epperstang
Member
Hoping to get a 4 post lift soon.
Any opinions of this one?
http://www.completehydraulic.com/cl8000csp.htm
Thanks,
J.
Any opinions of this one?
http://www.completehydraulic.com/cl8000csp.htm
Thanks,
J.
Lifts?
- Thread starter epperstang
- Start date
Well, the price is certainly tempting. The accessory package they are including at that price is nice too.
This is very much a personal thing, but I prefer things that are Made in the USA whenever possible. I didn't see anywhere on their site that mentioned where it was made. Likewise, I don't see any specs about the lift itself, other than how much weight they can hold. How are the ramps constructed? What gage of steel? What brand of pump/motor? What H.P.? 110/220? Are the drip trays steel or plastic? Is it spray painted, or powder coated? etc. etc. It would be nice to know more about them than they are telling you.
So while the website doesn't tell you, at that price, it might warrant a call to get some details. That way you could really compare apples to apples when looking at other brands.
This is very much a personal thing, but I prefer things that are Made in the USA whenever possible. I didn't see anywhere on their site that mentioned where it was made. Likewise, I don't see any specs about the lift itself, other than how much weight they can hold. How are the ramps constructed? What gage of steel? What brand of pump/motor? What H.P.? 110/220? Are the drip trays steel or plastic? Is it spray painted, or powder coated? etc. etc. It would be nice to know more about them than they are telling you.
So while the website doesn't tell you, at that price, it might warrant a call to get some details. That way you could really compare apples to apples when looking at other brands.
a462goat
Active member
Check out this link: http://forums.performanceyears.com/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc/f/2526057511/m/8391048511
krooser
Well-known member
These are Chinese made...ask Backyard Buddy for the pics of cars that have fallen off of cheap lifts that have collapsed when used...I don't own a Backyard Buddy lift..but they are made pretty good...your life may depend on a good lift...I have an OLD Weaver 9000# two post that as strong as anything I'll ever need...
kartracer55
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2005
- Messages
- 5,317
Would you trust your life with something made in China? Maybe check out something USA made, Bend Pak, Worth, Rotary. I even found this place...http://www.liftusa.com/ Never heard of them but the offer all of thier models in versions made in USA and China.
A good USA made lift will cost at least 3200, which is more than that lift, but ask yourself, Do I feel safer Under an 8000# load supported by chinese steel and hydraulics, or Under an 8000# load supported by USA made steel and hydraulics?
Jim
A good USA made lift will cost at least 3200, which is more than that lift, but ask yourself, Do I feel safer Under an 8000# load supported by chinese steel and hydraulics, or Under an 8000# load supported by USA made steel and hydraulics?
Jim
krooser
Well-known member
Cheap ain't always better....
Old Moparz
Well-known member
I bought two, (2 each) four post lifts from Bend Pak, & have one completely installed & have used it for months now. No complaints, no problems & no hidden prices for extras or shipping. The shipping is included with their lifts, & made in the USA as well.
I posted about it here:
http://www.garagejunkies.net/showthread.php?t=291
I posted about it here:
http://www.garagejunkies.net/showthread.php?t=291
imported_banzaitoyota
Well-known member
didnt backyard buddy go bankrupt?
SSAAHemiFan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2005
- Messages
- 72
Lots of good info mentioned above.
I looked at the complete hydraulic lift(and every other lift I could find on the net) but ruled it out because of its c-channel design and the welded on stop blocks for the safety latches. I feel the c-channel design is fine if it is to be bolted down but for a portable free standing lift the "collar over post" or "outside slider" design is the best and safest design.
I spent over a year searching for a lift better than the backyard buddy and didn't find one at any price. After physically looking at some of these cheaper lifts either in person or requesting additional pictures from the manufacturer my Mind was made up. After a while you realize alot of these lifts are made by the same company and just renamed by whatever distributor is selling it. Compare the specs and measurements.
I only found 3 "outside slider" lift manufacturers..
