Yet Another 4 Post Lift Thread - Help needed :)

[Gorill83]

Hi All,

After searching through many threads out there (many of which appear to be a bit dated), looking to gather some advise as I narrow in on a 4 post lift selection for the 3rd bay of our garage. Here's what my needs are:

• Storage of a C8 corvette (approx 49" height" I have on reservation - anticipated delivery spring of next year along with my '22 Tesla Model S Plaid (54" height). Also considering swapping the C8 order for a C2 restomod project, but height is about the same for both vettes
• Ability to roll/move lift from 3rd to 2nd middle bay of garage - already completed high lift door conversions along with openers on both bays
• Occasional light work on wheels/tires/fluid changes and detailing (most common usage)
• Ceiling height of garage is approx 10'4" at the lowest point(s)
• Really like have a bit of extra wiggle room /margin for error while loading) with wide cars on the lift (Vettes and Tesla) - would like post width between columns of a solid 8 ft + to match the 8' garage door opening
• Would very likely purchase the flooring decking inserts to use as extra storage in the garage, especially between car projects

Narrowed it down to 2 lifts - the Atlas Garage Pro9000 and the Direct Lift Pro Park 9 Plus - would love to hear from recent owners of either lift with pros/cons.

Here are my observations:

Atlas PRO9000 - Very similar dimensions overall (slightly longer length which takes up more room than I need, 213" length w/o ramps), similar width to the DL below, about 1000-1200 cheaper...however no available flooring inserts, not ALI certified - not sure if this is a big deal. Very odd that it says it requires a 30 AMP 120V line - i'd have to re-run a new line if this is a real/hard requirement or ask for the 220V version (I have a 30A 220V line available

Direct Lift Pro Park 9 Plus - About 1000-1200 more expensive but is ALI certified, has more accessories available including the flooring inserts, shorter length which is a plus for my needs (193" total length w/o ramps). Also runs on 'standard' 20AMP 120V line.

Both have more lifting height than I could use with my approx 10' ceilings in garage, both appear to be big sellers. Is it worth the premium for the DL PP9 Plus? Would love to hear from owners of each!

Best,
Andrew

 

[zc15]

Sounds like the Direct Lift fits your needs better, plus has ALI cert. IMO buy once cry once.

 

[Gorill83]

Sounds like the Direct Lift fits your needs better, plus has ALI cert. IMO buy once cry once.

Thanks - that's the direction I'm heading...hate wasting money if not needed but in this case seems like it's justified. On the flip side, I know there are thousands of happy Atlas lift owners out there - my prior 2 post was an Atlas and was trouble free for 8 years.

 

[racecougar]

I bought my Forward EFP9, which is also sold as a Direct Lift Pro Park 9 Plus, in May of 2020. I have absolutely zero complaints with the quality, reliability, finish, etc. of the lift. It is an excellent, well-thought-out and designed, lift.

 

[racecougar]

I made this spreadsheet when I was shopping for mine. Prices have changed a bit, of course, but the specs are likely still relevant.

 

[Gorill83]

I made this spreadsheet when I was shopping for mine. Prices have changed a bit, of course, but the specs are likely still relevant.

This is so great, thank you very much! If only those prices were still current!!

 

[racecougar]

This is so great, thank you very much! If only those prices were still current!!

If those prices were still current, I'd already have a second lift.

 

[tdkkart]

If you search my posts you'll find my comments on my Direct Lift PP9 I purchased several years ago.
I can say that I have never once regretted the purchase, and have not had one single issue with the lift or any of the accessories.
I use it a lot in my advanced home-banger shop.

At the time I bought mine it had the widest "between the posts" measurement of any I compared to in the capacity range, which was an important consideration, not having to fold the mirrors in on my truck.

 

[BruceMc]

I've had the Direct Lift for about 5 years now. When I was shopping I went the same spreadsheet route, including pricing all the add-ons. Ask me today how much it cost and I couldn't tell you - I only regret not getting one sooner.

 

[BruceMc]

I bought my Forward EFP9, which is also sold as a Direct Lift Pro Park 9 Plus, in May of 2020. I have absolutely zero complaints with the quality, reliability, finish, etc. of the lift. It is an excellent, well-thought-out and designed, lift.

The only thing I think they need to improve is the ramps - I extended the caution yellow paint up the sides. When left hanging they can be a painful headbanger if you aren't paying attention. I also added some grab handles on the side. Makes it much easier to mount and dismount. The ramps are heavy and awkward, which I suspect is true of any lift with steel ramps.

 

[Gorill83]

The only thing I think they need to improve is the ramps - I extended the caution yellow paint up the sides. When left hanging they can be a painful headbanger if you aren't paying attention. I also added some grab handles on the side. Makes it much easier to mount and dismount. The ramps are heavy and awkward, which I suspect is true of any lift with steel ramps.

