4-Post Lift Considerations

[mshedb]

Need to expand the parking area in my garage, so I will be getting a 4 post lift. After a couple of weeks of research, it seems to me that any of the leading brands (BendPak, Rotary Revolution, Danmar, Challenger, Advantage, etc.) is as likely as another to be fine. Horror stories are out there, as are legions of fans singing praises.

A prime consideration for me, though, is size. I have a 9’ wide garage door, and want a lift that has at least that much room between the posts. The only sub-10000 pound lift I’ve found that satisfies that requirement is the Revolution RFP9. Two questions:

Anyone on the board have one? Like it? Dislike it?

Anyone aware of another 4 post lift with a 9’ or greater spread between columns (that isn’t designed for a bus)?

Thanks.

 

[astroracer]

What is the reason for all of the width? Most vehicles are not going to be an issue fitting under a regular width hoist so any "extra" width is wasted space. Especially around the hoist as these things take up a lot of room once you get them installed...
Mark

 

[mshedb]

With the mirrors extended I make it into the garage with just a couple of inches to spare on each side with my Tahoe and S7. I don’t want to have to fold them in to drive between the posts.

 

[MAYOR28]

I just installed a HD-9XW (normal wide, extra tall) from Bendpak. Even with the "normal width" my stock '96 F-150 is about as wide as I would want to go. There was only a few inches of clearance at the mirrors.

Might need to get used to folding the mirrors....

 

[mshedb]

Bump

 

[Matt M PA]

I too have an HD9, and I think it’s the standard width. My Excursion parks on it. Since I have to fold at least one of the mirrors in to get it through the garage door, it’s no big deal that the mirror(s) have to be folded to fit onto the lift.

I must add that the Excursion isn’t my daily driver, but I did look into upgrading to the later Super Duty mirror that power fold.

I also would add my voice to those that mentioned how big a footprint a wider lift takes. Besides sticking out into the other parking spot or bay, (at least in my case) it’s very near to the wall on one side. I keep thinking that I’ll move it over a bit to get it away from the wall so that I can squeeze between the wall and the lift, but that would make it even worse for my middle bay. I never thought about being able to squeeze around the columns and the wall during the install...but wish I had...it’s a real PITA.

 

[mshedb]

I have 33 inches on one side to the wall from the edge of the door, and 32” on the other side to the edge of the next door. If I have the dimensions laid out right, I have at least a foot on either side of the baseplate. But narrower would be better if I can get comfortable with it. Perhaps I’ll mock up some posts and see about driving between them.

 

[Pate]

I have a Challenger extra wide, tall, long with a 9’ door. You would even know there was a lift in there when it’s up.

 

[86turbodsl]

I have a challenger extra wide, i'm sure one like that would fit your needs. I bought used for $1200. They are out there.