Found a Used Challenger lift. Got ??????

[Speargun]

I was driving down the road today and noticed that one of the local transmission shops had closed it's doors. Sitting outside in a fenced in lot are 4 or 5 lifts. Two are four post lifts and the rest are two post lifts.
Out of those, I could only read the name on one. "Challenger" All of the lifts are blue and look like they have been out in the Florida sun for quite a few years.

I called the real estate agent and asked if any of the lifts were for sale. He said he was going to call the owner and will call me back tomorrow to let me know if they are for sale and for how much.

What are some of the things that I need to look for?
What are the wear points?
What's a good price for a used (daily) lift?
I'm sure that I will have to take it down for transport, is there anything I should be aware of?

I know my info is a little sketchy right now, but as soon as I find out model numbers etc... I'll post it up here.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[e-tek]

The wear points would be the cables for sure - if any are frayed or bent, etc. It says to run a cloth over them and check for snags. The clevices, or rollers, that the cables run on - both where the cable runs and the center hole where it turns. The rubber blocks that run up and down the uprights. The hydraulic arm and pump...not sure how to test those, but I'm sure someone here will!
A good new lift is about $2k-2500.00, so for a well-used I might pay $800-1200.00.
Transport - they are damn heavy - you'll need to break it down and have a couple buddies and a flat deck.
Good luck!

 

[pattenp]

If these lifts have been sitting outside for a long time you could be looking a whole array of problems from electrical to just plan old rust. Just be aware of the fact you may need to replace parts and know that parts are available from Challenger for the particular model before you purchase. I just priced a new Challenger 10K lb. 4 post a couple months ago and was quoted $5200 from Myers Tire Supply. The Challenger 2 post lifts start around $3500 if my memory is correct.

 

[krooser]

The challenger may have a leaf chain rather than cables which are usually reserved for home shop-type units.

I paid $1800.00 for a used 9K Weaver twin post about 8 years ago. Best thing I ever bought for my shop. Works great... no problems even though it's about 20 years old.

I'd sooner own a used commercial lift than a new home shop unit... just my 2 cents...

 

[Speargun]

I just talked to the real estate agent who said that the building will most likely go into foreclosure by the end of the year if a pending sale falls through. So it looks like I'll just have to wait & see what happens with the place.

Thanks for all of the feedback!

 

[cobrabob]

If you can check the model number on one of the posts, You can print out a manual online at the challenger website. If it is the same challenger lift I purchased at Sam's club auto center (Model 39000) it is a versymmetric lift and it will lift higher than some of the newer lifts. My installer said he would prefer to use this lift over most others because of how well made it is. I don't know but I've been happy with mine. But like pattenp said you will need to check it carefully. I paid $1800 3 years ago but mine was hardly used and inside the shop.

 

[dodge73dart]

Hello
I know this is an old post but was wondering:
I just bought and installed a used Challenger 39000.
Everything works well with the exception of the release cable being a little tight. I will be lubing the cable today.
How do you all like your lifts and what problems and fixes have you experienced?
The support clamps for the hydraulic lines were missing so I just used a couple of hose clamps on the upper side of the hole on the top bar to support bar.
Does anyone have a pic of what the original part looks like?
I’ve got a feeling it’s nothing more than an electrical type clamp used in wiring?
Thanks to all for whatever info you can provide.

 

[ken275]

I recently bought a 39000 with 2' extensions from a closed dealership. It has worked very well with my wife's suburban and 3/4 ton work van's. I'm 6'3" and have no problem working under it. I think these lift higher than the new cl10.

My lift has pneumatic release cylinders not cables.

My hydraulic tubing has a couple tube clamps on the top bar. The area where the line turns from the column to the top bar has a square opening about 6x6. The picture in the manual does look like a electrical fitting but mine is different. Are yours tubing or hoses?


Sent from my SM-G950U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[blackdak8]

My 39000 has just regular Romex clamp connector that fit the round hole next to the large square cutout. I'd guess one for about a 1" knockout but cannot remember for sure. I assume it's original setup but I purchased used from a dealership.
My release cable is a little stiff to pull but the latches do not have the move far to release. Also make sure there are no tight bends in the cable. I ran my cable across top bar and exited to the outside of the columns thru the hole towards the top of the column. I left it slightly looped out at top of column.

 

[volaredon]

The challenger may have a leaf chain rather than cables which are usually reserved for home shop-type units.

I paid $1800.00 for a used 9K Weaver twin post about 8 years ago. Best thing I ever bought for my shop. Works great... no problems even though it's about 20 years old.

I'd sooner own a used commercial lift than a new home shop unit... just my 2 cents...

I agree about used commercial vs new homeowner duty.... from another 9K capacity Weaver twin post owner.... haven't had mine quite as long as you but it and the Emglo 5hp/4 cyl 2 stage 80 gallon upright compressor are the best things I have ever bought for my garage besides what I spent to build the garage in the 1st place