New here, just joined today, retired and heard this was the best forum for garages. My garage has 8' and 14' doors, with an 18' height and 26' depth. I have an Ford F350, dry weight of 7,500 lbs, tire width 77.5", and a boat trailer 8'6" wide with a weight of 4,500lbs. I'm in the market for 2, 4 post lifts. Bendpack has a HD-7500 BLX that would work for the boat, and a HD-9 that would work for the F-350. I'm interested in any alternative suggestions. Also, the Bendpaks don't require bolting to the foor and can be fitted with castors for movement, but I don't foresee moving either lift. What do you recommend? Thanks in advance.
Newbie, but not first rodeo
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firebirdparts
Well-known member
To avoid collapse, 4 post lifts rely only on moment connections which are sliding, and so I think it's pretty scary to put them on casters myself. That's the only recommendation I have. Certainly safer bolted down, but probably safe enough free standing on a perfectly flat floor and provided you don't hit it with anything.
LostCauseRanch
Well-known member
The casters are only temporarily installed to move it while empty. I don't think you actually lift anything with them on. They just pin on to move it.
You can see how bendpak does it here:
Yetti37
Active member
I bought a Bendpak HD-7500 BLX a few years ago and it has been great. You do not need to bolt it down and as the post above mentioned, the casters are supposed to only be attached when you are moving the lift. The only alternative boat or trailer lift I know of is from Wildfire lifts. The biggest two differences between these lifts are that the Bendpak non-powered runway can set up in two positions vs. the Wildfire being able to do three and the Bendpak requires air to release the locks vs. the Wildfire being a manual release.
Rusty Wrench
Well-known member
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Ditto... I have BP 4post with the casters. So glad I bought them. Since purchase I've done several shop (20x30) remodels. Being able to move the lift around even a few feet was soooo helpful. I am older now and not strong. When casters pivot to direction I can easily, and I mean easily, move it. Never felt the need to bolt it down. With column base shimmed for imperfections and raised with a load it feels rigid and solid.
You can have a vehicle on the lift while moving but obviously must be in lowered position.
Here is a caveat. When not bolted down and with front wheel drive it's possible to 'pull' the whole lift towards the vehicle. I have a smooth troweled floor and a bit of apron ledge. Instead of moving up on the ramp the whole lift sucked backwards 2-3 feet.
That was the first time I was glad I had the casters.
You can have a vehicle on the lift while moving but obviously must be in lowered position.
Here is a caveat. When not bolted down and with front wheel drive it's possible to 'pull' the whole lift towards the vehicle. I have a smooth troweled floor and a bit of apron ledge. Instead of moving up on the ramp the whole lift sucked backwards 2-3 feet.
That was the first time I was glad I had the casters.
Welcome aboard OP.
I’ve got a 14klb extra wide extra long lift. And all though it has 10’6” clear between the uprights and one adjustable ramp, you’re screwed on going wide enough to accommodate your boat trailer. because of the fixed ramp which handles the lift ram and cable routing duty, there’s no hope in moving it outwards.
When I bought mine it was to handle my largest trucks. Those being f450’s with 12ft utility beds. Worked like a champ.
But like yourself I wanted/had hoped to get my boat on it as well, ya no luck there.
Now bendpak does make a double wide unit. She’s a monster and not something you’re going to get casters under and move, but it could accommodate the boat.
I’ve got a 14klb extra wide extra long lift. And all though it has 10’6” clear between the uprights and one adjustable ramp, you’re screwed on going wide enough to accommodate your boat trailer. because of the fixed ramp which handles the lift ram and cable routing duty, there’s no hope in moving it outwards.
When I bought mine it was to handle my largest trucks. Those being f450’s with 12ft utility beds. Worked like a champ.
But like yourself I wanted/had hoped to get my boat on it as well, ya no luck there.
Now bendpak does make a double wide unit. She’s a monster and not something you’re going to get casters under and move, but it could accommodate the boat.
James E
Well-known member
Welcome to the forum.
I got casters for my Bend Pak. I’ve used them maybe twice and they’ve just been in the way the rest of the time. The casters are heavy, large and take up a lot of space. I’d happily sell you mine if you were close by.
They only work with the lift all the way down, as the weight of the rails is what pops the lift feet off of the floor. It’s actually very clever in its function.
Moving it empty is easy only on a very smooth floor. It is manageable on my diamond plate surfaced Race Deck tiles, but would be easier with two people. I can’t move my lift with a vehicle on it. It might be possible with a perfectly smooth floor.
My lift is rock solid even though it is not bolted down.
I got casters for my Bend Pak. I’ve used them maybe twice and they’ve just been in the way the rest of the time. The casters are heavy, large and take up a lot of space. I’d happily sell you mine if you were close by.
They only work with the lift all the way down, as the weight of the rails is what pops the lift feet off of the floor. It’s actually very clever in its function.
Moving it empty is easy only on a very smooth floor. It is manageable on my diamond plate surfaced Race Deck tiles, but would be easier with two people. I can’t move my lift with a vehicle on it. It might be possible with a perfectly smooth floor.
My lift is rock solid even though it is not bolted down.