2-Post Lift Decision

[Flipper88]

Well the decision has been made. I am getting a two post lift at the end of January. I’ll be down in Salem Oregon for training that week right next to Greg Smith Equipment. I have done enough research to feel comfortable with the Atlas brand lift. My question to you guys is what size is common for home use? I am debating between the 9,000lb and the 10,000lb. I will do overhead on either since ceiling clearance is not an issue. The largest vehicle I have is a 1996 F350 crew cab that weighs around 7500lb. The 10,000lb intrigues me because it lifts a few inches taller and I am no short man. I just am having trouble justifying the extra $$$ for it. Any major drawbacks or attributes to either? A complete rookie here am not knowledgeable on lifts at all accept for what I read on the internet. Thanks!

The two I’m debating between:

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/#/Atlas-10OHSC-Overhead-2-Post-Lift

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/#Atlas-9KOH.

 

[ct03911]

I am waiting for a 10k Apex plus to come in to Greg Smith, NH.

It is frustrating because I've been waiting probably over six weeks and I still don't know when it will arrive. Apparently when it's on a ship there is zero information, like lost in space.

That aside and the fact is is really screwing up my winter storage plans, I picked a 10k lift because my 2500HD Duramax has a front axle weight of 4500lbs.

I'd max out a 9k lift. You might want to put your 3500 on the scales before you pick between a 9k and 10k, even if it's a gas truck. Probably still heavy up front and close to a 9k lift limit on the front arms.

The Apex has three stage front arms and is assymetric. This gives me the best options to lift a low profile, short wheelbase sports car to the truck and still maybe get a door open.

I just wish they had one to sell...

Oh, and Atlas seems to be the only overhead supported lift that makes a 10k that fits in my 11', 11 3/8" ceiling garage. Challenger, Forward, Bendpak and Rotary all require 12'. I don't have that.

Mohawk makes one but they have not returned my calls, probably are stupid expensive and seems to get mixed reviews on equalization so I'm just waiting on the Atlas Apex 10k.

 

[Flipper88]

ct03911- I will be in training right down the street pretty much from the distributor and was told they have over 15 of each in stock. I will be sure to call before heading down though. Sorry to hear about your shipping troubles.. Last time I was at the dump empty my truck weighed in at 7300lbs and some change and that’s with one tank empty and the other under half.

Kevin54- I think the height factor is going to be the biggest reason that pushes me towards spending the extra dough on a 10,000lb. The 10k model I’m looking at is their “Extra Tall” version and will lift the arms up to 6’2” and with me being 6’1” that is very tempting. Being on such a tight budget ***** because deep down I know I should spring for the bigger lift I am just impatient.. one of my worst qualities…

 

[Vet65te]

CT03911 - I've been scanning the various 2-post lift vendors websites to the point where all the specs are running together. I have sort of the same issue because the ceiling in my working garage is 11' 6" but I only found one non-baseplate lift made by Atlas (Greg Smith) that came close and that was the 9KOH. I say 'close' because the upper telescoping section can be set for two heights, one at 11' 10" and a lower position of 11' 6" but I'd be tight up against the sheetrock (finished walls and ceiling). You mentioned you found a Greg Smith Atlas lift that would fit your 11' 3/8" ceiling, is it a baseplate style lift?

 

[ct03911]

CT03911 - I've been scanning the various 2-post lift vendors websites to the point where all the specs are running together. I have sort of the same issue because the ceiling in my working garage is 11' 6" but I only found one non-baseplate lift made by Atlas (Greg Smith) that came close and that was the 9KOH. I say 'close' because the upper telescoping section can be set for two heights, one at 11' 10" and a lower position of 11' 6" but I'd be tight up against the sheetrock (finished walls and ceiling). You mentioned you found a Greg Smith Atlas lift that would fit your 11' 3/8" ceiling, is it a baseplate style lift?

Vet,
Sorry for my typo. I edited my reply. My ceiling is 11', 11 3/8".

