Greg Smith?

[AbitNutz]

So I've been investigating which lift to get and probably posting it here ad nauseam. I do that. I investigate purchases to the point where the manufacturer has likely thought about putting a hit out on me.

There's just no doubt that Mohawk and Rotary are the best but we're talking Ferrari taste on a Yugo budget. Well, not that bad but $17-$1,800 compared to $5,700-$11,000 and the Greg Smith unit has a higher lift rating. Not to mention their main store is less than two hours from me.

So I call Greg Smith, just to get some info and ya know.... I got weird feeling. This was pre-sales so I expected to hear angels. I didn't her angels. What I heard was a guy trying to get off the phone and pretty much didn't care if I bought one or not.

It was at that point I looked up Greg Smith to see if I could find any complaints about his equipment and customer service. Wow! I'm not buying a urinal from this guy because I'm pretty sure if it didn't work he'd tell me the clog was on my end and to pee harder.

So back to the hunt. I'm willing to pay more for quality that won't get me killed and customer service that won't make me feel like I was in France.

Again, something between a Mohawk or one of Rotary's partially in-ground SmartLift's and something....less. A Mohawk just makes me drool and a SmartLift makes me drool and get dizzy (I think a SmartLift is like $11,000).

This may not be fair as I've never dealt with GS but there was enough out there to keep me from ever doing so.

 

[64dragnwagon]

Good to know. I was considering a Greg Smith 2 post lift but now you have me wondering. Please keep us up to date as I am going to buy something in the next few months. I am like you I don't want the cheapest lift but cannot justify spending Mohawk kind of money. I think Rotary lifts are much cheaper than Mohawk and they do make a good lift.

 

[Cars&Classic]

there bedside manner is not the best, but I have 2 and no problems, I buy a few things there and have had a couple of items that werent right. I walked in put them on the counter and by the time I was done looking around the replacement part was on the counter.
no problems for me at the indianpolis store.

 

[e-tek]

I've been here 6 years and have even done a Poll on it. BendPak is the most used, most reliable and has the best CS for the best value. High end lifts come second on each count.

You can buy from several different sellers and the VP Jeff is a member here.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61498

 

[caddymanwi]

I just went through this same search. I actually left the choice up to my wife. I narrowed it down between BendPak and Mohawk. after going over all of the specs, certifications, surveys and costs, my wife told me too get the Mohawk only because she thought it was safer. She was disappointed that it cost 1.5 times the cost of the BendPak but she felt better about the safety aspect than the money. I was picking between the 10k lifts. The System 1 was installed two weeks ago.
My cement is only 10 weeks old but thats the only thing thats finished in my Pole barn remodel new workshop. I've run the arms up and down and made sure everything is set and lubricated the way it is supposed to be and I'm really impressed by the construction.

 

[Lkdelta]

Just My Humble opinion about Greg Smith, but

After ordering from the Delaware store, They sent the lift to the New Hampshire warehouse for my "pick-up convenience" at no charge.

Had a very good experience At the New Hampshire warehouse, very quickly loaded that day.
And have had to call them about tech questions and owners manual (Lost mine)
The manual was in my snail-mail 2 days later,
(couldn't just down load and print it here due to problems with this system, absolutely not their fault)

Never had a problem getting questions answered quickly by E-mail or landline

 

[Fastback]

It sounds like you could drive in and see the commitment they have made and judge them by the showroom and face to face service, but that would take time and effort on your part, and since you mentioned in your post included this statement..

So I've been investigating which lift to get and probably posting it here ad nauseam. I do that. I investigate purchases to the point where the manufacturer has likely thought about putting a hit out on me.

I am wondering if that was your first call or your 7th?

The company has more happy clients than you can count. They sell a lot of product and you are doing yourself a disservice by judging any store by a short phone call.

 

[rslaback]

I bought a tire machine from them for my high school auto program (it runs for a semester every other year) and I can't say I am disappointed. It has a few air leaks but it gets the job done and is plenty of machine for the money.

 

[e-tek]

It was at that point I looked up Greg Smith to see if I could find any complaints about his equipment and customer service. Wow! I'm not buying a urinal from this guy because I'm pretty sure if it didn't work he'd tell me the clog was on my end and to pee harder.

