Which two post lift to buy

[Chevelle1971]

I'm in the market for a 10,000 lb two post lift. I've been reading all the post about the pros and cons of the various brands of two post lifts available. I'm currently leaning toward the Dannmar Brigadier 10 CX model. However I also wondered if anyone had any experience with the Launch Tech USA model TLT210-AS. Here's a link: http://www.launchtechequipment.com/products.html

Thanks.

 

[SKAutomotive]

Every shop I ever worked at or go to uses Rotary lifts. I have to imagine there is a reason. It is what I plan to buy when I open my own place.

 

[c39er]

I'm in the market for a 10,000 lb two post lift. I've been reading all the post about the pros and cons of the various brands of two post lifts available. I'm currently leaning toward the Dannmar Brigadier 10 CX model. However I also wondered if anyone had any experience with the Launch Tech USA model TLT210-AS. Here's a link: http://www.launchtechequipment.com/products.html

Thanks.

Here is a snip of the Launchtechequipment instructions .... pretty poorly done instructions!

 

[SKAutomotive]

Here is a snip of the Launchtechequipment instructions .... pretty poorly done instructions!

Was that made in MS Paint?

 

[RMR&C]

A local lift company tried to sell me one of those launch tech lifts......looked very cheaply made to me. I would not stand under one. Price was not really any better than a name brand either.

 

[62rat]

Chevelle - I purchased a Dannmar 10CX earlier this year. I had a no-name lift for several years that failed due to the plastic wheels on the carriages falling apart. The Dannmar seems to be a quality lift and is far superior to the previous lift. I am happy with the Dannmar. It handles my 7500 lb diesel pickup with ease.

 

[pattenp]

JMHO, but I'd go with BendPak, Challenger, Mohawk or Rotary. I have a Challenger, more so because I got a great deal on it from a local supplier.

 

[torquepower85]

The Dannmar lift is well-built. They have been around for a while and have a lot of good models. Most importantly the Brigadier 10CX ALI certified. I would look out for ALI certification no matter what model you choose.

Still I think Dannmar would be a good choice. Good luck!

 

[Bruce Amacker]

If money is no object, get a Mohawk, but a 10K is about $6500 IIRC. I've had them in a commercial shop in the past and they were great, but in a home shop they're big time overkill. I bought a Challenger E10 for $2800 and love it. Napa has them for about $2850.

Good Luck!

 

[rbonitz]

I (just) ordered a Mohawk. It is probably overkill, but nice to buy something made in the USA and there design works well with my shop.

I had one of their scissors lifts and it was a work horse. I'm replacing my MaxJaxx as I am reconfiguring shop to have the headroom for something with more height.

Ray

 

[CamarosRus]

I have a home based shop for restoring Camaros, general car maintenance and the not very often maintenance on my Dodge Ram 3500 (SRW)

I had chosen to buy the ASYMETRIC design BENDPAK 10K lift from GES as they will discount their web price over the phone. All the BENDPAK lifts get drop shipped from same BendPak warehouse in Calif.

Anybody really needs to consider the asymetric design first when buying a two post.
Bendpak is a "Best Buy" given price ($2800+), service, and quality.

Having said all that I met a ROTARY (mfg in Madison,IN) dealer who sold me a used very good condition ROTARY SPOA9 (9K#), installed for $2100, (Dec 15th) so that was my decision.

 

[Chevelle1971]

Thanks all for your input. I appreciate it!

Joe

 

[ghlkal]

Joe, here's an old post of mine discussing how I chose the BendPak for my home shop. It may give you some ideas.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33780

 

[1507dennis]

JMHO, but I'd go with BendPak, Challenger, Mohawk or Rotary. I have a Challenger, more so because I got a great deal on it from a local supplier.

I second that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a BendPak.

 

[winmck]

Put in a Bendpak a couple of months ago. Love it!

 

[bowtie1972]

I just bought a Challanger lift , it was used, only paid a grand, And I love it, It had come from a dealership that has to up grade there equipment, and I don't use it nearly as much a dealership will ?

