Dannmar MX-6 vs. Atlas BP8000

[dmitrysgarage]

Hey Guys!

So I was ready to pull the trigger on the Dannmar MX-6, but I saw the price just went back up to $2,299. My guess is it's so they can discount it for black Friday, but I could be wrong .

This got me thinking and researching again. I'm still considering the Atlass BP8000 for my garage.

• My garage has a 9ft ceiling.
• I mostly work on low slung sports cars.
• With a 6 car garage portability is less important for me.
• I have ready access to 120v & 240v single phase power.

Here was my thought process:

MX-6:

• Pro: Definitely fits within my 9ft ceiling requirement.
• Pro: No cross bar between the posts, easier access to rolling around equipment under it.
• Pro: Seems like it's easier to get one delivered residentially and installed.
• Con: Lower lift height.
• Con: Seems less professional, aimed to be portable.
• Con: Costs $500 more at current price.

BP8000:

• Pro: Can definitely buy me a few extra inches of lift for sports cars in my limited ceiling.
• Pro: Seems like it's more solid/professional.
• Pro: Cheaper by like $500 at current prices.
• Con: May not be optimal at 108" in a 9ft garage.
• Con: Seems like residential delivery and install may be a PITA, but I haven't called around yet. Will Monday.
• Con: Has cross bar under it for the cabling and such, will get in the way of things on wheels.

What should I do guys? Is one better than the other for low cars (i.e. low profile arms or similar option)? Am I missing a third or fourth option?

 

[tonycastec]

Consider rigging an 'idiot bar ' up in the ceiling that sounds an alarm if you raise the car too high. The risk is when you have the car high, then need to lower it. You have to raise it to get it off the safety latches. You go a little too far and crunch the windshield. Does it sound like I know what I am talking about ?

 

[lucky3]

Go with the bp8000. You'll be more then happy. I'm so glad I got rid of the original max jax for the atlas. Much more sturdy and better built. Plus the price difference your looking at is huge. Unless u need to have a portable lift so u can move it, go with the full size bp8000 lift

 

[lucky3]

As far as the baseplate I've had no problems with it and I've had the trans in and out several times and not a problem. Thus is what I did to fit the lift in my garage.

 

[dmitrysgarage]

Consider rigging an 'idiot bar ' up in the ceiling that sounds an alarm if you raise the car too high. The risk is when you have the car high, then need to lower it. You have to raise it to get it off the safety latches. You go a little too far and crunch the windshield. Does it sound like I know what I am talking about ?

Definitely sounds like a good idea! You can easily put yourself in a corner where you can't go up anymore .

Go with the bp8000. You'll be more then happy. I'm so glad I got rid of the original max jax for the atlas. Much more sturdy and better built. Plus the price difference your looking at is huge. Unless u need to have a portable lift so u can move it, go with the full size bp8000 lift

How tall is the BP8000, is it actually 9ft once installed? I noticed you cut into your ceiling.

 

[lucky3]

Yeah my garage has 8ft walls with a row of block. I think it's around 110" tall. Even though I had to cut a section out of ceiling, I'm still happier with the bp8000. Check out bendpak they were coming out with a new lift to fit under a 9ft roof, and it was one with the bar atg the top. I thought they were around $2500.

 

[dmitrysgarage]

Thanks for the reply! Really appreciate it. I could do a similar setup to yours, though I literally just sheetrocked it hahaha . The smallest bendpak seems to be 113" which is a hair taller. Maybe this is a new unit not on their site yet. Going to do some more research. A sub 9ft unit would be pretty sweet though.

 

[lucky3]

Yes it's brand new. It's call the grand prix series.

 

[dmitrysgarage]

Yes it's brand new. It's call the grand prix series.

Oh wow! 8’ 10” OVERALL HEIGHT

That's a game changer for sure for me.

http://www.bendpak.com/GrandPrix-Car-Lift-GP-7-Two-Post.pdf

Looks like it would be a perfect fit. I'm also seeing a group buy here, looks a little more $ than the Atlas, but a better fit maybe.

http://www.bendpak.com/grandprix/