4 post lift decision

[Rusty Pilot]

So, I have been traveling for work alot and got a lot of OT pay. I'm thinking it's time to put a 4 post lift in the barn. Height is not a problem. My cars range from a 69 mgb to a modern malibu. I'm thinking I'm not going to anchor it though I'm not sure if it is bad not to. I do have 2 drains in the floor so some parts of the floor has a tiny slant. I have been looking at the brands listed in the poll. Any recommendations or things you wish you knew before buying?

 

[P0234]

I went with Direct but their prices are crazy now. Dover is a huge company and has lots of money if the lift ever collapsed, your widow would be rich.

 

[Mike65]

I have been contemplating Advantage & Tuxedo lifts.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I went with Direct-Lift. Had it now ten years. Works flawlessly and no issue. Get aluminum ramps, the steel ones are heavy.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

I spent a year or two reading every GJ thread that came around, and bought an Advantage because over that time I got the impression that owners of Advantage lifts were more satisfied with them than other brands. It was just an impression, I didn’t try to do a statistical analysis. I also noted during that time that Rotary and Direct had their own serious fans, but the Advantage hit the sweet spot for me regarding design, specs, and value. I’ve been very satisfied.

 

[Wiz02]

I went with Direct-Lift. Had it now ten years. Works flawlessly and no issue. Get aluminum ramps, the steel ones are heavy.

Nice collection!

 

[ratflinger]

Pro-Park Direct Lift also. Excellent lift plus they allowed local pickup, which saved a bunch.

 

[Bucko]

I went with a Tuxedo FP9K-DX-XLT with the RJ-45 sliding jack. I've only had it a few weeks but love it so far. I put it together by myself without any motorized help. If you could get a few buddies it would go faster but I wanted the challenge.
In the end they all pretty much do the same thing. If I was using it everyday I might of spent the extra money for the Bendpak but I just couldn't justify it. I got a pretty good deal for the Tuxedo by going with a smaller independent guy rather than dealing with the big guys that always seem to have hidden fees. A guy I know got his lift and picked it up at the freight terminal to save some money and was hit with a fee there that he wasn't told about before hand.

 

[Rusty Pilot]

Thanks everyone. Did anyone with drains in the floor have any issues with the slight slant in the floor?

 

[ronr80]

I have a Bend Pak HD-9 , and also have a drain , I had to shim the posts a bit 1/4 inch or less

 

[blue-5]

We have the bedpak. I do not like the pneumatic locks

 

[Rusty Pilot]

Doing some more digging, what is the difference between Advantage and Backyard Buddy? Looks like they are the same company now. Are they truly American made?

 

[finn]

Doing some more digging, what is the difference between Advantage and Backyard Buddy? Looks like they are the same company now. Are they truly American made?

Advantage is imported, BB is domestic. BB is a relatively recent acquisition.

I see no reason to spend the extra money for the BB. The workmanship, fit, and finish on the Advantage is excellent,. I have two. Much better than my Bendpac two post.

As to the fooor flatness question re the Advantage, I shimmed one post on my 11000 lb lift with a piece of 3/8” plywood to compensate for the slope near the floor drain. The 8000 lb lift is near the same drain, but I didn’t bother installing a shim, and have encountered no ill effects. No binding or funny behavior. If it bothers you, a plywood or steel plate shim is an easy fix.

 

[stingry]

We have the bedpak. I do not like the pneumatic locks

Just curious why? I have the HD9 and the pneumatic locks were one of the reasons I went with Bendpak. I much prefer them to the mechanical locks.

 

[clutch47]

I have a Bend Pak HD-9 about 2-1/2 years and really like it.
The pneumatic locks are excellent.

I could see them being slow if used with low air pressure, but with 90psi they snap open once the load is taken off the lock bolts.
I can't see any safety lock mechanism pulling the bolts back with a couple thousand pounds resting on them.

Buy the caster kit with it and enjoy the simplicity of them.

Good luck.

 

[P0234]

Just curious why? I have the HD9 and the pneumatic locks were one of the reasons I went with Bendpak. I much prefer them to the mechanical locks.

I guess some people like licorice too, but air locks are silly. Most people use battery powered tools now so an air compressor isn't as commonly ready. Mechanical locks are simple and easy. The whole idea reminds me of the NASA space pen thing. It's the primary reason I didn't get a bendpak.

 

[Al G]

I had 2 Bendpak's in the past and was very happy with them. I'm shopping for a 4-post for my current garage and will probably go with Bendpak again. I'm finding them more affordable than Advantage.

 

[finn]

I had 2 Bendpak's in the past and was very happy with them. I'm shopping for a 4-post for my current garage and will probably go with Bendpak again. I'm finding them more affordable than Advantage.

When I was looking at four posts, the advantage price included the full package, ie drip trays, aluminum ramps, etc . Bendpac and a lot of others upcharge for that package.

I consider aluminum approach ramps, drip trays, and the wheel kit must have accessories.

stay away from steel ramps, especially the non removable type that droop when the lift is elevated. Guaranteed sub dural hematoma inducers.

