Direct Lift PP9P/PP8PL Questions

[GS-Louie]

I am looking to pull the trigger on one of these lifts but I have a question.

The lift is supported by a "latchbar weldment". This looks to me to be a thin metal plate that hangs from a bolt. The latchbar fits in to openings on the plate. How well does this support the lift? I saw the lift several months ago and I really didn't notice that as I was looking at other stuff and wasn't ready to buy then. Can someone give me their opinion on how well this works and what they think of it compared the notches in the post itself?

Thanks,

Lou

 

[A747]

I have an Auto Lift which is very similar to the Direct lift my friend has and appears to have the same type of locking arrangement for the latch. The hanging metal strip the latching mechanism locks onto is about 0.25" and the welded bolt is at least 1/2". For my needs, that is more than adequate for the car I have stored (approx. 1500#) on the lift. It's a Chinese lift to be sure. I don't have an issue with Chinese engineering, it's the metallurgy that is sometimes suspect.

I don't think I would have any trepidation using the lift for a 2000-3000# car.

 

[flyt100]

I have one. Works fine, and the upside is the adjustability of those ladders if your floor isn't perfectly level.

 

[GS-Louie]

Thanks, guys. What prevents the hanging metal strip from flexing. I saw another lift that used this type of locking arrangement but it didn't look so good. The lift was holding a muscle car and I could easily flex the strip. It wasn't very thick metal.

Lou

 

[PoorOwner]

There is another brand called advantage lifts which uses a different design. (based on the backyard buddy design)
The columns have slots cut into them and the whole column is made of close to 1/4" steel.

With the internal slot design does let you adjust so when rested it is level. But the external slot cannot do that, you can only adjust the cable for raising evenly but when you set on locks the runways takes similar level as your garage slab.

 

[muncie21]

The internal latch design uses the latches at all 4 corners. I haven't measured the thickness of the latches on my lift, however they are solid and have held an old 2nd Gen F-body (3500-3800#s) and C5 for many years, without any issue.

I have no hesitation being under the lift when it is latched and one of the above two vehicles are on top.

 

[flyt100]

Thanks, guys. What prevents the hanging metal strip from flexing. I saw another lift that used this type of locking arrangement but it didn't look so good. The lift was holding a muscle car and I could easily flex the strip. It wasn't very thick metal.

Lou

That white plastic keeps the ladder from flopping green around where it engages. I've put many vehicles on it, no concerns (my DirectLift is ANSI certified for 8k, and I have no reason to doubt it)...

 

[GS-Louie]

Thanks for the comments and experiences. I will probably wrap it up this week.

Lou