Advantage lifts

[smz]

I stopped at the advantage lifts business in Elk River Mn the other day.
I talked to one of the owners, Gordie, for quite awhile and was impressed with the lift. I am leaning towards the 11000 4 post because I have a duramax crew long box which I think is pushing 9k and the 11 is wider and longer and higher lifting than the others.
my final goal is to have a 2 post because of servicing access, but in my 40 x 80 garage I can't decide where to put it. With the 4 post I can move it around 4 awhile until I decide on the best spot to mount the 2.
Ironically the other owner Richard was a teacher for many years in a neighbouring town. Small world I quess!

 

[nyjets53]

Did you buy the lift?

Has anyone else brought one of the Advantage Lifts?

If you saw one or brought one, What are your impressions

 

[XS29L9B]

Do these lifts have any redundant safety features? Hard to tell.

What are your experiences, as I am considering buying one - thanks

 

[Jimmies63]

Bump.

I'm considering too. Anyone buy one yet?

 

[Jimmies63]

9000# 4-post is 2995. Shipping to me in WNY is $850. Install is $1200 - which seems pretty high. It is made in China to their specs. It is not ALI, they said only Bendpak and Direct are ALI.

 

[Jimmies63]

A Bendpak hd-9 prices out the same when you add in drip trays, jack platform, drain pan etc....

 

[Jimmies63]

Directs Pro Park 9 - surprise surprise, same features and same price .... BUT 84" lift height. I'd say right there is the deal breaker. To not have to duck has got to tip the scales in favor of direct for me.

 

[Cobertible01]

Anyone have any more experience with this lift company?

 

[carryallman]

i bought a 11,00 # 4 post in august _nice lift works good BUT mine didnt come W/ DRIP PANS called advantage - one of owners said they all came with pans !! & dismissed me -pissed me off -why would i lie ??? anyway i wont forget it when my son needed one awhile back -i told him to buy a "greg smith" unit -not as nice BUT HE PROBABLY WILL BUY ANOTHER FOR STORAGE SOON !!

 

[SSAAHemiFan]

I have been considering one for over a year but couldn't find anyone with feedback. I appreciate the info on how they handled the drip pans, can you imagine if you needed a part or had a bigger problem.

I have a BB that I use for service work and was looking for another 4 post just to stack cars.

Because it won't have the wear and tear of my primary 4 post I was looking at saving some cash and considered the advantage outside slider.

I won't take a chance with that type of customer service.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

These are very similar, in fact, almost the same, spoke to these people and they were very friendly too.

http://www.wildfirelifts.com/

 

[Dr Stan]

Before anyone buys, check out: http://www.nussbaum-usa.com/

 

[Coltdoggs]

I have been considering one for over a year but couldn't find anyone with feedback. I appreciate the info on how they handled the drip pans, can you imagine if you needed a part or had a bigger problem.

I have a BB that I use for service work and was looking for another 4 post just to stack cars.

Because it won't have the wear and tear of my primary 4 post I was looking at saving some cash and considered the advantage outside slider.

I won't take a chance with that type of customer service.

Have you looked at www.titanlifts.com ? Have seen these guys at Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago with their 7K 4-post (Official Lift Sponsor). Also at Cavalcade of Customs in Cincy and out in Carlisle, PA at the events they have out there.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Have you looked at www.titanlifts.com ? Have seen these guys at Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago with their 7K 4-post (Official Lift Sponsor). Also at Cavalcade of Customs in Cincy and out in Carlisle, PA at the events they have out there.

Just another brand of lift made in China, how are theirs superior? Dont see any special rating, other than ISO 9001 which doesn't really make me feel any safer under a 6000lb car, IMHO

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Before anyone buys, check out: http://www.nussbaum-usa.com/

NO 4 post lifts?

 

[Coltdoggs]

Just another brand of lift made in China, how are theirs superior? Dont see any special rating, other than ISO 9001 which doesn't really make me feel any safer under a 6000lb car, IMHO

If you want "superior" and have the funds then spend $7K on a Rotary or Mohawk. They make solid product.

If you're looking for an affordable, quality lift as a hobbyist, then this would be an option. It doesn't have the internal lock ladder that I see on others like GSE. As it was explained to me, the advantage of the welded block style they use is that from the release point, you can see if all four corners are out of the locks.

And hey, I saw a $400K Mustang and several other high dollar muscle cars on them in Chicago. I don't think I'd be putting my prized muscle car (that I don't own) on one if I didn't feel it was sturdy and safe! Most of the lifts are manufactured overseas or have major components from over there anyway, despite what they tell you.