 

[Marcm157]

I'm picking up the 9KOH from Greg Smith in New Hampshire in 2 weeks. I too did a lot of research and chose that one because of price and generally good reviews. The heaviest vehicle I currently own is my F150 so I see no issues with weight. I have 12' 1" floor to sheet rock ceiling.

 

[Jlbc212]

I have an Atlas 10k lift with the double s columns, three stage front arms and two stage rear arms. It easily lifts my F350 supercab. I've also had a Mazda Miata on it. The arms are very versatile.

 

[NotV8]

If you can wing it, go for the 12K. I went there to pick up the 10K and went home with 12K (didn't know I will be owning a diesel truck)….

 

[onebadbowtie86]

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-PV-9P

I bought that lift a couple years ago and love it. Lifts my 2011 duramax that weighs just under 8k lbs easily. Supposedly these lifts have a 1.5 time safety rating, so the 9k needs to be able to lift 13.5k with out failure.

 

[Flipper88]

Monday the 25th I will head down there to purchase my lift. Not sure if I want to haul around the car trailer for 4 days while I’m down there so I think I will make a return trip to pick It up after. Looking forward to checking out their showroom but I think I have my mind made up. I am going to go for the Atlas® 10-OHSC. 10,000lb list capacity should be more than I will ever need. But I want it there if I need it. Once I get it I will update this thread with pictures of the installation processes.

 

[Rod N]

Take a tape measure with you. When my lift was delivered it was almost 2 inches higher that the brochure. I had to cut out the ceiling to accommodate the lift and luckily I had not capped it of yet so it was fine. Plus to stand it up you need more height than when it is actually standing.

 

[Flipper88]

Add says 12’ 7.5” tall and I have 15’ until the rafters so it should fit regardless. I had some scrap 12x12’s laying around so I was scooting them around and measured them 11’ 5 3/8” apart to find out where I want them. Not the final location but I have them offset and at an angle as to be able to fit a car between the lift and the shop wall on the left. I think I am going to scoot them back towards the door a foot or two still.

 

[Falcon67]

The largest vehicle I have is a 1996 F350 crew cab that weighs around 7500lb.

Have you weighed it, really? It must be a diesel because our F350 super cab DRW 7.5L gas only weighs 5800 lbs wet.

 

[Flipper88]

Have you weighed it, really? It must be a diesel because our F350 super cab DRW 7.5L gas only weighs 5800 lbs wet.

Yes I have. Last time it was on the scales at the local dump it was just under 7500lbs with two bodies in it and one tank of fuel was empty and one tank around a half. And yes it is a diesel.

 

[zollster]

Go with the Atlas PV10P. You will never regret it! It is very well built. I have never had any issues with mine.

 

[Flipper88]

Go with the Atlas PV10P. You will never regret it! It is very well built. I have never had any issues with mine.

What are the differences?

 

[Falcon67]

Yes I have. Last time it was on the scales at the local dump it was just under 7500lbs with two bodies in it and one tank of fuel was empty and one tank around a half. And yes it is a diesel.

Good deal - I was kinda shocked when I put ours on the scales, I expected much more.

 

[killahog]

Flipper , congratulations on getting a lift looking at the pictures you posted I thought I would make a suggestion. when you wire it up run a wire down the left side of your lift and install a receptacle . I can see you have one on the right side ,but one on the other side will save you a lot of trips around the truck.

 

[Flipper88]

Flipper , congratulations on getting a lift looking at the pictures you posted I thought I would make a suggestion. when you wire it up run a wire down the left side of your lift and install a receptacle . I can see you have one on the right side ,but one on the other side will save you a lot of trips around the truck.

I have a total of 6 4 plug power boxes in the main shop area. One of which will be next to the lift on the right side as you see. Another is right across on the mirroring post on the other side. Pretty much all my tools are battery driven or air driven so I’m not too concerned with power.

Getting really excited about it! Anyone want to share pictures of your lift?

