Cheap lift (Dannmar or Classic Lift) vs Bend Pak HD9-ST?

Sorry for the lifts questions, I'm almost ready to pull the trigger. I had my mind made up on a HD9, even with the (IMO) PITA air requirement but both dealers I spoke to suggested considering their cheaper lifts, one being a Dannmar D7 the other a Classic CL8K-DS. Both are similar in price, around $600 less than the HD9.

The lift wil be used for storage and occasional servicing, not high traffic at all. Any thoughts? The Bend Pak air requirment is a nuisance to me (I understand it is an added safety feture), maybe it's easier to deal with that I imagine? I don't usually have air on in my garage, my tank is so leaky it would always be dry when it comes time to get my car down.

Thanks.

I don't think you'll get any replies that will surprise you. I just want to point out the following.

- The Bendpak lifts are certified and can be used in a comerical operation.
- I think there is no doubt that the bendpak is a higher quality unit. For the total cost and the hassle/cost of install that $600 extra might be good insurance.
- 10 years from now... are you going to be able to find parts/info for these lifts? I'd say yes to the bendpak based simply on the number of them out there. The others?

It sounds like I'm pushing the bendpak but I'm in the same boat as you in trying to decide. This is the 1st I've heard about air requirement for the bendpak's, can you tell me more?

two years ago i was doing the same comparisons, on the same lifts. i didn't want to deal with the air locks either and ended up buying a dannmar D7X (longer, wider). i'm just a hobby user too and have had no problems at all with my dannmar, totally pleased with it... i got mine through Costco.com

As mentioned in several threads here...the air requirement for the BendPaks is to release the airlocks. I prefer this arrangement over mechanical latches.

Anyhow, there's now an option for the BendPaks to no longer need external air. It's a small cylinder that is pressurized when the lift is raised from air escaping the ram. Etek has one.

I have a Directlift. It has stronger arms, bigger base for the columns, and column is thick gauge steel than BendPak.

Check out Greg Smith Equipment.

71Canam said:

I have a Directlift. It has stronger arms, bigger base for the columns, and column is thick gauge steel than BendPak.

Check out Greg Smith Equipment.

Click to expand...

That must be why the Dannmar D7 and the Classic CL8K-DS are rated for 2000 and 1000 less pounds then the HD9.

Matt M said:

As mentioned in several threads here...the air requirement for the BendPaks is to release the airlocks. I prefer this arrangement over mechanical latches.

Anyhow, there's now an option for the BendPaks to no longer need external air. It's a small cylinder that is pressurized when the lift is raised from air escaping the ram. Etek has one.

Click to expand...

Both distributors recommended not getting the BP air cylinder, one mentioned the lift needed to be lifted to the top to properly pressurize the cylinder. That will not be an option in my garage. And it's $200.

71Canam, I'd forgotten about the Direct Lift, thanks. Another option to consider!

71Canam said:

I have a Directlift. It has stronger arms, bigger base for the columns, and column is thick gauge steel than BendPak.

Check out Greg Smith Equipment.

Click to expand...

I'd double-check that info Canam.....

I also did ALL the comparisons....and settled on a BP HD9 as well. The quality, construction, safety, certificaion AND customer service is SECOND to NONE - as evidenced over the years here on GJ. Most guys here own a BP lift, as evidenced by a recent poll. Few - if any - had any issues with them.

If $600 and air is the difference, I'd go with the BP. You'll just end up wishing you did. Also, the air cylinders DON'T need a full-raise to pressurize, as the safety locsk only require about 25psi to activate and the cylinder pressurizes to that way before top end. Regardless, I often just have my little compressor nearby and use that to activate locks to lower. (Almost EVERY time I put a car on the lift I check air pressures, so it may as well be close by!)

There's just too much riding on a lift purchase to cheap out - like living with your decision for the next 30 years!

The bendpak has dual safety locks. So of course it cost a few hundred more, because it has more parts and design in it. Also the air lock system is really smooth and works great, and eliminates the long interconnecting linkage's other style lock systems.

Another thing on my pro's list when I was buying that doesn't get mentioned much is that the ladder bar system allows adjustment on each column to compensate for unlevel or sloping floors. My garage floor (like most) slope towards the bay door alot for drainage. So when the runways are down they lay flat on the floor and slope with it. But once you raise the runways they engage on the locking points level.

When I asked other lift manufactures about this they said you could put spacer blocks under the low posts. Well they'd be like 1.5" thick, and that end of the runways would not touch the floor anymore, and I have a few lowered vehicles that still scrape the lift crossbar with the runways on the ground and the extended aluminum approach ramps. So this was not an option for me. So there are a few reasons why the BP isn't as cheap as the others, that's because it has more features.

e-tek said:

I also did ALL the comparisons....and settled on a BP HD9 as well.

Also, the air cylinders DON'T need a full-raise to pressurize, as the safety locsk only require about 25psi to activate and the cylinder pressurizes to that way before top end.

Click to expand...

Same experience here.

There's a lot of good ones out there. I've had a Direct Lift 4 post and 2 post and have been happy with both of them.