Just tossing out options for the fella...

 

[scottmoyer]

Just as a counter to the complaints with Advantage customer service, I've had all good communication. I've spoken with all three of the owners and have gotten great support from all three.

My lift didn't come with the limit switch that they are now advertising, so I called them and they sent me two, just in case I needed a second one. I also mentioned to them that I had a small leak after installing the fluid. The leak was at the fitting on the ramp. They suggested that I just replace the entire fitting and hose and sent me a complete set up. Not sure why I had the leak. It doesn't leak now and it's still the same fitting and hose I originally received. I called to ask about it and they just sent the parts. Overnight shipping too.

When I received my lift, it was in perfect shape with no scratches or chips. They package it in a way that forklifts won't damage the ramps. When I called about the leak issue, they asked about the condition and if I was happy with it. I said I was and they shipped me a touch up paint kit for future use. I never asked for it.

So, if you call and ask a question, but don't get an immediate answer, call again. They might've just missed it.

When looking at getting a BendPak, their customer service couldn't answer even the basic questions I had prior to a purchase, so I looked elsewhere.

 

[Mr_fixit]

Did you buy the lift?

Has anyone else brought one of the Advantage Lifts?

If you saw one or brought one, What are your impressions

I saw Advantage on display at Carlisle in 2017. And Titan and Greg Smith and a Bendpak and BackYard buddy, and maybe one more, at Carlisle, or Hershey, but not necessarily at the same show. , I wasn't interested in the Titan, since it was 7000lb. Or any 7000 lb lift.

I 'm still shopping, for a 9000 or 11000 4 post. From what I saw about the Advantage 9000 compared to Bendpak 9000, sold by the same company, USA lift , and on display at the same time, I'd get an Advantage. It looked much stronger construction, from what I saw. The Advantage also came with a bunch of extras that the Bendpak didn't.

I lost the pricing info I had from them, so I'm also interested to hear from owners of the 9000 or 11,000 Advantage lift.

I'd love to find 6 different brands of 9000 lb 4 post lift at the same place, on display, to compare against each other.

It seems like EVERYONE REALLY LOVES whatever brand they have of a: cordless drill, impact gun, Lift, socket set, air compressor, etc.

 

[scottmoyer]

I researched all of the major brands and chose the Advantage Lift. I felt the quality of construction, the thickness of the steel, the lack of any movement when loaded and the accessories it came with was a no brainer.

I got a discount price due to a show special they had. The 9000# lift was $2900 delivered to the warehouse. It included the casters, 4 drip trays, the 4500# rolling jack tray and 36" aluminum ramps. As I mentioned earlier, it also came with a limit switch, because I have a low ceiling, so I cannot put my car through the garage ceiling.

 

[jwdominick]

The used to be called garage toys, had one of their lifts for years. no issues

 

[AdamIsAdam]

Interesting thread. I'm in the market. I REALLY like the design of a square post vs C channel. Seem that only two brands sell square post: Advantage and Backyard Buddy. I have not seen a price yet from BB, but Advantage to me looks beefier. I like a lot of the info they post on their videos: the backup locking system they added, the height limiting switch, but most of all, I like the thick materials around the dead bolts. Just looks extremely heavy duty.

Plus, they seem to offer a lot of extras that people charge more for, like lift tray, drip pans, aluminum ramps, etc. Oh, and the lift trays that slide ON the tire tracks is silly. How annoying. These look better.

I hope they work with someone local to me in NY

 

[cajunfirehawk]

These are very similar, in fact, almost the same, spoke to these people and they were very friendly too.

http://www.wildfirelifts.com/

Look at those too

 

[AdamIsAdam]

Wildfire lifts looks to be THE SAME as Advantage. Not similar, but THE SAME. What's the story there? Is there a company that's actually making these for both Wildfire and Advantage? And are they made over seas? Parts from China? I'm not sure it matters that much as long as the design and materials are strong - and their design certainly looks stronger than all of the C-channel posts in my opinion, whatever that's worth.

 

[scottmoyer]

I don't know anything about Wildfire lifts, other than the fact they do look very similar. Their version of the secondary safety lock is different than Advantage, and their ramps are steel, not aluminum. What I also noticed is that they are both from Minneapolis. Advantage Lifts is just NW of downtown in Elk River and it appears that the phone number for Wildfire puts them in a similar location NW of downtown.

