Finally found a car lift that may work for me - anyone have a Bendpak BL-5000?

[McLovin]

I'd love to have a full sized lift in my garage, but my 8.5 foot ceiling says otherwise.

I've looked at various scissor lifts, which are ok but are generally too high to drive a 911 or other low car on. People cut out their concrete to inlay these, or make elaborate ramps, etc. but that's not feasible for me.

I saw the Bendpak BL-5000 the other day and it looks perfect. Very light and portable, you can hang it on a wall when it's not in use. It also lifts from the frame rails, which is great for working on the exhaust, etc. on regular front engine cars. Price isn't bad, either.

Anyone have one?

[john70t]

I like it, but:
Garage floor must be be completely level. No room for error there.
One cylinder seal might fail during lift-lower. Progressive/ratchet safety bar would be better.
Flat lift block vs. U-channel might bend chassis flange.
Placement tool extension should go on top of each lift (not underneath as designed) and be angled for easier use.
Air hoses will get in the way. Oh well. Connections should be more protected but accessible for quick connect.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I'd love to have a full sized lift in my garage, but my 8.5 foot ceiling says otherwise.

I've looked at various scissor lifts, which are ok but are generally too high to drive a 911 or other low car on. People cut out their concrete to inlay these, or make elaborate ramps, etc. but that's not feasible for me.

I saw the Bendpak BL-5000 the other day and it looks perfect. Very light and portable, you can hang it on a wall when it's not in use. It also lifts from the frame rails, which is great for working on the exhaust, etc. on regular front engine cars. Price isn't bad, either.

Anyone have one?

Hi McLovin (great name btw)....we're happy to hear that you're looking at the BL-5000 and want to assure you that it will perform beyond your expectations. Give us a call at 888-280-7799 and our Parts Specialist will be able to give you any additional info or details that you're looking for. I've also attached a link that has our in-house mechanic demonstrating it's use. Let us know what you decide to go with!

QuickJack Lifts - PelicanParts.com


-Dmitry

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I like everything about it but the price. $1340 + shipping seems like a lot for what you get. Would be very useful for getting cars on and off dollies using 2 I-beams and positioning the lifts outside of the car.

[vbaron]

I bought mine last year it's made working on my cars much easier. Tire change, brake fluid flush, etc are much quicker and I feel it paid for itself for the convenience.

Another gearhead at work bought one and another is close to pulling the trigger.

Vin

[stealthn]

Been wanting one for a while, pretty expensive in Canada, I think I got an $1800 quote delivered. I sure could have used one on the Cayman this year with the water pump and thermostat replacement, I had the car up 5 times this year.

I think I'll pull the trigger next year

[sugarwood]

Seems like it's barely higher than jackstands.

[stealthn]

I think highest is 22", but it's really about convenience. Especially with the stupid Cayman jacking.

[petrolhead611]

Wouldn't work for dropping the 924S engine. You need 25.5" clearance under the front chin spoiler.

[billybek]

I have an older Snap On scissor lift that I can drive the SC onto with only some 3/4 inch plywood on the floor. Lifts the SC effortlessly but when I put a heavier vehicle on it, I am very very careful!
The scissor lift looks much more useful in comparison.

[greglepore]

The advantage to the bendpak is that its actually pretty portable, so it can be stored out of the way. I want one as well, but the price puts me off. I agree that its expensive for what it is. At 850, they would sell tons.

[bpu699]

Unless you need the portability, spend the extra $200 and get the bend pak scissor lift...

Lifts the car MUCH higher, lifts way more weight, and can be used for engine out services...

[aigel]

Looks like it won't be high enough to drop a 911 engine?

G

[McLovin]

Yea, the only three things giving me pause are:

1) The max height. If it's not high enough to clear dropped engines, it really cuts down on its utility.

2) The price. For $850 I'd buy today.

3) My age. I would have been nice to have it the past 10 years, I would have gotten all the value out of it and then some. The next 10, not sure how much I'd really use it.

Both might have workarounds, though. If you really needed the car higher (like for an engine drop) you could jack the car up a bit, use higher spacers on the lift, and lift it. I'd think you could get the 24 inch lift up to 27-28.

For the price, I think one thing about this lift is it would be easy to sell when you are done with it. The flexibility and ease of storage would give it a fairly wide audience on the used market, I think.

I'm still on the fence.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by McLovin

For the price, I think one thing about this lift is it would be easy to sell when you are done with it.

Yeah, for $850.

[Tobra]

The earlier versions had issues with seals that leaked, apparently resolved in later iterations.
GRM Quickjack Thread