ALI certified for four post lifts?

[strunz0]

Hi all, this is my first thread on here - you’ve all given me a tremendous amount of knowledge as I built my three car detached garage. I will post pictures when I’m allowed to - currently restricting me for some reason!

My question is, do you care about ALI certification for four post lifts? I was looking at an atlas lift that was $2800 - just to store cars, nothing fancy needed. But, I noticed a nearly identical Atlas lift - same specs and sizes BUT it is ALI certified and costs about $3400.

So - thoughts? Does this matter for hobby use? I’d be lifting 5,000 pounds MAX on a lift rated for 8,000.

Thanks!

 

[HAULNSS]

I have two Advantage lifts, one single and one double. Certification didn’t mean much to me as they are so much better built then really cheap ones that I feel plenty safe using them.

There was talk that they may be certified now but I’m not sure. Certification didn’t matter as much as my own research and intended use. IMO some of the certification entities are financially driven and add overly nanny type features to products.

Randy

 

[finn]

I just ordered two Advantage four post lifts. Looks like they are certified now.

My original interest was to order one certified Advantage 11k Lift that would fit my F450 and one cheap non certified 8 or 9k lift just for storage. I ended up with two certified Advantage (9 and 11k mostly for commonality.

My two post Bendpac is certified.. I guess I decided to go certified If am going to be under it. Not important if it’s for storage, though.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I have a Direct Lift and it is also certified. I thought certification was important.

 

[SHOCheapRacing]

I bought a Quality lift (part of challenger) and part of the decision was that is was ALI certified.

I think this is the one I got:

https://www.asedeals.com/quality-lifts-q4p09x-four-post-vehicle-lift/

I was buying once and do expect to have to purchase another one. I use the sliding jack more than I thought I would working on brakes/changing tire/setting up my track car.

Since I could only see it on line, it looked well built and I got a sticker that says ALI certified, so it must be better? Shrugs.....

 

[boatshoes]

ALI was a priority to me during my search. I ended up paying a bit of a premium for the ALI sticker vs other choices. My Dannmar D7/X was/is ALI certified but I have to admit I was disappointed in the build quality, it was not what I expected. They went out of business, it continues to work for my uses but ALI isn't everything...
If I had to do it again I'd get a Forward EFP9

 

[charbar]

I've never cared much about the ALI certification. Have some that are and some that aren't. The ones that are not are pretty popular lifts though, so I wasn't scared. I don't feel any more warm and cozy under a certified lift than my non certified lifts. Some of the REAL cheapy lifts that aren't certified would scare me off though probably.

Its not uncommon to see two identical china lifts with different names on them, one certified and one not. Which could be what you found.

My two cents for whatever its worth....is the lift your looking at a well known name with a good reputation for build quality? If so, I don't see the point in spending extra money just for a sticker.

What models are you comparing, someone could probably tell you if they are the same lift or not, or how they compare at least.

 

[strunz0]

I've never cared much about the ALI certification. Have some that are and some that aren't. The ones that are not are pretty popular lifts though, so I wasn't scared. I don't feel any more warm and cozy under a certified lift than my non certified lifts. Some of the REAL cheapy lifts that aren't certified would scare me off though probably.

Its not uncommon to see two identical china lifts with different names on them, one certified and one not. Which could be what you found.

My two cents for whatever its worth....is the lift your looking at a well known name with a good reputation for build quality? If so, I don't see the point in spending extra money just for a sticker.

What models are you comparing, someone could probably tell you if they are the same lift or not, or how they compare at least.

Thanks all for the information - super helpful and much appreciated. I’m definitely debating between the “safe bet” like a Bendpak HD-9 and something like the ASE Deals lift which is significantly cheaper but being sold by a reputable dealer. Deep down I know that going with the bendpak is probably the smarter choice - especially for if things break, after market support, service, etc. however, I am always scheming and trying to spend my money wisely - so I’m definitely open. Perhaps a better question is, what sort of 4 post storage lifts would you recommend? I only need to lift about 5,000 pounds and the primary purpose is storage with some light maintenance. Thanks again!


Suffering from a car disease; incurable and expensive to treat

 

[boatshoes]

I'd go Atlas, Direct-Lift/Forward, or Bendpak. I ruled out Bendpak because I don't have compressed air for the locks. Another thought is how high you want to lift. I got the extra long/tall so I wouldn't have to worry about ducking, and it's made a world of difference.

 

[strunz0]

I'd go Atlas, Direct-Lift/Forward, or Bendpak. I ruled out Bendpak because I don't have compressed air for the locks. Another thought is how high you want to lift. I got the extra long/tall so I wouldn't have to worry about ducking, and it's made a world of difference.

Funny you bring up the compressed air. It’s also one of the reasons I was looking at atlas. I have a compressor but it seems like it would be a pain in the *** to kick that thing on and wait for it to build pressure just to lock the ramp. Plus one more thing to break. What did you get in the end? What make/model? Are you happy?


Suffering from a car disease; incurable and expensive to treat

 

[Matt M PA]

I've had my HD9 for years. Well pleased. I permanently hooked up a small line from the compressor. There's always pressure in the tank and it doesn't take much to work the locks.

That being said, BendPAk was offering an option for an air tank that get it's air pressure as the lift is raised....no need for a compressor.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

FWIW, the installer who delivered and assembled my Advantage lift told me he believes the Advantage is a better lift and a better value than the Bendpak, based on his experience with the many different types and brands they service.

 

[SHOCheapRacing]

My link to ASEdeals was an example of the one I purchased. I went with a semi local company to purchase and install. Figured it was good to have someone to lean on if I had issues. The cost keep me from buying for a few years, but it ended up being a great garage item. I was afraid of having to work around the posts, but you get used to workgin round them. The only thing I can't do is put a car in the center of the garage for the space to work all around the vehicle.

 

[strunz0]

FWIW, the installer who delivered and assembled my Advantage lift told me he believes the Advantage is a better lift and a better value than the Bendpak, based on his experience with the many different types and brands they service.

The installer I spoke with in Connecticut (TheLiftGuys) also spoke very very highly of advantage.


Suffering from a car disease; incurable and expensive to treat