 

[boosteddsm92]

Chevelle - I purchased a Dannmar 10CX earlier this year. I had a no-name lift for several years that failed due to the plastic wheels on the carriages falling apart. The Dannmar seems to be a quality lift and is far superior to the previous lift. I am happy with the Dannmar. It handles my 7500 lb diesel pickup with ease.

Got a Danmar 10ACX about a year and a half ago and really like it. Have had lots of different vehicles on it and no complaints at all.

 

[jerkyboy]

BendPak XPR-10A here, absolutely love it!! Lifts my 6,600 lb diesel like nothing and their customer service is second to none.

 

[Fishey]

At my previous shop we had both a bendpak and rotary lift and without a doubt I would buy rotary over bendpak even at double the price from my experience. The bendpack we had was 2005ish MFG date and it had all sorts of problems. The first problem was it leaked fluid and we rebuilt the lift cylinder once only to have it fail again a few months later. The lift pads were rubber and just fell off. It took up a ton of shop space with its large footprint and given we only worked on small sports cars mainly it didn't serve us good. It was also difficult to fit many of the wide sports cars onto the lift. The Rotary we had was from 1995 and never leaked and was only a 7,000lbs unit but felt twice as stable as the bendpak unit. It also never leaked, had a smaller footprint (a foot narrower) but was easier to fit wide sports cars onto it.

Picture of the bend-pak notice oil soaking around the lift post
https://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s480x480/230273_10100856384495478_485425716_n.jpg

 

[JSK]

Fishey,

Although BendPak has been around since the mid-seventies, our lift line has really only seen significant transformation in the last eight years with the introduction of our XPR two-posts and our HD-HDS four posts; product introductions cultivated from a transformation of philosophies; being simply a cheap price lift brand, or now, the best lift value based on a majority of consumer needs and wants.

I’m not sure why the cylinders leaked on your 2005 model but since then our cylinders have been completely redesigned. We have also upgraded our rubber contact pads as well. We too have steel contact pads as an option, but although they will last forever, trucks and cars are just not as secure – steel, wet, undercoated frames and gravity are not fans of steel pads. Our lift arms have seen significant transformation - triple telescoping for improved reach and retraction and low-profile contact pad receivers.

I would agree that some of our early lifts may have taken a back seat to Rotary, but no more. Not that Rotary makes anything but a quality product, but I feel (and so do many others) that we simply give you more. Plus our latest warranty is better.

I hope that one day you’ll give us a chance to prove ourselves. Shoot me a PM if you ever want to toss me the challenge. I’ll make you an offer you can't refuse. If you’re not 100% happy with the “new and improved” BendPak, I’ll gladly give 100% of your money back including the cost of installation and teardown.

Sorry for not impressing you back in 2005.

Jeff

 

[gnxtc2]

Bend Pak XPR-10 symetrical so I can put the vehicle in any direction I please. Another reason I went symetrical is that I lift crew cab and xtra cab full size Ford diesel p/u trucks.

Billy T.
[email protected]

 

[Fishey]

Fishey,

I hope that one day you’ll give us a chance to prove ourselves. Shoot me a PM if you ever want to toss me the challenge. I’ll make you an offer you can't refuse. If you’re not 100% happy with the “new and improved” BendPak, I’ll gladly give 100% of your money back including the cost of installation and teardown.

Sorry for not impressing you back in 2005.

Jeff

Jeff, I plan on moving shops in a year or so and will be looking for new lifts at that point. I will get into contact with you when I am ready to be looking at new lifts and If your willing to stand behind a product I will be willing to give you a shot.

-Ron

 

[Coloshaver]

I went with Bendpak and am happy with it. I spent several months shopping and comparing and chose Bendpak for its value.