Gemini(Texas)- Very similar to BB but thinner guage construction, cheaper formed ramps, and sealed cylinder(would have been about $600 less than BB)
Autolifters(Neb.) - As close as you can get to the quality of a BB for a while until they switched to plastic pulley's to save $$ and had problems. Tried to keep there prices a little cheaper than BB but NOW BANKRUPT due to the influx of offshore lifts.
Backyard Buddy (Ohio) - Most expensive, but the best design and quality of construction. Got a tour of the plant and saw them being made - By Americans-Using Components and Steel- Very Impressive
Here are some things to consider / look for no matter what lift you buy..
1. Pulleys (Metal or plastic) (cast or machined)
2. Diameter of Hyd ram (the diameter of the cylinder means very little)
3. Stop Lock design (some are welded on blocks others have actual notches cut into the posts)
4. Ramp Construction (folded diamond plate vs. channel with plate welded over the top.
5. Rebuildable Hyd cylinder? Most have a non- rebuildable "crimped end cylinder" Get a seal leak, buy a new $400+ dollar cylinder.
My dad has had a Backyard Buddy for 8 years and has had no problems with it and has done zero maintenance. I am not in the same financial position he is so I was bound and determined to find something cheaper. I figured alot has changed in the lift business since he bought his. Lots of new manufacturers. Well when you actually look at some of these lifts it is obvious where corners are cut to save money.
I just ordered a Backyard Buddy last week after looking at it in person just to verify they haven't cheapened them up over the years. Built like a tank and nice touches like hardline run under tha ramps (vs hose) , a flow restrictor to prevent the lift from free falling in case of lock and cable failure, and a superior lock design.( They used to actually put a car on their lift in the raised position and tow the lift it around on the street with the car on it, up on the top lock.
ALSO..... Anything you find under 3k is bound to be Chinese regardless of what the distributor may tell you. The country of origin restrictions have loosened over the years and only a small portion of the lifts have to be made or packaged in the US in order to be labeled made in USA.
You can see why they do cost more... But I can not imagine either hurting myself or even worse walking in the garage one day and finding the car I stacked on the top sitting on the car below.
**Bend Pak has just recently begun importing some of there models now (previously made in America) I think the HD-9 is one of them.***
I looked at the complete hydraulic lift(and every other lift I could find on the net) but ruled it out because of its c-channel design and the welded on stop blocks for the safety latches. I feel the c-channel design is fine if it is to be bolted down but for a portable free standing lift the "collar over post" or "outside slider" design is the best and safest design.
I spent over a year searching for a lift better than the backyard buddy and didn't find one at any price. After physically looking at some of these cheaper lifts either in person or requesting additional pictures from the manufacturer my Mind was made up. After a while you realize alot of these lifts are made by the same company and just renamed by whatever distributor is selling it. Compare the specs and measurements.
I only found 3 "outside slider" lift manufacturers..
Gemini(Texas)- Very similar to BB but thinner guage construction, cheaper formed ramps, and sealed cylinder(would have been about $600 less than BB)
Autolifters(Neb.) - As close as you can get to the quality of a BB for a while until they switched to plastic pulley's to save $$ and had problems. Tried to keep there prices a little cheaper than BB but NOW BANKRUPT due to the influx of offshore lifts.
Backyard Buddy (Ohio) - Most expensive, but the best design and quality of construction. Got a tour of the plant and saw them being made - By Americans-Using Components and Steel- Very Impressive
Here are some things to consider / look for no matter what lift you buy..
1. Pulleys (Metal or plastic) (cast or machined)
2. Diameter of Hyd ram (the diameter of the cylinder means very little)
3. Stop Lock design (some are welded on blocks others have actual notches cut into the posts)
4. Ramp Construction (folded diamond plate vs. channel with plate welded over the top.
5. Rebuildable Hyd cylinder? Most have a non- rebuildable "crimped end cylinder" Get a seal leak, buy a new $400+ dollar cylinder.
My dad has had a Backyard Buddy for 8 years and has had no problems with it and has done zero maintenance. I am not in the same financial position he is so I was bound and determined to find something cheaper. I figured alot has changed in the lift business since he bought his. Lots of new manufacturers. Well when you actually look at some of these lifts it is obvious where corners are cut to save money.
