Automotive Lifts issues

[pimp-boy]

Hi, I know there are many lifts out there in the market and each person claims that the lift they bought is the best. There's also complaints about this lift isn't as good and what not.

For those that personally own a lift, can you name the brand you have, flexibility in the arms to setup your vehicle, and issues you have have or had (Ex. Sagging arms, hydraulic leak, compromised cables, etc...)?

I understand that Mohawk is one of the premium lifts, but for the price, it is over my budget. I understand it has thicker steal, bigger base plates, more screw holes, etc..; but I haven't heard a BendPak, Challenger, or Eagle lift falling on someone and killing them or parts that are constantly braking.

It would be good if you can comment on the lift you currently own so that I can make a better decision as to what I should purchase. My needs are to lift at most a 6,000 lb vehicle (Sports car to an F-150 truck), low ceiling height (9ft 3 inches), and if possible assymetric so that I can open my car door more easily.

Thanks and appreciate your feedback.

 

[ket-tek]

With a 9ft ceiling your pushing the minimum to squeeze in a 2 post.. Maybe look into a Maxjax.

 

[Piper]

yep, ceiling is your show stopper. I have a mohawk (sorry) but only wanted to buy a lift once. Check out the various manufacturers and they'll have the specs on post height. 9 feet is unfortunately pretty low. Maxjax may be your option..along with the system 1 mohawk.

 

[Aberdale]

I have a Rotary 9000 lb. asymmetric. It will not fit in 9 ft ceiling. (My ceiling is 14 ft, and the lift is around 12 ft. high.) It's been a great lift, no issues. One of the features I like is the lift pads flip up two positions for taller frames. It doesn't require loose pieces installed into the pads for pickups, etc.

Dale

 

[pimp-boy]

Hello Piper & Ket-Tek, even with a 9ft ceiling, I may have it extend beyond the ceiling into the attic. My main thing is to focus on finding a post that will not exceed 112". The hydraulic lines and such can go into the attic. May not look the prettiest, but hopefully it won't limit the choices.

The concern I have with MaxJax is the limited stops allowed on the lift. I believe there are only 2 heights stops? Having the flexibility to stop at different levels helps alot.

Thanks.

 

[SteveU]

The Mohawk System 1 or A-7 are about the only 2 post lifts I can think of where the posts are less than 112" other than the maxjax, most of the others are 12' & over. Would a 4 post fit your needs better? I understand budget concerns but the Mohawk has positive stops all the way up starting where the tires are about on the ground though I've never actually engaged mine lower than having them about 6" off the floor. Have you thought about something like a mid rise scissor lift, I think some of them have 7 or more stops & are less money than a Mohawk & at the same time would fit under your ceiling.

 

[AMCguy]

This lift might be right up your alley. Notice there are no overhead components. You'd be standing tall beneath your sports car. Your F-150 is another story. I got mine cheap because it's thirty years old. It's sill made today though.

If you're interested I went into detail here.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59787

 

[Daedalus]

I got mine cheap because it's thirty years old.

Any plans to ever use it? That thing is spotless!

 

[santagary]

While we're commenting...what about the 4 post lifts. I almost pulled the trigger on a Bend Pak the other day because Jessie James and Jay Leno have several as do Street Customs and many others on TV...but... I'm wondering if they get those in exchange for endorsements and camera time. I still can't get a straight answer if Bend Pak is Chinese or Chinese steel imported then assembled in the good 'ole USA? Any help here on what to buy in the $3000 range/4post??? g

 

[kchalle]

I love mine

 

[santagary]

I love mine

What is it..where was it made and how much did it cost??? g

 

[kchalle]

Rotary revolution 9000 lb. Made in China and assembled in Madison IN.
Cost 2900.00 and free shipping. Height of columns 97"

 

[jsaw]

i have a midrise scissors lift that works well with 10 foot ceilings.

 

[jpoint]

I have two cars stacked in a 9'3" ceiling but one of them is not an F150. Regarding 4 post lifts, Gregg Smith Equipment sells a lift very similar to the Rotary Revolution for around $2,000. I put one up with a friend and was very impressed. I have a US made Autolifter. I heard the company went under but then was bought by the workers. Mine has worked well.

 

[swharris]

I'm really liking the Challenger lifts. Specifically the in-ground two post with the versametric arms(sym. and A sym combo design). I like that the space is not taken up with two giant columns. The only drawback to the in-ground is that you can not park another car under it for storage.

Check out a post I made about them. #24 in the thread.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57116

Here is a link to Challenger lifts
http://www.challengerlifts.com/versymmetrictech.shtml

 

[Kenm]

Revolution Lift is made by Rotary Lift. They have a 2 post floorplate lift that is 111-1/4" tall. It's a good quality lift at a very good price. You can even buy it direct from them if you want.
Visit http://www.revolutionlift.com to see what they have.