The problem I have with Wildfire is the lack of information and details on their website. I can't find any details on their accessory pricing. Advantage has so much more available.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

^ yep concur, and most 4 post lifts are made in china, even bendpak, I've looked at all of these, seen the advantage at a local show several years in a row but just recently stumbled upon this one that is at least ALI certified and about the same price, while its also made overseas I get some peace of mind its ALI certified....YMMV

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Apex-8

 

[AdamIsAdam]

Greg Smith shows 3 different lists that are all very similar. Any idea about differences between them, aside from an inch here or there?

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Garage-Pro-8-000

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-408SL-8-000-LB-Four-Post-Lift_2

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Apex-8

I am shocked that one company makes all three lifts so similar. Or is Atlas re-badging other brands?

I see only one is ALI certified, if that matters.
One has bigger and thicker columns, which I like.

 

[scottmoyer]

But the Atlas is an 8000#, C channel with lighter gauge steel (1/5" to Advantage's 1/4"), 36" steel ramps instead of 36" aluminum ramps, 3.5"x6" C channel rather than 5"x5" boxed, internal lock ladder style rather than stamped into the 5x5 steel box, the caster holes are just a welded on tube, rather than stamped through the steel channel, and it costs the same! I also notice that the Atlas requires a 30A service. You'll probably need to get that wired in because most garages are built with either 15A or 20A service. The Advantage Lift only required a 20A.

Now, I'm not saying that the Atlas, Direct-Lift, BendPak, etc are bad or won't do the job. But what I'm saying is that for the cost, I feel your getting so much more out of the Advantage Lift with accessories and beefier components.

Regarding ALI... It didn't matter to me since there are lifts still in use today that were installed before the ALI certification and they have lesser security features than the Advantage does.

 

[AdamIsAdam]

But the Atlas is an 8000#, C channel with lighter gauge steel (1/5" to Advantage's 1/4"), 36" steel ramps instead of 36" aluminum ramps, 3.5"x6" C channel rather than 5"x5" boxed, internal lock ladder style rather than stamped into the 5x5 steel box, the caster holes are just a welded on tube, rather than stamped through the steel channel, and it costs the same! I also notice that the Atlas requires a 30A service. You'll probably need to get that wired in because most garages are built with either 15A or 20A service. The Advantage Lift only required a 20A.

Now, I'm not saying that the Atlas, Direct-Lift, BendPak, etc are bad or won't do the job. But what I'm saying is that for the cost, I feel your getting so much more out of the Advantage Lift with accessories and beefier components.

Regarding ALI... It didn't matter to me since there are lifts still in use today that were installed before the ALI certification and they have lesser security features than the Advantage does.

I agree about all of those things. On that post, I was just wondering what the differences were between all 3 Atlas lifts.

I agree, the boxed design seems better. For that, I see basically two companies: Adantage and Backyard Buddy. I don't know pricing on BYbuddy yet, but I've inferred that it's more money. It's 100% made in USA using USA parts. Now, I was just talking with a friend who said Advantage was set up at Barrett-Jackson this week and he was speaking with them. They claim their lifts are made in USA on their site as well. We sorta doubt that since it's not advertised as such; I would expect that to be a selling point.

Advantage vs. Buddy:
- Posts are 5" vs 4" square (advantage=Advantage)
- Runways: BB says they make a frame, and then weld tread plate to it. From what I can tell, Advantage is similar, but a little different, yet still better than most of the cheaper models. (see their videos for details).

I'm curious to know if anyone has seen both BYBuddy and Advantage up close to explain the different locking designs. I sort of like the Advantage setup, but both seem much better than the C channel lifts with latter channels and triangular shaped deadbolts / locks.

 

[Bamafan]

I don't know anything about Wildfire lifts, other than the fact they do look very similar. Their version of the secondary safety lock is different than Advantage, and their ramps are steel, not aluminum. What I also noticed is that they are both from Minneapolis. Advantage Lifts is just NW of downtown in Elk River and it appears that the phone number for Wildfire puts them in a similar location NW of downtown.

The problem I have with Wildfire is the lack of information and details on their website. I can't find any details on their accessory pricing. Advantage has so much more available.

I haven't pulled the trigger yet (my garage is just getting finished), but I'm pretty sold on Wildfire. Just great feedback from people who have them, and they are beefy as all get-out.

 

[AdamIsAdam]

I haven't pulled the trigger yet (my garage is just getting finished), but I'm pretty sold on Wildfire. Just great feedback from people who have them, and they are beefy as all get-out.

If you go Wildfire, please report back here with findings. I'm curious as to whether they actually manufacture or just resell the same lift as Advantage. (I'm going to ask Advantage the same question tomorrow).

