Bendpak v. Revolution four post

[480rider]

I just discovered this forum today -- and my new garage is just finished. Wish I'd found it sooner; lots of great info! I did a search earlier and read threads for about an hour on various lift issues. One thing I didn't find, however, was any discussion on overall sturdiness of lifts based on total weight, and I'm wondering if it's a significant issue.

I'll be ordering a 9k 4-post soon, and have narrowed it down to the Bendpak HDE-9XW-B, or Revolution RFP9. They are very similar in dimensions and, of course, have the same lift capacity. However, while various sellers list the shipping weight of the Bendpak at everything from 1,400 to 1,700 lbs., the Revolution is listed at 2,350. That's an enormous difference. Since I can't imagine any manufacturer intentionally overusing steel, it seems logical to suggest that the Revolution is simply a sturdier unit. I know several on this site have the Bendpak, but I don't recall reading any posts from a Revolution owner. (And I haven't been able to see either in person to compare.) So...has anyone actually seen/used both and have any insight into comparative build quality and sturdiness?

On a related note, I'm wondering if anyone knows the REAL difference between Rotary, Revolution, and Direct-Lift. I know all three are part of the Dover company, and that Revolution is intended to be the consumer level of the line (and built in China), v. the Rotary being the commercial/U.S. built line. But are the 4-post lifts from each different subsidiary pretty much the same, just re-badged to reach different demographics and price points? The Pro Park 9 and RFP9 seem like the same lift, with just a different name. The specs are just about identical, but the price difference is about $500!

Any help with these questions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[HIRISC]

You seem very knowledgeable on the lifts.. Don't know why the weight difference, but I've seen a Revolution lift and can't imagine where the extra weight is (vs a BP).

Try hitting Jeff from BendPak up directly:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=17538

Edit - Revolution lift page indicates the following are included with their lift.

Included with the RFP9:
Steel approach ramps
Caster kit
One jack tray
Three drip trays

 

[480rider]

Thanks for the quick response. I've kind of avoided asking the manufacturers' reps about the weight difference; expecting just a "sales" response. But your edit re the included parts just might explain the difference. I'll do a little research on what the Revolution extras weigh.

 

[Kapt]

480rider,
Are you planning on getting a scissor jack? I called Rotary today asking about the Revolution RFP9 and he said a scissor jack in not available for it. He didn't seem to think the other scissor jacks on the market would work, although he didn't sound positive about this.

Direct Lift has a few different scissor jacks for their lifts, and since they are both owned by the same company, I would think they might work.

Anybody have a Revolution with a scissor jack?

 

[Kapt]

You seem very knowledgeable on the lifts.. Don't know why the weight difference, but I've seen a Revolution lift and can't imagine where the extra weight is (vs a BP).

Try hitting Jeff from BendPak up directly:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=17538

Edit - Revolution lift page indicates the following are included with their lift.

Included with the RFP9:
Steel approach ramps
Caster kit
One jack tray
Three drip trays

I noticed the Pro Park 9 comes with the same accessories as the RFP9. Still can't figure out why its much less expensive. I thought I had decided on the Revolution, but with the scissor jack issue and cost I'm not sure. More research...

 

[480rider]

Yes, the rolling jack issue is important for me. I just e-mailed Revolution with that question. Since there are obviously rails to hold drip trays and a jack tray, I would guess a rolling jack could also work, but it may just not be the right shape/size.

The accessories included with the Revo don't come close to the 700+ pound difference in shipping weight, so I'm still confused about that one. I've contacted both companies directly with that question as well.

I know the lift issues have pretty well been discussed to death here, so I really appreciate everyone being willing to go through it again. It's not just the entry cost of these things, but the size and hassle of them if we buy the wrong thing.

 

[480rider]

Got a response from Rotary/Revolution:

"The lift is actually heavy, because of thicker steel plates" and

"The RFP9 does not support rolling jacks"

The first answer is kind of what I expected -- just a sales line. But the second is useful information, if somewhat disappointing.

 

[Kapt]

The Revolution dealer in my area researched the rolling jack issue for me today and said the Direct Lift rolling jacks will work with the Revolution lift. I would still get an additional verification of this because he new the scissor jack was a deal breaker for me.

