Another 2 post lift thread.

[fabjunkie]

Since the shop is finally making some headway, I'm looking at lifts so I can have a decision made already when the time comes that I'm ready to order. I have a few that I'm looking at but they all seem close to each other.

1. Atlas PV-10, possibly the PV-10HP as I'll have the room to go a little taller. Not ETL/ALI certified, but is CE (European testing) approved.
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-PV-10P
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-PV-10HP
I haven't found any bad reviews on the Atlas, but Greg Smith seems to have hit or miss reviews on their customer service.

2. Bendpak XPR-10-168. It is ETL/ALI certified
http://www.autoequipmentdepot.com/2-post-lifts/xpr-10-168.html
Bendpak is what all the *** Monkey type shows use so they must be good right?

3. Forward I10. ETL/ALI certified, but does not have the taller option. Forward is under the parent company Dover, which owns Rotary also. I suspect this is an older Rotary design.


I'm 6'4 and don't want to be crouching. I also will be lifting everything from lowered hot rods to 1 ton crew cab diesels. This is not something that will be used everyday, but I want something that is going to last years to come and not fall on me with one of my heavier trucks on it. I would consider going to a 12k lift, but I don't have the the concrete requirements (6" typically). There seems to be quite a few guys on here with Atlas' and are happy with them, but I haven't seen much talk about Bendpak or Forward. I'm asking for opinions/experiences. I know there are other brands out there in the same price range, but these seem to be the more popular brands for the chinese lifts.

 

[toyman]

I got a bendpak xpr-10-168 last summer. Installed myself in the wide configuration. Was packaged well with not a scratch. Directions were fairly straightforward. I use it at least every other week. Had everything on it from sons powerwheel jeep, lowered cars, lifted trucks without issues. I recently used it to lift the body off my SUV project. Almost got the asymetrical but glad I didn't.
Would buy again!!

 

[brownbagg]

it doesnt matter how tall the lift is, you still need 12'6 to walk under the car

 

[C2 Turbo]

I am considering ordering Challenger lifts which happens to be closer to me hence better serviceable


http://www.challengerlifts.com/E10.shtml

 

[Marcm157]

I went with the Atlas 90HSC - I couldn't be happier. Instructions were a bit better than useless but I had a very positive experience with Greg Smith Equipment.

I put a long scratch in one of the posts while getting it off my trailer. I fixed that but it went right thoughone of the "Atlas" Graphics. I called Greg Smith Equipment to see if I could purchase a new graphic and they sent it too me for free.

 

[ELVIS468BB]

I got a bendpak xpr-10-168 last summer. Installed myself in the wide configuration. Was packaged well with not a scratch. Directions were fairly straightforward. I use it at least every other week. Had everything on it from sons powerwheel jeep, lowered cars, lifted trucks without issues. I recently used it to lift the body off my SUV project. Almost got the asymetrical but glad I didn't.
Would buy again!!

Just wondering why you're glad you didn't get the asymmetrical one? Getting ready to start my build and am researching ideas for a lift and was curious about that.

 

[toyman]

Buddy has a asymetrical and it's great for cars but the standard seems more stable with trucks. Also with standard you can lift vehicles either driven in it backed in.

 

[Marcm157]

The 90HSC is "Supersymmetrical" which means you can set a car up either Symmetrical or Asymmetrical. Works well for me because I have a pick up that I don't like lifting asymmetrically.

 

[C2 Turbo]

How do you manage lowered cars?

 

[MrBalll]

How do you manage lowered cars?

I'm not sure about other lift company's, but Bendpak has an LP version that is a lot lower specifically made for lowered vehicle.

 

[ELVIS468BB]

Buddy has a asymetrical and it's great for cars but the standard seems more stable with trucks. Also with standard you can lift vehicles either driven in it backed in.

Thanks for clearing that up. Do you have any issues opening the doors wide enough with a non-asymetrical one?

 

[toyman]

With the wide configuration - no problem with doors.

 

[fabjunkie]

I got a bendpak xpr-10-168 last summer. Installed myself in the wide configuration. Was packaged well with not a scratch. Directions were fairly straightforward. I use it at least every other week. Had everything on it from sons powerwheel jeep, lowered cars, lifted trucks without issues. I recently used it to lift the body off my SUV project. Almost got the asymetrical but glad I didn't.
Would buy again!!

After doing more research, this is the way I'm leaning. I have to do some measurements to make sure the 168 will fit where I'm thinking of sticking it, and decide if the extra height is worth the extra $400.

I like that it has the wide option giving an extra 10" over the Atlas. It also seems to be heavier built and I like that the columns are 1 piece vs. 2 piece bolt together.