 

[nyhuntr]

I have the Atlas pv10 and glad I got it. A little over kill isn't bad. Just my two cents. Good Luck Ny

 

[overkill 19]

Just remember your lift is rated weight per arm not total weight.

My 2012 Dodge 3500 mega cab 6.7 with 3/4 tank and me in truck weighs 8333lbs BUT is 5004lbs on the front tires. So IMO I'm maxed out on a 10000lbs lift. 2500lbs per arm. Which a quality lift is true your 1.5x the rating. I'd put my truck on a 10000lbs Rotary, Challanger CL, or comparable lifts all day long.
You really have to watch the diesels some are crazy front heavy, I was shocked when I weighed mine, I even went to another scale cause I didn't believe it! Be safe...not sorry.

 

[stratman1]

Well the decision has been made. I am getting a two post lift at the end of January. I’ll be down in Salem Oregon for training that week right next to Greg Smith Equipment. I have done enough research to feel comfortable with the Atlas brand lift. My question to you guys is what size is common for home use? I am debating between the 9,000lb and the 10,000lb. I will do overhead on either since ceiling clearance is not an issue. The largest vehicle I have is a 1996 F350 crew cab that weighs around 7500lb. The 10,000lb intrigues me because it lifts a few inches taller and I am no short man. I just am having trouble justifying the extra $$$ for it. Any major drawbacks or attributes to either? A complete rookie here am not knowledgeable on lifts at all accept for what I read on the internet. Thanks!

The two I’m debating between:

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/#/Atlas-10OHSC-Overhead-2-Post-Lift

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/#Atlas-9KOH.

I bought the 9KOH from GS a little over a year ago and I could not be happier with the lift. I had it delivered and installed for $600.

 

[Rocker4x4]

Wow, I can't believe all the good things said about Atlas lifts. When I was telling few local guys I was thinking of going to get a lift from Greg Smith, they told me not to waste my money. So I started to look into Bendpak. What are your guys thoughts of the Bendpak vs Atlas? I would be the occasionally user. Not everyday. Don't want to spend the big bucks on a Rotary, but I want a lift that will work well, when I do want to use it.. I talked to a salesman that sells multiple brands (not rotary) said bendpak is by far his top seller

 

[stratman1]

Well I bet that salesman does not sell Atlas. That's why Bendpak is his #1 seller. Show me a better 2 post overhead lift for $1,595!

 

[budco]

I've been reading about 2 posts lifts for the last couple months. I've come to the conclusion that whichever lift the person posting has, it's the best lift around. I've been working under a lift for a living for 35+ years and the lift we have is "amazing". It never fails to lift the van/truck up that I have on it and never complains. It's like buying hand tools, everyone has a favorite weather it's snap on, mac, matco etc. Some do look better made than others and those usually cost more. You look at what your going to use it for, then buy a lift that fills those requirements. I'm tired....

 

[Flipper88]

So I’m second guessing myself.. Not sure if I want to get an overhead or baseplate model. I understand the baseplate model can be in the way when using a ****** jack. But the overhead models I’m looking at the padded bar only sits at 12’. Now I’m no mathematician but by truck is taller than me and 6’ 1”. Which means when it tops out I won’t be able to walk underneath it and stand straight up… They make an extra tall 9k that the bar is sitting at 13’11’’ on the highest setting. But that still means if I ever had lifted rig on the lift I could run into an issue. Plus I was really wanting to go 10k just to be safe. I like the idea of a baseplate because no matter how tall the rig I won’t have any restrictions. What do you guys think?

 

[Original Guster]

Remember that you are lifting from the chassis, not the tire so lifted trucks are not that big a deal. Same with most pickups, there is a bit room from the ground to the chassis.

