Finally Decided on a 2 Poster - Need Advice

[jerkyboy]

Decided on a 2 Post Lift - Need Purchase Advice

I've spent the last couple months contemplating whether to get a 2 or 4 post lift and I decided on a 2 post. I think I'm going to go with a BendPak but I'm not sure if it should be symmetric or asymmetric and how big I need to go. The largest vehicle I will be lifting is my Chevy 2500HD, which is an extended cab and weighs about 6,200 pounds. I have 12 foot ceilings and poured the slab knowing I'd be installing a lift.

Also, are BendPak and Dannmar one in the same? I noticed that a lot of the dealers selling BendPak sell Dannmar too. How about Atlas???

I'm looking for model suggestions and pricing, and I noticed what appears to be horizontal rails that attach to the bottom of the posts on one of this forum's members' BendPak and attached the picture. Do these come with the lift or are they optional?

 

[padronanniversary]

please let me know how much that will run you. I would love to have something like that as well !!!!!

 

[judgethis]

I bought a BendPak XPR10AC. Its a 10,000 lbs assymetric open floor type. I bought on line from Automotice Service Equipment I believe its WWW.ASEDEALS.com. There like $2800.00. I have a 2000 Chevy 3/4 ton 4wd extended cab 8 ft bed and lifts no problem. I have also lifted a 1 ton chevy crew cab(4 door) 8 ft bed 4wd with a cap and had no problem. ASE also does free shipping. I had an authorized BendPak dealer install it for $500.
Im glad I had them do it because one cylinder was leaking (end cap was loose and seal cut), and the motor didnt work so they warranteed it for me.
If you call ASE they'll give you a rep in your area you can call.

 

[hilld]

I'm looking for model suggestions and pricing, and I noticed what appears to be horizontal rails that attach to the bottom of the posts on one of this forum's members' BendPak and attached the picture. Do these come with the lift or are they optional?

The item you highlighted is a floorplate where the hydraulic lines and/or cables connect one side to the other. Since you only have a pump on one side, the other side has to be connected to the power side somehow, either with hydraulic lines or via steel cables. Clear floor lifts just run the connection(s) overhead instead of using a floor plate, but there is a connection between the two side. Even if using a mohawk lift where there doesn't appear to be any connection, the hydraulic lines are buried in the concrete.

Hope that makes sense.

Derek

 

[hilld]

Jerkyboy,

just noticed that you are in upstate NY, you should see if you can make it to the Mohawk factory and see how those lifts are made, they are in your neck of the woods, so to speak.

Derek

 

[padronanniversary]

How do you go about finding out how thick ur slab is in the garage without busting it up ? I saw the specs for the concrete being 4" and 3000psi .

 

[jerkyboy]

The item you highlighted is a floorplate where the hydraulic lines and/or cables connect one side to the other. Since you only have a pump on one side, the other side has to be connected to the power side somehow, either with hydraulic lines or via steel cables. Clear floor lifts just run the connection(s) overhead instead of using a floor plate, but there is a connection between the two side. Even if using a mohawk lift where there doesn't appear to be any connection, the hydraulic lines are buried in the concrete.

Hope that makes sense.

Derek

The horizontal rails (two of them) that I'm referring to are perpendicular to the floor plate and the one that you can see the side of has yellow and black tape on it. Take another look at the pic, they appear to be some type of stabalization bars that keep the posts from rocking backward or forward.

 

[jerkyboy]

Jerkyboy,

just noticed that you are in upstate NY, you should see if you can make it to the Mohawk factory and see how those lifts are made, they are in your neck of the woods, so to speak.

Derek

I spoke to a Mohawk rep at last year's Adirondak Nationals but they are too expensive for my budget, but thanks for the advice.

 

[Car54]

How do you go about finding out how thick ur slab is in the garage without busting it up ? I saw the specs for the concrete being 4" and 3000psi .

I drilled test holes in the area I plan to put the lift.

 

[jerkyboy]

I drilled test holes in the area I plan to put the lift.

Yup, what he said.

 

[Juday]

Re: Decided on a 2 Post Lift - Need Purchase Advice

I've spent the last couple months contemplating whether to get a 2 or 4 post lift and I decided on a 2 post. I think I'm going to go with a BendPak but I'm not sure if it should be symmetric or asymmetric and how big I need to go. The largest vehicle I will be lifting is my Chevy 2500HD, which is an extended cab and weighs about 6,200 pounds. I have 12 foot ceilings and poured the slab knowing I'd be installing a lift.