Good to know! Was thinking about getting the race ramps which may help this situation

 

[e015475]

I've had the Atlas GaragePro for about 18 months and I'm happy with it.

I have it installed in the third bay of my garage with a single door. To get it into the third bay it has to go through the double doors using the wheel kit that came with it.

When I got it I tried plugging it into a 115V 20A wall socket and it would occasionally trip the breaker. It seemed strange to me that they said the unit could draw up to 30A but the plug was rated for 20A. The truck in my avatar weighs about 3000 lb and didn't have any problems, but my Jag sedan was about 3800 lb and would often trip the breaker.

I added a 30A breaker to the panel in the garage and wired it to a receptacle that they use for RV hookups. I also added a 30' cord to the lift so it could be moved anywhere in the garage or even outside on the apron. Since I added the 30A breaker and the RV plug I've not had any problems

For peace of mind, I did have the lift installed by a pro to make sure all the locks engaged together and everything worked perfectly

I do find that driving my truck onto the lift a little bit challenging to keep the tires in the middle of the platform. Asking my wife to spot me while I load the truck onto the lift always seems to spark an argument, so I'm in the process of installing a small winch to pull the truck onto the lift

This is true for any lift, but I find myself working underneath the truck sitting on a chair. Scooting around, the chair's wheels always hung up in the expansion/control joints. I recently filled the joints with some self-leveling joint filler - much better.

 

[racecougar]

Install a mirror in front of the lift. It makes it easy to spot yourself as you pull on. You can see mine peeking out below the lift in this photo.

Other worthwhile mods are built in runway lighting, sliding/rolling bridge jacks, and marking the lock heights at the post that has the controls.

 

[BruceMc]

Install a mirror in front of the lift. It makes it easy to spot yourself as you pull on. You can see mine peeking out below the lift in this photo.

Or a wireless camera. I have one of my Arlos serving the same purpose and watch it on my phone. The only problem is sometimes there's a lag of a couple of seconds.

 

[Furylee]

Have a Forward lift since April 2020, no issues and it’s great. My shop night is 10’ 3”.

 

[Gorill83]

I've had the Atlas GaragePro for about 18 months and I'm happy with it.

I have it installed in the third bay of my garage with a single door. To get it into the third bay it has to go through the double doors using the wheel kit that came with it.

When I got it I tried plugging it into a 115V 20A wall socket and it would occasionally trip the breaker. It seemed strange to me that they said the unit could draw up to 30A but the plug was rated for 20A. The truck in my avatar weighs about 3000 lb and didn't have any problems, but my Jag sedan was about 3800 lb and would often trip the breaker.

I added a 30A breaker to the panel in the garage and wired it to a receptacle that they use for RV hookups. I also added a 30' cord to the lift so it could be moved anywhere in the garage or even outside on the apron. Since I added the 30A breaker and the RV plug I've not had any problems

For peace of mind, I did have the lift installed by a pro to make sure all the locks engaged together and everything worked perfectly

I do find that driving my truck onto the lift a little bit challenging to keep the tires in the middle of the platform. Asking my wife to spot me while I load the truck onto the lift always seems to spark an argument, so I'm in the process of installing a small winch to pull the truck onto the lift

This is true for any lift, but I find myself working underneath the truck sitting on a chair. Scooting around, the chair's wheels always hung up in the expansion/control joints. I recently filled the joints with some self-leveling joint filler - much better.

This is great feedback and validates what I heard back from Atlas's tech dept yesterday via email - the unit can draw 22-24A at motor startup under load, so a 30A circuit is a necessity.

Thanks for the other tips as well!

 

[ronr80]

I bought a Bend-Pak 15yrs ago 9000 lbs model HD-9 works great , but heard lately the company is shipping stuff with scratches and issues with them. made in USA
My celings are 10'7".

 

[Gorill83]

I bought a Bend-Pak 15yrs ago 9000 lbs model HD-9 works great , but heard lately the company is shipping stuff with scratches and issues with them. made in USA
My celings are 10'7".

Thanks for your reply! I looked at the BP's as well but between the QC challenges and the need for air to release the locks I'm leaning toward the direct lift options.

 

[Higgins]

I've had the Atlas GaragePro for about 18 months and I'm happy with it.

I have it installed in the third bay of my garage with a single door. To get it into the third bay it has to go through the double doors using the wheel kit that came with it.

When I got it I tried plugging it into a 115V 20A wall socket and it would occasionally trip the breaker. It seemed strange to me that they said the unit could draw up to 30A but the plug was rated for 20A. The truck in my avatar weighs about 3000 lb and didn't have any problems, but my Jag sedan was about 3800 lb and would often trip the breaker.

