Need two post lift advice

[lilbill]

I'm in the market for a two post lift for my hobby garage. I've read thru most of the relevant threads in the archives but didn't really get the answers I'm looking for. As much as I would like to have a Bendpak, Rotary etc. I just can't afford them. So my question is are there any lifts in the 2K range that would be safe to use in a home shop ? Also if anybody in Arkansas reads this and has a line on a good used unit I'd appreciate a heads up. Thanks

 

[pattenp]

I'm sure any of the cheaper lifts like Atlas or Eagle are safe, if not they'd be out of business.

 

[stngfever]

Watch Craigslist.

 

[Wood'nMetal]

I would contact a local lift installer and ask if they have any takeouts. I did this a few years ago and they had Bendpaks they had pulled out of a dealership for $1500.

I found my LaunchTech 10k on CL and paid $800 for it. I occasionally see them on CL for a good price but I would want to be able to see it in operation if at all possible.

 

[Jlbc212]

Atlas. Greg Smith Equipment sells them. They have an outlet in Atlanta, GA. The one near my location had several of the Atlas lifts set up for display.

 

[James-W]

I would be careful about buying a lift on Craigslist. I am not saying you can't get a great lift at a very good price from Craigslist, I am just saying be careful about doing it. You can just as easily get screwed.

 

[lilbill]

Those Atlas lifts look pretty good. I like the 9KOH for $1595 but the PV-10P for $2395 looks good too.http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Shop/Overhead-2-Post-Lifts#!Overhead-2-Post-Lifts

 

[Iroc-Z]

Atlas is going the best bang for the buck. Personally I will be going with bend pak a xrp-10a is about 3k shipped.

 

[Jlbc212]

Those Atlas lifts look pretty good. I like the 9KOH for $1595 but the PV-10P for $2395 looks good too.http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Shop/Overhead-2-Post-Lifts#!Overhead-2-Post-Lifts

I bought the Atlas Apex 10 Plus. The lift package comes with everything you need, including the 3/4" concrete floor anchors and plastic shims. You will need to provide a plug to complete the electrical cord (if that's the way you would bring the electric feed to it) and the hydraulic fluid. I also bought two frame adapters for lifting a Ford F250.

 

[killahog]

There is a 8000 lb 2 post forward listed on Columbus Ohio Craigslist . asking 1500.00$ Its actually in Findlay Ohio about an hour from Me.

 

[Disturbed]

I have an older Atlas, 10ProV, if I remember right. I have had it for about 7 years and have had no issues with it. Bought it new from Greg Smith and have been very happy with it. I moved and it has no been set up yet in the new shop, it is making me crazy not having a lift, I am starting the concrete work in the new shop this weekend and hopefully it will be set up soon.

I would have no issues suggesting this lift, a friend of mine had a Rotary and after using my Atlas he made the comment that he wished he would have saved the money and bought an Atlas instead. I know of two different people who bought Atlas lifts after seeing the one I have, one guy bought two and has them in a commercial shop, no problems with any of them.

 

[tdkkart]

I'm in the market for a two post lift for my hobby garage. I've read thru most of the relevant threads in the archives but didn't really get the answers I'm looking for. As much as I would like to have a Bendpak, Rotary etc. I just can't afford them. So my question is are there any lifts in the 2K range that would be safe to use in a home shop ? Also if anybody in Arkansas reads this and has a line on a good used unit I'd appreciate a heads up. Thanks

If you had your general location included in your profile, people might be able to point you to some possible deals in your area, like this:

http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4926143304.html

As someone else mentioned, the Atlas lifts sold by Greg Smith Equipment are a viable low cost option.
I have a 4 post from Direct Lift that I am very happy with, they have 2 posts in your price range as well.
http://www.directlift.com/Two-Post-Lifts-C8.aspx

 

[killahog]

Mohawk 16000 LB also for sale on the same Columbus Ohio List. Probably not what you want but maybe someone could use it.

 

[lilbill]

If you had your general location included in your profile, people might be able to point you to some possible deals in your area, like this:

http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4926143304.html

As someone else mentioned, the Atlas lifts sold by Greg Smith Equipment are a viable low cost option.
I have a 4 post from Direct Lift that I am very happy with, they have 2 posts in your price range as well.
http://www.directlift.com/Two-Post-Lifts-C8.aspx

yeah, i do need to set that up. it's in my profile at the hamb and i just assumed it would show up here since it's the same outfit. btw, i did say i was in arkansas in my original post.

 

[broncorick]

I bought a PV10-p and it is a 10,000# lift, 2500# per arm. and is certified. I looked at a bunch on craigs list but they were wanting 75-80% the cost of a new one--not worth the risk. I also had mine installed-Best $500 I have spent in a while--it took him 4-6 hours and saved me from having to rent some tools and time gathering.

 

[jonjon1]

I paid $3k for my forward dp10a installed, I have to say I think it is a better value than any lift I have seen for around that price. I am sure the atlas is a safe lift, but there is a lot more to a lift than being safe, longevity, local support, parts availability, repairability, speed, fitment,, drive over height, lift height, drivethru, power, and of course ease of use, which was most import to me.

I like how the forward dp10a works, I can easily swing doors open, can easily unlock both sides from one point with out bending down, I can easily set the vehicles on the lift, and it will fit about any vehicle I can think of...

I would want a certified lift, at least 1 3rd party company say that this lift won't squish me or my sons when working on something.. I know its just a gold sticker and doesn't make the lift any stronger, but peace of mind is worth the extra $1000 to me..