See my "What I learned" post here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173775

Good luck

 

[december45]

Ive got a SPOA10 Rotary, picked it up from a body shop going out of business, I dont think the thing was ever used, they had 3 for sale and i was the first guy so i had my pick, the other ones had alittle over spray and a couple of dabs of bondo on the arms. I gave $1700 and then picked up a Bendpak LR60 for $100, tried to almost give it away on here, finally sold it on craigs list for $400.
I'd recommend the Rotary, but I think if I had it to do again I would go for the Mohawk

 

[PowerstrokeJoe]

I'd have to go with a Bend Pak. I have a XPR10A and I love it. I think if I could have done it over I might have gone with a symmetrical though. We have 2 Rotary's at school both are 10 lifts and honestly I'd say the Bend Pak is twice the lift. Don't get me wrong they are both nice lifts, the Rotary just seems to be built lighter. I do like the lock release system much better on the Rotary. The one on mine is very stiff and you really have to lean on it to hold the locks out. Here's a few pics of mine in action. Here is my 08 Super Duty on it.(8300 lbs)

 

[BB767]

Every shop I ever worked at or go to uses Rotary lifts. I have to imagine there is a reason. It is what I plan to buy when I open my own place.

Here is my Rotary Lift in the restored shop...

This one was made in 1928 and works like new. So a couple of years ago when I wanted a modern, 2 post asymmetrical lift for the barn...

...to me there was no other choice than Rotary Lift.

They are the company that patented the original automotive hydraulic lift in 1925, they are still in business 87 years later, made in the USA- Madison, Indiana, used in thousands of shops and dealerships all across the country with parts and tech support second to none. I'm pretty confident they will be there for me 5, 10 or 20 years from now if I ever have a problem. I'm not as confident the same can be said about anyone else. As SKAutomotive points out they are in use everywhere. They have a proven track record that's hard to dispute. They may not be the cheapest, but I strongly feel they are the best.

Thomas from the Restored 1930's Auto Shop

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51567

 

[davedriveschevys]

Fishey,


I hope that one day you’ll give us a chance to prove ourselves. Shoot me a PM if you ever want to toss me the challenge. I’ll make you an offer you can't refuse. If you’re not 100% happy with the “new and improved” BendPak, I’ll gladly give 100% of your money back including the cost of installation and teardown.

Sorry for not impressing you back in 2005.

Jeff

This is why Bendpak is getting so many votes here. They stand behind their products. And have great customer service.






This is my XPR10 in action, I dont think this lift can be beat for the price.

My 2 cents.

 

[P2dc]

I went with Forward Lift. I only work on a car or two a week, but this lift has performed flawlessly. I bought it and a wheel balancer here: http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/2-Post-Lifts-s/285.htm
Great service. Good luck!

 

[P2dc]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ef6nrx8zsdzwo27/Photo Nov 28, 5 02 08 PM.jpg

Here is a pic. It's my first time, hope this works!

 

[saabman]

I have two Bendpak lifts in my home shop/garage. Bendpak customer service, and Jeff in particular were a strong reason I bought. Of course I felt they have great products. 2 post is an XPR-9F and 4 post is HD-9XW. Between the two I can lift my little sports cars and extended cab trucks.

 

[Shadowdog500]

JMHO, but I'd go with BendPak, Challenger, Mohawk or Rotary. I have a Challenger, more so because I got a great deal on it from a local supplier.

+2!

You will be standing under vehicles! I recommend that you spend the extra money and go with a known name brand, ALI certified lift. I bought a used Mohawk out of a Saturn dealership that was closing a couple years ago. I am very happy with my purchace.

That USA lift appears to be a cheap Chinese lift.

Chris

 

[bondsman]

I purchased a Bendpak XPR10ACX which I think is now just the XPR10A. I have had it at least a year (don't really remember when I got it, now that I am retired and 42yrs old- time is not one of my priorities). It has been wonderful. Fairly easy to set up. It is extremely well built and very heavy. I have lifted many different vehicles, heaviest being my 2005 F250 with 38" tires (weighs 8k according to scrapyard scales).

The only issues I have is that the pinchwelds on the majority of vehicles cut into the rubber on the pads. But they are still all there and still function perfectly. The safety lock release could use a redesign. takes alot of force to release both sides. Most times I just have someone hold the left side, while I hold the right and lower the lift. The leverage just isn't there no matter how you adjust the cable.