Also, I am leaning towards buying the Direct Lift Pro Park 9 with two rolling 4500# scissor jacks. The price quoted to me was $4500 total, delivered to my house and unloaded from the truck to my garage or driveway. This lift has almost identical specs to the Revolution and is owned by the same parent company.

 

[revlover]

The Revolution dealer in my area researched the rolling jack issue for me today and said the Direct Lift rolling jacks will work with the Revolution lift. I would still get an additional verification of this because he new the scissor jack was a deal breaker for me.

Also, I am leaning towards buying the Direct Lift Pro Park 9 with two rolling 4500# scissor jacks. The price quoted to me was $4500 total, delivered to my house and unloaded from the truck to my garage or driveway. This lift has almost identical specs to the Revolution and is owned by the same parent company.

Did this dealer sell BendPak too? Curious to know what he'd quote you on a comparable BendPak model...

 

[480rider]

Did this dealer sell BendPak too? Curious to know what he'd quote you on a comparable BendPak model...

So am I. I'm leaning back toward the Bendpak, given the rolling jack question.

By the way, the "no" answer I received on jacks working with the Revolution came directly from Rotary/Revolution.

 

[Kapt]

I did not get a quote on the Bend Pak HD-9XW yet. The cheapest I've seen this lift for is 2910 plus 1030 for the rolling jack if you buy them at the same time.

The lift is about the same price as the Pro Park 9, but Direct Lift has less expensive rolling jacks available. Also, my Revolution guy quoted me 3460 for the lift only and said I'd have to buy the rolling jacks from Direct Lift.

I'm not sure of the quality or reputation of Direct Lift, but they have the best price for what I want. The shipping wt is also 600lbs more than the Bend Pak. The Revolution is becoming too expensive for me when I consider all the accessories I have to buy with it. Lots of choices.

 

[wjhpc]

I have the Bendpak HD - 9ST with rolling jack. Can't imagine a better, more reliable set-up. I can't speak to the weight issue, but the HD - 9 is as beefy and sturdy as you could ask for. Getting ready to order a second one for my garage this week. Jim Harrison

 

[fxdlryan]

Kapt

After doing a lot of research and talking to people who had lifits, I decided on the Driect Lift Pro Park 9+ with two of the 4500 pound rolling jacks. I have a firend who also has the Pro Park 9 and his experiences sold me. I've only had mine for about a month now, but I've already had a number of vehicles on it from a Prosche 944 to a Ford F350, it's very solid and has been more versatile than I expected. The rolling jacks are a definite must in my opinion. I noticed you're in Maryland, I'm in NoVa and if you're close by, you're welcome to come take a look at mine. Also, if you're looking to buy from Greg Smith Equipment, they have a showroom right over the border in DE. If you have access a trailer you can pick it up yourself and save shipping.

 

[ryno]

ive got a 2 post bendpak. their customer service is top notch.and the product is the best ive owned and used. ive had 3 other brands through the years.

 

[480rider]

Thanks for the responses. Definitely helping me narrow it down.

Price-wise, I've seen the Revolution (RFP9) for $3,460 at both rb-wholesale and lift & lube, plus about $250 for shipping. So far, the best price seems to be at standardus, which quotes $3,525 including freight.

Comparing the HD-9XW: The best price seems to be at asedeals, which lists $2,910. Add a jack plate for $305, caster kit for $130, and drip trays at $90, and the comparable total is $3,435, or only $90 difference. If the cheaper Direct-Lift rolling jacks actually work in the Revolution, it actually becomes less expensive overall.

My questions continue to be weight (where is the 750 lb. difference?), availability of jacks, and air v. mechanical release mechanism. I don't suppose anyone has actually tried the Direct-Lift jack on the Revolution?

 

[Shocker]

Is this the lift you are looking at?

http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/DIRECT_LIFT_PRO_PARK_9_PLUS_4_post_vehicle_lift_p/propark9.htm

 

[480rider]

Yep...at least that's one of them. It appears to be just about identical to the Revolution RFP9 (and Direct-Lift is owned by the same parent company), but is about $750 less. Which is part of the dilemma.