I immediately thought I didin't agree with your assesment of Greg Smith, but decided to check for myself. After doing so, I'd have to say my opinion varies from yours 180 degrees. Where did you get your information on GS from?

 

[zollster]

I bought a 2 post PV10 from Greg Smith Equipment, Greg himself took more order on the phone, I had a whole list of questions written down in front of me, we talked for over 40 minutes. Fast shipping, great hoist. I have 3500 Duramax crew cab on that lift and I am not dead, also 2500 HD's and many 3/4 extended long boxs, **** box 4cylinder cars. It is a great hoist. Plus I saved thousands.

 

[koditten]

Just remember the rule of 10. Every disatisfied costomer is going to tell 10 people how bad their expierience was. GS sell 20 lifts for every 1 lift of the competition. At a fraction of the cost, they are going to have to cut corners. I'm guessing "tire kickers" are going to get less than stellar service.

As for "tire kickers", I'm one. I called GS twice with some random questions and both times I actually talked to Gregg. They can tell when someone is fishing for info and who is going to spend some money.

2500 bucks vs 5500 bucks for the same rated lift, I'm willing to be abused. 90% of the people buing GS lifts are not buying to use in a buisiness.

I kind of enjoyed the info on the website. When they give you a list of requirements. The number one requirement is to make sure the wife knows you are buying. I liked this reality check. In my case, it is "our money" when spending several G's.

Please, let's not make this an "Asian lift vs American lift" conversation. This has been done to death.

Later

KO

 

[koditten]

Zolister:

Howdy "neighbor" Kind of eerie posting pretty much what I just got done writing. And the fact you are in the area is really kind of spooking me. World Wide Web...riiiight.


KO

 

[Tom_20m]

Hi all. I actually work across from the Greg smith store in Delaware. I run over on lunch break and just check out their equipment. They do have a pretty nice and stocked show room and can demonstrate some of the lifts for you. If you're concern about pricing and quality, just keep your eyes peeled for a used Mohawk. There is one currently on ebay for less than 2K used. I've seen them on craigslist for 1200 used and have missed out on those deals.

 

[Shadowdog500]

+1, if you want a Mohawk or rotary look for a used one.

I had the same experience with my wife at Greg smith. We stopped in at the Deleware location and while looking at their 10,000lb lift she ask " if I really felt safe standing under that lift". For me the answer was no, so I shopped for a used Mohawk.

Chris

 

[jimp]

Have had a Greg Smith lift for about two years. Never had any problems with service during install (few small parts missing). Have had no need to call since. 11,000 lb. lift with maximum load lifted so far 8,500 lbs.

Before I bought the lift, I drove to the store and was treated well.

 

[ket-tek]

I did not buy lifts from them as I went through ASEdeals for that, but I did buy a few other things from gregsmitheq over the phone, and I had the same experience as you, the 2 different people I talked to were short, arrogant, and unhelpful, they didn't know anything about thier own website and their shipping charges were a bit inflated. I made the purchases anyway and never got tracking info, confirmation email, or any type of Receipt for my purchase. And the items showed up poorly boxed with no packing of any sort, just stuff thrown in a box all beat to hell. I personally will never call or order anything from them ever again.

Since your close to a store I would just go there and check it out. Having a place to go to is a great benefit, and if I had a local store there is a good chance I would probably have had a better experience.

 

[AbitNutz]

I am wondering if that was your first call or your 7th?

Nope..only one call.

 

[AbitNutz]

I immediately thought I didin't agree with your assesment of Greg Smith, but decided to check for myself. After doing so, I'd have to say my opinion varies from yours 180 degrees. Where did you get your information on GS from?

well, I started here:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/directory/Greg-Smith-Equipment.aspx

If you google "greg smith" complaint you get a more than one

 

[ptschram]

I have a lift, jacking beams, some little stuff and a worthless transmission jack.

When my trans jack didn't work right out of the box, the first person I spoke with at Greg Smith's got nasty and swore at me. When I spoke with Greg himself, he accused ME of having been profane with is employee when it was the other way around. Why would I be nasty when I wanted a replacement for a defective piece of equipment?