Also, note that both WoldFire and Advantage have what appears to be a completely separate, additional deadbolt locking pin that would engage should the cables break. Very cool.
See this point in video:

(you'll find same thing on the Advantage video but they don't remove the cover to show you)

Wildfire and Advantage seem to basically be identical except for accessories like ramps. Backyard Buddy has different locking pin, which also looks good.

 

[scottmoyer]

Like I said, it appears Wildfire is exactly the same as Advantage, except the secondary lock system is different and the ramps are steel, not aluminum. As far as the rest, I don't know since they don't have the information on their website.

Regarding being made in the USA, the Advantage lift is made in China to the specifications required by Advantage. I'm assuming that Wildfire is the same. Now I do need to say that just because it's made in China doesn't mean it's garbage. I have a safe that was made in China, but to the specs of the company and it's considerably better than most of the other rebranded Chinese brands. So if the manufacturing is done in China, due to costs, but to specific specs, I have no issues with that.

The tread of the runways is formed, not welded. See pic below. Also I attached a pic of the lock assembly from the bottom. Let me know if you need more pics.

Lastly, BYB is about $5k or more. I don't know what it comes with as accessories.

 

[AdamIsAdam]

I think our posts crossed, Scott. Check out the updated video I posted about Advantage, above, that shows they also have a secondary backup lock, same as Wildfire.

Also, I just noticed that Advantage upgraded from a small orifice to an actual anti-backflow type valve to stop fluid from coming out entirely should a hose burst. Many lifts seem to have the small orifices installed to make the lift come down slowly in the event of a hose leak, but they will keep leaking. This valve ostensibly prevents the fluid from emptying out of your hydraulics onto the floor. Maybe it'll reduce your likelihood of sliding on my **** while I run around the garage in a panic that my car is falling!

See this spot in the video:

 

[scottmoyer]

I just looked up some stuff on BYB. I like the fact that their rolling jack tray support 7k pounds. Not that I need that much in "my" garage, but it's nice to have that capacity. I also like their drip trays being metal, rather than plastic. I've been looking for metal trays for mine, so I might have to give them a call.

It seems their collector lift is only 7000# and doesn't come with the jacking tray, or any accessory. It also has a max height under the ramps of 63". That's only 5 foot 3"! The Advantage lift is 71", or 5 feet 11 inches.

 

[AdamIsAdam]

I just looked up some stuff on BYB. I like the fact that their rolling jack tray support 7k pounds. Not that I need that much in "my" garage, but it's not to have that capacity. I also like their drip trays being metal, rather than plastic. I've been looking for metal trays for mine, so I might have to give them a call.

It seems their collector lift is only 7000# and doesn't come with the jacking tray, or any accessory. It also has a max height under the ramps of 63". That's only 5 foot 3"! The Advantage lift is 71", or 5 feet 11 inches.

I don't think the jacking tray supports 7000#, because it says the same thing under the drip trays. I think that 7000# number refers to the actual lift, not the tray.

I intend to price the BYbuddy tomorrow. Someone said around $5k. That's A LOT more than the others. Let's see how they compare once delivered and installed.

 

[scottmoyer]

Adam, our posts did cross, but I did see yours after posting mine. I "think" the secondary lock system on the Wildfire is slightly different than Advantage, but they do have one. It is different, but I'm sure it functions the same. Here is the Advantage secondary lock system from the bottom. I couldn't easily get the cover off, I pulled it away to get this pic.

 

[AdamIsAdam]

Scott,
where are you getting those pics of Wildfire? Do you own one?

 

[scottmoyer]

All of the pics I posted are of the Advantage Lift, which I do own

 

[AdamIsAdam]

Ohhh! (I see that now in your post, that you own it.)

How long have you had it? Do you like it? Any info you can share for prospective buyers?

How much was shipping and how was that, and installation, handled?

 

[AdamIsAdam]

Never mind...
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6772446&postcount=9

How high are your ceilings? Got pics?

 

[scottmoyer]

My lift was $2900 delivered to the local warehouse. I picked it up and got it home. After 4 hours, I had a car on it. One of the packing bolts that hold the runway to the disposable shipping frame was double nutted due to stripping while being installed. It took over 30 minutes for me to get that bolt out. Then there was the standing around and not working aspect! I would say that two people can put this together, easily in 2.5-3 hours.

I've had it since June 2017. I love it. Like many others have said, I don't know why it took me so long to get one. As for information for prospective buyers, I've been very vocal about Advantage Lifts here and on other sites I'm on. I think it's the best bang for the buck!

My ceilings are 120". My two cars are fine for storing on this lift, but trying to put newer, taller cars would not be so easy. My 80's Camaros sit at about 50" each, where the new Mustangs and Camaros are closer to 53-56" tall