2-post lift capacity

[gj67stang]

I've been looking at lifts recently - specifically 2-post lifts. The largest vehicle I have that would be on the lift is a Dodge 2500 MegaCab 4x4 Cummins which weighs in right at 7500 pounds full of fluids. Is a 9,000 pound lift adequate, or should I really consider stepping up to a 10,000 or even 12,000 pound lift? I am leaning towards US-made lifts to get away from the over-rating that is sometimes found with the Chinese lifts.

 

[32roadster]

call Danny at Kwik-lift
918-629-5080
You can get an AMERICAN built Challenger lift for a reasonable number.

 

[blk00ss]

I have an older 9k rotary lift. Picked my 2500 cummins up just fine, numerous times.

 

[ron in sc]

My rotary lift is a little newer. I think I had it about 7 years. Rated capacity is 10,000 lbs.

 

[Ign]

If it were me I'd go 12k. 10k will do it, but that's a long truck and a lot of leverage on the arms. 12k's are more beefy all around.

 

[WhiffySpark]

12k lifts are pretty rare in the professional environment

 

[vhol5]

I have a cheap *** Chinese lift rated @ 9000 lbs. Lifted my dually many times. 8400 lbs on half a tank. Felt pretty sturdy, but I always used a tripod stand on the front end...

 

[gj67stang]

Thanks for all the input. I've got my eyes on a used 9000 pound Challenger lift right now.

To those who have put full size trucks on their lifts: how cramped is it to climb out of the door once it's in position?

 

[WhiffySpark]

Put it in neutral and roll it in

 

[MagKarl]

It sounds like most folks don't trust the lift manufacturer's load ratings. Any reason for this?

 

[gj67stang]

It sounds like most folks don't trust the lift manufacturer's load ratings. Any reason for this?

A lot of the "cheaper" lifts out there are manufactured in China. Historically, China is not know for quality manufacturing. Not a huge deal when you're talking about some small gadget, toy, clothing, or even small tool, but once you're lifting 3+ tons above your head, weld quality and material properties become a little more important. Just because their lift is rated at XXXX pounds, doesn't mean every one coming out of their factory is capable of lifting said amount.

2-post lift failure

 

[Diesel Dan]

Lifted 3/4-1 ton diesels many times on my 10K worth.

 

[Ign]

Thanks for all the input. I've got my eyes on a used 9000 pound Challenger lift right now.

To those who have put full size trucks on their lifts: how cramped is it to climb out of the door once it's in position?

On my '08 Superduty ECLB it's damn tight, and I've got the extra wide model and I'm not exactly overweight. But if you had the narrower version, you might actually pull up a touch more because the arms would have more reach being that they're already starting closer to the vehicle? Unless the narrow lifts get shorter arms (dunno)? And none of this accounts for manufacturer differences from BP to Worth to Rotary etc.

An '08 GMC CCSB is noticeably better despite what should be similar wb's; the Superduty doors are just HUGE. The doors on my friend's '12 Ram 1500 seem similarly ginormous....but not certain.

But last time w my Superduty I wound up liking a position forward enough that the door actually *just barely* skimmed the front of the column, so then it opened until it hit my power unit (location of power unit, of course, varies and can be changed). I didn't choose this position of the truck for door-opening convenience but because it lifted well IMO

 

[pattenp]

No matter what lift weight capacity you get the weakest link could be your concrete. Make sure the concrete you're fastening the lift to can handle the size lift you get.

 

[Jlbc212]

I liked the thought buying an American made Challenger lift. When I ordered mine I was told it would take 4 weeks to arrange for delivery. After 4 weeks I was told it would take another 4 weeks. After 8 weeks the delivery got messed up and I was told it would cost me another $500 to get the lift delivered. I gave up. I drove 20 minutes from my garage to a Greg Smith Equipment outlet. They had several lifts in stock available for immediate pickup. I bought an Atlas Apex 10 Plus. They loaded it onto my trailer and I installed it within two days. The lift works well raising my Ford F250 6.7 diesel. It should be easier and less aggravation to buy American made than to buy such an item manufactured and shipped all the way from China, but sadly it isn't.

 

[Diesel Dan]

It should be easier and less aggravation to buy American made than to buy such an item manufactured and shipped all the way from China, but sadly it isn't.

Can't complain about my USA made Worth lift.
Recently ordered my second one, 8-10 week lead time for a custom order. They are pretty busy right now.

 

[MoparCharlie]

The real deciding factor will be the thickness of your floor.

up to 10K you will need 4" concrete

12K you will need 6" concrete.

If you buy a lift that is ALI certified it is tested at 3X load rating, so a 10K lift will be fine if you floor is not thick enough for a 12K.

 

[bobcatdan]

If space permits, it look for the hoist with the best compromise of width and arm reach. From there I'd look at a 10k simply to get the bit beefier arms since they will be pulled out farther on a lift set to its widest points. If I ever build a bigger shop and decide I want a hoist, I'm going to seriously look at the *** reaming for a new rotary in ground.