 

[493 scamp]

I purchased an Atlas 9000lb with the SS arms. Its for home use and I dont raise big trucks. 1/2 ton gas trucks and small vans would be ok. At work our Atlas 10k is a monster compared to my 9k or our Rotary 10ks. Both the Rotarys and Atlas at work have lifted the heavy Diesel trucks,even 1 ton duallies. Compare the Atlas base plate size and thickness and the Arm thickness to Rotary and you can see the Atlas is built heavier. Even my 9k Atlas has 6 anchors compared to our 10k Rotarys 5. The 9k I have is a solid one piece column adding strength but requiring 12" ceiling. I do wish I had Rotarys double flip adapters though. Our shop also has a Bendpak 10k 4 post alignment rack that has had 3 sets of cables one set of sheeves,rusted out runway in center had to be cut out and replaced, the air lock releases need new hoses,the power unit went bad and the rolling jacks had the power units replaced and one currently leaks. The Atlas does need one rubber pad replaced. The Rotarys nothing. Lifts are all 10 years old or so.

 

[Will S.]

Well the Atlas may be a good choice, but I'll tell you that for less money, the Eagle 9000 lb is a really, really nice, well-built lift. A friend and I installed one in his garage about 6 or 7 months ago. After seeing how well it is made, if I were to install one in my shop, it would be that same model.

He did a lot of research on them, and visited the Atlas dealer/showroom, to see them first-hand. His decision was Eagle, and I think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500. The pump/motor is made in USA; the reservoir was powder-coated steel (not plastic) tank; in fact, the posts are also powder-coated; it came with 4 risers (which are addl $$$ on the Atlas), etc.

I have no connection whatsoever with them, and it doesn't matter to me what anyone buys, but them are worth a look.

 

[thejudges69]

Just remember your lift is rated weight per arm not total weight.

My 2012 Dodge 3500 mega cab 6.7 with 3/4 tank and me in truck weighs 8333lbs BUT is 5004lbs on the front tires. So IMO I'm maxed out on a 10000lbs lift. 2500lbs per arm. Which a quality lift is true your 1.5x the rating. I'd put my truck on a 10000lbs Rotary, Challanger CL, or comparable lifts all day long.
You really have to watch the diesels some are crazy front heavy, I was shocked when I weighed mine, I even went to another scale cause I didn't believe it! Be safe...not sorry.

I just weighed my truck yesterday. It's a 2500 2010 same specs with half tank of fuel 7600 lbs. Is yours a dual rear wheel?

 

[overkill 19]

I just weighed my truck yesterday. It's a 2500 2010 same specs with half tank of fuel 7600 lbs. Is yours a dual rear wheel?

SRW , but has a ton of Carli stuff up front. Remote Rez shocks, opposing steering stab, power steering box brace, diff guard , air compressor , intake and boost tube, 3" coils Thuren Alien arms....
35" toyos ... It all ads up

 

[overkill 19]

Hence why I can't afford $11000 new lift ...lol

 

[KaiserJeep]

Well the Atlas may be a good choice, but I'll tell you that for less money, the Eagle 9000 lb is a really, really nice, well-built lift. A friend and I installed one in his garage about 6 or 7 months ago. After seeing how well it is made, if I were to install one in my shop, it would be that same model.

He did a lot of research on them, and visited the Atlas dealer/showroom, to see them first-hand. His decision was Eagle, and I think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500. The pump/motor is made in USA; the reservoir was powder-coated steel (not plastic) tank; in fact, the posts are also powder-coated; it came with 4 risers (which are addl $$$ on the Atlas), etc.

I have no connection whatsoever with them, and it doesn't matter to me what anyone buys, but them are worth a look.

I just pulled the trigger on an Eagle lift, MTP-9A for our new barn/garage/shop. The guy I spoke with at Eagle Equipment was super nice, polite, and answered all my questions. Shipping was much less than I had planned for, and it should arrive early next week!

 

[Will S.]

KaiserJeep... i really think you are going to like that lift. The one that my friend and I installed in his shop, has been flawless. One thing that I will suggest, though, and this goes for any brand of lift: Eagle supplies expansion anchors with the lift. DON'T USE THEM! Do yourself a favor, and buy some #8 hardened all-thread, and go to Lowes or wherever you want, and buy 4-6 caulk-gun tubes of anchor epoxy, and set the anchors in the epoxy.

