Two post lift. Too many to choose from?

[Turbo1002]

In the market for a two post lift for hobby use in my home garage. Must be made well enough to lift a Suburban down to a Saturn and work under it safely. Certification is a MUST! Have been looking at 10,000 lbs overhead units. These are the companies which I have bookmarked.
Challenger
Rotary
Gregsmith (Atlas)
Bendpak
Derek Weaver
Eagle
Danmar
Mohawk
If you would like to suggest another please list it. This is a major purchase for me and want to get it correct the first time. I do realize Mohawk stands way out in the lead, their construction is like none other. That said it is probably way too much for my needs.
As with most people cost is always a factor but not at the expense of injury.
What would make you chooses one lift over the other? They all seem the same without seeing it in person. For some reason I keep going back to the Gregsmith lifts. Not all the companies list their prices which makes it even more confusing. In the past I would say the more it cost the better construction. This is not so true anymore.
From what I have been researching not much if anything is still made in the USA anymore so what would make one of these lifts stand out in front of the other? Would I be making a mistake purchasing the Atlas Lift?
I appreciate all help offered. Thank you.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Target lifts
http://targetlifts.com

 

[brownbagg]

rotary, mohawk are the best

then really all the rest are second
bendpak is chinesse but pretty good quality.
really that whole list is good, it all depends on price for what you want

 

[Ign]

Hah! If you wanna see who might build various names check this out
http://www.autolift.org/ali-directory-of-certified-lifts/certified-lift-search/

eg select Challenger as the “participant.”

Doesn’t mean the products aren’t different but you can get a feel for who builds what. If they’re not listed w ALI they’re not one I’d trust anyway.

 

[Jazzman442]

There are only a few that you should look at:

Challenger Yes
Rotary Yes
Direct Lift Rotary Yes
Gregsmith (Atlas) Maybe maybe not
Bendpak Never never
Derek Weaver Yes
Eagle Yes
Danmar Never same as Bend ****
Mohawk Yes

 

[ZipSnafu]

There are only a few that you should look at:

Challenger Yes
Rotary Yes
Direct Lift Rotary Yes
Gregsmith (Atlas) Maybe maybe not
Bendpak Never never
Derek Weaver Yes
Eagle Yes
Danmar Never same as Bend ****
Mohawk Yes

May I ask why not BendPak... I love mine.

 

[lakeroadster]

From what I have been researching not much if anything is still made in the USA anymore so what would make one of these lifts stand out in front of the other?

Rotary still makes many of their lifts in Madison Indiana. Call them and tell them you want an American Made lift, they'll tell you which ones they make.

You can go watch them build it... https://vimeo.com/98950868

 

[cj7jeep81]

Rotary still makes many of their lifts in Madison Indiana. Call them and tell them you want an American Made lift, they'll tell you which ones they make.

You can go watch them build it...

Yeah, I wanted to get a Rotary (they are 30 minutes away), but ended up with a used one I found a deal on.

Here is basically what I have (just a different brand on mine).
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-PV-10P

Have lifted everything from my Accord to an F350 diesel super cab, including our Suburban. I did not like lifting the Ford, but everything else has been fine.

 

[zmotorsports]

I can't speak of any but my Ammco 10k 2n1 two-post. It is the sister to the Challenger Versa-lift. I like the fact that it is a symmetrical lift but has the telescoping triple section front arms which allow me to lift FWD cars in an asymmetrical configuration by positioning the car further back where the columns are near the dash yet still allow me to lift my heavy Duramax 2500.

I have two co-workers that have the Challenger and they seem to be equally satisfied. I purchased mine through my local NAPA when they had it listed in their "real deals" quarterly flyer.

I am glad to hear that you are wanting one that is ALI certified as many of the less expensive ones are not and I like the criteria a lift must pass to be ALI certified.

 

[Mike.ASC]

I've had a Nussbaum for 20 years now and it has worked flawlessly.