I just ordered a Backyard Buddy last week after looking at it in person just to verify they haven't cheapened them up over the years. Built like a tank and nice touches like hardline run under tha ramps (vs hose) , a flow restrictor to prevent the lift from free falling in case of lock and cable failure, and a superior lock design.( They used to actually put a car on their lift in the raised position and tow the lift it around on the street with the car on it, up on the top lock.
ALSO..... Anything you find under 3k is bound to be Chinese regardless of what the distributor may tell you. The country of origin restrictions have loosened over the years and only a small portion of the lifts have to be made or packaged in the US in order to be labeled made in USA.
You can see why they do cost more... But I can not imagine either hurting myself or even worse walking in the garage one day and finding the car I stacked on the top sitting on the car below.
**Bend Pak has just recently begun importing some of there models now (previously made in America) I think the HD-9 is one of them.***
NHCharger
Well-known member
I looked at a backyard buddy at Carlisle last week (so I guess their not belly up). They are expensive but very well made. i thing I'm going to save my pennies and buy a backyard buddy in a few years.
I am curious about backyard buddy.......never heard of them and I'm just north of toledo..... in michigan. I get the impression those of you that posted have the 4 post lift......I'm looking for a good 2 post.........any experience or knowledge of the 2 post lifts backyard buddy builds?
I've mainly used Challenger lifts in the past so that is the quality of lift I am most familiar with.......thanks in advance.........Keith
I've mainly used Challenger lifts in the past so that is the quality of lift I am most familiar with.......thanks in advance.........Keith
SSAAHemiFan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2005
- Messages
- 72
Never knew BB offered a 2 post?
Just got a catalog from them but no 2 post's are shown in it
Give them a call 1-800-837-9353 and talk to Jason Wood, he might know of someone in your area that has one to look at. They are made in Warren Ohio so you might want to just drive down and check them out in person. They give a cool tour of the shop where you can watch them being manufactured.
Another well built 2 post is a Mohawk, they even offer a wheel lift attachment.
Just got a catalog from them but no 2 post's are shown in it
Give them a call 1-800-837-9353 and talk to Jason Wood, he might know of someone in your area that has one to look at. They are made in Warren Ohio so you might want to just drive down and check them out in person. They give a cool tour of the shop where you can watch them being manufactured.
Another well built 2 post is a Mohawk, they even offer a wheel lift attachment.
MacTexas
Well-known member
krooser
Well-known member
A local oil equipment distributor has a Rotary on display at a car show today. This is another option as they are really made for the professional shop. Their price was $3400.00 for a 7000# four-post. I'm sure Rotary has a web address...My two post is a Weaver....20 years old and still working good....
Bend Pak has just recently begun importing some of there models now (previously made in America) I think the HD-9 is one of them.*** I don't think so. I spoke with Bend Pak two weeks ago (2/20/06) the HD9 series are built in the states with US steel. They have the best warranty out of all lift companies. The HD9 can be bought for as little as $2400. A friend of mine had a barnyard buddy. The locking coller bound up while coming down. He lost his 1929 Packard half way off the lift. He dumped the lift the next week and bought a Bend Pak. Never happier. Buy a Bend Pak or a Revolution (rotory) and you can't go wrong. Eagle lifts have looked like Bend Pak for many years. Now in there catalog they even say Bend Pak on them.I would not buy a Bend Pak less then the HD9 series. The HD9 series is the only 9000 pound lift that does not have to be bolted down. And you can get casters for it. These folks sell a lot of Bend Pak lifts. Free shipping and if you call them for a better price they knock off a few hundred. http://www.rb-wholesale.com/ShowCategory.asp?Category=Four+Post+Lifts
BoostAddiction
Well-known member
I have a Rotary lift- the same model as the local Porsche and Audi dealers use, BTW.
Very happy with it, and feel good about the design, parts availability and support if I need it.
-Will
Very happy with it, and feel good about the design, parts availability and support if I need it.
-Will