2 post car lift feedback

[Smithberg Racing]

Looking to see what is the best deal out there for a 2 post car lift? I have 14" ceilings so height isn't an issue, my main concern is quality at a fair price. I've seen many brands - Eagle, Bend Pak, Atlas, Titan, etc but was looking for first hand experience for some feedback. Seen these lifts priced all over the place and want something I can rely on without going broke at the same time. Any feedback, thanks!

 

[willhollin]

Are you a dwarf?

 

[Smithberg Racing]

No sir.

 

[91bronc300]

He's being a wise ****. " is inches, ' is foot

 

[metaleltr]

14" means 14 inches, therefore why he asked if you were a dwarf.

 

[Smithberg Racing]

Sorry, looks like the smart phone got me LOL! Correction 14' as in feet.

 

[Smithberg Racing]

How about Atlas lifts? Anyone deal with Greg Smith Equipment before?

 

[91bronc300]

I don't own a lift and I've never used one so I don't have any experience but I know if I did buy one it would have to have a gold ALI sticker on it. The ones that don't have that sticker aren't as much money but that wouldn't matter to me. I just would not buy a lift that was not certified.

 

[jmscollinsiii]

I'm located on the eastern shore on Maryland my Dad owns a general contracting company and wood working shop that he runs out of a 45 x 100 steel building he has leased out his back bay to a ASE Mechanic starting his own business. He bought a 9,000 lbs pro grade atlas lift, tire mounted and balanced. He said that they were great to deal with they bought and picked them up so Idk how shipping works. IV been helping him install the lift in the evenings and I must say for the $1,600 he paid he got a hell of a deal. Yes in Chinese made but as far as quality goes I couldn't tell. The only thing sub standard on it in my opinion is the push button for the raising operation. As far as operation he is waiting on some bx cable for me to wire it up so Idk but as far as cosmetics and general product go it is pretty damn nice. Is there anything in particular that u had a question about?

 

[jmscollinsiii]

Sorry the equipment was atlas bought from Greg smith equipment out of Delaware. (Forgot to proof read)

 

[gibbon_guy]

I have a Forward 2 post model FP9000. I like it. I know it's pre-China and pre-Rotary takeover. I like my Rotary 4 post.

 

[Smithberg Racing]

I'm just looking at my options for now. I'll be purchasing one in a few months so I have time to weigh my options. The Atlas lift from Greg Smith Equipment looks decent for the price ($1495 model) I just wonder if there is something nicer or American made for the same price or close?

 

[Bob C]

I install lifts. Generally in my area, I see lots of Rotary and Eagle. Some Bend-Pak and a few Challengers. In my opinion, I think you need to decide which way you want to go. Price or Quality. In my experience, you do not get both. Generally Eagle is the best price in my area and Rotary is by far the best quality. Up to today, I have not had so much as a bolt missing from a Rotary package and I've installed 206 Rotarys so far.. Eagle has been good as well except for minor hair pulling problems like holes not threaded or drilled off center and once I had one of their power units be DOA. Eagle will take care of things like the power unit but the holes would be your problem. Challenger is a very good lift as well. In my opinion, not as elegant as a Rotary but easily will last as long. Bend-Pak is another story. They always wriggle to find ways to either not pay for warranty work or only pay a very marginal part that would not usually cover the fuel to get to the customer. Recently they out right balked and refused to replace a cyclinder in a 18K 2 post lift they sold to a customer directly. The lift was 17 months old and the hydraulic components were still under warranty. This company is not what I would call "Upstanding" I would avoid this company at all costs. I used to have this old salesman working with me and his last statement to a potential customer sale on a lift was this ... "Save money on things you work around, not under."

 

[Danglerb]

Shop around a little and you can usually get a quality used lift cheaper than a generic Chinese lift. Greg Smith is not a bad way to go if you don't mind paying more for less.

 

[Smithberg Racing]

I install lifts. Generally in my area, I see lots of Rotary and Eagle. Some Bend-Pak and a few Challengers. In my opinion, I think you need to decide which way you want to go. Price or Quality. In my experience, you do not get both. Generally Eagle is the best price in my area and Rotary is by far the best quality. Up to today, I have not had so much as a bolt missing from a Rotary package and I've installed 206 Rotarys so far.. Eagle has been good as well except for minor hair pulling problems like holes not threaded or drilled off center and once I had one of their power units be DOA. Eagle will take care of things like the power unit but the holes would be your problem. Challenger is a very good lift as well. In my opinion, not as elegant as a Rotary but easily will last as long. Bend-Pak is another story. They always wriggle to find ways to either not pay for warranty work or only pay a very marginal part that would not usually cover the fuel to get to the customer. Recently they out right balked and refused to replace a cyclinder in a 18K 2 post lift they sold to a customer directly. The lift was 17 months old and the hydraulic components were still under warranty. This company is not what I would call "Upstanding" I would avoid this company at all costs. I used to have this old salesman working with me and his last statement to a potential customer sale on a lift was this ... "Save money on things you work around, not under."