 

[pinesdune]

Just put this up a couple weeks ago, , Revolution RTP10, it’s an offshore sold by Rotary that’s certified. Cost $3600 Canadian funds. Lifted my 2500hd long box fine

Haven’t had it long enough to give a judgment on how good or bad it is, but it went up nice and is a solid well built lift for my use. I think if you look in the Mac tools shop flyer , it looks a heck of a lot like one they sell but painted red lol



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[naturalgas]

Just put this up a couple weeks ago, , Revolution RTP10, it’s an offshore sold by Rotary that’s certified. Cost $3600 Canadian funds. Lifted my 2500hd long box fine

Haven’t had it long enough to give a judgment on how good or bad it is, but it went up nice and is a solid well built lift for my use. I think if you look in the Mac tools shop flyer , it looks a heck of a lot like one they sell but painted red lol



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Pine, what is your ceiling height? I’m looking into two posts right now. I have a 12’ ceiling minus a couple inches for lights. I also want to be able to lift my F350 Crewcab diesel. Thanks


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[boosted-delslow]

Atlas Pv10 has served me well so far. I have picked up everything from civics to diesel pickups with no problem. If you live within driving distance of greg smith they are a little cheaper than the what they advertise on there website because they charge you for the free shipping.

 

[pinesdune]

Pine, what is your ceiling height? I’m looking into two posts right now. I have a 12’ ceiling minus a couple inches for lights. I also want to be able to lift my F350 Crewcab diesel. Thanks


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I’ve got over 15’ clearance, the lift measures a 1/2” under 12’ . The lift has a top cap assembly that you may be able to unbolt to stand the posts up then reassemble , but the hoist cylinders and pulleys bolt inside the cap

Yes the bolts were loose, yes I tightened them, thanks for asking the question and getting me back up there to find that [emoji106]


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[slimcake]

Forward Lift by Rotary. Love it. I also have 15' at the peak of my vault.

 

[JoeMayo]

What options for a 11' ceiling

 

[Scotts1200]

I have used Rotary and Bendpak
I never push the Rotary.
But the Bendpak I have push and push and push without any issues.
I have lifted a couple Ford Van Cut away Ambulances and a few Secret Oversized Miltary prototypes assault vehicles.
I wouldnt hesitate to buy or use a bendpak.
Ask people who have really used them and not some wannabe hater or haters.....
Just my honest opinion...


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[Turbo1002]

Think I finally decided to purchase a Revolution RPT10. Any reason why this would not be a good lift? It was a toss up between the Atlas Apex 10 sold by Greg Smith. The Revolution is about $400 more. Think that money is justifiable between these two lifts?

 

[BadDriver_GoodCar]

There are only a few that you should look at:

Challenger Yes
Rotary Yes
Direct Lift Rotary Yes
Gregsmith (Atlas) Maybe maybe not
Bendpak Never never
Derek Weaver Yes
Eagle Yes
Danmar Never same as Bend ****
Mohawk Yes

Two cents. I don't have the ceiling height so I'm looking at a QuickJack (have been for like a year), which is made by BendPak. Everyone I ever talked to with a Quickjack loves it, so hmm... They're obviously in the lift game for a reason and every negative comment to them isn't even about the lift but where its made. So basically if that's all that matters then you can pay thousands and thousands more for the same thing. Or just get the good certified lift, from what I can tell most BendPak is certified like every brand. And honestly better $$ for the value.

My two cents turned into a dollar. Sorry for the rant. The internet has enough trolls on it that don't do their research. At least think before you post.

 

[pinesdune]

Think I finally decided to purchase a Revolution RPT10. Any reason why this would not be a good lift? It was a toss up between the Atlas Apex 10 sold by Greg Smith. The Revolution is about $400 more. Think that money is justifiable between these two lifts?

Just one thing to mention, the rtp10 is a single piece column, I read the Atlas manual and it says it’s a two piece if that would make a difference to you or not

 

[minytrker]

I currently have 3 lifts (2 2 post & 1 4 post) at my house but have purchased 7 total all brand new. I have a 10k certified danmar and use it alot, highly recommend it. I lift my 4 door duramax dually with it with zero issues. Right next it I have a 9k lift from greg smith and its literally 1/2 weight and everything is alot thinner and smaller compared to the danmar. I installed all my lifts myself and the quality of the danmar seems to be the best but its the only 10k certified I have owned also.