The expansion anchors are supposed to be torque'd to 100 ft lbs, as I recall. 3 or them would not torque, and just came up out of the concrete, which had been properly drilled and vacuumed out prior to installing the anchors. 3 of the anchors that did torque to 100 lb, had lost that torque by 1 week later. Re-torqued them, and again, they loosened up. Each time re-torqueing brought more threads out of the hole.

We finally just wound them out, and replaced with epoxy-set anchors. They aren't going anywhere. Save the aggrevation, and use epoxy and hardened all-thread. If you need more info on these, post back with you questions.

 

[Vt_k9]

I'm building a new garage and have settled on the 12k lift. Mainly because I will be parking between the posts and while I am definitely able to keep my truck back far enough to not hit the doors, I may have to move forward for a project behind the truck. I like to open my doors without hitting the posts. I also plan on a 1 ton dually in the future and did not want to limit myself too much. My ceiling is 15' to the bottom of the trusses and I have a steel ibeam which runs over both bays in the center. The lift will be placed for way of the beam enough so the cab should not hit it.

Good luck,

Mike

 

[KaiserJeep]

KaiserJeep... i really think you are going to like that lift. The one that my friend and I installed in his shop, has been flawless. One thing that I will suggest, though, and this goes for any brand of lift: Eagle supplies expansion anchors with the lift. DON'T USE THEM! Do yourself a favor, and buy some #8 hardened all-thread, and go to Lowes or wherever you want, and buy 4-6 caulk-gun tubes of anchor epoxy, and set the anchors in the epoxy.

The expansion anchors are supposed to be torque'd to 100 ft lbs, as I recall. 3 or them would not torque, and just came up out of the concrete, which had been properly drilled and vacuumed out prior to installing the anchors. 3 of the anchors that did torque to 100 lb, had lost that torque by 1 week later. Re-torqued them, and again, they loosened up. Each time re-torqueing brought more threads out of the hole.

We finally just wound them out, and replaced with epoxy-set anchors. They aren't going anywhere. Save the aggrevation, and use epoxy and hardened all-thread. If you need more info on these, post back with you questions.

Thanks for the tips! I will check on the anchor epoxy and all-thread this weekend. I've had good luck and bad luck with anchors in the past, so I may just take your advice.

My son and I have been researching lifts for the past few months, and I'm glad this part is over, decisions, decisions, decisions.....

 

[Will S.]

I'll check, but I'm pretty sure we used Simson StrongTie AT high strength/structural epoxy. Buy more cartridges than you think you'll need, and take the unopened ones back. That way you won't come up short, while doing the job. I think he bought the high-strength all-thread at Building Fasteners (Delaware), and they were ~8" length each, pre-cut. You can save money buy buying an 8' length, and cutting them youself, but make sure you get the high-strength, not the all-thread they sell in the box stores. You'll need 10 of the anchors, and you can buy all this stuff on-line too, including the washers and nuts.

Another thing; do not use an impact gun to tighten the nuts. Use a torque wrench, and set it to the spec'd torque (either 100 or 120 ft pounds). If you don't have a torque wrench, H.F. has a decent one that is pretty cheap, and it actually tested accurate against a known good one.

 

[KaiserJeep]

Lift arrived today!! I was worried about getting it out of the semi, but friends with forklifts are good to have! Going to wait a couple of weekends before installation. But it's here, it's dry, and no damage I could see!

 

[Flipper88]

I decided on an Atlas BP9000 and picked it up yesterday!! I went went a base plate lift as to not limit the height in which I lift.

 

[thejudges69]

I decided on an Atlas BP9000 and picked it up yesterday!! I went went a base plate lift as to not limit the height in which I lift.

Look at the securement on that, well done. like a boss!!!!! and yes this is a compliment.