by Bend Pak. I sold that lift, and he worked with me to get the next size lift that I needed. I would say that Bend Pak went over and above what I would have ever expected on any manufacturer of any product. It was my mistake by not buying the correct lift originally, not theirs. Jeff wanted to make sure that I was safe, and a satisfied customer. I love my new lift, and I have nothing but praise for the Bend Pak Company and its employees. They go the extra mile to make sure that every customer is satisfied. Back in 1920's, Buick had a motto... "When better cars are built, Buick will build them"...... There is no doubt in my mind that when better lifts are built, Bend Pak will be building them. They are a company of innovation, integrity, and expert engineering. They will never forget you after the sale, nor will they forget you, after the warranty expires. They will work tirelessly, to make sure that every customer is satisfied, and remains satisfied for as long as they own a Bend Pak lift. How many companies can you say that of today? I can't think of one, not Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, etc. and their products cost at least 20 times or more than what a Bend Pak lift does!