The Bendpak and Revolution are different companies, and definitely different lifts. But the Rotary, Revolution, and Direct-Lift all seem to be basically identical, except for price. I wish I could get a clear answer on whether they really are the same, or if there are fundamental differences. It just seems odd that, if they are the same, the prices would be so vastly different. (Northern Tool lists the Rotary brand 9k lift -- which, incidentally, also has the model number RFP9[N000] -- at $4,600!)

I don't particularly care what name is on the lift I buy -- just that it's solid, reliable, and safe. I'd certainly rather pay a Direct-Lift price for a Revolution/Rotary quality lift than pay a lot more just for the name.

 

[3798j]

I've been on this same fence for quite awhile. Mainly between Direct Lift and Bendpak. The price of the Revolution eliminated it. I'm leaning more and more to Direct Lift's Pro Park 9. The wider (than BendPak) between post width and the wider runway width are the two main reasons. The only negative is the 110V only motor.
Fxdlryan - Your comments have helped me.

 

[rcleaver]

Got a response from Rotary/Revolution:

"The lift is actually heavy, because of thicker steel plates" and

"The RFP9 does not support rolling jacks"

The first answer is kind of what I expected -- just a sales line. But the second is useful information, if somewhat disappointing.

If I were you I would keep bugging them. Let them know you are comparing products from other manufacturers. Ask specific questions, like "How thick are your steel plates? What type of steel do you use? Why doesn't it support rolling jacks when a sister product does? What are the differences between the three sister lifts and why are they priced differently? I will be using your answers to make a purchasing decision."

If you still get sales type answers, then they are trying to hide something; or else their product doesn't compare favorably. I wouldn't buy from them in that case.

 

[HIRISC]

I've been on this same fence for quite awhile. Mainly between Direct Lift and Bendpak. The price of the Revolution eliminated it. I'm leaning more and more to Direct Lift's Pro Park 9. The wider (than BendPak) between post width and the wider runway width are the two main reasons. The only negative is the 110V only motor.
Fxdlryan - Your comments have helped me.

Just a quick FYI: The useable tire clearance (outside of runway to outside of runway) of the DL ProPark 9 and the BP HD-9 are virtually the same:

PP9 = 82 1/4". 39.25"+(2x 21.5" ramp width)
BP HD-9xx - 82" (with runways set 'wide'). 44"+(2x19" ramp width)


Something to consider is how much space is between the ramps - 44" BP vs 39.25" max for DLift.

http://www.directlift.com/propark9plus.asp

 

[Junkman]

Re: Bend Pak v. Revolution four post

Bend Pak lifts include shipping and the shipping is extra for the Pro Park lifts. One more thing to figure into the equation. Also consider if you will have a use for the drip trays. If you have no need for them, the why buy them, since storing them is another thing to consider. I don't have drip tray with my lift, and have no need for them. If I had a high enough ceiling to store a car under the lift, I would make sure the the car above didn't have any leaks.

 

[JerseyJim]

You might want to double check the Pro Park dimensions. I believe there is an error in the published width of the runways.

The total distance from the outside edge of one runway to the other should be equal to the total width of the two runways plus the measurement for the distance between them. With 21.5 inch runways as published, this should be 82.25 as shown above. But the spec and drawings actually show the total width to be 79.25. This means the runways are actually 18.5 inches. This would make more sense and be consistent with the way everyone else builds them. Both Gregg Smith and Derek Weaver have this same error. It is also shown on the Pro Park 8 the same way.

The drive through dimension listed on the specs doesn't relate to the total width edge to edge on the runways. It is the width between the angled metal on the cross members. The explanation that I got from Gregg Smith is that this dimension is shown to indicate how wide the tread of the tires can be assuming that you are willing to drive on and let the edges of the tires extend beyond the runways.

I have decided on a BendPak HD-9 for just this reason. I have a truck with wide tires and wheels. I don't want to have to maneuver as carefully as you would have to with the Pro Park 8S and the overall width of the 9 at the posts is just too much for the small gain you are making in the total width at the runways. The BendPak provides considerably more width along with the ability to adjust the one runway and expand or reduce the gap as needed..

