BendPak 4 Post Lifts (HD-7 or HD-9?)

This is my first technical post so take it easy on me.

My new garage is a 3 car (double door and single door) 24' deep X 30' wide and was wondering which lift was more suitable for the size of my garage. The lift will be going on the single car side which has a very high (up to roof peak - 18-20 ft. at the highest point). For the length and width of this garage am I better off with an HD-7 or an HD-9? Would a short runway lift be for me? Also, is the RJ-45 optional jack compatible with the HD-7? It says optional on their website but it only shows it for the HD-9. Any suggestions on how to start shopping for a 4 Post lift and what is the best route to go? I'd rather have it as narrow as possible to free up more floor space. I have a Cadillac CTS-V right now so it has to adequate enough for it's size. Thanks in advance.

Just did a HD9 in my garage which sounds just like yours
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Get the HD9. I got 2 jacks so I can lift the entire car off the ramps.

kevakasper said:

Just did a HD9 in my garage which sounds just like yours

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Get the HD9. I got 2 jacks so I can lift the entire car off the ramps.

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How high is your garage ceiling?

The side where I'm putting the lift is very high ~18 ft. I'm more worried about the width of the lift. I want to be able to walk around the car to work on ot


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My garage is about 31 x 20 or 21.

I got the HD7W. My single door is 8' wide and I'm glad I got the W. It takes up a little more space but it makes driving in and not worrying about hitting the posts worth it.

The HD-9 was too long for me. Not sure what the point of it is unless you have really long cars. My 911, both Ms and VW fit fine.

Hd-9 is a more usable versital lift. I would go with the 9 with two trolly jacks.

Versatel in what way? Weight capacity or do you think the extra length is helpful?

I'd do the biggest lift I could if space were no issue. With 20' depth, there was no way I'd do an HD-9.

How many times do u need to exceed 7k lbs?

I also went with an HD-7W for my 20 x 20 with 13' ceiling, mainly for the higher lift so I can park my SUV under it. These two models are identical except for the hydraulic ram assembly on the HD-7W that allows it to go higher. The difference in length is because they come with different length ramps. There is also a "Rev M" model of each that is narrower by 7 inches, which I also got to keep the posts away from the walls.

Everything you need to know about it right from JSK of Bendpak here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2703902&postcount=98

I got the HD9. I don't believe an HD7 was available back then. But as far as length is concerned the HD9 just barely fits my F150 long bed. The entrance ramps will only come 1/2 way down before they hang up on the underside of the tires. You need to make sure you ramp length is ~2' more than the maximum wheelbase you intend to put on it.

Also a 9000# lift will only lift 9000# when equal wheels loads are placed ~ 15% of the ramp length from each column. So practically speaking my lift is really a 6000# lift if I want to put any 6000# car anywhere along the lift without getting out the books and doing higher level math. Best to download the manual and check the numbers before you proceed. I'm not sure if my F150 would safely go on a HD7. For example on my 97" wheelbase Mercedes 560SL's, because the wheels are not near the post the lift is limited to 75% of its rated capacity ~ 6750#. Certainly not a problem for my 4000# Mercedes and usually as cars get shorter they get lighter. But not as much margin as you thought. And under no circumstance can you put over 4500# on one axel.

As far as my F150 goes because it is longer I get the full rated 9000# and I can lift the vehicle at full gross weight ~7000lb without issue. But the HD7 would not lift the full gross F150 because its 3500# axel limit would be exceeded. Then when was the last time I put an F150 on a lift loaded to full gross weight?

As far as width if your post are wider apart than your garage door this should not be an issue at all.

In conclusion. If your lift is being used to gain storage space and do routine maintenance for you CTS-V the HD7 is perfect. If you plane on using the lift at a somewhat professional level for heavy auto repair go for the HD9.

I got the HD-7.

Unless you're short (under 5'6") you'll hit your head on the HD-9. The extra height of the HD-7 will be nice with your higher ceilings so you can get it up out of the way.

Also I don't like how the ramps on the HD-9 hang down, further getting in your way and risking hitting your head.

According the Bendpak they are both built to the same strength, the HD-7 is just derated because the cylinder has less mechanical advantage given the height and short length.

I got the narrow version - I think you only need the wide if you have a dually pickup or something equally wide.

I also got 2 of the RJ-45 jacks with it.

sublimate said:

I got the HD-7.

I got the narrow version - I think you only need the wide if you have a dually pickup or something equally wide.

I also got 2 of the RJ-45 jacks with it.

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I believe my F150 would hit the mirrors on the posts with the narrow version. I know it was difficult getting it into a 9ft door 108". I would limit the narrow to cars only.