Automotive Lift: your thoughts?

[J2Hanson]

Hi everyone,
I searched and don't see any posts on this subject. I'm looking to buy a lift and would like to hear owners opinions on the brand they bought. What do you like, what don't you like. Would you buy the same brand/model again? Some of the four post lifts I've looked at on-line seem pretty lightweight. Not that I'm anticipating any earthquakes, but some appear that they would be wobbly. I like the Backyard Buddy model but they seem to be pricey for a four post lift. Thoughts? I'd prefer to buy one made in America. Thanks.
John

[wanderer]

That is funny, because I was going to ask the same question of the group. My question concerned the low rise or mid rise type of lifts, because my garage will not accomodate the 2 post or 4 post lists. Has anyone had any experience using these to lift the 911? I am mainly concerned with finding out which ones line up well with the limited jacking points on the car. Thanks in advance.

[Oh Haha]

Here you go, fellas. Lots of reading for you. I have used the 4 post lift with the drive on ramps and it is awesome. wcc installed it last year.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/search.php?searchid=4237739

[lally911]

I went with Rotary as that's what I see in the majority of professional garages. The two post Rotary has served me well since 2004 without a problem. The model I have requires 11' ceilings and doesn't get in the way of any suspension or engine work. Having a lift makes just about anything possible for diy.

There are lots of threads about lifts - keep searching.

[J2Hanson]

Oh Haha on me! Thanks Wayne. I searched on Automotive lift and didn't see much. Garage lift would have been better. I appreciate the link.

John

[yelcab1]

I am thinking of a Maxjax myself

[kschaaf066]

I installed a BendPac single post # pl 6 sp. I have had it for 2 years. the install was difficult. But the end result works for me.

[Jesset100]

I think if you are going to work on your car get a midrise. If you want to store your car get a four post. Greg smith in Indianapolis has a showroom that you can look at different lifts. There is a difference with quality and materials used. If your close to Indy go check it out.

[rfuerst911sc]

I purchased a used Ammco midrise lift. It raises the car 48 inches and runs on 110 house current. Weighs aprox. 1000 lbs. she's built in the USA. Bought it off Craigslist. Great tool to have no doubt. I recently did a engine/tranny install on my 914 it was very easy. Here's a few pics.

[kodioneill]

I have a Bendpak asymmetrical lift I love it.

$2400.00 no tax free shipping what a deal.

[911boost]

I have a Greg Smith 4 post lift. I use it to primarily store my Mustang over the 911.

I have been very happy with it.

Bill

[WilsonTC]

Whoa! Tight fit. Did you build your shop around the lift?

Originally Posted by kodioneill

[kodioneill]

I built a 32x40 shop with 12' 1" ceiling. Bought the lift, stood it up, one inch clearance. I couldn't believe it myself. Bolted it to the floor. This is one fantastic deal.
Everyone knows that Jay Leno is a knowledgeable car guy, look at his you tube video about bendpak lifts.

[phatnine11]

V2Hanson,
I have 2 lifts, a mid-rise scissor and a 4 post ramp type unit that can be moved. The mid-rise is for servicing the 911 and the 914. I also use this lift for any wheel or suspension work on my cars. The four post is used to store the Porsches, I have a 9'4" ceiling. Both run on 110V and are movable.

[911boost]

Not the greatest picture, and trust me, the garage is actually clean and organized now. This picture was taken right after putting the cars in there for the first time.

[WilsonTC]

That's funny. Can you imagine tilting the lift up and having 1" too little clearance?

I'm either getting a BendPak or Rotary. There's another "big name" out there that I can't think of right now.

Originally Posted by kodioneill

I built a 32x40 shop with 12' 1" ceiling. Bought the lift, stood it up, one inch clearance. I couldn't believe it myself. Bolted it to the floor. This is one fantastic deal.
Everyone knows that Jay Leno is a knowledgeable car guy, look at his you tube video about bendpak lifts.

[kodioneill]

Originally Posted by WilsonTC

That's funny. Can you imagine tilting the lift up and having 1" too little clearance?

I'm either getting a BendPak or Rotary. There's another "big name" out there that I can't think of right now.

I thought if that happened I would cut out the sheet rock not a big deal. I was amazed with only one inch clearance that it stood right up without any problem. I bet a geometry calculation would have solved that issue before hand.

[efhughes3]

I'll put in my nod for the Bendpak mid-rise; I've had mine almost 5 years.

As noted above, 4 posts are best if you need storage. Mid-rise units and 2 post lifts are best for doing service work.

[autobonrun]

I went with the AAE (American Automotive Equipment) 4 post. It fits easily in my garage (125") clearance. When calculating overall cost don't forget to add in the cost to modify the garage door to clear the top car, and if you want extra space, a wall mounted door opener. I went with the LiftMaster. This is an old photo and still shows the ceiling mounted opener but you can see how much extra space gets cleared with it gone.

[criv911]

Greg Smith Equipment mid rise. It's the best tool I ever bought, should have done it sooner. With a mid rise you can park your car over it so it doesn't take any space. It also gives you access to just about any part of a 911 you can imagine. I wouldn't even consider a 2 or 4 post regardless of the price unless I had tons of room to waste. [not your average garage] Just my 2 cents.