 

[mikec35]

I got a Titan 2 post for $2000 installed by my local lift company about 3 years ago, it's been a good lift for my home use. Check your local installers and see what they recommend.

 

[jgorm]

Hopefully I'll have an atlas in a few months.

 

[SeanDieselBirger]

After looking on Craigslist and being patient I got a 7,000 lbs Benwil for 1200$.
It's been pretty fantastic, just make sure you have several strong friends, or a forklift to help you install it.

Also, not sure anyone mentioned this but be sure of the strength of your concrete slab before you buy anything.

 

[lilbill]

speaking of concrete, it's a 60 day old slab. 3", 3000# , wire reinforced.

 

[rburke65]

I believe that most lift mfg. suggest a 4" floor, so you may have an issue with the the thin floor.

 

[stngfever]

Craigslist has deals to be had, however, timing is everything.

I found a STEAL on an 80's american made Weaver lift via craigslist.

Total investment for me is $1100 (cost of lift, all new bearings, rebuilt cylinders, paint, additional chain and hydraulic line to turn into wide version, new slide bearing blocks, etc...) While my lift was in working condition, I chose to do all the above while it was on the floor. A comparable lift would cost $7k+ new as Mohawk is the only lift built similar to this one.

Next week is installation. My refurbish thread can be found HERE

However, your 3" floor is going to be an issue!

While most lift companies recommend 4" for minimum, my main floor is 4 with a 6' x 15' section having 6" specifically for a lift.

 

[jonjon1]

I would worry about a 3" 3K floor... Maybe a 4 post would be better..

 

[cj7jeep81]

Mohawk 16000 LB also for sale on the same Columbus Ohio List. Probably not what you want but maybe someone could use it.

got a link? i'm not finding it, and might be interested.

 

[Jlbc212]

I would worry about a 3" 3K floor... Maybe a 4 post would be better..

^^^ I agree. Three inches of concrete is not enough. You could cut out the concrete where you want the lift, dig down deeper and make a deeper concrete base. If you can do it yourself, the only costs involved are renting a concrete saw, buying some wood for forms (may not even be necessary depending upon the condition of the soil under the existing slab), some reinforcement rod and concrete.

Read this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=270955

 

[02camaro86]

Watch Craigslist.

I would contact a local lift installer and ask if they have any takeouts. I did this a few years ago and they had Bendpaks they had pulled out of a dealership for $1500.

I found my LaunchTech 10k on CL and paid $800 for it. I occasionally see them on CL for a good price but I would want to be able to see it in operation if at all possible.

this.... we got our 10k mohawk $2800 installed this way

 

[broncorick]

The Greg SMith PV10 ahs a single point to release the latch; arms swing easy and plenty of room, for the $ it was the best one I found. I had floor poured and went to 6" to be sure--but 3" will not suffice and rebar makes it tougher as invariably a couple of anchor bolts will interfere. 4" with fiber reinforcement is minimum for 2 post. 4 post lift would work

 

[Can68]

I'm no expert but I'm going to stay away from the lifts with the automatic arm releases welded behind the arms, instead of internal. See the 9KOH vs 10 OHSC pictures on the GS site above.

I am also looking for a lift and one thing I found when I went to see one in a showroom was that the releases that mount behind the arm did not engage when the arm was three feet in the air. (It was a different brand then the Atlas but I'm seeing the same releases on most of the lower priced lifts that all seem to resemble the one in the Bendpak failure video)

I thought they had adjusted it so they could show off the symmetrical movement, but there is no adjustment. IT just didn't engage and may have be bent by the arm itself when swung back hard due to the bent arm style...

 

[rburke65]

I got my older, used Mohawk on CL....9,000#, for $1,500.

 

[broncorick]

The upgrade to the 10VP was worth it. Heavy duty arm locks that engauge well and firmly, and the metal is thicker and still has the variable symmetry on the arms

 

[killahog]

got a link? i'm not finding it, and might be interested.

CJ Did you find the listing?.

 

[DoyleDee]

I bought my Weaver 9k baseplate lift for just over 1700.
Although, your thin floor will be an issue.. I just wouldn't do it with that thin of a floor.

 

[cherokee]

I bought my lift from a local company....been in business over 30 years....cost installed was 2800....with 800 of that being the install, and let me tell you that is the best 800 I have ever spent. EMPTY shop....just built. It took two guys with a crane on their truck all fricken day to install that lift....drilling holes, bleeding the thing setting the posts, level it....it was one heck of a job....and I know it was done by people that know what they are doing.....everything went perfect, but they did the job perfect....no need one more shim here to make it level....fantastic job. This was about 5 years ago now.

Call around to your local places...you might be shocked....I was, and my budget was about the same as yours is.

 

[cj7jeep81]

CJ Did you find the listing?.

Not yet. I looked some that day, but didn't find it and got distracted No big deal, I'm still at least a month or two from my shop being built.

 

[lilbill]

I double checked and i have a 4" slab so i'm good there. I have found a used Mohawk 10,000# System 1 lift here locally. It is not installed and partially apart (arms removed, one cylinder removed but all parts are there). A local transmission shop bought it used a few years ago but never installed it. They scavenged one cylinder to repair another lift but the replaced leaking cylinder is included in the deal. What would be a fair price for this lift ? What would be an average price to have the cylinder rebuilt ?

 

[lilbill]

Just bought the Mohawk for $750