I know that all the folks have an opinion here and I appreciate that. I would like to know what your feedback is on the the E-Bay lifts or if you have some on the Panther, All-American, or Pace 4 Post Lifts. Just looking for folks that have purchased one of the lifts and still have it. Any problems. Feedback? Thanks Jamie
4 Post Lift Question
- Thread starter 63drop
- Start date
mikeyr
Well-known member
now you have done it, opened up a religious discussion on lifts...look out we all have opinions on them.
Me ? I own a non-certified 4-post and nothing and no-one can talk me out of it.
Everyone else will say, get a 2-post, it is the best, some will say 4-post, others will say get only certified.
Try using the search feature this has been brought up OFTEN in the past.
Me ? I own a non-certified 4-post and nothing and no-one can talk me out of it.
Everyone else will say, get a 2-post, it is the best, some will say 4-post, others will say get only certified.
Try using the search feature this has been brought up OFTEN in the past.
CobraKramer
Member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2006
- Messages
- 16
I am in the same boat mike is with my lift. I wish for all our sakes, there was one governing body for a cross compare and reference on all lifts (like a consumer reports thing) BUT no such luck....my only advice to you is if you are going to working under the lift and storing a second car, don't make this decision solely on price
Aahz
Well-known member
The best thing to do is check the ALI/ETL website for 3rd party tested lifts. This IS the governing body for automotive lift manufacturers (according to ANSI).
As an aside, all three companies listed above are offering Chinese products, I believe.
As an aside, all three companies listed above are offering Chinese products, I believe.
cc_rider
Well-known member
Oh man, you just opened the can o' worms again...
I've been researching the subject for a couple years now, still haven't pulled the trigger, but here's where I'm at:
- Two-post lifts are great for working on cars: fewer posts to get in your way, lift the car by the frame instead of the wheels, etc.
- Two post lifts are lousy for merely parking cars, unless you buy special adapter ramps (which ain't cheap.) Otherwise you have to get out and swing the arms under the car every time. Not so good if you use it mostly for double-stack parking.
- Symmetrical two-posters can make it difficult to open the front doors while the car's on the lift; the posts are in the way. Asymmetrical two-posters eliminate this problem.
- Four post lifts are narrower overall than two-post; a four-post lift can be squeezed into a standard 10' wide spot, but a two-post is gonna be at least a foot wider.
- Four post lifts are designed for drive-on, drive-off. If you want to jack the car off its wheels you need a jack tray and jacks, which most lift makers sell as accessories.
- Some four-post lifts are designed to be free standing, and even have casters, so you can move them around if necessary.
With all that in mind, I am going to get a four post lift:
- I have a regular garage, so a two-poster would prevent me from putting two cars side-by-side.
- I'll use the lift as much for parking as for working, and I don't want to have to get out and swing the arms every time I want to drive the upper car.
- I have a couple of vehicles that BARELY fit in the garage due to their length. With a four-poster on casters, I can put the car on the lift then rotate the whole thing ninety degrees, to give working room all around.
How's that for a long-winded dissertation? Here's the short version:
- If you're mostly gonna work on cars, two-post is the ticket.
- If you're mostly gonna use the lift for dual-stack parking, a four-post is the way to go.
- Check all your space limitations first; they may make your decision for you.
Happy Motoring!
c.
I've been researching the subject for a couple years now, still haven't pulled the trigger, but here's where I'm at:
- Two-post lifts are great for working on cars: fewer posts to get in your way, lift the car by the frame instead of the wheels, etc.
- Two post lifts are lousy for merely parking cars, unless you buy special adapter ramps (which ain't cheap.) Otherwise you have to get out and swing the arms under the car every time. Not so good if you use it mostly for double-stack parking.
- Symmetrical two-posters can make it difficult to open the front doors while the car's on the lift; the posts are in the way. Asymmetrical two-posters eliminate this problem.
- Four post lifts are narrower overall than two-post; a four-post lift can be squeezed into a standard 10' wide spot, but a two-post is gonna be at least a foot wider.
- Four post lifts are designed for drive-on, drive-off. If you want to jack the car off its wheels you need a jack tray and jacks, which most lift makers sell as accessories.
- Some four-post lifts are designed to be free standing, and even have casters, so you can move them around if necessary.
With all that in mind, I am going to get a four post lift:
- I have a regular garage, so a two-poster would prevent me from putting two cars side-by-side.
- I'll use the lift as much for parking as for working, and I don't want to have to get out and swing the arms every time I want to drive the upper car.
- I have a couple of vehicles that BARELY fit in the garage due to their length. With a four-poster on casters, I can put the car on the lift then rotate the whole thing ninety degrees, to give working room all around.
