Thoughts on DirectLift PP9+ vs Bendpak HD9-XW

[ronstory]

OK, I’ve got the new two car garage about half tiled (Jack Olson inspired) and that put me in striking distance of the finally getting the 4 post lift. Woo-hoo!

After looking as *many* different lifts and lots of searches, I’ve narrowed it downs to two certified lifts, Direct-Lift Pro Park 9+ and the Bendpak HD9-XW. Now the hard part, ’ve got to pick between them. 

Direct Lift PP9+:
There is a local dealer for Direct Lift, PDX Possy that is great to work with, very friendly and helpful. I ran into them at a car show in Portland and the PP9+ is *massive*. They arrange container shipments from Direct Lift so the shipping is only $175, and their price with shipping FOB their loading dock is $2970, and it come with 4 drip trays, a caster kit and one sliding jack tray. For an addition $500, they have recommended installer that will pick up the lift from PDX Possy and install it in my house. That puts me at $3470 and then add one rolling Projack RJ-45 is $775 (shipping included), so my total is $4245 and I’m done, installed and ready to go.

Bendpak HD9-XW:
I know everyone raves about Bendpak and their services… but I haven’t been able to physically see or touch one. Bendpack include free shipping and the price on the web looks pretty consistent at $3050 right now with no accessories, but that is requires a fork lift to get out of my driveway. Add in the two sets of trays (4 total) for $110, a caster kit @ $295 and 3000lb jack tray for $150 or the heavy duty jack tray for $340… and then I have to pay shipping on the spare extra parts. Their rolling jack is $995 with free shipping. So I’m looking at ~$4600 and I still need to pay an installer to set it up.

What I like about the PP9+: Lots of room between the posts (109”, the more the merrier), a helpful local dealer… and all the extras are included. Also, the PP9+ appears to be heavier made, the shipping weight is 2350 libs and taking out a 100lbs for the caster kit, jack trays… that leave the unit at ~2250lbs.

What I like about Bendpak HD9XW: Benkpak’s service reputation, almost as much room as PP9+ (106”) between posts, I do like the larger sheaves and rollers and great feedback from the folks at GJ.

I’m still wondering about difference in shipping weight between Bendpak at 2050lbs and the PP9+ at ~2250lbs (sans accessories).

Anybody know of an approved Benkpak installer in the Portland, OR area so I can get an apples to apples comparison on costs?

Thanks,
Ron

 

[CamarosRus]

I picked up two DIRECT LIFT's from POSSEY in Portland,OR with my own car trailer and
so far assembled one with help from one friend.
We handled all the pieces by hand with exception of the runway with Hydralic
Cylinder underneath. I used engine hoist to remove from trailer and placed on two
small dollies (Harbor Freight) to roll into my shop.

Anyway it took quite a bit of time (first time) to get everything adjusted but
Im happy with the product.

 

[buzz4041]

I have a direct lift with 2 scissor jacks added and am completely satisfied after 5 years now. If you go direct lift ensure the wheel kit is the upgrade not the steel ones or you will tear your floor up. If you have a A frame or engine lift you can do it all yourself in about 6 hours or so.

 

[J Persons]

I bought the HD0.XW along with the RJ-45 bridge jack and the JP-6 jack plate. All three items were shipped at no cost to me, that's shipping from CA to LA for free. I am picking it up at a local freight terminal, it will be loaded onto my trailer, and I plan in unloading it piece by piece with my engine hoist when I get it home. I was told the by distributor that the heavier JP-6 jack plate is required when the runways are set to the wide position. I still need to order the work station, it comes with a regulator/filter/lubricator for about $280. If I had known I needed this, I would have ordered it when I ordered the lift to avoid the shipping charges.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

I still need to order the work station, it comes with a regulator/filter/lubricator for about $280. If I had known I needed this, I would have ordered it when I ordered the lift to avoid the shipping charges.

What's the story on this?