Also, are BendPak and Dannmar one in the same? I noticed that a lot of the dealers selling BendPak sell Dannmar too. How about Atlas???

I'm looking for model suggestions and pricing, and I noticed what appears to be horizontal rails that attach to the bottom of the posts on one of this forum's members' BendPak and attached the picture. Do these come with the lift or are they optional?

This is the exact dilemma I'm facing right now. I know that I'm going to go with a BendPak, but I'm unsure as to whether it's going to be a symmetric, or asymmetric model. The largest I'd be lifting is a 3/4 ton, crew cab diesel. However, I'll also be lifting my '74 CJ5 and my '51 Dodge up and down more than any other vehicle. So, I need something that will be able to do that also. My ceiling height will be 12'-6" and I too will be pouring the pad thicker in the area of the lift. Did you decide which model you're going after?

 

[nehog]

Re: Decided on a 2 Post Lift - Need Purchase Advice

... The largest I'd be lifting is a 3/4 ton, crew cab diesel. ...

Personally I'd go with a symmetrical two post for something that sized.

 

[bondsman]

The differences between bendpak's xpr-10acx and dannmar's brigadier 10acx (formerly d-10acx)

Bend Pak
XPR-10ACX
Triple telescoping arms
5” cable rollers on top
Tru metric design / lift asymmetric or symmetrically
ALI certified

Dannmar
D10ACX Brigadier
Doule stage arms
3” cable rollers on top
Asymmetric lifting


I went with the bendpak. It will be here monday.

 

[jerkyboy]

The differences between bendpak's xpr-10acx and dannmar's brigadier 10acx (formerly d-10acx)

Bend Pak
XPR-10ACX
Triple telescoping arms
5” cable rollers on top
Tru metric design / lift asymmetric or symmetrically
ALI certified

Dannmar
D10ACX Brigadier
Doule stage arms
3” cable rollers on top
Asymmetric lifting


I went with the bendpak. It will be here monday.

I'm definitely going with the bendpak too but I'm unsure if I'm going for the extra wide model. What are your garage dimensions and how much room are you going to leave on the front and sides?

 

[blt2go]

i am currently in the process of installing a 9000lb. rotary asymmetrical lift. i chose asymmetrical to be able to access the door jambs and what not, being my primary shop duty is body work. i am up in the air about what kind of anchors to use. epoxy or mechanical, my dad thinks we should use 4 mech. and 6 epoxy or visa-versa. he won't make up his mind. i have heard pros and cons on both and can't make up my mind either. good luck and enjoy your new found freedom. (creeperless)

 

[bondsman]

My garage is 24x36. The garage door is on the 24' wall. So it is 36' deep. The lift is going to be 14' from the back wall, 22' from the garage door. It is a little over 12' wide so there will be about 6' to each side wall.

 

[Car54]

i am currently in the process of installing a 9000lb. rotary asymmetrical lift. i chose asymmetrical to be able to access the door jambs and what not, being my primary shop duty is body work. i am up in the air about what kind of anchors to use. epoxy or mechanical, my dad thinks we should use 4 mech. and 6 epoxy or visa-versa. he won't make up his mind. i have heard pros and cons on both and can't make up my mind either. good luck and enjoy your new found freedom. (creeperless)

Why not just follow Rotary's instruction of using mechanical wedge anchors? Do you have the installation manual? I just installed mine a couple weeks ago.

 

[jerkyboy]

My garage is 24x36. The garage door is on the 24' wall. So it is 36' deep. The lift is going to be 14' from the back wall, 22' from the garage door. It is a little over 12' wide so there will be about 6' to each side wall.

Mine is 32'x36'. I want to make sure I strategically place the lift so I can maximize garage space. All I need to do is figure if I'm going to go with the AC or ACX, with the ACX being a foot wider.

Looking forward to following your install.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I went with an off brand 10,000 asymetiric lift. The major advantage I saw was being able to set the lift forward in the garage so I can park in the space the lift occupies and easily get my doors open. If you have to position the lift where the doors open, that space will be useless for parking a daily driven or even a weekend driver.

Lifts are fantastic to have available when you are lifting a car. The other 99% of the time they are in the way. You want it to be the least in the way possible.