 

[clutch47]

I guess some people like licorice too, but air locks are silly. Most people use battery powered tools now so an air compressor isn't as commonly ready. Mechanical locks are simple and easy. The whole idea reminds me of the NASA space pen thing. It's the primary reason I didn't get a bendpak.

Agree, but in a world centered around litigation it'd be really hard to make a mistake letting your lift down with completely independent systems.
I think their decision to use air in lieu of electric locks may also have been to accommodate users with already outfitted and established garage/shops too.. and to avoid an installer error causing any questions of fault/liability.
I personally am surprised they don't offer a manual or mechanical conversion kit. Some older lifts had a lever on a different post to throw before you could lower it.

 

[finn]

I thought BP abandoned the air locks on their newer models.

Frankly, I wish my 2 post BP 10k asymetric lift had air operated safety locks. That, or a longer lever that was easier to depress when lowering the carriage.

 

[Restomod68]

To help narrow down your options make a list what is important to you and what is not.

Price

Lift capacity

American made or imported

C-channel or box columns

Drive through height

Certified or not.


I heavily researched 4 posts, went with an Advantage Lift and could not be more happy with the decision.

 

[blue-5]

Just curious why? I have the HD9 and the pneumatic locks were one of the reasons I went with Bendpak. I much prefer them to the mechanical locks.

To be fair, we store cars on the lift for weeks at a time and it always needs air added to the tank. Plus if the psi is low it will not release all the locks
Plus my 75 year old dad isnt that mechanical so i will occasionally get a call from mom that he broke the lift. Its always easily fixable but they are 4 hours from me

 

[racecougar]

The DirectLift / Forward (same lifts under different brand names) units have adjustable lock ladders that will allow you to set the runway level even though your floor is sloped. The boxed column design with the lock ladders built in (like Advantage) will require you to shim the columns if you want your runways level.

Another feature I prefer to see on a 4-post is hidden/protected lock linkages. You'll see some brands leave the lock linkages out in the open, where they are more susceptible to damage.

After a lot of research, I went with a Forward EFP9, which is the same as the DirectLift Pro Park 9 Plus. One of the columns even has the DirectLift decal on it. After 3-1/2 years of very regular use, I still have zero complaints.




Whatever you go with, I recommend adding lighting to the runways. It's so nice not to need a headlamp or drop light.







And unlike a 2-post, you don't need a roll-around oil drain can. A simple platform for your typical drain pan works great and takes up less floor space when not in use.




Lastly, I'll also recommend picking up at least one bridge jack. With two, you can easily do tire rotations.

 

[P0234]

Just a note on the Forward vs Direct, I agree they do seem to be made by the same company, but they do have slightly different features, for example your runways are smooth.

 

[racecougar]

Just a note on the Forward vs Direct, I agree they do seem to be made by the same company, but they do have slightly different features, for example your runways are smooth.

The runways are smooth for both, as it's the same lift sold under two different brand names.

 

[Poolshark314]

The DirectLift / Forward (same lifts under different brand names) units have adjustable lock ladders that will allow you to set the runway level even though your floor is sloped. The boxed column design with the lock ladders built in (like Advantage) will require you to shim the columns if you want your runways level.

Another feature I prefer to see on a 4-post is hidden/protected lock linkages. You'll see some brands leave the lock linkages out in the open, where they are more susceptible to damage.

After a lot of research, I went with a Forward EFP9, which is the same as the DirectLift Pro Park 9 Plus. One of the columns even has the DirectLift decal on it. After 3-1/2 years of very regular use, I still have zero complaints.




Whatever you go with, I recommend adding lighting to the runways. It's so nice not to need a headlamp or drop light.







And unlike a 2-post, you don't need a roll-around oil drain can. A simple platform for your typical drain pan works great and takes up less floor space when not in use.




Lastly, I'll also recommend picking up at least one bridge jack. With two, you can easily do tire rotations.

My Atlas is the same design and I am very happy with it

 

[P0234]

The runways are smooth for both, as it's the same lift sold under two different brand names.

Doesn't look smooth to me on their 9s pictures. I have 2 year old 8S and its definitely not smooth.

 

[racecougar]

Doesn't look smooth to me on their 9s pictures. I have 2 year old 8S and its definitely not smooth.

Apples and oranges. The smaller lifts have the diamondplate pattern runways. The Direct Lift Pro Park 9 Plus and Forward EFP9 (again, one and the same) have smooth runways.

