Buying a portable 2-post... MaxJax vs Universalift vs ?

[itsablurr]

Pulling the trigger this week. My initial instinct was to go with the MaxJax since it seems to be the most widely chosen. However, I am not all that nuts about the low maximum lift height, and soon after learned about Universalift by NA Auto Equipment, which seems to be more substantial, but still a "portable" free-standing anchored post design, with a much more comfortable spec for the max lift height.

Are there any others out there to consider?

 

[itsablurr]

FWIW, ceiling height is 108"

 

[ckkrause]

I felt the same as you and ended up ordering a Universalift 2 with red arms as I really like the lift for my narrow, fairly high garage. Unfortunately, they were having a real problem getting red arms, so I agreed to wait until mid April and the next iteration of the Universalift in silver & blue....

-Chuck

 

[JohnnyK8]

Good to see you guys are looking at the Universalift. I'm really close to ordering on. I like the maxJax but I think the extra 1000 lbs of capacity would be good

Any concerns about getting parts for the Universalift etc..?

Thx

 

[ckkrause]

The Universalift 3 that I will get in April is rated at 8k lbs.... It will be silver/grey and blue...

My $0.02

-Chuck

 

[stevep500]

I recently got a Triumph C-7000. It has higher lift and weight capabilities and each post can be moved with a common dolly. I have mine mostly installed and will report on it shortly.

 

[JohnnyK8]

Thx I'll look into that

 

[JohnnyK8]

I recently got a Triumph C-7000. It has higher lift and weight capabilities and each post can be moved with a common dolly. I have mine mostly installed and will report on it shortly.

Did you get that from National Auto?

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[dtfiori]

What's up folks new member here! Iv'e been dwelling over the same exact thing for the better part of the last 3 months.

The universalift 2(or Triumph c-7000, same thing) seems to be a lot stronger than the Max Jax. The only thing that worries me is the lack of reviews and information for factory warranty. Iv'e been told there is an ongoing lawsuit from Max Jax against Triumph for the whole portability thing.


I would love to hear from some of the people that bought their C-7000 back in 2014 with the group buy, it would be interesting to see how they are holding up for them.

All that being said I think I will still order a C-7000 this week. Best of luck in your decision!

 

[stevep500]

Sorry for the late reply. I did get my C7000 from National Auto in Ft. Worth.

Installation notes: drill the concrete mounting holes 3-1/4", not 4" as stated in the manual. The concrete anchors need to sit on the bottom of the holes and be flush with the top of the floor. The bolts that were sent were too long. I got some that are 1/2" shorter.

 

[JohnnyK8]

Sorry for the late reply. I did get my C7000 from National Auto in Ft. Worth.

Installation notes: drill the concrete mounting holes 3-1/4", not 4" as stated in the manual. The concrete anchors need to sit on the bottom of the holes and be flush with the top of the floor. The bolts that were sent were too long. I got some that are 1/2" shorter.

I'm looking at ordering one in the morning. I spent all day in a truck driving to and from Chicago to pick one up on craigslist what was... shall we say ... misrepresented in the ad.

I'm excited, I hope this works out.

thanks for the info @stevep500

 

[JohnnyK8]

Bought my C7000 today from Scott Matthews at Big Boy Garage Toys. He was very helpful and the price was excellent.

6 weeks to wait now.


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[wolfsburged]

Bumping this for some more feedback on the C7000 option vs Max Jax. Those who opted to go C7000 how do you find moving the columns?

I have a 22x28 garage with 10' ceilings, so I could benefit slightly from the increased lift height of the C7000, and I like the idea of the continuous lock vs the fixed point locks on the Max Jax.

I am concerned however about the support on the C7000, both by manufacturer and general community. Seems to be about 1000:1 ratio of Max Jax owners to C7000 owners. I am also concerned that the C7000 posts will be much more of a pain to deal with moving. I would intend to leave one post fixed but take down the middle post when done with work to avoid cramping the center of the garage for normal parking...

 

[JohnnyK8]

My C7000 arrived today!
Posts move easily with a moving dollie. Also has stopa every few inches vs only 3 with Max Jax.

Can't wait to install

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[JohnnyK8]

My C7000 arrived today!
Posts move easily with a moving dollie. Also has stopa every few inches vs only 3 with Max Jax.

Can't wait to install

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[syclone50]

Please keep us updated on the install and first impressions!

 

[JohnnyK8]

Please keep us updated on the install and first impressions!

I sure will!

Here is a link to my blog on the process so far.

http://alphabronco.blogspot.com/2016/05/lift-is-finally-here.html

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[JohnnyK8]

For those who are interested, here is a video on how to install the anchor bolts that come with the C7000.

I have 12 (2 extra) 1" diameter DI Powers Anchors

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[JohnnyK8]

Please keep us updated on the install and first impressions!

Needed to pour new concrete...


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[JohnnyK8]

All installed! The epoxy anchors worked great!

I reamed about the paint out of the holes in the base plates and drilled right through with a 5/8" Bulldog bit. Just let the weight of the drill provide the pressure and hammer through nice and easy.

Now I'm designing a carriage to help move the posts.