I am considering ordering Challenger lifts which happens to be closer to me hence better serviceable


http://www.challengerlifts.com/E10.shtml

I almost looked at Challenger until I looked at the comparison between them and Bendpak. http://www.bendpak.com/a-study-in-l...t-vs-Challenger-Lifts-E-10-Two-Post-Car-Lift/

Here's their comparison to a Rotary, which I lumped Forward in with.
http://www.bendpak.com/a-study-in-lift-design/Two-Post-Lift-Comparison/

Just wondering why you're glad you didn't get the asymmetrical one? Getting ready to start my build and am researching ideas for a lift and was curious about that.

Buddy has a asymetrical and it's great for cars but the standard seems more stable with trucks. Also with standard you can lift vehicles either driven in it backed in.

Toyman nailed it. If all you're going to pick up is cars them asymmetric is the way to go. If you want more versatility the symmetric is it. That is one feature that the Atlas and Forward have is the ability to load either way. The jury is still out for me.

 

[ELVIS468BB]

Toyman nailed it. If all you're going to pick up is cars them asymmetric is the way to go. If you want more versatility the symmetric is it. That is one feature that the Atlas and Forward have is the ability to load either way. The jury is still out for me.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for clearing that up. Looks like I'll be checking out the symmetrical ones as I will be lifting my fair share of trucks with it.

 

[NitroShark]

I have a Bendpak XPR-10-168 in the wide configuration. It works for my crew cab dually and even well for small FWD cars as the picture below.

Door clearance is no problem. You will need 175 inch overhead clearance.

 

[C2 Turbo]

What's should be the height of the arms in order to lift lowered cars? I am inclining towards the Challenger just for the fact that they are 1 hour from me which is great from servicing point of view

 

[plow]

Almost got the asymetrical but glad I didn't.
Would buy again!!

Whys that toyman?



Sorry. Should have read the thread before posting.

 

[Ironcrow]

I'm not sure what the issue is. I have an asymmetrical lift and I have, from time to time, put a vehicle on it backwards. Is it a c.g. location concern with some lifts?

 

[zkdiesel]

Rotary spo12ta

 

[ghlkal]

I have a Bendpak asymmetrical. I have lifted my lowered Corvette, my 1/2 ton truck, and everything in between. I'm not sure why a symmetric lift would be better for trucks.

 

[zkdiesel]

I have a Bendpak asymmetrical. I have lifted my lowered Corvette, my 1/2 ton truck, and everything in between. I'm not sure why a symmetric lift would be better for trucks.

Because your 1/2 ton weighs half what a loaded work truck(a real bed on it, not a pickup box) weighs and an asy can't lift those safely
To much weight on back of truck with arms configured asy

 

[fabjunkie]

Bringing this back up as I'm ready to pull the trigger. After reading researching ad nauseum, I've narrowed it down to 3 lifts based on my needs, mainly the width so that I can get my trailer through it if needed (102").

Atlas OH-10X $2295 plus $100 for the truck cradles, so $2395 + tax.

Dannmar Brigadier 10CX On sale right now for $2450 and no tax. Sale includes free truck cradles.

Bendpak XPR-10 On sale for $2835 no tax plus truck cradles.

Main differences here are warranty and ALI cert. Dannmar and Bendpak are ALI cert vs. Atlas' CE cert. Atlas and Bendpak have 5yr structure/2yr hydraulic warranty vs. Dannmar 3yr structure/1yr hydraulic.

As far as I can tell, the Dannmar and Bendpak are the same lift with different warranties. They often have the same stock photos under both. The Dannmar may be the last Bendpak design.

The Atlas has a few extra inches in height before the safety shut-off but for the $50 difference I'm leaning toward the Dannmar for the ALI cert. My main concern here is the lack of warranty on the Dannmar vs. the other two. I don't see the value in the price jump for the Bendpak outside of warranty, at which point I'd be pressed to go with the Atlas.

I've read numerous issues with Atlas customer service, some with Bendpak, but not a single one with Dannmar.

Anyone have these models that mind to chime in your thoughts and experience with them?

 

[kirkkw]

https://www.derekweaver.com/2-post-lifts/?sort=priceasc

Since you are close to Dallas you should check Derek Weaver - 10k certified for $2,295

Excellent customer service on their other products that I bought.

 

[MrBalll]

Like I stated earlier, don't forget to check on the Bendpak LP version. Not sure how lowered your vehicle is, but the arms are very low.
I almost got one for my dropped Tahoe, but the dealer that contacted me said not to worry. The LP is more so for sports cars.

Just guessing on your first post I may recommend the LP version. Even if you end up not needing it, won't hurt to have in case you go lower later on.

And if it helps, Bendpak is upgrading their pads to a thicker, more stronger insert point so I had to call and get a different set of cradle lifts as I got the older, thinner ones that won't fit. I was on the phone a total of six minutes and the new cradle lift's are currently being shipped to my house at no charge. They also paid for the return label for me to send the others back.
I've never heard a bad word about Bendpak customer service. And I put that to the test today. Very nice company.

