Let's talk 2-Post lifts some more...

[bluesman2a]

OK, as I dream of getting my footings done for my retaining wall (one day, maybe), I'm looking into some of the later stages of my Garage. Please bear with me as I work through some of the research.

The question for today: For a 7-10K asymmetric 2 post lift for residential use what are the thoughts on the following candidates and how do they compare?

Rotary SPOA10 -- I can get this delivered for around $3100. I like the model, and am impressed with the name/reputation, but I'm not entirely sure I can hack the pricetag. An ideal situation would be to find a used rotary in good condition, I've got several resources looking into this for me.

Bendpak XP-10C -- This comes in around $2400. I can get this ALI certified, import but seem to have a decent reputation, the like/dislike factor seems to be the classic ford/chevy split. Like the price, like the certification, only negative thing I have heard that concerns me is that intital fitment can make install a PITA.
http://www.e-autolifts.com/MAX/MAX.html

Raptor -- This comes in around $2400 as well. Supposedly import lift made by rotary. Supposedly better QC than Bendpak, also ALI certified. Same features as rotary with exception of screw-in pads. This is currentlyhe front-runner in my selection.
http://www.raptorlift.com/

So anybody have thoughts as to the three candidates?

Positives/negatives from folks who own them?

Any thoughts on flip-up pads vs. screw-in adapters?

 

[OldCarGuy]

Of the three choices, I would definitely go with the Rotary,, hands down. Don’t let a few dollars separate you from going four steps above in quality...

I would rather have the “Screw in type” over the “flip up” style adapters. They can be more versatile.

 

[brownbagg]

I got the bendpak, made in america. real easy to install. no problems at all. a great lift. I even bought from the guy you link. Its really a nice lift

 

[carguy123]

What about Worth equipment? It's American made as well

http://www.worthequipment.com/2postlifts.htm

 

[Mike Diaz]

I'd love to hear from somebody using this lift.

http://www.americanautomotiveequipment.com/2-Post-Lifts-p/tp09a.htm

 

[bmwpower]

Of the three choices, I would definitely go with the Rotary,, hands down. Don’t let a few dollars separate you from going four steps above in quality...

I would rather have the “Screw in type” over the “flip up” style adapters. They can be more versatile.

Does Rotary make screw ins? I thought they were stack ons?

 

[hdroadkingc]

I have a BendPak BP9 and love it. I bought it used and had no trouble installing it myself.

 

[epmills]

The shop I work at has has rotary lifts (around 40 or so), I havent heard of any of them every having a breakdown. I lift probably 5-10 cars per day on them, and so far, so good. They are roughly 5 years old, and to this day are reliable. Rotary would be my vote.

 

[Vicegrip]

I take care of a bunch of Rotary lifts, both in ground and surface mount 2 post, and they are well made. One down side is Rotary has a tight grip on their dealers/ service and gouge you hard on parts. They wanted $1000 for a power pack (the OEM is an import) I can get one for $280. Not the same part # but same spec and build. The arm locks are another expensive item and the teeth are easy to chip up unless you are careful. Again in home use this would not likely be an issue. In the shops the guys just want to kick the arms in or out and unless the dogs are free they chatter across each other and chip up and jam.

I would not hesitate to purchase and use a Rotary. You will likely never see a problem other than a rusty ram shaft from non use. I have a bend pack 2 post it too in the home use will likely never have a problem. Arm dogs and some other little things are not as good as the rotary but they work fine. The paint is not car hood quality and was not hand rubbed out but what the heck it is a car lift.

That reminds me. Hydraulic ram lift owners. Run you lifts up and down at least once a week.

 

[Namocsid]

I just had a rotary lift installed in my garage. Call Frank at standard US and see if he can't do better on that $3100 price for the SPOA10.

Not to disparage the quality of a bendpack or other manufacturer's lift, but if you're going to lift several thousand pounds worth of stuff over your head and stand under it, are you going to cut corners? imo the Rotary is worth the extra coin.

 

[ovilla]

A friend of mine has a Rotary and he really likes it. However, the Raptor does look like a great product and I like the price. I know folks always knock down the imports for not using US steel but that's most likely the only difference in the lifts, since cables, pumps, hoses, and fasteners are probably all sourced from imports already (someone please educate us all if you know if there's a difference in these parts or not). Anyway, for all the talk of US steel, I have yet to hear or see an import lift having a structural failure (i.e. bent columns, bent runways, etc.). Since most of us will be putting a 3-4K lb car/truck on a 7K lift, is US vs import steel really an issue? Finally, no I do not work for any lift company (I'm an IT guy). These are just my observations. Thanks

 

[Lloydthumper]

I want to chime in and ask if anyone on here has a two post lift mounted in a garage with 4" of concrete? I have checked on a couple of websites and they say that minimum requirments are 4" of 3000psi concrete. I am probally going to go with a four post. But I was just curious I have 4" of 4000psi concrete I like a four post lift for extra storage. but I like accessability of the two posts but I don't need my car/truck falling in the floor.