 

[480rider]

rcleaver, others:

Thanks for the input. I've contacted Revolution again with the questions you suggested. I also spoke with a local distributor. I asked him flat out if the Rotary, Revolution, and Direct-Lift were the same, but just labeled for each division. He gave me a definitive "yes." However, after further discussion, he admitted he'd never actually seen the Direct-Lift.

He's supposed to call me back with more information, after he reaches his supplier. We'll see if it gets clearer...or just muddier.

 

[Kapt]

I've been on this same fence for quite awhile. Mainly between Direct Lift and Bendpak. The price of the Revolution eliminated it. I'm leaning more and more to Direct Lift's Pro Park 9. The wider (than BendPak) between post width and the wider runway width are the two main reasons. The only negative is the 110V only motor.
Fxdlryan - Your comments have helped me.

I decided on the Pro Park 9 with two 4500 rolling jacks. For no extra charge he substituted a 220V motor for the 110V. I noticed the Revolution comes with either a 110V or 220V, so I figured the Pro Park 9 could do the same since it seems to be almost the same lift. Should arrive tomorrow.

 

[must8657]

i would have to disagree with your definition of usable tire clearance. what about narrow width vehicles? one reason i did go with the dl was because of the wider track. i did have to give up 5 inches between the ramps, but this allowed me to put more things on the lift without having to move the tracks in and out. but in the end it came down to getting what i thought was quality lift for a cheaper price.
jason

 

[JerseyJim]

Let me start by saying that I have not physically seen any of these lifts. My purchase is probably another month away due to waether and construction. I am designing around the lift. So I have paid a lot of attention to the details.

I was considering the Pro Park 8S. I saw the published measurement for drive thru-width. Here how this is defined on Gregg Smith's website...

"The “drive-thru” measurement of a four post lift is measured from the inside of both the cross beam lock covers. This “drive-thru” measurement should be used when determining the maximum side to side outside vehicle WHEEL dimensions that can be safely positioned on the runways of the lift."

I had conversations with Gavin Smith about this. And he cautioned that the 9Plus would probably be required. My problem here was that while you did gain 4.5 inches of additional width at the outside of the runways, you did so at the expense of adding 18 inches to the overall width of the lift (including the motor).

Because of the motor/pump mounting position on the BendPak, the overall width is significantly less (about a foot). While the outside ramp dimension is about 4 inches wider.

Not trying to change anyone's mind or sell them on my choice. Just some advice to question everything and be careful on the dimensions. BendPak when I first started looking indicated a very short dimension on the length of the ramps. That has since been corrected. But I actually asked a helpful board member to verify the dimension for me. Gregg Smith and Derek Weaver show a number of slight differences in Pro Park dimensions. Wasn't able to completely sort that out.

 

[fxdlryan]

Normally, I leave my lift raised and park my full size GMC Sierra Denali between the posts every day. The extra drviethru width of the Direct Lift 9 Plus was a definite advantage for me as I can park without folding my mirrors.

 

[3798j]

fxdlryan - Your photos (showing the ample space along the sides of your GMC) have
made up my mind.

Kapt - Never would have thought to ask if 220V motor was available/could be
substituted.

Thanks to both of you.

 

[ket-tek]

Normally, I leave my lift raised and park my full size GMC Sierra Denali between the posts every day. The extra drviethru width of the Direct Lift 9 Plus was a definite advantage for me as I can park without folding my mirrors.

What's your ceiling height in those pics??

 

[JerseyJim]

For most vehicles these days, the mirrors would be the widest thing that would have to be considered. The reason I focused on the width at the ramps is because my older truck is at its widest at the tire sidewalls. See picture.

I have five older vehicles that will have to use the lift from time to time. One of them is a Nash Metropolitan that belongs to my wife. My concern on this one was that I would be creating the opposite problem if I went with a lift that increased the gap between the runways. Of course with that car, I probably could have gotten a buddy to grab one end while I grabbed the other and set it on a stack of concrete blocks (just kidding).

