Newbie looking into 4 post lift

[yorkee]

I start looking into 4 post lift to buy myself another parking spot. I am thinking of storing >3000lb car on the lift and a 7.5 ft wide camping trailer underneath.

Have been looking at the smallest benkpak or Atlas 8000lbs 4 post for a while. However, I spot used lift from market place from time to time and debating rather I should jump on the deal. Are all lifts created similar in terms of structural / safety?

Saw and missed a Trimuph, Kernel, and Tuxedo lift due to lack of understanding about their reputation. If I spot a used one, what should I be looking at? Any area I should pay attention?

Lastly, will I be able to haul it back home dissembled if I rent a 12 inch uhaul open trailer/car trailer?

 

[tunerwithkids]

Most of the offbrand 4-post are the same (Triumph, Tuxedo, AMGO, Titan). They are china commodity lifts now and used to be like $2k but since the pandemic, steel prices, and shipping issues, cost have increased.

Atlas and Bendpak are better tier with good customer service and QC on their products. Bendpak stuff is also imported.

for the off brands, the power unit will be your weak link though.

for transport, you’ll need a trailer with at least the same length as the runway. You’ll need several people to help disassemble it.
I’ve seen some people rig an assembled lift onto a trailer by rolling it over the trailer then lowering the runway so the legs lifted. A bit sketchy if you’re going far.

 

[James-W]

If it were me, I would buy a new one rather than buying a used one. Not saying used is a bad thing, but for the cost difference between a new lift and a used lift, for what you save you will end up doing an awful lot of work. Additionally, depending on where the used lift is, you may have to move it a long distance which could potentially be a bit on the expensive side too. By that I mean if you need to hire a mover or rent the equipment by which to move the lift from where it is to where you live, it may cost you a small fortune. Yes, you would need to pay shipping on a new lift as well, but it would all be taken care of at the time you purchase the new lift so there would be nothing for you to do in-so-far as working out the details. You pay the fee and the lift is delivered to where you live. You may need some help getting the lift from the road to the inside of the garage though.

 

[brownbagg]

bendpak is not tier with good service, they believe instead of selling parts, to replace the whole unit when stuff breaks, they are a disposable lift. a $2 seal will cost you a $700 pump and motor

 

[pbon]

Check the specs on whatever you buy to make sure it goes up high enough for your trailer. Some lift only about 5.5’ as I recall. Mine goes up 7 feet. Also some are narrower than others and you will have to be careful backing your 7.5’ wide trailer in — could be just a few inches to spare on either side depending on the lift.

 

[Maxcustody]

Check out Advantage lifts. I have put a deposit on one and will be installing in early June

 

[finn]

I bought a couple of Advantage four post lifts. I like the wrap around cross pieced andsquare tube uprights better than the folded metal and loose ladder locks of the budget lifts. Construction, ie fit and finish is better than my Bendpack two post.

Truth be told, though, if you are only storing a 3000 lb car, most any budget lift would probably be satisfactory.

 

[adesalos]

any reviews or feedback on the gemini Perfect Park 8000?
I am considering buying one for storing a sports car and retain 2 car park spaces

 

[RPH]

I have a Wildfire four post lift. I have not had any issues with it. Not the cheapest but I like the solid tube type construction. No C channel.

 

[05snopro440]

In terms of quality, no they're not the same. Get an ALI certified lift, that means that it has been certified that it's design and construction meet industry minimum standards. With a non-certified lift you're just guessing. Some hobbyist lift are certified, but many brands are not.