Ken
http://karlsequipment.com

 

[jimmie jam]

I almost pulled the trigger on a Bend Pak the other day because Jessie James and Jay Leno have several as do Street Customs and many others on TV...but... I'm wondering if they get those in exchange for endorsements and camera time. g

everything that you see on TV is staged for the most part. of course they are "compensated" for the camera time that these products get. that's why the names are not covered. the "star" factor sells just about every product out there....including car lifts.

 

[pimp-boy]

Rotary revolution 9000 lb. Made in China and assembled in Madison IN.
Cost 2900.00 and free shipping. Height of columns 97"

Can you let me know which model? I didn't see one where the height of the columns was 97".

Thanks

 

[pimp-boy]

The Mohawk System 1 or A-7 are about the only 2 post lifts I can think of where the posts are less than 112" other than the maxjax, most of the others are 12' & over. Would a 4 post fit your needs better? I understand budget concerns but the Mohawk has positive stops all the way up starting where the tires are about on the ground though I've never actually engaged mine lower than having them about 6" off the floor. Have you thought about something like a mid rise scissor lift, I think some of them have 7 or more stops & are less money than a Mohawk & at the same time would fit under your ceiling.

Hi Steve U, the Mohawk system I and A-7 are nice but they are $5,999 + Tax installed. My budget was around $2-3k. Anymore, my wife will roll her eyes. The reason for a two post is to be able to have easy full access under the car. Thanks for your suggestion.

 

[ixlr8]

I still can't get a straight answer if Bend Pak is Chinese or Chinese steel imported then assembled in the good 'ole USA? g

The BendPak 4 post lifts are made in China, assembled/packaged in Calif, and then shipped out. I am still trying to decided between the BendPak and Direct Lift ProPark. The BendPak seems to be a slightly better lift, but outfitted the way I want it... It is $1400 more.

 

[kchalle]

The model # is RFP9.

 

[jpoint]

check the options at www.gregsmithequipment.com. There's nothing in it for me - but my friend bought the combo 4 post w/ 2 rolling jacks for suspension work. I was impressed with the quality and price. unpack and install was completed in about 6 hours by a couple 50 year olds. one last suggestion. All American lifts in Kansas closed their doors March 1, 2010. I have one of their lifts. It is a real nice design. They may have some inventory to liquidate. Just a thought. good luck.

 

[jpoint]

Pimp-boy - you should call Earl at All American 316-217-3889. He has a 2 post, floor plate, low profile lift with 6' tall columns that lifts to 4' under car height, available with assemetric arms. 8000 lbs capacity. He's a great guy and I think he would work with you. Even if you go a different way - it might be worth the call.

 

[Kenm]

The BendPak 4 post lifts are made in China, assembled/packaged in Calif, and then shipped out. I am still trying to decided between the BendPak and Direct Lift ProPark. The BendPak seems to be a slightly better lift, but outfitted the way I want it... It is $1400 more.

Just a note, the BendPak will require that you have an air compressor. The lock latches are released by air. The Direct Lift is done with linkage.

 

[nate379]

What would the point of a lift in a 9ft garage be even??

A truck you would be able to lift it just enough to take the tires off and that's about it.

Even my very low WRX still sits ~4ft tall. That means with it hitting the ceiling, would still be crouched underneath it.

IMO you need at least a 13-14' ceiling. Figure a truck being just under 7ft tall, you'd be able to lift it ~6-6.5ft.

 

[jpoint]

I've got two sports cars stacked under a 9'3" ceiling. You're right that you can't stand up under the car on the lift. I use a castered garage stool or a classic castered machinist chair. It works real well. I can roll around without ducking my head and its actually easier on my legs than standing for long periods of time on concrete. I'm not saying this is gonna work on that Ford pick up.

 

[Ruddy]

Hey Pimp, just curious since i have a 9' ceiling too. How would you work on the truck, with a swivel stool? And any issues with clearing the garage door runners?

 

[jpoint]

My experience is I modified the runners and moved the opener to one side. The opener still works fine - but its a single stall door and I had to reinforce the top of the top panel.

 

[mmurphy]

While we're commenting...what about the 4 post lifts. I almost pulled the trigger on a Bend Pak the other day because Jessie James and Jay Leno have several as do Street Customs and many others on TV...but... I'm wondering if they get those in exchange for endorsements and camera time. I still can't get a straight answer if Bend Pak is Chinese or Chinese steel imported then assembled in the good 'ole USA? Any help here on what to buy in the $3000 range/4post??? g

Bend Pak has parts made in several countrys, they claim in u.s.a also. I am betting just assembled. I bought one and I am so far happy with it. If I was using it for more than I do I would have loved to have the Mohawk, mainly cause it is made in the U.S.A.. Some of them that claim they are made in U.S. are just assembled here and not manufactured here, even though they want you to believe that.
Pimp boy you should be able to fit a 2 post that runs cables onfloor you may not be able to raise car all the way but, will make it alot easier still working on car.

