choosing between two 4 post lifts, help!

[cautiouslyoptimisticone]

I searched this to death here and on other forums, but I at least have narrowed it down to two models. (i think)One the bendpak hd-9xw or two the direct lift propark 9000. Both have good dimensions, but here's where I am stuck. This is info. I read which some can be false.

Bendpack, pros: american made, 220v motor, air locks (more commercial like), safety certified

cons: steel and parts made in china and just assembled here, 500lbs or so lighter than the direct lift (flimsier?)

Direct lift, pros: less money especially the jack options, heavier (assuming beefier), if 220v not needed why rewire? and airlocks will be a pain (one more thing to do when in use.
cons: not certified and made in china by american owned company, (concerned about inferior steel and welds)

The lift is primarily going to be for storage, but I will do some weekend wrenching under it and safety is of course my main concern. Any opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Between the two, I would pick the Bendpak over the Direct Lift. If only for the ALI Certification and how long they have been in business.

Did you look at the Rotary SM101 four-post lift? It’s a bit more money; but one heck of a lift… Rotary meet all ALI Certifications and made in the USA..

 

[cautiouslyoptimisticone]

I like the rotary also, but the bendpak has a ten inch higher lift. Also by the time I'm done with accesories it will be $3k more. Eventually I will need two. It seems once you go into the true commercial arena they all max out at 73.75" lift. Anyone own the bendpak hd-9xw with comments? It would be nice to see these two lifts in person.

 

[icnsltmfg]

I researched to death all of the different lifts. I chose the Direct Lift from Greg Smith. I have very please with the Quality, ease of assembly, robustness, and tech support right from Direct Lift. I will be changing mine from 110 to 220 to get a bit more speed and better life from the pump. The air locks I felt were just one more point of failure, and one more thing to connect. I also did not want to rely on air to get the lift up and down. The Pro Park is sooo beefy that even without a car on top, it just does not move if you push on a post. The welds are very good looking, and everything fit together perfectly with good tolerances. I also liked the second safety feature for the lift stops.

Where in NY are you? You should look at them in person.

 

[cautiouslyoptimisticone]

I'm 60 miles north of manhattan in putnam county. I agree the airlocks seem like they would be a downside. Between the two lifts the direct lift is about a grand cheaper. I have 13.5' ceilings so I want headroom under it. Can direct lift upgrade to 220v? What's it take to lift to the top time wise? Thanks.

 

[mangomadness]

Hi I went with a 4 post built by All American Lifts out of kansas. I was in carlile last week and looked a a bunch of lifts (all looked chinese) go for a good safe one check out these guys they were super nice to deal with.
http://allamericanlifts.com/

 

[icnsltmfg]

You can order the lift with 110V which is what I did, then you can re-wire it 220V very easy to do (the diagram is on the motor). I think the specs are 75 sec to the top lifting position. If you would like to take a drive, I am only 30 min down the GSP from the NYC border if you would like to see it in person. I also have the 4500 Jack unit.

 

[sneezer41]

whatever you do, avoid ampro [americas pride].

Product might be ok, but who knows? Might never get it

 

[PxTx]

Just because you re-wire the motor for 220v, does not change the speed of raising the lift. You'll need more volume out of the pump or more speed out of the motor. Neither of these happen when you simply re-wire the supplied lift.

I'll have to agree, the GS style lift will do it for most people looking to use it primarily as a storage lift.

If you want a FAST 4 post hobbiest lift, here is what I would do. I would call Complete Hydraulic (www.completehydraulic.com) because I've handled both the Direct Lift and the CH feel that CH is eaqual or better in all aspects of materials, packaging, support, and availability. I would make a specific request to have them substitute a larger, 2hp 220v two post lift power unit in place of the 110v whihc comes standard. Depending on which power unit you are using for the substitute, they may need to switch over the larger oil tank. This is another area where CH shines because they are willing to do anything like this and make sure you'll have the right fittings to connect to the lift!

I've already done this several times in the past and it's worth it if you've got the juice (220v). The lift raises very quickly- about 25-30 sec. You'll be very happy about this upgrade and especially happy with the cost! I've also found CH to be very negotiable with this mod.

Good Luck!

 

[Danglerb]

American made does NOT mean American steel. For products like these, where the steel doesn't have to meet some standard like for use in buildings or auto wheels, its almost certainly imported steel. My guess is that american made might mean its welded here, but I seriously don't think anything structural about these lifts is a concern. Look at the design, the electrical stuff, and the hydraulics, and the warranty and the terms of the warranty.