 

[Nexussian]

I don't have a two post up right now (I have a used Rotary 9K, but it's not up yet), but for a new "hobby" lift I was impressed with dad's new Advantage 4 post.

They make 2 post lifts as well.

http://advantagelifts.us/2-post-lifts

 

[R. Deschain]

I have a Rotary Revolution RTP10 10K lb capacity 2-post. HERE is a video of my thoughts on the lift, it in action, and what I might have done or do differently next time.

 

[skipnay]

Which of the lifts are certified? That will probably be my choice when it comes to the final decision.

 

[fastjohnny]

No complaints with my Direct Lift PV10P, same as Atlas. Best purchase for my garage period.

 

[lakeroadster]

Which of the lifts are certified? That will probably be my choice when it comes to the final decision.

Wise choice. Here is a link: Search Directory of Certified Lifts

 

[Turbo1002]

Have spoken with a Rotary representative. The Rotary does not have 3 stage arms so loading symmetric and asymmetric is not possible. The Revolution and Forward do have this capability. Does anyone know the differences between the Revolution Rpt10 and Forward It10. I am so confused as to why a parent company would own so many different subsidiary companies? Unless, there is a quality difference. Such as Gm's line up Cadillac being the top then GMC and finally Chevy. Rotary would be the best. Which would follow? Never thought a simple purchase could be so confusing? Want to purchase a Dover product because they are a proven company with many years of production. But can't seem to figure out which is the best bang for the dollar. My wallet is saying just get the Atlas apex 10. It is certified and much cheaper.

 

[pinesdune]

Have spoken with a Rotary representative. The Rotary does not have 3 stage arms so loading symmetric and asymmetric is not possible. The Revolution and Forward do have this capability. Does anyone know the differences between the Revolution Rpt10 and Forward It10. I am so confused as to why a parent company would own so many different subsidiary companies? Unless, there is a quality difference. Such as Gm's line up Cadillac being the top then GMC and finally Chevy. Rotary would be the best. Which would follow? Never thought a simple purchase could be so confusing? Want to purchase a Dover product because they are a proven company with many years of production. But can't seem to figure out which is the best bang for the dollar. My wallet is saying just get the Atlas apex 10. It is certified and much cheaper.

The folks that sold me my rtp10, sold rotary as well, basically said if I’m lifting 6-8 vehicles a day, buy the rotary, one to two -get the revolution. If you like the Atlas lift, and it will do what you want, go for it, when I researched lifts most opinions were based off what guys used every day, and 95% of guys recommended a rotary or bendpak, and I’m guessing that’s because that’s the primary brands available since Christ was a cowboy, I’m guessing the mentality is my dad/friend/cousins uncle had a “rotary/bendpak” that’s what I’m getting, but everyone said get one that’s certified.

 

[Ggg]

I saw Lake's link to the ALI website, I know there is a CE certification which is used in Europe to certify lifts. I don't know if there are more lift certification organizations but does anybody have any input on certified lifts by someone other than ALI?

 

[1BADLS1tuner]

I have had a Atlas PV10P from gregsmith for several years...I originally purchased it as my personal garage lift. Then I became self employed, and use it all day everyday, been a great lift for the money! I use is on diesel trucks on a regular basis and it hasn't skipped a beat! Will be buying more from Greg Smith for my new shop.

 

[firebirdparts]

My best friend has a bendpak and I love it. Seems awfully nice to me. Nicer than my lift.

 

[firebirdparts]

What options for a 11' ceiling

What I did was get a floor cable two-post lift and then just be careful. if you get overhead cables, however high they may be, that just eats into the headroom.

 

[mrobins297aaa]

here's my Bendpak XPR 10CX doing everything from emptying my 8 gallon under car oil container to lifting my F250 super duty 7.3 diesel.
I've had it about 6 years and have no complaints

 

[Kewadiak]

does anyone have the new rotary trio arms? are they worth it? or just go with the old style round adapters with a set of truck adapters?

