Help with selecting a car lift

[rsanter]

So I have decided that I have waited long enough to own and use a car lift.
It will be for hobby but I still want a decent safe one.
Because of circumstances in my shop I think I need to stick with getting a 4 post lift. That way I can move it out of the way and even use it outside of needed.

What I look for is value for the dollar. I want it to be safe but not cost a fortune. I want it to be good quality to last but I want to be able to afford the thing.

I see several brands, sure the big brands like rotary or bend pack are easy but I also see the backyard buddy, auto lift, and some others.

So what I need to know....
What ones to you recomend?
What ones to stay away from?
What is the best price place to get one?
(I am in CA)
Etc.....

Thanks
Bob

 

[fastevo9]

4 post lifts present great versatility and yet great for stacking vehicles as well. One thing i cant stand is portable lifts. Anything that big and heavy loaded with a vehicle that has wheels on it just freaks me out. Safety is a big consideration for me and portables is still something i cant get used to. Best thing to do is a layout and look for something that fits those requirements. Don't forget to take ceiling height and lift rise into consideration. There really is no good or bad brand but just what fits your garage at a price your willing to pay. I like how user friendly bendpaks website is so i would check out dimensions and features there and use that as a base point to shop around on other sites. One cool thing that caught my eye is a single post lift. I am strongly considering putting one in so i can use the extra height and build a second floor to my garage leaving me with a storage and hangout space. Good luck.

 

[rsanter]

Ceiling height is not a problem. This is a steel building with lots of height.

The key problem I have is that I only have one bay door and right inside of that bay is the working space/working bay.
I don't need to move the lift with a car on it, I only need to move the lift out if I need to bring something in like my trailer or if I need flat floor space to weld up something large.
I can also see myself taking the lift outside to pressure wash the bottom of a car or something like that.
I have a good flat concrete pad on the side of the shop that I could move the lift to for that type of work or even if I had to leave the lift outside for a few days.
Unfortunately my shop is not big enough to dedicate a perminant space for the lift or I would be putting up a 2 post

Bob

 

[boosteddsm92]

I'd look at a DirectLift. They're ALI certified and priced well. I have a Danmar 10k 2 post, a Rotary 7k 4 post, and, most recently, a Bendpak HD-9XW 4 post. If I had to do it again I'd get a DirectLift Pro Park 9 Plus over the Bendpak. I really don't like the Bendpak ramps, they're a pain to remove (without modification) when I want to pull a car in underneath it. The Rotary's ramps are WAY easier to remove. Bendpak's lock releases are pneumatic, which is kinda cool but a pain to always have to have a pressurized airline on it. Only nice, IMO, if you're putting cars up and down all day. Something to keep in mind if you're using it outside where air may not be convenient or possible to have on it. Also Directlifts come with a caster kit, drip trays, etc.

Just my 2 cents, good luck w/your selection.

 

[rsanter]

Very good info boost, thanks

Bob

 

[cajunfirehawk]

I am in pretty much the same boat as you and have been in the market for a good while for a 4 post lift. Was leaning towards a bendpak since they seem to be one of the best warrantied brands but in the last few months discovered advantage lifts and I think this is the choice I will go with when funds allow.
http://advantagelifts.us/4-post-lifts/SS-9000-Four-Post-Lift

 

[CamarosRus]

DIRECT is Mfg in China (as is Bend Pak). DIRECT is owned by ROTARY which is designed and mfg in USA. I have the above mentioned Pro Park 4 post and think its a great safe lift.

For those in WA or OR I bought mine in Portland from the Direct Dealer there and picked
up on my own trailer. I put TWO of them on One Flat Bed Car Trailer. Oregon has no sales tax and there was no shipping.....other than my fuel expense!!!!!