I added a 30A breaker to the panel in the garage and wired it to a receptacle that they use for RV hookups. I also added a 30' cord to the lift so it could be moved anywhere in the garage or even outside on the apron. Since I added the 30A breaker and the RV plug I've not had any problems

For peace of mind, I did have the lift installed by a pro to make sure all the locks engaged together and everything worked perfectly

I do find that driving my truck onto the lift a little bit challenging to keep the tires in the middle of the platform. Asking my wife to spot me while I load the truck onto the lift always seems to spark an argument, so I'm in the process of installing a small winch to pull the truck onto the lift

This is true for any lift, but I find myself working underneath the truck sitting on a chair. Scooting around, the chair's wheels always hung up in the expansion/control joints. I recently filled the joints with some self-leveling joint filler - much better.

I used some ORANGE drive way markers and bolted them to the side of the ramps so I could visualize where I was. After the car is on, I just remove the markers !!!

 

[Maxcustody]

I do find that driving my truck onto the lift a little bit challenging to keep the tires in the middle of the platform. Asking my wife to spot me while I load the truck onto the lift always seems to spark an argument, so I'm in the process of installing a small winch to pull the truck onto the lift

Add a mirror…….

 

[ronr80]

Man I have a mirror like that and never used it for the hoist, I got used to coming on and off the hoist now , but I still may put this up , just to get it out of the way.

 

[scoob8000]

Not to hijack this thread but I just started shopping for a 4 post lift myself. 8 or 9k is plenty for me, but I prefer to have the height where I can part a 2wd pickup (72" tall) under it.

I've been looking long an hard at the Bendpak HD9XW but after talking to the folks at best buy auto equipment I'm having second thoughts. They turned me on to the Autolift 8 plus for about a grand less and they say their customer service is way better than Bendpak. But I'm not finding really anything as far as reviews go.

I hate how so many companies like direct lift don't publish prices. :/

 

[ronr80]

Scoob, I bought a Bend Pak hd-9 way back customer service was good , but lately I have been hearing horror stories and people are shopping elsewhere, the is a sister company in Canada called Babco sales in Surrey BC, I delt with them and they are good. Ron

Babco​

https://www.babco.ca

Contacting Babco​

Phone: (800) 661-5313

 

[ronr80]

Maxcustody, I did it , it was a slow day so I mounted my mirror , I never have to move it again,

 

[Maxcustody]

Maxcustody, I did it , it was a slow day so I mounted my mirror , I never have to move it again,

 

[Lucky Llama]

A lot of good suggestions are given above. The thing I find most annoying about my four post it does not raise up high enough when empty. It is fine for lifting cars. However, when it is empty and I want to raise it up to have clear floor space. I bang my head on the runners.

 

[scoob8000]

A lot of good suggestions are given above. The thing I find most annoying about my four post it does not raise up high enough when empty. It is fine for lifting cars. However, when it is empty and I want to raise it up to have clear floor space. I bang my head on the runners.

That's a good point. I'm looking at the higher rise models. My ceiling is 12ft, and I know depending what I put on it I have to be careful not to run it into the ceiling. But I rather have that little extra height to walk under like you are saying. Or be able to put my pickup under it with a smaller car on top.

 

[racecougar]

That's where comparing all the specs plays into making an informed choice on your needs. I had the same concern, I want to put my car up at the ceiling when I store it and not worry about bumping my head into the runways or ramps. The Forward EFP9 / Direct Lift Pro Park 9 Plus has been perfect in that regard (photos above).

 

[finn]

Lift height was one of the prime criteria I used when selecting my four post lifts. I ended up with a 9 k XLT and an 11 k Advantage lift.

The 9k is overkill except for height, as it has a small 36 Ford coupe long term project on it. The 11 k was picked because it’s wide enough to lift a crew cab dually.

i’m only 5’9”, and can easily walk under both, without ducking, with the runways sitting two or three notches below the max position.

The downside of the xlt lifts, if you are floor space constrained, is that most aren’t just taller, they are wider and longer. In my case, that little 36 coupe would fit well on a narrower lift with shorter runways, but I would never give up the ability to walk under the runway when the project is in storage Mode.

 

[scoob8000]

Lift height was one of the prime criteria I used when selecting my four post lifts. I ended up with a 9 k XLT and an 11 k Advantage lift.

The 9k is overkill except for height, as it has a small 36 Ford coupe long term project on it. The 11 k was picked because it’s wide enough to lift a crew cab dually.

i’m only 5’9”, and can easily walk under both, without ducking, with the runways sitting two or three notches below the max position.

The downside of the xlt lifts, if you are floor space constrained, is that most aren’t just taller, they are wider and longer. In my case, that little 36 coupe would fit well on a narrower lift with shorter runways, but I would never give up the ability to walk under the runway when the project is in storage Mode.

