Bendpak Grandprix to the Backyard Buddy...

[D-train]

I have been watching for a Bendpak Grandprix (4 post) group buy on here, and for any notice on it being certified. I have yet to see either.

I just got an email that the Backyard Buddy is $1k off (sale) and the email said that they are offering an additional $500 off on Black Friday.

I may have to pivot to the Backyard Buddy and pull the trigger next week.

Mark

 

[FarmerRick]

I haven't even seen that they are selling the Grandprix's yet.

I've been looking at the other 3 that import this style of lift(Advantage, Wildfire, and Triumph). Any particular reason you are leaning towards either one?

Seems BYB and Bendpak are $500-1000 more than the others

Just seen BYB website says 4-6 week lead time, that's a bit long... I want a 9000xlt before Christmas.

I'm leaning towards Advantage right now.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I bought the Advantage Lift 9000XLT, zero regrets. I did tons of reading before pulling the trigger. The product is worth it, and you get more upgrades as standard options.

Give Tony at Advantage a call, the guy really knows his stuff.

 

[jaysberman]

Had a Back yard Buddy for years - had no problems

 

[ssffnomad]

1 of three e have is a BYB. No issues, very safe

 

[L James]

I have been watching for a Bendpak Grandprix (4 post) group buy on here, and for any notice on it being certified. I have yet to see either.

I just got an email that the Backyard Buddy is $1k off (sale) and the email said that they are offering an additional $500 off on Black Friday.

I may have to pivot to the Backyard Buddy and pull the trigger next week.

Mark

Mark,

Curious, what does that bring the BYB 4 post lift to in terms of cost?

Looking for sometime as well.

 

[D-train]

Sorry for a delayed response... They are showing the classic BYB at $3995 (that is with the $1000 off for ALL of their units). Tomorrow it drops to $3495 ($500 off), for that day only. On Monday, it is back to $3995 but they are offering 40% off of all accessories.

They are about 4-6 weeks out. I'm not in a hurry as I have just moved in and I have the garage packed.

For me, I think that there are two reasons that I may go with the BYB...
1.)While the competitors have 5 inch posts and 5-1/2 inch posts... I am tight with space in the garage. So the 4 inch posts on the BYB may afford me a couple of inches.
2.)I may opt for the 220v lift motor/pump.
1.)American made (especially the lift motor/pump).

I haven't decided on the workforce or service lift. As my Ram 1500 quadcab has a 160 inch wheelbase, I am going with a longer lift. ...and it weighs in at 5500lbs. So a 7000lb lift is fine.

BYB lifts --> https://steelvalleylifts.com/product-category/lifts/

I know that people will rip on my decision. So be it. I have thick skin.

Mark

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Price the Advantage before you pull the trigger. Then compare the BYB priced with all the extra options you get standard with the Advantage.

 

[Snip]

Another vote for Tony at Advantage lifts. I met him at the Mecum auction earlier this year. They had one of their 4 posts operational on site, nicely done unit. Tony was very knowledgeable on their product line. I wasn't ready for the lift yet as my shop wasn't built yet. Tony was very understanding and made me a great deal on the lift i wanted along with the air over hydraulic trolly jack with a small down payment and delayed delivery.

 

[D-train]

Actually late last night, when I was comparing, I see that the Advantage lifts are having a clearance sale. ...look to be about $500 off.

 

[dagofast]

Another vote for Advantage and Tony from me. I'm extremely happy with our SS9000 XLT lift and Tony's support before, during and most importantly, after the sale, has been excellent.

 

[D-train]

As it turned out (as I previously posted) Advanced had a closeout sale. ...turned out ot be about $500 off of all three of their single car lifts. The only difference is these lifts had black runners/ramps/rails, not red.)

So I purchased the 9000XLT. I'll have it delivered right before Christmas. (once I have the garage cleaned out!)

Mark

 

[Snip]

Mark,
Same one I have on delayed delivery. Glad you got a good deal on it. Keep us posted on the delivery, packaging and assembly process if you can. From my dealings with Tony I think you will be pleased.

Snip

 

[D-train]

I'm finally getting back to post an update...

Delivery-Fed Ex lost the lift. Two or three days later, they called to say that they had found it. ...in a trailer parked in the destination freight yard. It hadn't been scanned in. When I picked it up, the aluminum spacer plate that Advantage had strapped to the hoist was gone. It took another two days for them to find that. So after about a week past the delivery date, I had the whole order. I was ok with that, because I wasn't in a hurry, and this was between Christmas and New Year's.

Packaging-The packaging was good. The condition of the lift's components was good. ...probably the only complaint is that the stickers on the crossmembers ("9000XLT" and the warning sticker) are somewhat peeling. lol ...other than that, everything good.

Unloading from my trailer and assembly--I had a hand unloading and unpacking it from my trailer. However when it came to assembly, I couldn't find a sole to give me a hand (just about all family and friends have health issues, or too far away) So I assembled it myself. ...with my wife occasionally spotting or providing a second set of hands when needed. I did it all with an engine hoist, a floor jack and some plywood. I have the sore ab muscles to prove it. I followed the four part video on youtube for the assembly. The instructions were dated and way too sparse to follow.