 

[tdkkart]

I have the PP9+ on the way to my door. It's really a toss-up between the Direct and Bendpak, once you're down to a $2-300 difference it really comes down to whichever fits your ideas. I ordered based on a bit of wrong info I had(from the BP website) that said the width of the BP was only 100" inside, otherwise I would have been more torn.
My local installer does installs and service on all brands, does not actually sell any of them, says there's little to no difference between the 2 in his opinion.

We shall see.......

 

[stingry]

I still need to order the work station, it comes with a regulator/filter/lubricator for about $280. If I had known I needed this, I would have ordered it when I ordered the lift to avoid the shipping charges.

You do not need this to operate the lift, it's just a nice-to-have accessory. It provides electrical and air outlets located on the lift. You can just use your shop air to operate the air locks.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Bordeauxman]

In general, is a building permit required to install a lift in one's garage?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Falcon67]

In general, is a building permit required to install a lift in one's garage?

Thank you in advance.

From being on here for a few years, IMHO no and make it a point not to ask about it either. Many non-hobby type inspectors are very likely to equate the term "lift" with "commercial operation" and create undue hardship because of it.

A lift is just another tool in the shop. You don't need a permit for a drill press, a floor jack or a ATV lift - car size lift no different.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

From being on here for a few years, IMHO no and make it a point not to ask about it either. Many non-hobby type inspectors are very likely to equate the term "lift" with "commercial operation" and create undue hardship because of it.

A lift is just another tool in the shop. You don't need a permit for a drill press, a floor jack or a ATV lift - car size lift no different.

Good answer!

 

[tdkkart]

In general, is a building permit required to install a lift in one's garage? Thank you in advance.

This has come up here a couple times, and it seem to me the homeowner has won out in most cases.

Especially a 4 post lift, which does not have to be bolted down, therefore is not attached to the building, and simply plugs into an outlet, should not come under any building codes.

There are those places though where if you park a truck with a business name on the side in your driveway, you are suddenly running a business out of your house and are a pubic nuisance. FYI, these neighborhoods should be avoided......

 

[volvo]

..
Also give

SHOP EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Automotive Service Equipment | Phone: (503) 620-2794

in Tigard a call. They have provided, serviced & moved equipment for us the last 40 years . Good people, great service.

 

[ronstory]

Great info everyone. Does anyone in the Portland Or area have a bendpak that I could see in exchange for a beverage or two? Looks like I'll need to call Bendpak to see if they have an installer in the area.

The main reason I'm going with the "professional installer" is for insurance coverage. My insurance guy (of 25+ years with me) was squirming a bit on the phone when I said i could install it myself vs. paying a pro. Heaven forbid anything should happen, I just want to make sure I'm covered the unlikely does occur.

Yes, it's my little bit of paranoia. ;^)

Thanks,
Ron
Portland, OR

 

[tdkkart]

So I shot BP an email this morning telling them that I thought their website was wrong regarding the inside width of their lifts. Received a note back already from Jeff Kritzer of BP that says this:

"I think our website is correct. Our new Rev. M models were recently released.
We do still have a few of the older “wider” models in stock still."

He included attachments explaining that the "Rev M" models would be 7" narrower as in most cases that space is not used nor needed??

So, from what I can see, all "wide" BP lifts are 100" between the columns, which is too narrow IMO. My truck is 79" wide, with mirrors that stick out nearly 10" on either side, which leaves less that 1" of clearance without folding the mirrors in.

 

[AMCguy]

When working on the lift it's nice to have the posts as far apart and out of the way as possible but, when the lift is unoccupied it's nice to have the posts as close together and out of the way as possible.

Is your truck going to be on the lift every day, or will the lift mostly be unoccupied?