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[ckkrause]

Had the Universalift3 installed last week and have been using it for the past few days... Works as advertised... So I'm very relieved! Very solid as well... Only problem is that the safety locks only begin about 4 feet up, so anything lower and you're at risk if the hydrolics fail... That aside, I'm pleased...

-Chuck

 

[JohnnyK8]

Had the Universalift3 installed last week and have been using it for the past few days... Works as advertised... So I'm very relieved! Very solid as well... Only problem is that the safety locks only begin about 4 feet up, so anything lower and you're at risk if the hydrolics fail... That aside, I'm pleased...

-Chuck

Sweet!

That's a bit disappointing about the safety locks. That might be a show stopper if a guy has a low ceiling.

The U2 has locks every 4 inches.

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[JohnnyK8]

Had the Universalift3 installed last week and have been using it for the past few days... Works as advertised... So I'm very relieved! Very solid as well... Only problem is that the safety locks only begin about 4 feet up, so anything lower and you're at risk if the hydrolics fail... That aside, I'm pleased...

-Chuck

BTW I was a nervous wreck about drilling in my new concrete concrete! How about you?

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[M. Schneider]

After consideration of a lot of lifts out there, I too found the Universalift 2 hoist the one to buy. In no absolute order of importance a hoist must be movable btw 2 predetermined garage interior and exterior locations, and relocate without mind numbing - time consuming process. Capable of a raised height (Full) enough for a (me) 5'11" to stand under.
And lastly, column/post height less than 9 feet (108 inches) My garage ceiling is 112 inches.... Sign me up for the Universalift #2, the Triumph C7000 or Chrome 7000.

In early November 2016 I'd actually order and pay-in-full for a Universalift 2. Within an hour a prompt phone call from vendor relayed their delivery expectation of January 2017. With CC funds refunded I'm on the hoist/lift purchasing sidelines until January / February 2017.
Using the 2 month wait time readying the creation of two concrete pad sets; Interior pads well on the way to step "concrete fill". Soon to begin exterior pad development with the final step for all being concrete pad fill. The step of hammer drilling bolt/post locations is on hold until the lift is here. Can't wait. Santa promised.

 

[JohnnyK8]

Right on make sure you check YouTube for c7000 triumph for our videos

BTW - it took 9 weeks for delivery for mine

Wait! You are the guy from my YouTube comments. Glad you found your way here.

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[vavet]

I was considering a Maxjax, but now I'm thinking the Universalift 2 is looking pretty good. I have to wonder about the true portability of this setup though. How much to the columns weight?

My idea was to set one post near the wall, then have the other one as the prescribed distance away, and perhaps even have more than one set of holes for it so I could use it for small cars or full-size trucks. When it's not in use, the post in the middle of the garage would be unbolted and stored near the wall. It seems like they are too heavy and unwieldy for that to be a reasonable arrangement. Is it really going to be less work to setup the post and arms every time I need to change oil and rotate tires than it is to just get out the rhino ramps? If it's already in place, then sure, it's easier. I was just trying to find something that kept my workspace preserved for the rest of the time.

 

[artrem01]

If I didn't already have a MaxJax I'd give this lift a hard look. The columns look to be more substantial than the MJ, but possibly an issue for those who move them around a lot. I can see why Dannmar might consider this a copy, but I'm glad to see some alternatives to the MJ for those of us with low ceilings.

I recently moved into a house with a 1000+ sq ft garage and re-installed my MaxJax. I also sweated drilling and setting the anchors but it all went smoothly.

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[Jamie V]

All installed! The epoxy anchors worked great!

I reamed about the paint out of the holes in the base plates and drilled right through with a 5/8" Bulldog bit. Just let the weight of the drill provide the pressure and hammer through nice and easy.

Now I'm designing a carriage to help move the posts.



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Just had a thought after watching your video. I think that it would be a cool idea to have ran a conduit under the concrete from one post to the other to fish the hydraulic line through so you didn't have to worry about it going around the vehicle. You already cut out a bunch of concrete on both sides and you could have just made a small channel connecting the two holes to put the conduit in. Hindsight is always 20/20.

 

[JohnnyK8]

Just had a thought after watching your video. I think that it would be a cool idea to have ran a conduit under the concrete from one post to the other to fish the hydraulic line through so you didn't have to worry about it going around the vehicle. You already cut out a bunch of concrete on both sides and you could have just made a small channel connecting the two holes to put the conduit in. Hindsight is always 20/20.

Agreed- I thought about that but was worried it would fill with salty winter slush water.

I might just route over the car instead. As of right now I haven't really found the hoses too annoying.

Love this lift!




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[merim123]

watched your video johnnyk8, did you raise your ceiling ? I'm 6'3" so curious how it worked out. and the mobile moving setup.

 

[JohnnyK8]

watched your video johnnyk8, did you raise your ceiling ? I'm 6'3" so curious how it worked out. and the mobile moving setup.

Actually researching that at this very minute (while sitting in a meeting at work). Now the weather is good I feel more ambitious.

Sound simple but the details make it tough.

I have found that searching for "adding pocket/tray to garage ceiling" seems to give some good results.

I have never moved the lift since install. But will in a couple weeks when I paint my Bronco.

That video is getting quite a few views!


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