I'm thinking of getting a 4 post lift but unsure whether I have enough room or which one to buy. I have a 3 stall garage but since there is a support beam across the 2 stall I can only fit it in the 3rd stall. The dimensions are 22' long and at the garage door opening it's 12' where there is a 7' wall that separates the 2 stall from the 3rd. Otherwise the 3rd stall is open after that 7' wall. Ceiling height is 10'. I'm wanting to use it for repairs mostly and some storage parking. I would do a 2 post but the lift post would sit on a saw cut on one side and against the wall on the edge of the concrete on the other side. Really unsure of my concrete thickness. Probably 4" thickness but thought the saw cut ruins that idea.
4 post lift decision
- Thread starter scooter k
- Start date
jinman
Member
I really like the build quality of my Advantage Lifts 4 post unit. They have the dimensions and great videos of it on their website.
Global Express
Member
I'm very happy with my Bendpak. They have detailed dimensions on their website and ASEDEALS.com had good pricing and great service.
It allowed me to add a car to storage for winter. By raising my garage door and opener I can now stack any car except my full size F-250 pickup.
The rolling bridge jack adapter (or 2) is a must have accessory if you work on your cars!
You can pour additional thick footings easily for a 2 poster, I initially wanted that but I now love the storage option.
Good Luck.
<a href="https://ibb.co/nEePdw"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/cpePdw/IMG_8656.jpg" alt="IMG_8656" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/f5yd5b"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/hcYBQb/Full_Size_Render_1.jpg" alt="Full_Size_Render_1" border="0"></a>
It allowed me to add a car to storage for winter. By raising my garage door and opener I can now stack any car except my full size F-250 pickup.
The rolling bridge jack adapter (or 2) is a must have accessory if you work on your cars!
You can pour additional thick footings easily for a 2 poster, I initially wanted that but I now love the storage option.
Good Luck.
<a href="https://ibb.co/nEePdw"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/cpePdw/IMG_8656.jpg" alt="IMG_8656" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/f5yd5b"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/hcYBQb/Full_Size_Render_1.jpg" alt="Full_Size_Render_1" border="0"></a>
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I'd have 3' on the left front 15' of it. Not sure how much on the rest. My saw cuts were maybe 2" deep? I filled them and epoxy coated the floor a couple of years ago. I just remember there is was one on that side.
Xander
Well-known member
My 4 post sits in a similar spot, the actual smallest footprint is 15 x20. That is about as narrow as is comfortable, but I do have a 2’ deep bench on the one side. All in all I would say you are ok to get one, just keep in mind the garage door height when in the open position.
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I would suggest measuring out the lift you want to get with string (or tape) on the floor to get an idea of the space constraints. I would also contact the lift company and ask them about your saw cuts and you'll need to drill to test your thickness, they'll need to know that as well.
Rotary states 4 1/4" thickness (3,000 PSI), and 4 1/2" off the edge.
http://www.rotarylift.com/Support/FAQ/
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If I did the new Bendpak GrandPrix 10' lift, which is 125" overall width. That'd give be 6.5" from the saw cut and 6.5" from the edge of the concrete on the wall side.
A dimension that you need to carefully consider is height. Allow 1' for the thickness of the runners, amount you have to lift past the lift locks to lock the lift the lift, and some ceiling height for lights and/or garage door tracks and you're down to 9'. A Ford Taurus is 5' tall, so you won't be able to store 2 Tauruses and you won't be able to lift a Taurus to more than 4' to work under it. Make sure you understand the functionality that is possible given the ceiling height constraint.
I already raised my garage door rails.
TonyG
Well-known member
OP, checkout Advantage Lifts before you pull the trigger, well made.
kbuhagiar
Well-known member
Are any of their lifts ALI certified yet?
I spoke with an Advantage rep at a car show last month, he claimed that they were "just finishing the paperwork" on their pending ALI certification.
Afterwards I relayed this information to a friend who is in the market for a four-post lift; his response is "that's what they've been saying for the last five years."
Makes me wonder....
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rburke65
Well-known member
There just be a lot of paperwork involved to get that certification!
biggziff
Well-known member
They appear to be the same as lots of other, non-certified lifts, but they're about a grand more money.
Borntorun04/17
Member
Global Express , I think your friend thinks it's a ride and is wanting his/her turn going up and down ! Great looking garage.
jinman
Member
I knew my Advantage Lift wasn't ALI certified before I bought it. To be honest, I couldn't care less if it had it or not. It's built like a brick **** house. It's Backyard Buddy's design but actually improved upon with 5x5 posts and slack cable locks that the BYB doesn't have.
Bamafan
Well-known member
I'll be purchasing a lift in a bit. I've been looking carefully at Wildfire lifts. Smaller company, but really, really good lifts. The posts are fully boxed and they look incredibly sturdy. Reviews are very good. But to be clear, I do not have experience with one yet.
Global Express
Member
HA! Thanks - its certainly her garage. She was there everyday for the build and won't come back to the house until the day is over.
I'm in the market for a new 4 post lift. A few years ago I picked up a used hobby lift, probably a Direct or Tuxedo lift.
It's worked out fine, but I'd like something that lifts higher, like 82" and has the ability to get a bridge jack.
I was thinking about the Bendpak, but reading up on them here is giving me pause. There are lots of manufacturers out there, which ones aren't made in China? My feeling is most the lifts are made in the same factory over there, with different stickers slapped on them.
I installed my current lift with a few friends but to make my life easier I'd probably buy the lift and have it installed professionally by a local company. That way any issues should be minor....
It's worked out fine, but I'd like something that lifts higher, like 82" and has the ability to get a bridge jack.
I was thinking about the Bendpak, but reading up on them here is giving me pause. There are lots of manufacturers out there, which ones aren't made in China? My feeling is most the lifts are made in the same factory over there, with different stickers slapped on them.
I installed my current lift with a few friends but to make my life easier I'd probably buy the lift and have it installed professionally by a local company. That way any issues should be minor....
scottmoyer
Well-known member
I have to agree on the Advantage Lifts. I bought for less than the BendPak and believe it to be a much better design. It also comes with a 4500# jack tray. It was easy to install and works great for what I need it to do.
cajunfirehawk
Well-known member
Been looking at advantage for a few years, noticed this brand looks to be the exact same design http://www.wildfirelifts.com spoke to both still on the fence.
scottmoyer
Well-known member
Wildfire and Advantage appear to be the exact same. It's also interesting that both are located in Minneapolis! What I don't like about Wildfire is the steel approach ramps versus the aluminum from Advantage. Both companies tell you they have a rolling jacking tray, but only Advantage gives details on it being a 4500# tray. Wildfire doesn't tell you much at all about their product. I checked their entire site, and they have minimal information, even though it appears the same as Advantage.
biggziff
Well-known member
Aren't these all made in China and just rebranded? Maybe I'll spec out 50 of these to my liking and call them Lift-ese to pay for my shop toys.
biggziff
Well-known member
Or..better yet...has anyone tried a group buy on lifts to get discounting or direct-buy access?
Bamafan
Well-known member
I agree that their web site could use an upgrade. But I called them and got great information. Worth a try...