School Me on 2 Post Lifts

[Maui]

I am looking at installing a two post lift in one of the bays in a recently constructed pole barn so my brother and I can work on classic cars and trucks. It has to have a minimum rated lift capacity of 10,000 lbs. and I would prefer an asymmetric lift design. I am not thrilled at buying a Chinese lift, but there don’t seem to be very many other options out there today. I performed a search on Garage Journal, but to my surprise couldn’t find a single discussion dedicated to this subject. Maybe I used the wrong search terms? Anyway, I am wondering what recommendations the people here would make for a brand new two post lift that meet the requirements stated above.

One other issue appears to be delivery. We don’t have a loading dock or fork lift, so it appears that we would have to find a commercial business that would take delivery of the lift and then we would have to haul it home on a trailer. That is, unless there are some other options that I don’t know about.

What did you buy, and are you happy with the lift you purchased? What lifts should be avoided at all costs? Thanks!

Maui

 

[STANIMAL]

I have bought four or five lifts from Greg Smith equipment and never had any issues . They have a good variety for different applications .

 

[Stuart in MN]

It's a common topic, but the search function doesn't work well when you're looking for terms less than four characters long (like '2' or 'two'). It's best to search the Garage Journal site directly from Google.

Here are a few past discussions.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374014
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=362038
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395029

 

[Kaizen]

I bought a 10k lift from Greg Smith equipment. If there is one local to you they will load it in your truck. I used my 2002 f150 with six foot bed. Brought some cribbing and ratchet strapped it in. Went back roads and no problem. The whole semi delivery stressed me out so glad I was able to do it this way. Even if it’s a drive I’d do it again


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[Need more space]

I went with the rotary spa10 with the trio arms, i love it! Ive had other cheaper lifts that work fine but im very happy with the extra money spent on this rotary I bought. When was in the buying process i had the same issues, (loading dock fork lift) after shopping around i found a local hoist company that sold rotary and I actually got a better deal with delivery.

 

[mrobins297aaa]

I bought a bendpak xpr 10cx about 8 years ago and I've been very happy with it.

What ever lift you buy you might be able to pick it up from the local trucking company terminal. Mine was delivered by Conway trucking, I pick it up from there terminal with my pickup and a trailer, they brought it out with a hi lo and put it on the trailer for me.

 

[sreeb]

One other issue appears to be delivery. We don’t have a loading dock or fork lift, so it appears that we would have to find a commercial business that would take delivery of the lift and then we would have to haul it home on a trailer. That is, unless there are some other options that I don’t know about.

Maui

Usually you can have the shipper hold it at their local terminal and go pick it up.

This actually reduces the shipping cost so ask for a discount from the seller.

 

[slidehammer]

I am not thrilled at buying a Chinese lift, but there don’t seem to be very many other options out there today.

Check out Nussbaum, Mohawk and Ravaglioli.

http://www.nussbaum-usa.com/portfolio_item/two-post-lift-spl-10000/
https://mohawklifts.com/automotive-lifts/2-post-lifts/system1/
https://www.ravamerica.com/automotive-lifts/kph370-42ku-10000-lb-12000-lb-two-post-lift/

 

[CraigStu]

Sure am glad you already know you want a 2 post asymetrical. I worked on them for 25+ years and there is nothing better.

 

[longez]

Rotary SPOA10 with trio arms and high lift.

 

[Walter_TA]

Rotary is the best, but you pay for it. Bendpak is next. Make sure you get the the trio arms if you can.

Pick it up from the local terminal, they will load it. It is 10 foot long. I used the shop crane to unload it.

Make sure you have 4 inches of 3000 PSi concrete to bolt it to. Concrete need to set for 30 days before you put up the lift.

 

[ManOnTheCouch]

I went with a Dannmar lift. At the time it was the best bang for the buck. If my ceiling had been higher (I'm only at 12'), I would have done a Derek Weaver as they had a better priced model at the time. Most lifts are fairly similar in terms of price and quality when you're in the $2500 range. The deciding factor for me was Dannmar's ALI certification.

 

[rburke65]

I bought a used Mohawk 9000# two post lift. Very happy with it. Made in the USA

 

[XJSuperman]

Saw it mentioned once, but Mohawk is the brand you are looking for. Nothing tops it. Not rotary, not bendpak, nothing. We have two and they never let us down. Minimal maintenance, no cables to worry about, solid posts, and no movement. If you look in heavy truck shops or a good smaller auto shop chances are they have Mohawk lifts.

 

[tff]

I have a Rotary SPO10 (symmetric, US made) with trio arms on order. Such a lift will run you $4500+. Should be installed in about a week. Have had a significant delay as Rotary initially sent the wrong lift and it took several weeks of communications between Rotary, me, my installer and my distributor Mobile Distributor Supply to get it straightened out. I using a local installer that I'm paying ($850) for pick-up from the delivery/freight dock and installation.

 

[Bopbop]

I purchased an Atlas from Gregg Smith. The price was good and they were easy to deal with. I picked mine up from their Atlanta location. My son and I installed it in a day taking our time. If you don't have a rotary hammer and concrete drill bits rent one. It will make quit time drilling the 10 or 12 holes for the bolts.

 

[Robert Haas]

My 10'000 Bend Pak is the best tool in the shop. Could never dream of working without one again.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Have bought 2 Worth lifts over the years and currently own a Bendpak XPR-10S-168.
While the BP is ALI certified the Worth are built heavier/better IMO.

Edit:
From my limited exposure of Atlas, helped install one recently, I would not recommend it personally. It was a tin can compared to the Worth of similar capacity.

 

[zkdiesel]

Arm configuration is key. Crew cab dually with a 2500lb welder in the back and a def tank to dodge up front. 3 stage arms front and rear on this spo12 barely reach, yet retract enough it picked an 18 Miata the day before

Challenge anybody’s else’s lift to pick this truck safely. Front lift points and rear spring hangers. Picking up on rear frame where it’s flat under cab it would be to scary with the 2500lb welder and 1k misc **** in the bed...

 

[JeepJohn62]

I purchased an Atlas 10K baseplate model. They also make a 12K. Both of these have an extra brace on the column for strength. They offer free delivery if you rent a forklift to unload.

There are more expensive brands and they are likely more commercial duty for the price.

I have been happy with the Atlas. The overhead style with a clear floor would be nice. The baseplate model works better with my lower ceiling height though.

Best of luck.


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[346ci]

Challenger CL10V3 here. Looked at several before deciding, came down to it and the Rotary.