The conversation devolved to Greg telling me his policy is the customer is NOT always right.

He told me if my trans jack were taken to his store, he'd replace it with a new one that worked. When my employee took it back, they refused to exchange it and merely threw a baggie of O-rings and some other stuff at him and told him to leave. I need a trans jack,not another project!

Keep in mind that this piece of equipment was dead right out of the crate.

I bought a trans jack from Harbor Freight mainly because I knew I could get a replacement if it failed. It's still going strong four years down the road.

Greg Smith is only two hours from me, but I'll pay shipping for my next lift rather than have to deal with his ********.

I'm sure he'll chime in soon enough to dispute my comments and he's welcome to do so. I know I haven't spent any more money with him and sure as Hell won't in the future.

 

[Fastback]

You guys do know that Ford and Toyota have more issues, complaints and recalls than Ferrari or Lamborghini right?

But, you need to consider that Ford sells about 1000 times as many cars and has millions more happy customers that those Italian exotics.

The moral of the story is you cant judge anything based on negative comments on the web because the happy clients never complain.

 

[Cars&Classic]

wow a 4 complaints on ripoff report. for the amount of sales they do you would think it would be higher. no company is perfect. 4 locations 4 complaints= 1 per store for how many sales? hom many years in business.

 

[Dadstoy]

I bought a 9000+ 4 post lift from GS for home and have had no problems. I went to the store in Indy (100 miles away) and looked at all the lifts on the showroom floor and tried them out. One of the salesman answered all my questions. I came back the next weekend and picked it up along with a center rolling jack. If Im going to buy something that Im going to put my life under,Im going to inspect it first.

 

[poppop]

I have a PV 10,bought 4 years ago and have not had a problem.

 

[Wes Tex]

I am not sure who Greg Smith is (never heard of him before), but there are alternatives. I bought a used but reconditioned 9,000 lb Challenger 2 lift from a car dealership for $500. They were renovating their service area and sold off about a dozen lifts. They helped load it on my trailer and even threw in a spare pump. It took three of us and a "cherry picker" to unload it. It works great and can easily lift my diesel truck. Check with all of the local dealerships and big garages; they may make you a deal.

 

[2fat2fly]

I have only purchased motorcycle lifts from the Indy store, never an automotive lift. I bought my first one 6 or 7 years ago and had it delivered. I had work to do in Indy this past December and picked up the second one in person for my brother's shop. I had no problems either time and I'd have no problem buying any of their equipment in the future.

 

[Kev442]

I've got a GS lift and a Complete Hydraulic from Franklin, In. No problems at either when picked up. Complete was easier on/off the hiway for me that time.

http://www.completehydraulic.com/lifts-4-post.html

 

[ptschram]

I've got a GS lift and a Complete Hydraulic from Franklin, In. No problems at either when picked up. Complete was easier on/off the hiway for me that time.

http://www.completehydraulic.com/lifts-4-post.html

If I buy a new lift, it will be from these guys as they are about as close as Greg (the customer is NOT always right) Smith.

 

[6768rogues]

I don't mind if they **** me, as long as they don't slit my throat and leave me for dead by the road.

 

[Aberdale]

I've never bought anything from GS, but I've looked at their site and offerings quite a bit. Keep in mind that GS is basically the Walmart of garage equipment. That means that you will get a good price on mediocre equipment. It's like shopping at TSC if you are a farmer.

If you want top of the line equipment, go somewhere else. If you want so-so equipment at a reasonable price, then they are worth looking at. Just don't expect Snap-On service at a discount price.

Dale

 

[e-tek]

The most expensive isn't always the best. There's an ad that runs in my equipment dealers publication whereby BP is compared to Roary - the BP lift has thicker steel, better sheeves, thicker cables. If you (or the wife) cares about your safety, you owe it to yourself to look at each closely.

Or, you could just buy a BendPak (like most have on GJ) and be happy!

