At home Car Lift info sought..

RickM · RickM's Garage

A while ago there was a thread dedicated to at-home lifts and which were best/worst. I recall someone mentioning a contact through Ebay with the best prices. Unfortunately I can't locate the info and the search here comes up with too many unrelated discussions. Can anyone here supply?

Also, what's latest word on these lifts? Is Bend Pak the best? Which features should I look for? Feel free to share your experience. Also, is there a website with the 'formula' for figuring minimum dimension requirements and other installation related stuff?

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Why not get a portable mid rise? I've found the Snap ons to be ideal.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Bill, thanks for the suggestion.

Actually, this is two fold. A co-worker is very interested and wants to purchase one pretty quickly. I want one as well but have to wait to have a new garage floor poured.

We both want to store two cars in one bay. I'm leaning toward an offset two post deal so I can access everything including wheels/brakes, open the doors and makethe best use of the room. I realize storage is not ideal as the suspension hangs but I'll figure something out.

tennisstar · 02-13-2004, 12:55 PM

I use the four post Backyard Buddy and Love it. Put the project 914 above and the daily 911 sc below. Have had nothing but good experiences and is built very well. It is a monster to put up. Had to get a flat bed toetruck to deliver it and slide it into my garage. Check the front pages of Hemmings Motor News for several full page ads of different companies.

Andras · 02-13-2004, 12:55 PM

Try the following: www.autolifters.com

I have these in my garage, and they are great.

And in order to avoid the conflict that happened before, no, I am not associated with Autolifters in any way. I am an architect, and I think they have a great product. By the way, they also seem to have improved their product from what I installed. Seems much safer.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Andras: That thread is coming back to me now...lol. I never had an issue with your comments but that's the way it goes sometimes....Earthquake ratings I believe was the issue.

Tennis: Thanks I'll check out hemmings as well.

MotoSook · 01:27 PM

I have the Harbor Freight ~$999 (free shipping to my door!) scissors lift and it has been wonderful.

It's a copy of the Snap-on unit. Nothing wrong with it from an engineering point of view. Have used it for almost a year now (I think).

Edit: Here's the thread:

The Lift Thread

Andras · 02-13-2004, 01:27 PM

Note that we of the building persuasion (architects and engineers) seem to agree that the 4" concrete slab recommended by Autolidters would be better if it were 5" thick or more. When I poured my slab, I thickened the slab unde the two posts to 12", thus allowing the bolts to "bite" into the concrete without penetrating all the way through the thickness, as 4" would have done.

Also note that Autolifters have drawings and dimensions on their WebSite; I used those dimensions when I laid out the slab and thickened portion, and installation went very smoothly and without a hitch (no pun intended).

And the two post lift has been versatile and trouble free all these years.

Legal Notice: I have no connection whatsoever to Autolifters, and anything you attempt is at your own risk. Whew!!!!!!

RickM · RickM's Garage

Thanks for the info guys!

Autolifters look like they make a really nice product.

RickM · RickM's Garage

BTW, Autolifter claims their lifts can weather a 6.5 quake.

Chuck Moreland · 02-13-2004, 02:02 PM

Rick, can you post a link to the web page with that quake info?

RickM · RickM's Garage

Chuck,

I had a hard time finding the quake info again. Basically they're testimonials from customers. Go to this page and you'll see the title for the pop-up info box ===> http://www.autolifters.com/4postLifts.html#

Additionally, they seem to offer quite a bit in the way of safety certification material. Two features they present stand out in my mind as being critical when considering a quake-safe lift, the locks not slipping when the lift is moved and the impact test. Both shown on the link listed below. I'd bet they'd be happy to provide more definitive info if you inquired.
http://www.autolifters.com/4PostFreeStanding.html

Jim Chambers · 02-13-2004, 03:11 PM

I have Autolifters M6000. Third one I have owned (sold the other two for almost what I paid when I moved to new home with low ceiling garage).
Moved again and now have my 3rd. I think they are a great product. Best if you have 9' or higher ceiling (don't forget to check garage door/opener) to stack two Porsches.

cary · 02-13-2004, 03:31 PM

I have a Bend Pak. I'd say it's middle of the pack.
Works great. Quality is great. $2600 delivered thru NAPA.

hoosierdaddy · 02-13-2004, 05:46 PM

Check locally for a tool distributor , it seems they are in every major city and offer good prices . Also check Rotary lift built in Madison IN

Jim

real550A · real550A's Garage

I am installing a BendPak in my shop this weekend. After doing my due dilligence, this was the right one for me. It's a model
MX10AC, which is a 10,000lb. asymmetric lift.
Bought it through automotiveserviceequipment.com, online.
Great price, truck adapters and shipping included, delivered in 7 days!

carreradpt · carreradpt's Garage

Jim Chambers, you have a pm.