At a point in time where I will be buying a fair amount of garage equipment, I find these discussions regarding all types of garage equipment to be incredibly helpful and at times entertaining. Love hearing the opinions and seeing the loyalty that people have to the products that they have selected. Without this website, I would be at best buying a pig in a poke. You are all certainly helpful when it comes to making informed choices.

 

[fxdlryan]

What's your ceiling height in those pics??

Ceiling height is 12 ft.

 

[Piper]

one thing that hasn't entered into this conversation is regarding certification. I'm very pleased that Propark has gone the extra step to have their lift ALI-ETL certified. I know there are lots of guys that don't concern themselves with the whole aspect of certification but honestly, I wouldn't consider a lift if it wasn't. A couple of years ago I looked at the Propark at their warehouse in Toronto. At that time it wasn't certified and I was uncomfortable purchasing something like that. The salesman, at that visit, told me that the propark was designed to "go up and down a few times a week, not 10 or 20 times a day". He stated that the propark was a "hobby lift" and didn't need the certification. Tongue firmly planted in cheek I asked him how gravity differed between "hobby" and "commercial". (no response from him). I'm happy that they've gone the extra mile now and, right or wrong, feel safer buying the propark 9. I intend to do so this summer once my new 3 bay garage is finished.

Piper

 

[MONGOH53E]

I do not post much but figured I might show this. I hope the picture shows seens I am a little computer challenged. This is my garage with a Bendpack HD-9XW lift. I have a GMC crew cab long bed 3500 parked under the lift with a 1966 GTO above. Plenty of room to pull the truck in with mirrors. I have the lift sitting on the top stops. I do have the advantage of 15 foot walls.

 

[480rider]

I've now exchanged two e-mails with Revolution, in an attempt to get specifici information about their RFP9 9,000 four-post lift. Below are my questions and their answers.

Q: I note that the shipping weight of the RFP9 is several hundred pounds greater than the Bendpak. Is the lift itself really that much heavier, or does the shipping weight include accessories and packing?

A: The lift is actually heavy, because of thicker steel plates

Q: Does the RFP9 accommodate rolling jacks?

A: The RFP9 does not support rolling jacks

Q: I’ve been comparing the specifications on the Direct-Lift Pro Park 9 and the Revolution RFP9. The dimensions are almost identical, as are the features. Since both companies are owned by Dover, I’m wondering if they are the same lift, just tagged differently for different divisions. Or, are there significant differences between them that I am not seeing? If so, what are those differences?

A: No significant difference, just branding

Q: Another buyer I’ve communicated with said his local Revoution distributor told him the Direct-Lift rolling jacks will work with the Revolution. Do you know for sure if this is true or not?

A: Rotary does not recommend using rolling jack on the 9000lb four post

As you can see, Revolution seems a bit put-out at having to answer my questions, and doesn't seem very forthcoming with information. In addition, yesterday I called a local Rotary/Revolution distributor. They were going to get more information and call me back today, but I haven't heard back from them.

In sum, I'm getting the impression Rotary/Revolution just doesn't care if they sell me a lift or not. At first, I was down to the Revolution or the Bendpak. Now it's between the Pro Park 9 and the Bendpak. Having rolling jacks is important to me, so the difference in price of those, plus shipping, is starting to drive the decision.

Hopefully, some of you who have or are now getting these lifts will chime in with more information.

 

[revlover]

Are you leaning towards one brand or the other?

What has BendPak said?

 

[480rider]

Both Bendpak and Asedeals (Brian) have been more direct, communicative, and helpful...on most issues. However, they won't go into any detail on the weight difference.

Now that I've eliminated Revolution, it's between the Direct-Lift and the Bendpak. It looks like the Pro Park 9 is a bit cheaper than the Bendpak, and I still can't get past the weight issue. Bendpak confirms their shipping weight at 1,700 lbs., and the Direct-Lift installation guide lists 2,350 lbs. (That's without accessories.) That's a whopping 750 lbs. in thicker steel or other heavier materials.

Kapt -- That looks like a good deal you worked out with two jacks and shipping. Where did you buy? [Please keep us posted on your installation and overall impressions.] I'll probably order next week.