 

[ronstory]

So the dimension between columns of 106" is now wrong? The PP9+ has 109" so I don't flip in the mirrors on my friend's suburban.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[Aquaticbob]

Bendpak HD9-XW:
I know everyone raves about Bendpak and their services… but I haven’t been able to physically see or touch one. Bendpack include free shipping and the price on the web looks pretty consistent at $3050 right now with no accessories, but that is requires a fork lift to get out of my driveway. Add in the two sets of trays (4 total) for $110, a caster kit @ $295 and 3000lb jack tray for $150 or the heavy duty jack tray for $340… and then I have to pay shipping on the spare extra parts. Their rolling jack is $995 with free shipping. So I’m looking at ~$4600 and I still need to pay an installer to set it up.

Ron

I MIGHT be able to get you better prices than that through my business if you would be interested. Secondly, Bendpak hasn't been my favorite so far but they have amazing customer service. You can also check Bendpak's website for installers (http://www.bendpak.com/Support/clickserve/), or you can do it yourself. The HD series are extremely simple to set up, I would recommend doing it yourself as some installers won't do electrical or the hydraulic fluid. I was quoted like $400 a lift, and since I had 5 I opted to do them myself

 

[tdkkart]

When working on the lift it's nice to have the posts as far apart and out of the way as possible but, when the lift is unoccupied it's nice to have the posts as close together and out of the way as possible.

Is your truck going to be on the lift every day, or will the lift mostly be unoccupied?

The truck gets parked in the shop most of the time, so it'll either be on or under the lift a large amount of the time.
In my case, the wider leg spacing puts the legs MORE out of the way most of the time. I didn't NEED the extra height either, but it makes it better for me since I can raise the lift and work under it if needed.

 

[tdkkart]

So the dimension between columns of 106" is now wrong?

Apparently , except for some stray "old' models that may be in stock.....

 

[ronstory]

Just got of the phone with Bendpak. While they were very helpful and knowledgable... they don't show any more "old" models with the 106" width between columns.

The new 'rev. m' is only 100" between columns. That is just disappointing for me.

Also, I was looking at the jack trays on the new Bendpak's and the look 'upside down'. Normally I expect the jack to tray to be a "tray" where the sides are higher than the bottom, but some of the newer pics on NT show the "tray" is upside down. My cars are all low (3.5" to 4.5"0 so I want more height for a bottle jack rather than less.

(image courtesy of Northerntool.com)
http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/2000x2000/144/144621_2000x2000.jpg

Thanks,
Ron

 

[jomobco]

I looked at both. IIRC the bend pack has a higher lifting height. I'm 6'4" so that helps my noggin. I can walk under it at full height and not knock myself out

I get my long bed 2500 Cummins on the BP just fine (pics on profile page). I have the "revision M". I do put in the mirrors though. I opted for the RJ 45 which is really helpful and unobtrusive.

 

[tdkkart]

Also, I was looking at the jack trays on the new Bendpak's and the look 'upside down'. Normally I expect the jack to tray to be a "tray" where the sides are higher than the bottom, but some of the newer pics on NT show the "tray" is upside down. My cars are all low (3.5" to 4.5"0 so I want more height for a bottle jack rather than less.

(image courtesy of Northerntool.com)
http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/2000x2000/144/144621_2000x2000.jpg

Thanks,
Ron

That IS odd too?? I figured the jack tray to be just as much a tool tray as anything, better than putting tools on the runways since they can roll off there. The bottle jack clearance issue makes sense too. Guess not on the BP......
All the pictures I can see of the tray included with Direct Lifts are actually "trays".

 

[tdkkart]

I looked at both. IIRC the bend pack has a higher lifting height. I'm 6'4" so that helps my noggin. I can walk under it at full height and not knock myself out

I get my long bed 2500 Cummins on the BP just fine (pics on profile page). I have the "revision M". I do put in the mirrors though. I opted for the RJ 45 which is really helpful and unobtrusive.