How's that for a long-winded dissertation? Here's the short version:
- If you're mostly gonna work on cars, two-post is the ticket.
- If you're mostly gonna use the lift for dual-stack parking, a four-post is the way to go.
- Check all your space limitations first; they may make your decision for you.
Happy Motoring!
c.
edl
Well-known member
just bought a 4 post lift - agree with cc rider v. 2 post - mine is for storage and working, so 2 post not a real parking solution option - many makers offer a "wide" version, taking care of one problem (but creating others - space issues) - re the quality issue, i have no problem buying a chinese one and would have...but found that the agressive bendpak dealers (e.g., AES) were about 500 more for the 9k lift (their first made in usa model) than the cheapest chinese lifts (your research may differ) - true, the accessories were not thrown in - but for me, i figured i could do the accessories over time - went for the bendpak 9k lift wide version - it is extremely solid - having said that, i buy a lot of chinese made goods (as we all do) and if the $500 was critical, i would have gone that way - good luck - keep us "posted" - thanks, ed
I appreciate the responses. I am going with a 4 post for sure. I have a triple garage. A double door for one side and a single on the end. Going to be putting the lift in the single door end. My ceiling isn't high enough to put a two post in it.
I have done a lot of "research" on this board about the Chinese stuff and the USA stuff. I am hearing that the USA stuff is much better but haven't heard any tales as to why not buying the cheaper one. Even concerned about the steel being from China and then them painting it here.
Not trying to get everyone's undies in a bunch. Going to pull the trigger on a lift soon. Tired of working via creeper.
Any more advice? Tales from the dark side? My lift once...................
Thanks J-
I have done a lot of "research" on this board about the Chinese stuff and the USA stuff. I am hearing that the USA stuff is much better but haven't heard any tales as to why not buying the cheaper one. Even concerned about the steel being from China and then them painting it here.
Not trying to get everyone's undies in a bunch. Going to pull the trigger on a lift soon. Tired of working via creeper.
Any more advice? Tales from the dark side? My lift once...................
Thanks J-
jezlberry
Active member
There are so many things to consider when shopping for a lift. I am new to the boards, but have been in the lift business for 20 years. The events of the last 5 years are making this a scary place to be! Most lift manufacturers have moved either all or part of the process to China, Korea, Vietnam, etc. This is because labor and steel is cheaper there. The problem for you becomes "Who do I trust?"
I've been reading posts that say Bend Pak is made in the USA. If this is true, why do they have a factory in China? I've installed both of the model lifts that you are considering, and don't see much difference in the quality.
Here is another thing to consider. The posts here say how happy everyone is with their particular choice of lift, but what will they say 5 years down the road? I've had clients buy lifts on price alone, only to tell me later what poor quality they received when it showed up at their door, or after they had used it for a year. Of course then it is too late to fix the problem.
Another fun thing to consider. What does "Commercial grade", "Industrial grade", or "Professional grade" mean? On what basis does a $1995 lift qualify? How can a lift that sells on the street for 2 grand be the same quality as on that sells for 3 grand. Don't you think that something is missing?
You asked for "war stories" , so here they are:
The guy who bought the Chinese 9k twin post lift, put his Bronco on it ( 5500lb truck) and watched as the arms sagged under that tremendous weight.
The guy with the Chinese 4 post that raised his 69 Camaro and watched all four columns flex into a bow shape
The guy who saved 300 dollars buying a foreign lift, and now has to replace it after 7 years of use because it is worn out, and he dropped a Suburban
The two people who have died as a result of an arm breaking off a twin post lift
I have plenty more, but the bottom line to me is this: The waters for you are so muddy, it is EXTREMELY hard for you to make an informed decision.
If I were buying a four post storage lift, it would be a Backyard Buddy or Classic Car lift, only because I want ME and my classic car to be safe. My disclaimer here is that I sell neither one! But both are made in the US with American steel.
I've been reading posts that say Bend Pak is made in the USA. If this is true, why do they have a factory in China? I've installed both of the model lifts that you are considering, and don't see much difference in the quality.
Here is another thing to consider. The posts here say how happy everyone is with their particular choice of lift, but what will they say 5 years down the road? I've had clients buy lifts on price alone, only to tell me later what poor quality they received when it showed up at their door, or after they had used it for a year. Of course then it is too late to fix the problem.
Another fun thing to consider. What does "Commercial grade", "Industrial grade", or "Professional grade" mean? On what basis does a $1995 lift qualify? How can a lift that sells on the street for 2 grand be the same quality as on that sells for 3 grand. Don't you think that something is missing?