Phil

 

[OldCarGuy]

Re: Decided on a 2 Post Lift - Need Purchase Advice

I've spent the last couple months contemplating whether to get a 2 or 4 post lift and I decided on a 2 post. I think I'm going to go with a BendPak but I'm not sure if it should be symmetric or asymmetric and how big I need to go. The largest vehicle I will be lifting is my Chevy 2500HD, which is an extended cab and weighs about 6,200 pounds. I have 12 foot ceilings and poured the slab knowing I'd be installing a lift.

Also, are BendPak and Dannmar one in the same? I noticed that a lot of the dealers selling BendPak sell Dannmar too. How about Atlas???

I'm looking for model suggestions and pricing, and I noticed what appears to be horizontal rails that attach to the bottom of the posts on one of this forum's members' BendPak and attached the picture. Do these come with the lift or are they optional?

I wouldn't hesitate to spend a little more cash to purchase a BendPak over a DannMar if simply for being ALI Certified.

You mentioned that you have 12' ceiling height. You might want to get a more accurate measurement. Most of BendPak's top plate models have a 12' 1” height. And you'll need a few extra inches to upright the columns and assemble the top plate... You may have to consider a floor plate model. Or put a recess in the ceiling to clear the top plate of the lift..

I have no problem lifting my Avalanche 2500 that weighs slightly over 7,000 pounds on my BendPak XPR-10ACX. Even though it's an asymmetric design, the extra width is really nice when opening doors. That's if you have the garage space.... I also own a 10,000 pound capacity Mohawk System I that is symmetric design. I have to say that longer heavy vehicles such as my Avalanche seem to be more stable when above your head on the symmetric lift.

 

[Car54]

They make an Avalanche 2500??

 

[bondsman]

Bendpak claims their xpr-10acx can be used symetrically as well as asymetrically. I guess because of the triple telescoping arms in the front. Everyone I have talked to about which lift to purchase has leaned towards the bendpak xpr-10acx when I told them I was going to be lifting F250's and F350's with diesel engines.

 

[OldCarGuy]

They make an Avalanche 2500??

They made three quarter ton Avalanches from 2003 till 2006. My first 2500 Avalanche was a 2003. When the 2007 model was introduced I decided to replace it. For no reason other than it was four years old. To my dismay, I found out that Chevrolet discontinued the 2500. I immediately searched the country for a left over 2006. And drove 500 miles to pick it up in New Jersey... It was a hassle and I had to pay well nearly two grand more than my local dealer would have charged me,, if he could get one. And no dealer was willing to trade him... They were a hot item.. Even though gas was at a all time high!

The 2500 weights over 1,000 pounds more than the 1500 and has the 8.1 liter engine. Has a heavy duty Allison four-speed transmission with four-wheel drive. Eight nut wheels with far more breaking power than the 1500. Along with torsion bar front suspension and heavy leaf springs in the rear. It has a 40 gallon gas tank rather than a 30... Besides having all the amenities of most any luxury car, it can easily handle towing a 12,000 pound trailer. Or 2,000 pounds weight in the bed...

 

[jerkyboy]

Re: Decided on a 2 Post Lift - Need Purchase Advice

I wouldn't hesitate to spend a little more cash to purchase a BendPak over a DannMar if simply for being ALI Certified.

You mentioned that you have 12' ceiling height. You might want to get a more accurate measurement. Most of BendPak's top plate models have a 12' 1” height. And you'll need a few extra inches to upright the columns and assemble the top plate... You may have to consider a floor plate model. Or put a recess in the ceiling to clear the top plate of the lift..

I have no problem lifting my Avalanche 2500 that weighs slightly over 7,000 pounds on my BendPak XPR-10ACX. Even though it's an asymmetric design, the extra width is really nice when opening doors. That's if you have the garage space.... I also own a 10,000 pound capacity Mohawk System I that is symmetric design. I have to say that longer heavy vehicles such as my Avalanche seem to be more stable when above your head on the symmetric lift.

Ceiling height is 12' 1 1/4" on the button. My plan is to cut away a piece of the sheet rock ceiling so I can stand up the columns and assemble the top plate. Once above the joists, the peak is about 23'. Thanks for the advice. What's your garage's dimensions and how do you have it oriented??

 

[jerkyboy]

Bendpak claims their xpr-10acx can be used symetrically as well as asymetrically. I guess because of the triple telescoping arms in the front. Everyone I have talked to about which lift to purchase has leaned towards the bendpak xpr-10acx when I told them I was going to be lifting F250's and F350's with diesel engines.