The Direct Lift is listed as 81" clearance under the runway.
Besides the mirror issue, the extra width made an alignment with a walk through door alot better for me, assuming the lift stays on that side of the shop.
At first I didn't like the space that the extra width was gonna take up, but after laying it out with some blocks on the floor it's actually going take up LESS useable space.

 

[jomobco]

The Direct Lift is listed as 81" clearance under the runway.
Besides the mirror issue, the extra width made an alignment with a walk through door alot better for me, assuming the lift stays on that side of the shop.
At first I didn't like the space that the extra width was gonna take up, but after laying it out with some blocks on the floor it's actually going take up LESS useable space.

Exactly. Lay it out. See what fits. It's also 220 vs 110 if that matters. I wanted 220.

 

[J Persons]

What's the story on this?

According to my manual, pg 119, step 11: "A filter/regulator/lubricator must be installed on the air supply at lift. Failure to do so will void the warranty" I think it's more than a nice to have item.

 

[Aquaticbob]

According to my manual, pg 119, step 11: "A filter/regulator/lubricator must be installed on the air supply at lift. Failure to do so will void the warranty" I think it's more than a nice to have item.

Considering that's half of your safety locks you should make sure to follow this step. If you create a manifold for the lift and put a filter regular and lubricator on it you should be just fine. I have 3 lifts that run off this setup

 

[Matt M PA]

My HD9 jacking trays are flat on the top...perhaps some would say they're upside down. I use mine with a pair of hydraulic scissor jacks. These go much lower than a bottle jack.

Also...I don't recall my instructions requiring an in-line lubricating device. (Maybe it did...I'll have to look) Sounds like a good idea. Which...makes me wonder...how would this work on the option air-bottle option?

 

[J Persons]

Considering that's half of your safety locks you should make sure to follow this step. If you create a manifold for the lift and put a filter regular and lubricator on it you should be just fine. I have 3 lifts that run off this setup

I thought about fabbing up a manifold and adding a F/R/L, but when you consider the BK work station comes with that, and GFI electrical outlets, it makes sense to just order it already configured.

 

[ronstory]

Just did some cardboard/paper layout of where the lift would go in the new garage. I got rollup insulated doors from Janus (boy, do I wish I put those on the main house garage) and they are 9' tall and 10' wide. With the Direct Lift PP9+ the columns fit in the 'footprint' of the door, give or take an inch.

If the 'original' HD9-XW was still available, it would fit in the garage and be provide a few extra inches of space. But with the new rev.m model, I'm concerned about the clearance between columns. My SO may end up parking her BWM 5 series under it, and more clearance for backing out is a very good thing. Don't ask why.

 

[Aquaticbob]

Just did some cardboard/paper layout of where the lift would go in the new garage.

I like to use painters tape when laying things out. Use different colors to see different layouts

 

[ronstory]

OK... I found out where some of the weight difference is between the PP9+ and the "original" Bendpak HD9-XW (not the new rev.m version). Looks like Greg Smith did a comparison and the posts on the PP9+ are gauge 5 steel for both the post and runways. That helps explain the shipping weight.

The article from the Greg Smith site is below:

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Pro-Park-9-Plus-Vs-BendPak-HD-9XW

Thanks,
Ron

 

[Ray916MN]

I shopped these 2 models in 2011. There are 3 other differences between the two which you also may want to factor into your decision.

- The Bendpak comes with a more powerful 220V motor compared to the DirectLift 120V motor. This means the Bendpak lifts a faster. A 220V motor is an option on the DirectLift.

- The Bendpak uses locks driven by compressed air while the DirectLift uses mechanical locks.

- The Bendpak bridge jacks are compressed air driven, while the DirectLift bridge jacks are hand pump jacks and how much you value not having to pump a jack to lift your vehicle.

Whether the differences are an advantage or not depends a bit on whether you have a 220V outlet correctly placed to support the lift as well as whether you have ready access to the compressed air needed for the locks.