I just ordered the 9k XLT as I was in the same boat. I wanted the height but not the extra width/length. It's going to be a little cramped in the garage with the lift, but I think it's a price to pay to not be laying under cars anymore.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

I just ordered the 9k XLT as I was in the same boat. I wanted the height but not the extra width/length. It's going to be a little cramped in the garage with the lift, but I think it's a price to pay to not be laying under cars anymore.

One ”Advantage” (sorry, couldn’t resist) of the longer lift, is that I was able to leave my not running (at the time) Model A on the lift and use the other end to lift my zero turn to clean out grass clogs from the mower deck after mowing tall, wet grass. I also used that end as a work table when repairing a milling machine head while the Model A was on it.

 

[ronr80]

My HD-9 I can raise it and walk under no problems , of course I'm only 5'8", but the ramps hurt, they hang just low enough to hit my head.

 

[finn]

My HD-9 I can raise it and walk under no problems , of course I'm only 5'8", but the ramps hurt, they hang just low enough to hit my head.

Another reason I selected the Advantage lift. Removable aluminum ramps are part of the package. Even being aluminum, they still have some heft, especially on the 11k lift. They’re manageable and you don’t end up with a subdural hematoma from continually bashing your head.

 

[ng8264723]

I like rotarys

 

[jmiller_2308]

As others have said, definitely go the mirror route. My mirror is a convex rectangular version that I think I got from Amazon or Ebay and it was relatively cheap.

With a 10' 4" ceiling you really want to look into how much height you need to reserve for the runway and distance to unlock. If you want to put both the corvette and the tesla in the same space (stacked) than you eat 49"+54"=103" for the cars. I'm sure lifts may vary but I suspect around 5" for the runway and another 6" to unlock would get you to 103+5+6= 114" or 9' 6". So in the best of conditions and you never having two vehicles stacked that are taller than the corvette and tesla that gives you only 10" of breathing room before you smash into the ceiling.

Some lifts come with adjustable stop switches that can help you avoid going too high but there will always be some stress getting that taller vehicle on the lift and finding the right stopping point so that you still have room to unlock.

BTW: My garage is 11' 4" and with my 1936 Buick on my Advantage Lift there are many cars that won't fit under it and still allow for an unlock. Well, except for that C3 corvette or porsche 914 that I eventually want. In the winter I park motorcycles under the Buick and on some of them I need to drop a mirror so they don't hit when tipped to a sidestand.

 

[Gorill83]

As others have said, definitely go the mirror route. My mirror is a convex rectangular version that I think I got from Amazon or Ebay and it was relatively cheap.

With a 10' 4" ceiling you really want to look into how much height you need to reserve for the runway and distance to unlock. If you want to put both the corvette and the tesla in the same space (stacked) than you eat 49"+54"=103" for the cars. I'm sure lifts may vary but I suspect around 5" for the runway and another 6" to unlock would get you to 103+5+6= 114" or 9' 6". So in the best of conditions and you never having two vehicles stacked that are taller than the corvette and tesla that gives you only 10" of breathing room before you smash into the ceiling.

Some lifts come with adjustable stop switches that can help you avoid going too high but there will always be some stress getting that taller vehicle on the lift and finding the right stopping point so that you still have room to unlock.

BTW: My garage is 11' 4" and with my 1936 Buick on my Advantage Lift there are many cars that won't fit under it and still allow for an unlock. Well, except for that C3 corvette or porsche 914 that I eventually want. In the winter I park motorcycles under the Buick and on some of them I need to drop a mirror so they don't hit when tipped to a sidestand.

All great input, thanks. I’ve been carefully calculating the heights - not a ton of room to spare but it should work. Won’t be lifting anything other than sedans/sports cars but it’s all good. Exception could be loading my wranglers for tire rotations and wheels changes - really thinking about the bridge jack if it won’t get in the way. Main concern there is how much does it stick up/out when not in use?

 

[ronr80]

Finn, my ramps do come off, as a matter of fact I built a smaller hoist, at the end of the ramp. I remove the ramps and install 2 pieces of square tubing 2x2 about 4 feet long insert them in trailer hitch mounts and I can lift my cub cadet tractor and my Can Am atv , makes it real easy to work on them, sometime I put on a sheet of aluminum and I use it for a welding table.
I'm sure some of you will want pics of this , it's great.

 

[ronr80]

here are a few pics of my mod for small stuff if the hoist has a car on it. it's certified to lift 800lbs but I won't be near that.

 

[racecougar]

All great input, thanks. I’ve been carefully calculating the heights - not a ton of room to spare but it should work. Won’t be lifting anything other than sedans/sports cars but it’s all good. Exception could be loading my wranglers for tire rotations and wheels changes - really thinking about the bridge jack if it won’t get in the way. Main concern there is how much does it stick up/out when not in use?

2"

 

[Gorill83]

2"

Thank you! I hadn't seen that measurement posted anywhere.