 

[480rider]

Actually, now that I read back through, it's not clear if kapt actually ordered the Pro Park or not. But please keep us posted if you did!

To more directly answer revlover -- I'm leaning toward the Pro Park. I have to say Brian at asedeals has been great, and they seem good to work with. But if I can find a Direct-Lift dealer I feel good about, I'll probably go that way. I've noticed at lease one dealer which lists the price at 2,695, which more than makes up for the Bendpak's free shipping (on 2,910.)

 

[fxdlryan]

kapt sent me a PM and stated he had ordered a ProPark and it was due in the next day or two. If you are looking for a DirectLift Dealer, I recommend considering Greg Smith Equipment (locations in Deleware, GA and Indiana). I know at least 3 other people besides mself who have bought lifts from them with very positive experiences as well.

 

[Junkman]

Q: Does the RFP9 accommodate rolling jacks?

A: The RFP9 does not support rolling jacks

Q: I’ve been comparing the specifications on the Direct-Lift Pro Park 9 and the Revolution RFP9. The dimensions are almost identical, as are the features. Since both companies are owned by Dover, I’m wondering if they are the same lift, just tagged differently for different divisions. Or, are there significant differences between them that I am not seeing? If so, what are those differences?

A: No significant difference, just branding

Q: Another buyer I’ve communicated with said his local Revolution distributor told him the Direct-Lift rolling jacks will work with the Revolution. Do you know for sure if this is true or not?

A: Rotary does not recommend using rolling jack on the 9000lb four post

The statements that I have highlighted above would make me have some serious concern, why they say not to use a rolling jack with the Revolution lift, but it is OK with the Direct Lift. If the lifts are truly the same, then why the statement not to use a rolling jack. This just doesn't sound right to me. I also can't believe that there is a 750 pound difference between the two lifts, and it is all in the steel. There has to be more to this than they are telling you about...

 

[ovilla]

Do make sure that you can get a rolling air jack to work with your four post lift. Also, I know you may want two of them but I do want to point out a couple of things to you.

1. They take up a lot of space and will seem to always be somewhat in the way. Remember that they will take up the entire width between your ramps and the pull out metal bars on each end will come very close to your tires. Ask for measurements of the jack tray with the metal tabs pushed all the way in and then measure the track width of the cars you'll be working on.

2. Pushing one air jack back and forth is no big deal, especially if it's on rollers, but if not it will take some serious pushing to get almost 300+ pounds moving in the direction you need it to move.

3. The rolling jacks actually have a bit of height to them and will be at least a few inches (or more) higher than your ramps. If you have a lowered car, you will want to watch this and be extra careful if your rolling air jack is installed at the entrance to your lift ramps. I quickly learned that even with long wheelbase cars (like my Odyssey mini van) I can't have the jacking tray by the entrance ramps or it'll scrape the van. I keep my rolling air jack by the front or towards the middle of the long ramps and never near the drive on ramps.

4. Keep in mind that you're reducing the lifting capacity of your lift with these. If two rolling jacks weigh in at say 400 pounds each and you have a 9K lift, you've now converted your lift to only have a lifting capacity of 8,200 pounds. I know this is no big deal but something to keep in mind if you're ever going to push the limits of your lift.

5. Do consider how often you will need to have all four wheels off of a vehicle at the same time. You will find that it is trully rare, especially if you're buying tires from a place that includes road hazard and free tire rotations. Brake jobs can be done first to the front and then the back and brake bleeding can often be done now without even having to take the wheels off (remember you'll now have access from the center of the car).

Anyway, I'm not trying to discourage you from getting what you may want. Just wanted to point some things out to you.


Here's a cheaper alternative that I use when having to get all four wheels off the ground.

I've got a BendPak HD-9 with an RJ-45 rolling air jack and a jacking tray. In my case, I just use the RJ-45 to raise the front, I then slide my jacking tray over and quickly put two jack stands under the front, drop the RJ-45, and then roll it to the rear and jack up the rear. I can have the whole car off the ramps in about 5-10 minutes.