Buying a 4 post lift...

[andgott]

I have decided it's time to complete my last major shop upgrade- My lift.

Deciding on a 4 post vs. a 2 post was my first 'challenge', but I think a 4 post is the only way for me to go with my current setup. I need to be able to move the lift from time to time, my shop is long and narrow (24' x 48'), with the roll up door on the short end- I need to be able to use the lift in the front portion of the shop, but then move it out of the way for other non automotive projects when required. I briefly looked into MaxJax, but I want to be able to lift higher than that. I built the shop with high clearance for that reason!

So- A four post it is. But- I have to decide which one. I have narrowed it down to three-

1) AutoLift 8k- $1749-$1900 or so depending on specific model. Sold by Best Buy auto equipment. They have a warehouse not too far from me so I can pick up.

2) Atlas Garage Pro 8000, $2300 or so with shipping, though I would pick up at warehouse and they charge less (no exact quote yet but likely right around $2k). Sold by Greg Smith Equipment.

3) Danmar D-7. With the casters, etc it's $2760 delivered, I'll still have to go to a freight terminal about an hour away to pick up. This is the only 'certified' lift in the group, though I'm not sure that makes much difference to me.

So- Any experience with these lifts or companies? The Danmar is a nice unit, but is the 'name brand' worth almost $1000.00 more than the AutoLift? If so- WHY?

ANY input is appreciated.

 

[ndm]

From that list, I think the Atlas is the better choice.

But...

I would upgrade to this one
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Atlas-Garage-Pro-8000-EXT-L

 

[Bobf]

I bought the 8K (FP8K) from Best Buy here in CA, borrowed a car trailer and picked it up.With $50 loading fee it was just under 2K w/casters/jack tray/drip pans. Put it together with a cherry picker helper. No problems so far.

 

[ms fowler]

I used these guys:
http://www.liftsplusdepot.com/

I paid right around $3k for the extra long, extra tall 8000# lift ( Having an extended cab F250 does require some compromises). I have been using it extensively over the last month since its installation, and can't fault anything about it.
Shawn was great to deal with, both on the phone and by email. He also came out to install it. Its great to watch someone who knows exactly what they are doing--No wasted steps, or anything. 3 hours from start to finish, and it was done with my F250 on it as a trial lift. Even bolted to the floor for that price.
Couldn't be happier.
Of course, they only service the MidAtlantic; I don't know if they reach TN.

 

[Dave Nelson]

I've had the Atlas for almost 10 years, no problems, well made.

 

[jfitz]

I looked at lift for over a year before I finally bought one, but it was a Bendpak HD9XW I picked. I looked really hard at the Atlas 9000 because I also wanted to lift my RAM 2500 MegaCab. In the end, it was the air locks, and the Bendpak was slightly narrower than the Atlas which fit my needs. Get what fits in the space you have, and will lift what you need. They are all very similar to one another, each with their own +/-. If using other than storage, get at least one rolling jack - a must!

 

[Jazzman442]

I went through the same thing a few years back. I ended up with a Rotary Direct lift. it was one of the only lifts rated a full beam not the lifting ends like BP. I have a suburban and a few Mustangs works great and I do not have to use a Air compressor to use it.
Also I live in Florida and the Dealer charged me $500 to deliver,install, Fill Full of Oil and train.

 

[garagelogician]

I'm going through this process too: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=356702

I don't care for the welded locks on the Danmar. Obviously, all lifts are only as good as their welds...but it seems to me there is more opportunity for failure on the Danmar if any one of those many welds on the lock positions happened to fail.

Have you considered Advantage Lifts at all?

 

[myyaz33]

As with many others that posted, I looked at many of the lower price point lifts that fit the height, width, capacity requirements I had. Ended up with with an AutoLift from Best Buy. So far I am pleased. I would love to have a commercial quality one, but it just didn't make sense. My 1500HD spent a fair amount of time on it the first week when I fumbled my way through a rear main seal replace and oil pan gasket job. It was so much nicer than rolling around on the floor and the runways made great workbenches. I have used it for oil changes on the mini-van and some UTV work. I also got a sliding jack in the deal and an oil drain. I am pleased with what I got from Best Buy and would buy from them again. Did have a communication error on the lift I purchased was supposed to have poly casters but it did not. It does look like they all have them now but if you do order from them and you need the poly caster (wont scuff floor as bad) be sure to get clarification. I think you buy what makes sense for how you will use it and you should be fine. If an extra $1000-2000 wont hurt you, then bumping up in quality might just make sense.

 

[rnscustom]

I was going with the Greg Smith unit but a used Champion commercial unit from a retiring jaguar mechanic came up for sale . Paid $700 . Well taken care of unit . Maybe ask around some shops or CL .

 

[SSpanky]

I ended up buying the Atlas pro 9000. I wanted the extra height and length. I've been very happy with it.

 

[ronr80]

I bought a Bend Pak HD-9 10 years ago , and delt with Babco , great to deal with and never had an issue with the lift , are you getting the bridge jack also , it's handy

 

[Want2race]

Call Greg Smith in Atlanta and all if they have any units on the floor the my want to replace.

I almost bought a second one because the price was so good

 

[andgott]

Ok, So... After much discussion, debate, research... I have finally decided.

But- It's not one of the lifts I had been looking at before. While I am sure that they would all have been fine, in the end, I decided to just bite the bullet and go with a BendPak. It's a bit more up front, but I see this as a 'once in a lifetime' investment. So- I'm going to place an order today for a BendPak HD-9XW.

Now I've just got to wait 2-3 weeks