That is exactly what I'm looking to hear, thanks for the reply. Looks like I need to avoid some of the cheaper brands. In your opinion what is the best middle of the road lift for fitment, quality, price, and customer service?

 

[Andybull]

I just purchased a Mohawk system 1 lift.

 

[Bob C]

That is exactly what I'm looking to hear, thanks for the reply. Looks like I need to avoid some of the cheaper brands. In your opinion what is the best middle of the road lift for fitment, quality, price, and customer service?

Based on the lifts I mentioned, I think an Eagle would work fine for you. If you list some models you are looking at, I'd be glad to look them over and give you my opinion.

 

[Bob C]

I just purchased a Mohawk system 1 lift.

That's a nice lift too.

 

[Smithberg Racing]

I'll start looking at both of those lines. I appreciate your opinion!

 

[Smithberg Racing]

I just purchased a Mohawk system 1 lift.

How much did that cost?

 

[amolaver]

its interesting because i've NEVER heard of a bad bendpak customer experience. no doubt there are some - no matter how good you are, there are always problems - but i certainly have not noticed any sort of trend regarding bad after-sale support from them.

anyone else with a bendpak have good/bad to report?

ahm

 

[Smithberg Racing]

Bob C how about this Eagle lift?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130732395472&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

 

[Andybull]

About $5,600.00, plus $450.00? Delivery and installation.

 

[Bob C]

I've installed that lift before. It has good welds, heavy steel, and usually a Duro power unit which is a good power unit. It is a "Generic" style power unit which can be replaced by other brands such as Fenner/Stone or Global if the need ever arises. The hydraulic hoses literally snake like that in the picture. They are not precisly cut for a very neat install. The top plate doesn't always match the holes perfectly so if you get this and install it, let the anchor bolts slightly loose so you can align those holes easier. Once aligned do not forget to tighten the anchor bolts to specified torque. (Usually 150 Ft/Lbs). NEVER use an air impact wrench to do this EVER! If you take your time and make dead certain of your measurements as you are installing it, it will work quite well for you for a long long time. It is a good lift.

 

[Wadd2]

I've installed that lift before. It has good welds, heavy steel, and usually a Duro power unit which is a good power unit. It is a "Generic" style power unit which can be replaced by other brands such as Fenner/Stone or Global if the need ever arises. The hydraulic hoses literally snake like that in the picture. They are not precisly cut for a very neat install. The top plate doesn't always match the holes perfectly so if you get this and install it, let the anchor bolts slightly loose so you can align those holes easier. Once aligned do not forget to tighten the anchor bolts to specified torque. (Usually 150 Ft/Lbs). NEVER use an air impact wrench to do this EVER! If you take your time and make dead certain of your measurements as you are installing it, it will work quite well for you for a long long time. It is a good lift.

I have an installation question. I have a used Rotary 9000 lb. lift that we'll install in a couple weeks once the building is done. My concrete guy made cuts in the concrete and I'm wondering how close to those cuts is it safe to be with the columns? The floor is 6 1/2" with fiber in it and 3000 psi. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob C]

I have an installation question. I have a used Rotary 9000 lb. lift that we'll install in a couple weeks once the building is done. My concrete guy made cuts in the concrete and I'm wondering how close to those cuts is it safe to be with the columns? The floor is 6 1/2" with fiber in it and 3000 psi. Thanks in advance.

Rotary has always stated that you must stay 6" from cracks, cuts, or edges. Your concrete will be fine. when doing a new pour of concrete, the concrete must be allowed to cure 28 days before installing lift.

 

[Wadd2]

Rotary has always stated that you must stay 6" from cracks, cuts, or edges. Your concrete will be fine. when doing a new pour of concrete, the concrete must be allowed to cure 28 days before installing lift.

Thanks very much!

 

[Smithberg Racing]

I've installed that lift before. It has good welds, heavy steel, and usually a Duro power unit which is a good power unit. It is a "Generic" style power unit which can be replaced by other brands such as Fenner/Stone or Global if the need ever arises. The hydraulic hoses literally snake like that in the picture. They are not precisly cut for a very neat install. The top plate doesn't always match the holes perfectly so if you get this and install it, let the anchor bolts slightly loose so you can align those holes easier. Once aligned do not forget to tighten the anchor bolts to specified torque. (Usually 150 Ft/Lbs). NEVER use an air impact wrench to do this EVER! If you take your time and make dead certain of your measurements as you are installing it, it will work quite well for you for a long long time. It is a good lift.

