Double Width 4 Post Lift - Insights

[rickjc77]

First time poster. I’ve been looking at purchasing a double width 4 post lift for one side of my 4 car garage. Namely the BendPak HD9-SWX and the Advantage SXS-10000.

I’ve read a lot about lifts in this and other forums, but they are mainly for single stall 4 posts like the HD9.

Anyone have experience with either of these double width lifts? Any special considerations? I’m leaning toward the Advantage due to the value and the build quality as described by many. Also, have called BendPak twice and both times was told they would follow-up with quotes and did not.

Any help or advice is very much appreciated as this is the first time I’ve purchased a lift. Measurements seem good on either with biggest hurdle being the 240V needed for the Advantage.

Thanks!

 

[theegovernor]

I have installed two of the bendpak lifts. No issues. Keep in mind the advantage lifts are not ALI certified. You can get the Bendpak with a 120v power unit. I would be happy to get you a quote for a Bendpak lift if you would like.

 

[rickjc77]

Yes, the Advantage isn’t ALI certified but neither is the dual platform BendPak. ALI certification has some value to me, but it’s not a showstopper based on the feedback I can find through forums such as this. The BP rep said their lift isn’t certified because there is no certification for a “parking lift”. Advantage stated their dual platform had passed ALI testing and was awaiting the completion of paperwork. Honestly, both explanations seem a bit suspect.

Depending what comes out of this thread, I may take you up on a quote but don’t want to waste your time given I’m somewhat leaning toward the Advantage at this time.

 

[mike93lx]

How is 240v a hurdle? Do you have a 4 car garage without 240v service? That would be odd, IMO.

I won't chase anyone that doesn't want my money. Two attempts to get a quote would get me to move on.

 

[infinkc]

What are you using them for? Just storage? I really like the new bendpak that you can raise and lower each individual side. I kinda wish I got that model. I went with 2 4 post lifts as I don’t move the cars under that often either, but do wish the beams were gone in the center.

 

[rickjc77]

Not a big hurdle. Just need an electrician to come out and run the wiring and install the plug. It was more a hurdle from the standpoint a 120V unit wouldn’t require that.

Agree with you on the chasing... it’s annoying to spend the time over the phone 2x and not get what was promised as follow-up. The guys at Advantage have been on point. Just trying to get some real world insight on these dual platform lifts.

 

[rickjc77]

What are you using them for? Just storage? I really like the new bendpak that you can raise and lower each individual side. I kinda wish I got that model. I went with 2 4 post lifts as I don’t move the cars under that often either, but do wish the beams were gone in the center.

Mostly storage, but I’ve been known to do a little wrenching.

 

[theegovernor]

Yes, the Advantage isn’t ALI certified but neither is the dual platform BendPak. ALI certification has some value to me, but it’s not a showstopper based on the feedback I can find through forums such as this. The BP rep said their lift isn’t certified because there is no certification for a “parking lift”. Advantage stated their dual platform had passed ALI testing and was awaiting the completion of paperwork. Honestly, both explanations seem a bit suspect.

Depending what comes out of this thread, I may take you up on a quote but don’t want to waste your time given I’m somewhat leaning toward the Advantage at this time.

The Bendpak is in the process of getting ALI certified the last time I checked.

Some other things to think about:

Bendpak built and owns their factory. They design their lifts. Many other companies just put there name on generic lifts made by someone else.

Who do you have a better chance of finding parts for your lift 10 years down the line? I can get most parts for a Bendpak lift made in 2000 still.

Here is the picture of the install.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iDU8bbYzmXgLShqqaNYhFA27xj6hoNev/view?usp=sharing

I do agree the people at Bendpak can be hard to get ahold of sometimes. I would be happy to serve you and answer any other questions you might have.

 

[Driftwood]

I’m in the process of researching a double lift from different manufacturers what did you end up with? My research leads me to wildfire/ advantage and BP none of which are ALI certified. Any help would be wonderful and greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[mike93lx]

I’m in the process of researching a double lift from different manufacturers what did you end up with? My research leads me to wildfire/ advantage and BP none of which are ALI certified. Any help would be wonderful and greatly appreciated. Thanks

Ali cert does not necessarily mean the lift is better, it just means that it meet the ALI minimum requirements And the manufacturer was willing to shell out a lot of money for testing and certification.

Think of it as marketing not a separator between good and bad lifts.

That said, there are plenty of cheap lifts out there (although I doubt many in the double wide category), so do your homework

 

[19Vert64]

Call advantage and speak with them. They are extremely good with the before and after sales communications. No doubt I made the correct choice in going with them.


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[HAULNSS]

I bought my Advantage SxS used locally and with a couple buddies we had it disassembled, moved, and reassembled in my shop with my car on it in less than 4 hours. Even with only one car on it, the lift is solid and stable. Empty, it moves easy with the casters, too.

I'm very impressed with the quality and ability to move the pump where I want it. As a matter if fact, I was so impressed that I bought another single Advantage locally shortly after I got the double. I sold my cheap single lift to a friend as it seemed like really poor quality compared to the Advantage.

Randy

 

[mike93lx]

I bought my Advantage SxS used locally and with a couple buddies we had it disassembled, moved, and reassembled in my shop with my car on it in less than 4 hours. Even with only one car on it, the lift is solid and stable. Empty, it moves easy with the casters, too.

I'm very impressed with the quality and ability to move the pump where I want it. As a matter if fact, I was so impressed that I bought another single Advantage locally shortly after I got the double. I sold my cheap single lift to a friend as it seemed like really poor quality compared to the Advantage.

Randy

Nothing like passing **** onto a buddy

 

[ace10]

I have three Advantage 4 post lifts. 2 XLTs and one of the small units. Next year, I will be adding a double wide.

Pre sale communication is good. Delivery has always been good. Post sale support has been good. No complaints.

The only issue that I've has is one of them developed a fluid lead at the pump fitting. They sent a bunch of new o-rings. Problem solved.

The latest one shows at least one design change which will get them toward ALI cert. The irony is that I don't really care for the new end of ramp stops, and will be swapping them around to get them off the frequently used lifts.

I did not shop Bendpak.

 

[HAULNSS]

Nothing like passing **** onto a buddy

I'm not sure of the intent behind your comment?

I sold that lift to my friend that helped with all my lifts and he has several of his own (Advantage and Bend Pak). He was well aware of what he was buying and I gave him a smoking deal on it for helping with my installs. For what he was going to use it for and what he paid for it, the lift worked for him.

Randy

 

[mcirish101]

Within the past two weeks i had a wildfire double wide and an xlt installed in my pole barn.

communication was excellent - even though they got super busy after the vice grip garage install

both lifts are robust and sturdy - my buddy who owned a shop for 25+ years was impressed - he does not impress easily