Overall, I don't know how I got along without a lift. It just makes everything so easy. Would I buy a Bendpak again??? Hell yes I would!

 

[volaredon]

I have yet to get it put up (gotta get the garage cleaned up and heat run out there 1st) but I got a too good to pass up deal on a Weaver circa 1986,, Weaver has been at the lift game just as long as Rotary...in fact Rotary bought them in 1989
I am not talking about these new "Derek Weaver" ones you see now a days he is a distributor not a manufacturer... (not sayin there is anything wrong with what he sells but have 0 experience with his product)
this thing is built like a tank; the closest thing I see to it now a days is a Mohawk.
how long has ALI been certifying lifts? I see nothing on mine saying its certified but with chains insted of cables and as heavy of steel as they used to build it, I certainly am not worried about it holding up to my home garage use...

DON'T be afraid of a used hoist just gotta check it out good; mine was still set up and in service when I bought it, I got to take it down myself.

I'd rather have a good used tool made here in the USA, than anything that came from China!

 

[Canadian Cowboy]

I have yet to get it put up (gotta get the garage cleaned up and heat run out there 1st) but I got a too good to pass up deal on a Weaver circa 1986,, Weaver has been at the lift game just as long as Rotary...in fact Rotary bought them in 1989
I am not talking about these new "Derek Weaver" ones you see now a days he is a distributor not a manufacturer... (not sayin there is anything wrong with what he sells but have 0 experience with his product)
this thing is built like a tank; the closest thing I see to it now a days is a Mohawk.
how long has ALI been certifying lifts? I see nothing on mine saying its certified but with chains insted of cables and as heavy of steel as they used to build it, I certainly am not worried about it holding up to my home garage use...

DON'T be afraid of a used hoist just gotta check it out good; mine was still set up and in service when I bought it, I got to take it down myself.

I'd rather have a good used tool made here in the USA, than anything that came from China!

I agree with the USA over China when it comes to tools and shop equipment.
I have been told that Rotary are making some of their main line lifts in China now.
I bought 2 TP16 Mohawks for my shop that I am setting up now.

CC

 

[DblTap]

I realize this thread is about 6 years old now but I found it through a Google search and was hoping to find someone still available I could speak to about a lift for my home garage.

Thanks

 

[V10nacuda]

I've looked at alot of lifts Bend pak being the middle of the road as far as quality. Rotary being near the top. I found Naussbaum lifts because of the total lift hieght. Because alot of lifts try and muddy the water by not clearly stating wether lift extensions are used. Straight up Naussbaum MXL 1000 lift goes 82in. Quality is on par or better looking that rotary. It's a certified lift unfortunately it's a little pricey..$4k but you get what you pay for. it's a German co but they make this lift in the USA in Gastonia NC. I will be putting it up this week so I will have more feed back shortly.

My 02¢
V10

 

[ManOnTheCouch]

I like my Dannmar D10-CX. It's a bendpak clone. Dannmar bought the rights to use the bendpak design. The only difference is two stage lift arms instead of three stage and no spin up pads. You have to use the adapter extensions that are included with the lift. So, you give up a little convenience to save $500 or so, but it's still a solid, quality, ALI certified lift at a great price point.

 

[purduecrew]

Makes me proud to see all the Rotary love. Guarantee my dad was the one who painted every one of those suckers. Hope y’all are enjoying them!


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[bradysdad]

I just had a Launch 9000 lb installed through Advantage lifts, where I purchased my 4 post. So far it seems like a nice unit. Yes, it’s chinese made but under specs and oversight by Launch. In speaking with the installer, who does all of the various models, he informed me that most of the manufacturers have moved their $3000 and under lift production to China. BendPak included. He also stated that BP has had some challenges lately with quality and customer support.

I am not a heavy user but expect the Launch to last for a while. Welds were good, thickness of steel and cables were as good or better than others out there and you can set it up in either a symmetric or asymmetric fashion.

Selection boils down to how much you will be using it and how much you want to spend. Lots of choices out there and Google is your friend.