I assembled it over the course of a couple of weekends. ...just because I didn't have the time. I am now at the point where I will fill the fluid and plug it in.

There are probably some points where I had to figure some things out. ...but then again I am a little slow. (and move slowly as you can tell) I have mine in the single bay of a three-car garage. So it was some "musical chairs" to use the engine hoist with limited side space. One thing to keep in mind with the lift... You really need 3 feet of space on both ends. To insert the locking rods. ...an overhead door on one side is fine. ...but you need space on the other end.

If I have any issues or updates after my fill and first use, I will update this.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[LPD ret]

Got my Advantage Lift about 4 years ago. Got the show price from Tony and picked it up myself with a friend's trailer. My 14 year old (at the time) grandson and I assembled the posts and the cross bars, etc. Then, my son and some buddies stopped over and lifted the tracks into place. My grandson and I finished up the rest and within a few hours from the start we had my daughter's car riding up for the maiden run. Between the included instructions and videos, the assembly was pretty straight-forward. It gets used pretty often, but currently is storing my '07 Vette. Summer 2020 I picked up the air/pneumatic bridge jack at the Mopar Nationals and that greatly increases the usefulness of the lift. I have 12'6" ceiling height and I can raise cars to the top stop with plenty of clearance - so I bypassed the top limit switch just to clean up the wiring. I don't miss laying on the floor to work on cars any longer!

 

[brownbagg]

BYB is a better lift

 

[D-train]

So I got to the point of filling it. The video says that they use AW 32. (so that is what I bought) However the sticker on the tank, and the manual say to use "L-HM46". Can AW 46 be substituted for AW 32 ???

Thanks,

Mark

 

[dagofast]

I think every Advantage lift I've seen runs AW32. Just filler' up and get to lifting.

 

[LPD ret]

BYB is a better lift

I used my friend's BYB often before I got my Advantage. The BYB is a very good lift, yes. Having used both, I am very satisfied with the Advantage.

 

[D-train]

Well, I'll talk to Advantage on Monday. I think that the confusion of having sub-par (out of date) instructions, and the videos on youtube cover their old models. Are what I am disappointed with. The lift... I am happy with.

They made improvements to the lift, one of which is a limit switch on the power unit. However, that isn't on mine. So I don't know if I have an old unit, or a new one, that they are not aware of the oil type change, or what. I'll find out on Monday. (I'm not to worried about the limit switch. I do have a low ceiling, buy I'll pay close attention when raising it.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[dagofast]

D-train, Not totally certain butI think the limit switch is a "by request" item. Just give Tony a text or call. And you don't need to wait until Monday, he always answers his phone if at all possible.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

So I got to the point of filling it. The video says that they use AW 32. (so that is what I bought) However the sticker on the tank, and the manual say to use "L-HM46". Can AW 46 be substituted for AW 32 ???

Thanks,

Mark

You can use either 32 or 46. I keep ISO 46 on hand for my skid steer, when I spoke to Tony, he said it was fine to use. 32 works better in colder temps where 46 would be a bit slower. The 46 performs better in hotter temps.

 

[D-train]

Yes, I did speak to them today. They confirmed to use the AW 32. ...and confirmed that the limit switch was an add-on. I asked them to ship it. ...since I do have a ceiling height to contend with. ...and as a "just in case" if there is a micro-switch problem. ( I had read some posts with other vendors. ...and Ken from Advantage did say that can happen, but usually with high use cases) He was nice enough to send it out at no charge.

So I am all set to fill'er up and fire it up.

Thanks for all of the input!

Mark

 

[frankush]

I see that the Bendpak Grandprix, both the 2 and 4 posts now have their ALI certification.

 

[St-rider]

Just an FYI, I got an email from Steel Valley (Backyard Buddy) yesterday saying they lowered their prices.

..... You can expect the same high-quality American made lifts, now at the best prices ever. All our lift prices have been reduced by $1,000!......

 

[OutlawDrifter]

That's a heavy discount, seems like they must have had quite a margin packed in!

 

[dagofast]

So my Advantage Lift is for all intents ALI Certified and I got it for less than an inflated Back Yard Buddy? Thanks Advantage!

 

[JSK]

Hey Dago,

It might be well built, but don't think any Advantage Lift is ALI certified. Either is Backyard Buddy.

https://www.autolift.org/ali-directory-of-certified-lifts/certified-lift-search/

Hope it performs to your liking though. Bet it's nice to finally have a lift!

 

[dagofast]

Hey Dago,

It might be well built, but don't think any Advantage Lift is ALI certified. Either is Backyard Buddy.

https://www.autolift.org/ali-directory-of-certified-lifts/certified-lift-search/

Hope it performs to your liking though. Bet it's nice to finally have a lift!

No, my Advantage isn't ALI certified. But I'm honestly not concerned it isn't. It is a great lift, well designed and well constructed. And yes! It is likely the best thing I've ever bought myself for the garage.