So far that Eagle lift is on top of my list. It's even a little cheaper than the Atlas one once you figure in freight costs. Thanks for the tips and getting me closer to a decision. I have a budget of around $2k so that limits me on the nicer lifts but its better than nothing. It's something I will mainly be using to maintain my own vehicles and race cars (most likely my buddies will want to use it as well).

 

[Bob C]

Thanks very much!

You are welcome sir.

So far that Eagle lift is on top of my list. It's even a little cheaper than the Atlas one once you figure in freight costs. Thanks for the tips and getting me closer to a decision. I have a budget of around $2k so that limits me on the nicer lifts but its better than nothing. It's something I will mainly be using to maintain my own vehicles and race cars (most likely my buddies will want to use it as well).

I'm sure they will.

 

[YellowTT]

Hi,
Just wondering if u went with the eagle lift and how it went
Thanks

 

[Smithberg Racing]

I haven't purchased it yet since I'm still working on my building. Floor supposed to be poured next weekend. I plan to purchase the Eagle one, seems perfect for the money and my needs.

 

[L.Cheapo]

About $5,600.00, plus $450.00? Delivery and installation.

Once you've used it for a while, I'd love to hear your opinions. Shopping for a new house with a lift friendly garage (or room to build one) and Mohawk is at the top of my list. Not trusting 7000lbs of pickup truck over my head to a Chinese lift. Thanks!

 

[mrfrost05]

Holy resurrection........


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[L.Cheapo]

Holy resurrection........


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

For the record, I didn't resurrect it. There was a post above mine that must have been deleted by the admins. Admittedly, I failed to look at the dates!

 

[Ramjetus51]

Holy resurrection........


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm very glad this thread is resurrected....after 4 years I'd think a lot more experience is out here. We have just returned from Bowling Green where what seems like a good two post lift, vendor was very honest, said Chinese made although I don't remember thename........so now I look on the web and find 8-10 different names, $1600 - $6000, and yes, let's get some opinions again. I'm a car guy with minimal needs, maybe we'll get a truck on it one day therefore a 7000 or 9000 lb lift is ok as most of our cars are less than 3500...so current input would be great......as you see, I don't post much, but you should know that there are many GJ mods in my small garage...so thanks all...

 

[GeorgeRG]

I have 4 Rotary lifts in my shop. While they have a great reputation as being one of the best - I've been less than happy with their customer service! One of my lifts has had abnormal wear and now won't reliably lock on the last lock. The authorized Rotary service person/installer claims it was from slag left during the installation process which has basically 'shaved' away material. He had a Rotary rep come look at it and of course he's claiming it had to have been caused by misuse or improper installation. Basically, Rotary doesn't want to stand behind their product because it would mean replacing the entire column. I'm preparing to replace a 2 arm lift (Rotary) and will be expanding my shop to add a 5th, and possibly 6th lift. When I do - I'll definitely be looking at other brands. While my other Rotarys have been very reliable but I'd rather go to a brand/company that is going to stand behind their product.

 

[lakeroadster]

Looking to see what is the best deal out there for a 2 post car lift? I have 14" ceilings so height isn't an issue, my main concern is quality at a fair price. I've seen many brands - Eagle, Bend Pak, Atlas, Titan, etc but was looking for first hand experience for some feedback. Seen these lifts priced all over the place and want something I can rely on without going broke at the same time. Any feedback, thanks!

I installed a Rotary SPOA10 in my shop back in 2007, and just re-installed it this year at my new shop. They are a quality product and I really have had zero issues with the lift.

It's American made and tested, and ALI certified.

I have an installation question. I have a used Rotary 9000 lb. lift that we'll install in a couple weeks once the building is done. My concrete guy made cuts in the concrete and I'm wondering how close to those cuts is it safe to be with the columns? The floor is 6 1/2" with fiber in it and 3000 psi. Thanks in advance.

Rotary has always stated that you must stay 6" from cracks, cuts, or edges. Your concrete will be fine. when doing a new pour of concrete, the concrete must be allowed to cure 28 days before installing lift.

Actually Rotary's requirements vary, based on your lift model. Data is shown in this link: http://www.rotarylift.com/Support/FAQ/

 

[bobcatdan]

Rotary cassette style in ground or go home.

 

[ponjohn]

Bringing this back to life.

I am looking at an older Eagle TP9, baseplate model. I know the offshore lifts are inexpensive (new). So I was surprised that a new Eagle is 1395.

So my point is, has Eagle always been made overseas?

Eagle always ( I thought) had a good rep and I never remember a mention of it being made elsewhere.

 

[Dan Jacobs]

There are some things that one should be frugal about
Lifts are not one of those things. Rotary, Rotary, Rotatary
That is all