I ended up buying the DirectLift, but without a doubt I sometimes think how nice it would be if my lift was faster (especially when my F250 CC SB diesel is on it) and if I didn't have to hand pump the bridge jack. Lastly the bridge jack is low enough and ramps long enough that they clear a car I have with a little less than 3.5" of ground clearance.

Personally I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[tdkkart]

I shopped these 2 models in 2011. There are 3 other differences between the two which you also may want to factor into your decision.

- The Bendpak comes with a more powerful 220V motor compared to the DirectLift 120V motor. This means the Bendpak lifts a faster. A 220V motor is an option on the DirectLift.

- The Bendpak uses locks driven by compressed air while the DirectLift uses mechanical locks.

- The Bendpak bridge jacks are compressed air driven, while the DirectLift bridge jacks are hand pump jacks and how much you value not having to pump a jack to lift your vehicle.

Whether the differences are an advantage or not depends a bit on whether you have a 220V outlet correctly placed to support the lift as well as whether you have ready access to the compressed air needed for the locks.

I ended up buying the DirectLift, but without a doubt I sometimes think how nice it would be if my lift was faster (especially when my F250 CC SB diesel is on it) and if I didn't have to hand pump the bridge jack. Lastly the bridge jack is low enough and ramps long enough that they clear a car I have with a little less than 3.5" of ground clearance.

Personally I don't think you can go wrong with either.

A 220v motor may or may not lift faster. A 1HP 1750rpm motor will lift the same speed no matter if it's 120v or 220v.
I have 4 locations/orientations I can park the lift in my shop, 3 of them have a 120v plug within 6ft of where the motor will be.

SOME of the current Bendpak jacks are air driven, some are manual pumped. Of course the air driven ones are 2x the price.

Never saw the point of the air driven locks myself, if you like trinkets I guess they're OK.

You're right, don't think either is a bad choice.
For me it came down to the extra width of the PP9 in the end.

Mine is going in next Tuesday.

 

[Ray916MN]

A 220v motor may or may not lift faster. A 1HP 1750rpm motor will lift the same speed no matter if it's 120v or 220v.
.....

You're absolutely right, so let me make the point a bit clearer.

The Bendpak 220V motor has a higher hp rating than the 120V DirectLeft motor. As I recollect, the BendPak 220V motor is higher horsepower rating than the 220V DirectLift motor. My local DirectLift distributor who is familiar with Bendpaks confirmed that the 220V Bendpak lifts faster than the 120V DirectLift.

220V is indeed probably a negative for anyone who anticipates moving their lift around in their shop.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

I was looking at the pictures and specs of the Directlift and Bendpak and it appears to me that the on the Directlift 8000 ext that the cables on the outside of the posts reduces the width of what can be driven onto the runway. Am I wrong? Also how much extra for the 220 Volt motor?

 

[Delly]

What's wrong with a gregsmithequipment lift? They seem to have good deals on hem along with package deals for the 4post lifts..

 

[MagnumV8]

I have had the PP9 for 3 or 4 years now and love it.

 

[tdkkart]

What's wrong with a gregsmithequipment lift? They seem to have good deals on hem along with package deals for the 4post lifts..

Not alot, other than the Atlas lifts are not certified, which is a big deal for some.
I'd have to review my check sheet to see why else I disregarded them.

 

[Aquaticbob]

Not alot, other than the Atlas lifts are not certified, which is a big deal for some.

I'd have to review my check sheet to see why else I disregarded them.

You should pass on non certified lifts. All of the ones you should consider will be certified. I wouldn't consider it a bonus because all quality lifts will be certified

 

[ronstory]

Yes, it not the much more a CLI certified lift. When I last talked with POSSY this week, the next shipment will be delivered mid January, so looks like I put myself on the list.

I was really interested in buying a Bendpak, but just disappointed they went to the 'rev.m' (new narrow) model. The original version with 106" between columns would have worked just fine... and lots of clearance.

Thanks,
Ron