 

[brownbagg]

I have a bendpak 9 xl, its been outside over five years, couple hurricanes, no problem. its a two post. I need 12, 5 clearance for my toyota. Things I hate, its not asym so door hit post. the cross beam on the floor, and having to get on my knees to line up the arms, other than that its great,

 

[drm4633]

While we're commenting...what about the 4 post lifts. I almost pulled the trigger on a Bend Pak the other day because Jessie James and Jay Leno have several as do Street Customs and many others on TV...but... I'm wondering if they get those in exchange for endorsements and camera time. I still can't get a straight answer if Bend Pak is Chinese or Chinese steel imported then assembled in the good 'ole USA? Any help here on what to buy in the $3000 range/4post??? g

i just purchased a WORTH 4post extended model for $3250 shipped to middle tn. it is made in Texas.

Pimp-boy - you should call Earl at All American 316-217-3889. He has a 2 post, floor plate, low profile lift with 6' tall columns that lifts to 4' under car height, available with assemetric arms. 8000 lbs capacity. He's a great guy and I think he would work with you. Even if you go a different way - it might be worth the call.

you may want to check their site; it says that they have quit the business...

 

[towood]

I have a rotary hoist and really like it, very well made.

 

[brain_power]

Bend Pak has parts made in several countrys, they claim in u.s.a also. I am betting just assembled. I bought one and I am so far happy with it. If I was using it for more than I do I would have loved to have the Mohawk, mainly cause it is made in the U.S.A.. Some of them that claim they are made in U.S. are just assembled here and not manufactured here, even though they want you to believe that.
Pimp boy you should be able to fit a 2 post that runs cables onfloor you may not be able to raise car all the way but, will make it alot easier still working on car.

As far as I know, Bendpak have many produced in China--- I saw their stocks in a Chinese factory with their logo! Chanllenger & Rotary have production in China also. How about Mohawk and Johnbean(snap-on)?

 

[Shadowdog500]

As far as I know, Bendpak have many produced in China--- I saw their stocks in a Chinese factory with their logo! Chanllenger & Rotary have production in China also. How about Mohawk and Johnbean(snap-on)?

Mohawk is made in New York. Here is a slide show of their production facility.

http://www.mohawklifts.com/library/How_2Posts_Lifts_Are_Made.pdf

Chris

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Hi, I'm considering buying the 2 post Max jax, I can get it with Babco, shipped to my door for $2600 (taxes and shipping included).... I stubbled upon this Triumph lift thats only $1600!!! Anybody know about these? good buy? stay away? any info would be great!

Thanks

 

[pimp-boy]

Hey Pimp, just curious since i have a 9' ceiling too. How would you work on the truck, with a swivel stool? And any issues with clearing the garage door runners?

Hi Ruddy, I bought the residential Liftmaster Jackshaft garage opener. So it will open up the ceiling portion. I'm working with the truss guy to see if I can create more of a cathedral ceiling on that one garage bay in my future 3 car garage. I am also working to see if I can raise the standard stem wall a little higher than the normal 3 inches to maybe 6"-7" to get more height.

I won't be able to raise the full 6'+ height, but as long as I can sit on a rolling stool, it's better than trying to use car jacks to prop it up on jack stands and then crawling under it.

 

[pimp-boy]

Bend Pak has parts made in several countrys, they claim in u.s.a also. I am betting just assembled. I bought one and I am so far happy with it. If I was using it for more than I do I would have loved to have the Mohawk, mainly cause it is made in the U.S.A.. Some of them that claim they are made in U.S. are just assembled here and not manufactured here, even though they want you to believe that.
Pimp boy you should be able to fit a 2 post that runs cables onfloor you may not be able to raise car all the way but, will make it alot easier still working on car.

Thanks MMurphy... My main limitation is the post height. It seems the Mohawk is the only one that has a two post lift with the lowest height requirements and has almost infinite stop heights. The hydraulic lines can go through the ceiling and into the attic which should not pose as a problem. I looked at the Max Jack, but I believe two heights are the restrictions on the lift. I want a 2 post for full access to under the carriage of the vehicle.

 

[hilld]

The Mohawk has locks every 4", starting with 5" off the ground. With the Mohawk, you can run the hydraulic lines overhead or in the floor. The columns are just under 8" tall, assuming we are talking about a System 1A, I can't tell you the height on a A7.