Looking for 2 post lift recommendations

[ixlr8]

Hi folks, I am looking for 2 post lift recommendations, and education. I know NOTHING about 2 post lifts, I see talk of symmetric, asymmetric, supersymmetric, 2 piece, 3 piece and solid arms, I have no idea which is which and what advantages each offer. I will be lifting everything from a golf cart, a sidebyside to my 3/4 ton truck. The slab is 5" thick of 3000psi concrete. It might get used 8 times a year so I don't need anything super heavy duty, but I don't want junk. I'm 6'2' and I want to walk underneath it without banging my head. I have 15' of clearance from the floor to my high lift door. Floor is slightly tapered due to local code requirements so water will drain out the door. I am guessing I will need to shim the posts so they are perfectly vertical. Would prefer it to be a certified lift. Any guidance, or links, that would help me will be appreciated. Thank you

 

[jack stand]

I found a nice used (at a dealership) Rotary brand 10k 2 post lift. For $1000! A fantastic deal.
It had the original selling companies stickers on it with some annual inspection stickers.
I have radiant heat in my floors and between this and no paperwork or familiarity with this lift I called them about installation. They quoted me $400 and I didn't hesitate for a second!
Although I didn't buy my lift from them, they might be worth a call about finding either a new or used lift. They're in the Portland ME area and seem to be a source for general commercial shops with the lifts and oil distribution, probably parts cleaners etc.
From my little dealing with them I can't say enough good things.
They had the few necessary miscellaneous on their truck and did some lubricating along with the assembly and installation for the $400 that they quoted. 2 man crew.
Ever since I got this phone I haven't been able to load pictures here. Other sites are fine. (I took a picture of they're stickers and info for you.)
They're name is AGT (automotive garage tools) and their # is 207 878 8811
Just internet your lift questions to help your shopping knowledge.

 

[gizardlizard]

Rotary with three stage front and rear arms. Lots of adjustability there.

 

[mikedodge]

Mine is Bend Pak.
While you are waiting for replies you might want to have a look through the various lift posts here and see what makes people say to avoid because a lot of the different makes are used by members here and they're either happy with what they have or you'll see remarks about what they don't like or if they weren't happy with the vendor etc. You'll also get an idea of the common brands that people have been buying.

 

[ToolFanGeoff]

You shared that you are 6 foot 2 and want clearance to not hit your head when walking under. I am 6 foot and my son is 6 foot 4 (17 years old, and still growing). We wanted a taller lift that he could walk under. We ended up getting a Bend Pak 10APX. The 10APX lifts approximately 6 inches(?) higher than standard lifts. It is a-symmetrical and has 3 stage arms. We use it on our side by side, cars, 1/2 ton crew cab trucks, and our 3/4 ton diesel truck. We got the truck frame adapters and extra extensions when we bought. You did not mention it, but we (I) really wanted a clear floor lift to make rolling transmission jacks and other things easier. The 10APX is very sturdy even with the 3/4 ton truck on it.
You shared that you would use it maybe 8 times a year. If you get a good lift that you enjoy using, maybe you will use it more. My son uses our lift a lot more than I imagined. We used our lift to build our 4th of July float this year.

 

[ixlr8]

Thanks for the replies. I have been searching this forum and online to learn more. I now understand the differences between symmetric, asymetric and supersymmetric. I'm leaning towards a wide symmetric, need to measure space to see if it will fit where I want to put it. I did see a few recommendations for a certain brand in postings and I was getting tempted to go with that brand. Then I read about when service is needed... the company seems to disappear. Much more research needed. I have a Bendpak HD-9M 4 post, I bought it directly from Bendpak dealing with owner Jeff. I have to say Jeff lied to me about a few things and Bendpak is on my S... list, not in a hurry to buy from them again.

 

[AC-WC]

Have you tried the search bar for Garage Journal? Lots of info has been posted by the group.

I can say Bendpak is the only manufacturer to have documented concrete requirements in writing on the web. I highly recommend comparing these guidelines to your current slab. Most of the manufacturers just tell you X thickness for the weight capability of the lift.

https://assets.bendpak.com/Concrete-Slab-Footer-Recommendations-Car-Lifts-BendPak.pdf?_gl=1*1rswk0v*_gcl_au*MjUxMTQzNjE3LjE3ODgxMTI0NzE.*_ga*NDI5Mzg5NjUwLjE3ODgxMTI0NzI.*_ga_VC5P6NG8SJ*czE3ODgxMTI0NzIkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODgxMTI0NzckajU1JGwwJGgxODgwMTYyNzE0

Because of your various vehicles and height requirements the only recommendation I can give is to go with a 9/10k lb lift. I know my C7000 is too short for you.
There's lots of good info from Redline on the web including install, sizes, symetric, assymetric etc.
Bestbuyautoequipment.com is another good source.

Confirm if having a floor plate or open floor style is better. If you plan on transmission work a floor plate will be a hassle with a trans jack.
Do you plan to install yourself or pay someone? Can you pick it up from the dealer? It will save you some shipping costs if you can.

 

[22george]

Extra tall and extra wide are well worth the money if you have the room. It is a lot easier getting in and out of the vehicle with the extra wide lift. A floor plate will be a trip hazard also.

 

[Jetfixr320]

Which ever brand or model you decide to purchase. Before you pull the trigger, download and read the installation instructions.

 

[ixlr8]

Which ever brand or model you decide to purchase. Before you pull the trigger, download and read the installation instructions.

I have started doing that. I'm finding 4 post lifts don't need rebar in the slab, but the 2 post lifts do. My slab is 5" thick with 3000psi concrete, the $64K question, is there rebar in the slab? I requested it, it is in the plans, but the concrete guy didn't see the need for it and I wasn't there when the floor was poured. I'm hoping I can figure it out with a metal detector.

 

[firebirdparts]

I would very much suggest you get asymmetric. I use a symmetric and I push everything between the posts. I can't open the doors and get out of a car positioned to be lifted.

 

[575cat]

I have a Triumph 2 post floor pan style in my fleet I use for my own car,s that thing lift,s higher than my other clear floor BendPack,s , 73 inches under the arms