 

[P0234]

Your image doesn't show the runways, the two places that do seem to show diamond plate:

SH4D-9000 Pro-Floor 9 | Rotary Solutions

directlift.com

Direct-Lift® Pro-Park 9 Plus Certified 4 Post Lift

This 4 post lift accommodates the height, length, & width to fit a crewcab long bed truck on top or underneath. Perfect for family & commercial shops.

www.derekweaver.com

 

[racecougar]

Your image doesn't show the runways, the two places that do seem to show diamond plate:

SH4D-9000 Pro-Floor 9 | Rotary Solutions

directlift.com

Direct-Lift® Pro-Park 9 Plus Certified 4 Post Lift

This 4 post lift accommodates the height, length, & width to fit a crewcab long bed truck on top or underneath. Perfect for family & commercial shops.

www.derekweaver.com

Your first link shows an image of a 8k lift. Note the lock linkage outside of the beam.

The second is also using stock images from a 8K. Note the lack of return on the bridge jack flange.

If you're in doubt, give Dover VSG a ring: https://vsgdover.com/en/contact-locate/

 

[P0234]

Your first link shows an image of a 8k lift. Note the lock linkage outside of the beam.

The second is also using stock images from a 8K. Note the lack of return on the bridge jack flange.

If you're in doubt, give Dover VSG a ring: https://vsgdover.com/en/contact-locate/

You might be right, but for now the pictures they have up say otherwise.

 

[racecougar]

You might be right, but for now the pictures they have up say otherwise.

I am. Contact info is posted above if you'd like to verify.

 

[Rusty Pilot]

The DirectLift / Forward (same lifts under different brand names) units have adjustable lock ladders that will allow you to set the runway level even though your floor is sloped. The boxed column design with the lock ladders built in (like Advantage) will require you to shim the columns if you want your runways level.

Another feature I prefer to see on a 4-post is hidden/protected lock linkages. You'll see some brands leave the lock linkages out in the open, where they are more susceptible to damage.

After a lot of research, I went with a Forward EFP9, which is the same as the DirectLift Pro Park 9 Plus. One of the columns even has the DirectLift decal on it. After 3-1/2 years of very regular use, I still have zero complaints.




Whatever you go with, I recommend adding lighting to the runways. It's so nice not to need a headlamp or drop light.







And unlike a 2-post, you don't need a roll-around oil drain can. A simple platform for your typical drain pan works great and takes up less floor space when not in use.




Lastly, I'll also recommend picking up at least one bridge jack. With two, you can easily do tire rotations.

How heavy are the ramps? Their website says they are steel.

 

[racecougar]

How heavy are the ramps? Their website says they are steel.

They are pretty heavy. I'd guess around 40 lbs. I leave them on full-time unless I'm doing rear axle/bumper/fuel tank work where they may be in the way. If you don't have the room to leave them on, I'd suggest picking up a set of aluminum ramps, or if you're feeling spendy, the Race Ramp setup made for these lifts.

 

[rocco]

I've been more than happy with my HD9 over the last 9 months or so.

 

[Restomod68]

How heavy are the ramps? Their website says they are steel.

The Direct ramps are 45lbs, definitely opt for the aluminum ramps. If my Advantage didn't come standard with them, I would have certainly upgraded as the aluminum is only 25lbs +/-.

 

[NettlesD]

No one has mentioned WildFire Lifts. They seem to have a different design for lifting. A boxed section over the posts. I don't believe I have seen this design on any other lift I have viewed.

RaceCougar, does that Cougar have a hopped up 4 cylinder with a turbo in it? Looks fast.

 

[Restomod68]

No one has mentioned WildFire Lifts. They seem to have a different design for lifting. A boxed section over the posts. I don't believe I have seen this design on any other lift I have viewed.

Backyard Buddy was the first to have the boxed columns. Advantage made a similar design with improvements and decided to not spend the extra to have it patented in turn to reduce the cost of the lifts. WildFire lifts purchased an Advantage lift and made a copy with some corners cut and reduced the price. Wildfire is $500 cheaper but you get steal ramps, not ALI certified (deal breaker for me), uses bearings (some owners have had bearing failures) and some owners have had motor issues. In my case, those issues were not worth the $500 less, especially not being certified I do believe it is a good lift none the less and many are happy with them.

BendPak also now makes a boxed column design called the Grand Prix, it's more expensive than the Advantage and has had some mixed reviews with some issues. Again, I'm sure it's a quality lift.

 

[NettlesD]

Backyard Buddy was the first to have the boxed columns. Advantage made a similar design with improvements and decided to not spend the extra to have it patented in turn to reduce the cost of the lifts. WildFire lifts purchased an Advantage lift and made a copy with some corners cut and reduced the price. Wildfire is $500 cheaper but you get steal ramps, not ALI certified (deal breaker for me), uses bearings (some owners have had bearing failures) and some owners have had motor issues. In my case, those issues were not worth the $500 less, especially not being certified I do believe it is a good lift none the less and many are happy with them.

BendPak also now makes a boxed column design called the Grand Prix, it's more expensive than the Advantage and has had some mixed reviews with some issues. Again, I'm sure it's a quality lift.

True. I just looked and BendPak and Dannmar both make a boxed version. I was looking about 2 years ago and didn't find much with that boxed design. I'll have to look at Advantage and compare.

Thanks again.

 

[jbfsr]

Atlas 9K here. It's been great.