I'm leaning towards the ACX too as I have an '02 2500HD extended cab diesel.

 

[jerkyboy]

They made three quarter ton Avalanches from 2003 till 2006. My first 2500 Avalanche was a 2003. When the 2007 model was introduced I decided to replace it. For no reason other than it was four years old. To my dismay, I found out that Chevrolet discontinued the 2500. I immediately searched the country for a left over 2006. And drove 500 miles to pick it up in New Jersey... It was a hassle and I had to pay well nearly two grand more than my local dealer would have charged me,, if he could get one. And no dealer was willing to trade him... They were a hot item.. Even though gas was at a all time high!

The 2500 weights over 1,000 pounds more than the 1500 and has the 8.1 liter engine. Has a heavy duty Allison four-speed transmission with four-wheel drive. Eight nut wheels with far more breaking power than the 1500. Along with torsion bar front suspension and heavy leaf springs in the rear. It has a 40 gallon gas tank rather than a 30... Besides having all the amenities of most any luxury car, it can easily handle towing a 12,000 pound trailer. Or 2,000 pounds weight in the bed...

Sweet Avalanche, my mother in-law would kill for that bad boy.

 

[jerkyboy]

I went with an off brand 10,000 asymetiric lift. The major advantage I saw was being able to set the lift forward in the garage so I can park in the space the lift occupies and easily get my doors open. If you have to position the lift where the doors open, that space will be useless for parking a daily driven or even a weekend driver.

Lifts are fantastic to have available when you are lifting a car. The other 99% of the time they are in the way. You want it to be the least in the way possible.

Phil

What brand and model, what's the largest vehicle you're lifting with it, happy, $$$$???

 

[Car54]

They made three quarter ton Avalanches from 2003 till 2006. My first 2500 Avalanche was a 2003. When the 2007 model was introduced I decided to replace it. For no reason other than it was four years old. To my dismay, I found out that Chevrolet discontinued the 2500. I immediately searched the country for a left over 2006. And drove 500 miles to pick it up in New Jersey... It was a hassle and I had to pay well nearly two grand more than my local dealer would have charged me,, if he could get one. And no dealer was willing to trade him... They were a hot item.. Even though gas was at a all time high!

The 2500 weights over 1,000 pounds more than the 1500 and has the 8.1 liter engine. Has a heavy duty Allison four-speed transmission with four-wheel drive. Eight nut wheels with far more breaking power than the 1500. Along with torsion bar front suspension and heavy leaf springs in the rear. It has a 40 gallon gas tank rather than a 30... Besides having all the amenities of most any luxury car, it can easily handle towing a 12,000 pound trailer. Or 2,000 pounds weight in the bed...

Awesome...sorry to go OT.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

What brand and model, what's the largest vehicle you're lifting with it, happy, $$$$???

I had my 2002 Tahoe up on it. I'm not sure what it weighed. 6500 pounds? I bought this at GregSmithEquipment in Indy in 2006. Being able to go pick it up myself on a car hauler and bring it home saved a bunch on shipping.

I looked at their site and they are selling a similar lift under the "Atlas" name. It's a 10,000 pound capacity lift. Note the positioning of the lift allows the car doors to open without banging into it when parking in that spot.

Phil

 

[OldCarGuy]

Re: Decided on a 2 Post Lift - Need Purchase Advice

Ceiling height is 12' 1 1/4" on the button. My plan is to cut away a piece of the sheet rock ceiling so I can stand up the columns and assemble the top plate. Once above the joists, the peak is about 23'. Thanks for the advice. What's your garage's dimensions and how do you have it oriented??

I have my BendPak XPR 10ACX lift in one of my four-car garages. And have 23' 6" from my garage door to my workbench. The center line of the lift arms to the work bench is 9' 0". Leaving 14' 6" from that center line to my garage door. My Avalanche wheelbase is 130" and is 18' 6" long bumper to bumper. That leaves only 30" between the front bumper and my workbench. And 30" from the rear bumper to the garage door. The space in front of my truck is tight, making engine removal more difficult. Even though I have an overhead bridge crane and don’t have to deal with a bulky cherry picker. The workbench is 36" and I could move it when taking an engine out. Or possibly I could position the truck toward the door another 6" or so.

For side clearance I have 36" minimum walkway between the pump column and my tire changer and wheel balancer. More than enough space.

Door clearance...