 

[lakeroadster]

here's my Bendpak XPR 10CX doing everything from emptying my 8 gallon under car oil container to lifting my F250 super duty 7.3 diesel.
I've had it about 6 years and have no complaints

Nicely done.. Having a lift makes you wonder how you ever lived without one. Best tool I've ever owned for sure.

____________________________________________________________________________

Have spoken with a Rotary representative. The Rotary does not have 3 stage arms so loading symmetric and asymmetric is not possible.

Must have been an old conversation... or the Rep. isn't up to date

Rotary Lift's TRIO Arm

__________________________________________________________________________

I saw Lake's link to the ALI website, I know there is a CE certification which is used in Europe to certify lifts. I don't know if there are more lift certification organizations but does anybody have any input on certified lifts by someone other than ALI?

Why another company?

Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).... They began testing automotive lifts and awarding certifications for them as early as 1945. Nobody offers as much authority on the subject as they do.

Research the codes and standard numbers / data on the gold label (see below).... that should build your confidence that you need look no further

 

[Handyandy23]

Why another company?

Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).... They began testing automotive lifts and awarding certifications for them as early as 1945. Nobody offers as much authority on the subject as they do.

Research the codes and standard numbers / data on the gold label (see below).... that should build your confidence that you need look no further

I can understand the confidence in the ALI certification, but I don't think it necessarily means other certification processes are inferior. From ALI's own website they talk about the main difference between CE and ALI being the electrical code, given that North American electrical differs from European electrical. That might mean ALI is more applicable and helpful for us in NA, but I also don't think it means lifts are dropping cars on people's heads over in Europe.

These certifications also use some kind of "safety factor" that is relatively arbitrary. ALI tests lifts by loading them up to 150% of their load rating and checking for any visual deformation, but who in their right mind is lifting a 13,500 lb vehicle with a 9,000 lb lift? And if your 'average' hobby type 2-post lift is rated about 9,000 lb, why do I need a lift structurally built to lift 13,500 lb to raise a 4,000 lb car a few times a month?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying ALI isn't a very good thing to have, but you also have to have some common sense about what you are buying, and what your intended uses are. If you're buying a lift for commercial use and heavy equipment versus occasional use and lighter loads.

You also get what you inspect, not what you expect. If your lift is ALI certified or not, you still need to do regular preventative maintenance and checks. At the end of the day the liability is on the owner of the lift, and if there was a failure on an ALI lift the onus is still on the owner to make sure it is operating correctly and safely.

Again, ALI certification is ideal, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying one, but I also think there's more than one way to skin a cat. It's a big world, and just because ALI is what is commonly accepted here doesn't make everything else wrong.

Just my two cents.

 

[lakeroadster]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying ALI isn't a very good thing to have, but you also have to have some common sense about what you are buying, and what your intended uses are. If you're buying a lift for commercial use and heavy equipment versus occasional use and lighter loads.

End use means nothing based on the manner of the tests that are done.

The value of testing every lift to 150% of capacity means a clean slate for all manufacturers... you tell ALI or any other testing facility what it's rated for.. they test it at 150% capacity.

Have you seen Greg Smiths video where they tested a 2 post lift at 150% capacity... and it failed miserably. Here's a link:

Not sure how you think common sense would factor into that lift, from a buyers perspective. How would you know it was going to fail.. unless it is tested.

Caveat Emptor

 

[mrobins297aaa]

Nicely done.. Having a lift makes you wonder how you ever lived without one. Best tool I've ever owned for sure.

Thanks, there's lots of uses besides lifting cars. best tool I've ever owned also.

 

[firebirdparts]

They are fabulous. They'll make you walk like a millionaire.

 

[firebirdparts]

Have you seen Greg Smiths video where they tested a 2 post lift at 150% capacity... and it failed miserably.

Not sure how you think common sense would factor into that lift, from a buyers perspective. How would you know it was going to fail.. unless it is tested.

Caveat Emptor

They deliberately destroyed the lift on camera, that was their purpose. None of us would do that. So I think there is a place for common sense.

I am not defending the lift, I don't want one. I appreciate the certification and any attention to safety that the various suppliers can give. But I also understand that with enough modification, I can make a certified lift fail on purpose if I want to.