I am going lift @#$@# crazy over here

[new2novas]

I had originally planned on a bendpak XPR-9FX, thought i would do some research and now i'm in lift purgatory. Let me preface this by saying i have searched on this to the point where my brain is now mush and i need someone to push me over one way or the other. i don't wanna hear about mohawk or rotary, not in the budget and i can't find ANY decent used lifts locally and don't really want a used one anyhow. I know this topic is being beat to death, but all the research hasn't made my decision easier. Heres the situation:

I am a full time wrench and am going to be starting my own shop. So this is no hobby lift. I don't have much money but will spend up to 3k on a lift if needed. I am leaning towards the bend pak for the single point release and the complete and GS lifts for the price point.

BendPak

Challenger

Complete Hydraulics

Greg Smith (although i don't really like the mudslinging campain they have)

every other damn manufacturer out there

 

[mad57]

what state are you in ive got a snapon 9000# 2 post for sale $1800 im in nj thanks.

 

[new2novas]

i'm in pa, right outside philly, but i need a low ceiling (less than 11ft) model

 

[mad57]

i'm in pa, right outside philly, but i need a low ceiling (less than 11ft) model

Bummer me too thats why i bought the 4 post byb i didnt have the height, i bought this lift at auction before the new garage was even built, it is unique in the fact that the top bar goes up with the car its lower than a standard bar lift. if i dont sell it ill put it up out side but yes you are close within an hour.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

I'm in a boat just about like yours. Except I'm trying to decide what type verses what brand.

In my case the shop isn't built yet. So I have to decide two post or four post, Or maybe a in-floor lift.

I like the two post so I can work on cars. But hate the thought of two post in the middle of the floor.

In-floor would solve the post problem, but would the extra cost of installation really be worth it. not to mention the lose of working room under the car.

**** what's a guy to do when he is planning a new shop.
________
Suzuki VX 800

 

[e-tek]

Does it have to be a 2 post?

 

[gerktj]

I have a 2 post American made lift that I bought from a place in Detroit for $3000. great lift, I can find the number of company if you want?

 

[brownbagg]

just buy the bendpak, not only are they really good lifts, they have good service too.

 

[CarCrafter]

I was in a similar predicament as you. I am also a full time wrench by day and I needed a lift for commercial use at home to fill in the large voids in my paychecks. The ceiling in my garage is 10ft and I was dead set on getting the Direct Lift Pro9F from Greg Smith down in Indy for around $2100 out the door. Its a pretty solid lift. I made the 3hr drive 2x just to get a good look and I was convinced.

While I was salivating over the Pro-9F, I was also shopping/ accumulating additional equipment for a future business/shop that I was hoping to open. I came across a used Rotary SPOA7 for $920 and picked that up before I even purchased the other lift from GS. I figured that I'd just as soon store the Rotary in the shed for the time being and that I would buy the lift from GS the following month and start using it. Believe it or not, I have since bolted the Rotary to the ground and its been working great. I fit my columns and cross bar right between the 16" centers, so no structural changes had to be made. I figured that this lift had the same limitations to height as I would have had with the low ceiling lift anyways. I've pulled back the stick a little in regards to an opening date for personal reasons, but I am certainly glad I have this lift. There is nothing wrong with used lifts if you can get a good deal on a good product. In your price range, you should find plenty of good lifts available. My advice to you is to stretch your dollars out as best you can so you can spend it on other equipment or a second lift or whatever. If you are patient, the right deal may just be around the corner.

 

[Kail]

Rotary a-symmetrical all the way

 

[Shadowdog500]

If you are opening a pro shop, will lift certification ever be needed? I really like the Greg Smith PV-10H and live close enough to pick it up in Delaware, but am leaning towards the BentPak just to get a certified lift but I want to see one up close before I send away for one.

I'm still waiting to hear about a Greg Smith lift that failed.

Chris

 

[saabman]

I recently intalled a Bendpak XPR-9F and I have been verry pleased with its performance.

Chris

 

[krooser]

Just buy one... and get it over with.... if you don't want to hear every opinion why bother to ask?

 

[brownbagg]

I got a bendpak, xl-9. I tell you anything you want, no bias.

 

[galwaytt]

....sorry for the hijack, but trying to find a non-chinese lift here, I came across these: all I can say is wow. Have a look at the in-floor two-post units.........

SLIFT

 

[Garys Garage]

I have a lift I bought from Snap On in 97. I was able to lower it 6 in to clear my ceiling. Made by wheeltronics in Canada I believe. Use it every day for12 years.

 

[72maro]

I bought a used lift off craigslist (direct lift)the guy only had it for 6mo.and his son lost his job so he was building in his garage and the son was moving in so the lift had to go.I dont use it for a living but use it quite a bit and i love it,got it for 1200 bucks and didnt have a scratch on it,had all paper wk and recepts,there are some good used lifts out there.