Bendpak VS Forward 2 post lifts VS ???

[Josh Kinzey]

I'm sure this has been beat to death and back on this forum, but buying a lift is a big investment for me and I want to make sure I get it right. I'm just a hobbyist, so the lift will probably only cycle 100 times a year or so. The heaviest thing I have to pick up would be a 4 door Chevy 1/2 ton truck.

I can get a new Bendpak XPR10A or a new Forward I10 for the same price, about $2500.

Any thoughts or opinions on which one is better and why?

Another one I was considering is a cheap lift made by a company called Autolift. It's part number AL2-9K-AC-9000.

http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/Auto-Lift-AL2-9K-AC-9000-LB-2-Post-Auto-Lift-p/al2-9k-ac.htm

I wasn't really considering this lift, but it has gotten a good amount of positive press online and the guys at Best Buy Auto equipment seem to think it's the best fit for me. Even after I told them I was willing to spend some more money on another brand they still recommended the Autolift for me.

Thoughts?

 

[revlover]

Forward can't be too bad because now a division of Rotary right? But if Forward is Rotary value brand you do kinda wonder. As far as the Best Buy value model, it looks these....

http://www.astudyinliftdesign.com/cheap-lift-comparison.html

How does the saying go...the bitterness of poor quality and bad service long outlasts the sweetness of a low price.

 

[zollster]

Save money and get an Atlas.

 

[dennis111]

Pretty sure that the AL2-9kac is the same as the tp9kac.

 

[fastjohnny]

Save money and get an Atlas.

Yup. Got my 10K Direct Lift like new for $1500. It's an Atlas (even had an Atlas sticker on the bottom foot plate)

 

[Motofixxer]

Yep I would definitely skip out on that Autolift, looks cheap. I wouldn't want to stand under it. I wouldn't have a problem with the Bendpak or Atlas. They both have a very good track record.

 

[DiscoBerry]

we have 2 of those forward lifts but they are the older version of that lift. We have had them for about 7-8 years never had a failure and work as good as new. I also have alot of experience with rotarys and would recomend them as well.

 

[Josh Kinzey]

If you guys think the Atlas is comparable to the Bendpak / Forward; that's an easy decision since it's about $1000 cheaper.

 

[Al Bundy]

A few things in life you don't want to skimp on if you should happen to need them, a doctor, a lawyer and an auto lift. There's a reason one is $1000 cheaper and it's usually not because the other guy is overcharging.

 

[Motofixxer]

You won't likely be disappointed with the Atlas. One thing that would be interesting to find out is the column steel thickness of the Bendpak. The Atlas OH-10x I have is .1875 but I couldn't find the Bendpak listed. I do like the drive through clearance of my OH-10x. It's about the widest that I have seen. It's also taller inside clearance allowing you to raise tall vehicles higher. But thats all little features you have to compare between the different models. But either brand you will be happy with.

 

[zollster]

Atlas PV 10 Column Thickness of Steel 2 gauge (.24", 6mm)
When I was comparing lifts, (which it took me months to research and decide) I would always look at the weight spec.

 

[Josh Kinzey]

Do you guys think Atlas OH9000 is worth the extra cost over the 9KOH? It's about $300 more, but you get direct drive cylinders with no chain. Think that is worth it?

Can anyone shed some light on the 'super symmetric' arms Atlas offers? I can't find a picture of them on the web, and I'm curious why they are better than other options.

 

[financer83rs]

I got a TP9KAC delivered to a terminal 90 minutes from my house for $1633. Bought it three years ago. It is used weekly. LOVE IT! Best tool purchase i have ever made.

 

[gregs]

I recently purchased a 9K "Eagle" brand lift and am very pleased with it. I looked at most lifts around and most that are advertised in the 7K-9K range are all the same offshore imports including the Direct Lift OH8000. I chose the 9K model as my vehicles max out around 7000#'s with the biggest being a 1/2 ton pickup. I will never own anything bigger than that I simply do not have the need for a bigger truck. I looked at the "lift failure" video and all that did was confirm that if you use it at its rated capacity its fine. I think you need to size the lift for what you plan on doing with it and the vehicles you may have in the future. I would not buy the 9K lift if you have a 1 ton dually or any other big truck to service. If you have any questions about the construction of the lift let me know.

 

[macho_volks]

I have been an automotive technician for almost 15 yrs and I have used all kinds of lifts. I personally own a BendPak asymetrical XPR-10A two post lift and it is by far my favorite lift. After using that hoist i would not ever buy any other kind. A hoist is not a place skimp.

 

[Josh Kinzey]

I bought and installed an Atlas. It's the 9000 lb. direct drive unit. Love it so far, no complaints other than the ****** installation instructions.