 

[fabjunkie]

I had looked at the Weaver, not impressed with the aspects of the design. Has a lot of the same design ques as the cheaper chinese units.

After spending WAY too much time dwelling over this and reading the same things over and over I ended up ordering the Bendpak XPR-10S last night. I was leaning toward the Atlas but for a couple hundred dollars more, the Bendpak won out. It has a slightly better warranty, is ALI certified, and should hold more value should I ever need to sell it. Should see it the end of the week or first of next week.

 

[fabjunkie]

Like I stated earlier, don't forget to check on the Bendpak LP version. Not sure how lowered your vehicle is, but the arms are very low.
I almost got one for my dropped Tahoe, but the dealer that contacted me said not to worry. The LP is more so for sports cars.

I thought about the LP, but as I saw another poster say in another thread, I didn't like the LP arm design. If it's ever an issue, I can always drive up on 2x's.

 

[MrBalll]

Good point on the 2x4's. Simple fix if ever a problem.
Be sure to post photos once it's up and running.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kg-Tb5RWeRP5AjCxDOSlwNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-46HnRgnDd8Q/V2i_GmWNRPI/AAAAAAAAAG4/YeknxVM9774gMzZ7rJ3iQ2vzoDapIR7QACCo/s288/IMG_3958.JPG" height="288" width="216" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/103766466331922249066/6298494199632009905?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite"></a></td></tr></table>

 

[ct03911]

I got the Forward I10 over the Rotary because of the arm pad design. Much more flexible in height and with a rubber pad and area to add a hockey puck which assures me of no metal to frame damage.

Yours looks like a nice pad design too. I would install yours in the wide position. I used to think the width mattered for opening the door but it really is also important for allowing more arm swing and positioning. Mine is 115" wide "inside column" and it barely works with a lowered Corvette and ramps.

For those who have not bought yet: I never saw a "low profile" lift that was a 10K lift. If you get less than a 10k lift you have less than 5000lb's rated on the front two arms. My 3/4 ton Duramax weighs 4700lbs at the front axle. IMO less than a 10k lift rules out at least some 3/4 ton trucks.

With the heavier lifts the arm pad height always seems to be 4"+.
That means lowered cars can't swing the arms underneath and especially so if you add some type of frame friendly spacer, like a hockey puck.

For my car I needed stacked 2x10's put together in such a manner that you could get up on them still clearing the front spoiler/air dam but not so long that the front arm can't swing into position.

Enjoy your lift!

 

[MrBalll]

For those who have not bought yet: I never saw a "low profile" lift that was a 10K lift. If you get less than a 10k lift you have less than 5000lb's rated on the front two arms. My 3/4 ton Duramax weighs 4700lbs at the front axle. IMO less than a 10k lift rules out at least some 3/4 ton trucks.

http://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/two-post-lifts/xpr-10s-lp.aspx
More so just the arms are 'LP'. Looks shorter, but wider to me.

 

[CapnAl]

Anybody have experience with Direct Lift? I talked to them at the SEMA show last November and the company also has Rotary and I think Challenger. The DL9 two-post lift is $1995. 9000 lbs capacity 109" between posts, and it weighs 1450 lbs.

 

[jgorm]

In for comments. I'm maybe a month away from a 10K 2 post.

 

[Faster346]

Good point on the 2x4's. Simple fix if ever a problem.
Be sure to post photos once it's up and running.

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kg-Tb5RWeRP5AjCxDOSlwNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-46HnRgnDd8Q/V2i_GmWNRPI/AAAAAAAAAG4/YeknxVM9774gMzZ7rJ3iQ2vzoDapIR7QACCo/s288/IMG_3958.JPG" height="288" width="216" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/103766466331922249066/6298494199632009905?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite"></a></td></tr></table>

How tall are your ceilings?

 

[fabjunkie]

I'm gonna guess that's 14' ceilings there with 10' tall door.

Got a call this afternoon, my lift is in town at the dock. They're bringing it out Tuesday morning. We'll see how how beat up it is since it came Conway.

 

[MrBalll]

How tall are your ceilings?

I'm gonna guess that's 14' ceilings there with 10' tall door.

This is correct.

 

[fabjunkie]

Got a package today

Wanted to put where I ordered from. Bigboysgaragetoys.com. Scott was easy to deal with and prompt with answering the phone or returning calls. They had the best price on the new model with the screw pads, and there was no residential surcharge, although I do have a forklift. I would order from them again.

 

[MrBalll]

Congrats.
You going to install it or have someone come out?

 

[fabjunkie]

I'll do it. I do shop equipment including lifts for a living, not 2 posts, but I'll figure it out.

 

[fabjunkie]

Truck weighs 8000 with a quarter tank and me in it.

 

[dbabicky]

Nice lift. SUPER NICE TRUCK !! I am envious !! LOL !! I have my 1975 Jeep J-10 setting on my 9K 2-post Challenger lift right now.