You asked for "war stories" , so here they are:
The guy who bought the Chinese 9k twin post lift, put his Bronco on it ( 5500lb truck) and watched as the arms sagged under that tremendous weight.
The guy with the Chinese 4 post that raised his 69 Camaro and watched all four columns flex into a bow shape
The guy who saved 300 dollars buying a foreign lift, and now has to replace it after 7 years of use because it is worn out, and he dropped a Suburban
The two people who have died as a result of an arm breaking off a twin post lift
I have plenty more, but the bottom line to me is this: The waters for you are so muddy, it is EXTREMELY hard for you to make an informed decision.
If I were buying a four post storage lift, it would be a Backyard Buddy or Classic Car lift, only because I want ME and my classic car to be safe. My disclaimer here is that I sell neither one! But both are made in the US with American steel.
I have a 4 post Backyard Buddy. If you look at how it is built vs. some of the others out there, it is easy to see the quality differences. When I'm under that lift, I want it as safe as possible. If it means spending a few more bucks....so be it. To some people my life might not mean much....but to me, its pretty damned important. 
hoarder1212
Active member
Hi all Ive also been cosidering a new lift .Ive looked at the ones on ebay and others and Im thinking that the best bang for the buck for me is to go thru Gregg Smith Equipment in Indy.There prices are a little higher than ebay, but end up about the same if you go pick it up verses the shipping from ebay.I only live 2 hours from there so for me its worth the trip, and I dont have to worry about unloading it off the semi,or worse having it show up while Im at work and depending on someone else to unload it.They sell a couple of brands but Ill probably go with an Atlas because I know they have been around the garages for a while.Any comments would be appriciated,I wont be buying one for at least a month.
PxTx
Well-known member
Everything GS sells is his "house brand" so just because you may be aware of an Atlas brand name, it may not be the same. If you are near Indy, I would go with the Complete Hydraulic over the Greg Smith stuff.
They are comprable in quality, but I feel the Complete line has less problems during set-up. There has to be a reason why Complete Hydraulic offers installation on everything they sell and Greg Smith doesn't.
I would have no concerns spending lots of time under a Complete lift. All of the negative advertizing done by Backyard Buddy turns me off. They shouldn't have to scare people into choosing their product. All of the pics I've seen of failed lifts are from lack of maintanence and not from a failed weld or poor workmanship.
They are comprable in quality, but I feel the Complete line has less problems during set-up. There has to be a reason why Complete Hydraulic offers installation on everything they sell and Greg Smith doesn't.
I would have no concerns spending lots of time under a Complete lift. All of the negative advertizing done by Backyard Buddy turns me off. They shouldn't have to scare people into choosing their product. All of the pics I've seen of failed lifts are from lack of maintanence and not from a failed weld or poor workmanship.
Went to World of Wheels here over the weekend and put in my order from BencoStuff on a Direct 4 Post Lift. $1795 with all the free goodies. Am going to pick it up this week, didn't know they had them in one of the burbs here. $1940 after taxes. Maybe I'll write my own review in a few years. J-
hoarder1212
Active member
Thanks for the info.I will check out a complete hydraulic lift.PxTx said:
toolttime
Member
What height do you need inb a garage for a 4 post hoist ?
sixt8bird
Active member
I bought an Eagle 4 post that uses 2 6" I beams welded to 1/4" diamond plate for the width of the two I beams. So total is 4 I beams. for two rails. these are very heavy duty . The 4 posts seem plenty stout also. These are the same type muffler and trans shops have with heavy chain for the lifting, not cables. the ram is horizontal and the lift will lift 15,000 lbs. I bought mine 7 years ago and am very happy with it. It cost me $2700 at the time and free delivery. The unit weighs like 2400 lbs alone and the trucking company left their trailer and said call when you have it unloaded. I unloaded it and set it up by myself . The truck was 100 ft from where i set it up and moved everything with two peices of plywood and set up the lift with an engine hoist. Unloaded and set up in 2 days. Also my garage is 10' high and I park a car above and below. Plenty of room. Not a very good picture but with how stuffed my garage is, its lucky I can even show any part of the lift. LOL.toolttime said:
Last edited:
sixt8bird
Active member
Heres another.
Well, got my lift set up. It is a Direct- Lift, Chinese stuff. $1911, tax and all, no delivery, had to pick it up myself, but was only about 20 miles to get. It has trays, casters and jack slide. Took about 3 hours to set up with the brother-in-law with a few barley pops. Pretty happy with it. Could be made a little more sturdy, only complaint would be how tight the cross beams are to the posts. They wiggle a bit much for my tastes, but now I have the Chevelle about four feet in the air and it didn't even hurt my back. NICE!
Pic's to come soon. J-
Pic's to come soon. J-