 

[AdamLym]

Abitnutz,

Cut out the middle man and get your lift where Greg Smith gets them (I don't know that for fact, but I was told by a reliable source that GS purchases some of their lifts from complete hydraulic): http://www.completehydraulic.com/

They are in Franklin, IN and have been great to deal with. I purchased a 2 post Asymetrical lift from them last year for my father. Its no problem to have them load it up in the back of a pick up truck if you have an 8' bed either.

Hope this helps

Adam

 

[40standard]

Abitnutz,

Cut out the middle man and get your lift where Greg Smith gets them (I don't know that for fact, but I was told by a reliable source that GS purchases some of their lifts from complete hydraulic): http://www.completehydraulic.com/

They are in Franklin, IN and have been great to deal with. I purchased a 2 post Asymetrical lift from them last year for my father. Its no problem to have them load it up in the back of a pick up truck if you have an 8' bed either.

Hope this helps

Adam

good to know. the GS store in Indy has been very helpful

 

[carhunter]

what a timely thread...I was searching for info on Complete Hydraulic and keywords lead me here.

We ordered the CLT8K from them on Nov 30 of last year...still not delivered after numerous promises and non-returned phone calls. I'll be starting a separate thread so if anyone has input please share.

Ironically I called Greg Smith first, and have used them in the past with satisfaction, but a friend was very disappointed with their response to numerous issues he had with a purchase so we gave Complete Hydraulic a shot. Not a good decision.

 

[buzz4041]

Try Derek Weaver he sells the Direct lift and is good to deal with. They are out of Dallas.

 

[MOPAULY]

I bought my 4 post from GS with no issues - in fact they actually gave me a better discount in person. I've recently emailed with them and had a response with in minutes, I can't complain - I plan to buy 2 more lifts from them soon.

 

[V8 BUG]

I purchased an Atlas 9000OH from Greg Smith. Was a great guy to deal with and loaded my trailer quickly. I have no problem with the hoist and it lifts my Denali with no issues.

Kevin

 

[C2 Turbo]

I am currently looking into purchasing a 2 post lift myself as well and have been looking into several options at this time.

2 shops where I frequent with my cars and where I see BMW"s/Audi's/Mercedes all the time, use Atlas 9000OH for their daily stuff (4 years). Those mechanics have the same lifts at home as well.

I also know of an another mechanic friend (works at a ford dealership) who uses Revolutinary (rotary) at home (2 years).

Can some clarify to me when, why professionals don't buying them while GF members only recommend Mohawk/Bendpark? If professionals don't have any issues with them why would we? Why spend twice or more on an enthusiast brand when those lifts be used occassionally few times a month?

Btw, do you guys know what kinda lifts your mechanics uses?

 

[Nekit]

I am currently looking into purchasing a 2 post lift myself as well and have been looking into several options at this time.

2 shops where I frequent with my cars and where I see BMW"s/Audi's/Mercedes all the time, use Atlas 9000OH for their daily stuff (4 years). Those mechanics have the same lifts at home as well.

I also know of an another mechanic friend (works at a ford dealership) who uses Revolutinary (rotary) at home (2 years).

Can some clarify to me when, why professionals don't buying them while GF members only recommend Mohawk/Bendpark? If professionals don't have any issues with them why would we? Why spend twice or more on an enthusiast brand when those lifts be used occassionally few times a month?

Btw, do you guys know what kinda lifts your mechanics uses?

Drive up to Indy and buy one from Greg Smith. They are made in China, but are pretty good quality for Chinese. I'm sure they aren't the quality of a Bendpak, but I think you'll be happy with it. I've had an Atlas from them for 3 years now and love it. It is a good value.

 

[junkman104]

You know this is a 3yr old tread? I bought a 4 post a year ago and am pleased!

 

[pstnbly]

I bought my Atlas PV-10 from the New Hampshire store, quick load out no hassle sale. Unpacked the lift and it had a couple minor scratches that I ignore, minor compared to some of the Bend-Pak stories on here. I chose the Atlas after researching and seeing the PV-10 was a hell of a lot better structurally than the 10K Rotary we had at work. I put my 8700lb 1-ton dually dump on it no problem, much better then putting a 1-ton on that Rotary. The PV-10 now comes in a certified version for the same money.