Also heavier doesn't automatically mean better, it could be a lower grade steel or poor design or poor welds and its heavier to compensate.

 

[brownbagg]

I got a bend -pak two post and its great, I like the company. backyard buddy makes a 4 post that people talk about

 

[PYasher]

I reserached lifts for 2 years before making the jump. I was able to compare all the various brands and choose the Back yard Buddy. Picked it up at their facility in Warren and it truley is american made. The owners son and the sales manager helped me load it and I am very pleased with it.

 

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

What's the diff on a two post lift between a floor plate and an overhead plate?? I assume the overhead plate is a more sturdy design ??

 

[PxTx]

I don't think one is more sturdy than another. I think it is more about packaging. The overhead typically requires more ceiling height AND provides the clear floor between columns. The floor/baseplate can be configured to fit in applications with lower ceilings, AND/OR can offer higher lift since there is no overhead obstacle (such as lifting a van with a ladder rack).

 

[brownbagg]

the low rise has the cables on the ground, make it differcult for transmission jacks. if you was pouring a new slab you could channel for the cable and have a plate over them smooth, it be perfect. I have the low rise

 

[wilbilt]

The air locks I felt were just one more point of failure, and one more thing to connect. I also did not want to rely on air to get the lift up and down.

Air-operated locks can be quickly converted to manually-operated with a wrench and about 30 seconds of your time. Please tell me you would not hinge a multi-thousand dollar lift purchase on this small detail.

Are you guys for real?

 

[icnsltmfg]

Air-operated locks can be quickly converted to manually-operated with a wrench and about 30 seconds of your time. Please tell me you would not hinge a multi-thousand dollar lift purchase on this small detail.

Are you guys for real?

For me who does not regularly use air, would have found it inconvenient.

For me, I needed a very specific height and width....

 

[riskyvt]

Hi I went with a 4 post built by All American Lifts out of kansas. http://allamericanlifts.com/

I also have this 4-post lift, purchased from American Autolifters (the failed company that AllAmericanLifts bought out of bankruptcy). It's rated at 8,000 lbs, uses a regular 110V motor, and has very sturdy construction and most importantly...trustworthy lock mechanisms. I have a page on my Chevelle website that shows the assembly process (it went together in a couple of hours using just an engine hoist and hand tools) in clear pictures.

Linky: http://www.71protouringchevelle.com/autolifters.htm

Contact me if you have questions. Good Luck!

 

[wilbilt]

For me who does not regularly use air, would have found it inconvenient.

Again...the air feature is very easy to disable...definitely not a deal breaker if you know how to hold a wrench.

 

[cautiouslyoptimisticone]

Everyone thanks for the thoughts recommendations and opinions. I appreciate the offer to look at someones propark (which I will try to take you up on that in the near future) I would like to see if I can check out someones 4 poster bendpak also. Anyone have one of those within a couple of hours of eastern I 84 in NY? I need specific dimensions also, that's another reason I've chosen these two models. I want to put two in the garage and want the drive throughs similar to the garage door opening. I would also like to take advantage of my 13.5 foot ceiling heights and high lift garage door openers. Thanks for the tip on disabling/converting the air locks also. Not a lift expert (yet) didn't know that could be done , but I'm hesitant in altering a safety feature that could be hazardous to my property or more so fatal to someone. I just assume to try and buy the "correct lifts" for my needs. The imported steel comment was an excellent point since a good friend imports steel and the domestic auto makers are his main customers. If the welds are good quality and the design isn't flawed it should be fine. I think seeing them in person will be the deciding factor. Thanks again and any more thoughts will be appreciated.

 

[Junkman]

I have a Bend Pak HD9 and live about 20 minutes from I-84 Eastbound Sturbridge MA exit. It takes me about 2 hours to cross CT from the New York line to the MA line, but it might take you less time, depending on traffic jams and your speed. You are welcome to come any time. Just send me a PM with a telephone number, and I will give you a call. I have nationwide toll free service... Junk....

 

[Powerband]

Hey Carelesslyoptomistic...

I PM'd you about eyeballing a BENDPAK in the Mid Hudson Valley area...

As far as the air operated releases:

> they offer a measure of tamper resistance if you have kids or other invaders in your garage/shop. I put an air chuck on it and unless you hook an air line to it, you can't lower the lift.
> A little carpenter's air compressor , sold for @ $ 75- $100, could be dedicated to the lift as an alternative. It only needs a little air pressure to operate the releases.

Is anyone - unhappy with their 4 poster?

Powerband