Hello,

I'm considering buying a lift for my home garage. The ceiling height and concrete flooring in my garage can accommodate nearly every style. I'm pretty much set on getting a 10,000lb lift, but if you can convince me of reasons to look at other capacities, then I'm definitely here with open ears. I'm only interested in two-post lifts, but I'm not sure what other aspects to look at when picking out a specific model.

What are the concerns associated with purchasing a foreign lift?
What brands do you recommend for home use?
What are the pros/cons of buying a portable lift (is there a possibility of me knocking a portable lift over by physically tugging on components of a lifted vehicle)?
What kind of lift do you own and have you had any issues with it?

I'm particularly looking for a lift to use for side jobs. It won't be getting a lot of heavy use, maybe once or twice a week on average. I've been a mechanic all my life, but I've never had to purchase my own lift so I'm a relative newbie when it comes to the technical specifications. My main goal is to properly assess the cost effectiveness of different brands and models. I don't want to spend extra money on qualities that aren't necessary.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

I was interested in a 4 post lift, it has an open center for accessing the underside yet just simply looked more stable than the 2 post ones. I decided on the 4 post from BendPak after an friend of mine who is an engineer reviewed a number of them. Second place was "quality lift". It's used mostly for me to store a second ride above since it's not winter friendly. I had it bolted down since I have no need to move it around. You need 3.5" or more depth of concrete, otherwise it's just space. I was going to buy the 7,000 pound one but it turned out that the 9,000 was less. On the Bendpak site they link with local installers. Very happy with the lift and installation.

 

I put in a Greg smith 4 post last month. Very happy with it. I got it with the movable lift Jack that rides in the center of the 2 rails.

 

If I were to rank them it would be:
1. Mowhawk
2. Rotary
3. Bend Pack

Like most thing in life you get what you pay for. If you have the wheels off very much a two post is prefered, but for parking and just a little wrench time the four post is better.
Mowhawk is built in the states and is about twice as heavy duty, and twice the safety features. It is built like a forklift on the two post and no cables. Rotory and bend Pack are also both good lifts with great reputations. There are a score of other no name brands out there choose wisely.

 

How are the lifts Revolution sells i wanted to get one myself like a mid rise lift just for basic oil changes says it holds 6,000lbs but i dont know if its risky or not the price seems right. Not tryin to steal the thread heres a link

http://www.revolutionlift.com/RMR6-6000-Pound-Capacity-Mid-Rise-Lift-P4C9.aspx#MoreDetails

 

BendPak scissor lifts..

 

I love my Mohawk A7 lift. It has a weight gauge on it and no cables to worry about. Built like a tank! Also, the columns are only 8'3" tall...

I

 

Take a look at gregsmithequipment.com

I have their Pro 9F, low ceiling capable two-post.
I believe it is made by the same factory that makes some of the Rotary lifts.

Very well made, no concerns here, and reasonably priced.
I've been using mine for a few years and it has been great.
They also offer many other types of two-post lifts.

I would have gone with a Rotary or Mohawk, but for the money, it is hard to beat greg smith lifts.

 

+1 for Mohawk.

I had a System 1 10K 2-post lift installed in my garage last fall--can't say enough good things about it--really happy with it.

The local Chrysler dealership has them. I spoke to the service manager about them. He had been working at the dealership for 10 years. The lifts have to be inspected annually and according to him, none have ever needed any service.

A good friend of mine own's the local Chevy dealership and he had a John Bean 10K lift installed in his service area last spring. He offered to add one on the order for me at the same price. I declined as I really wanted the Mohawk. When you look at the John Bean and compare it to the Mohawk, the John Bean looks like it should have a Fisher-Price sticker on it. The Mohawk looks like a 20K lift in comparison.

The John Bean delivered, professionally installed, taxes in (out the door) was just under 5K. The Mohawk out the door was 7.2K (Canadian prices). Well worth the difference in my opinion FWIW.

 

www.backyardbuddy.com

Have one, it's great!

 

Would there be any issue with leaving a car on a Mohawk A7 for storage as well?

 

I don't know about the A7, but I had a GT-R up on my Mohawk System 1 all winter (with my Z06 parked under it) with no issues whatsoever.

 

For the time I've spent laying out ramps, driving up, jacking the car up, putting the jack stands under, then still having to squeeze under the car...I could have spent working and paying off one of these lifts! I need to get something like this soon.

 

I have a 8 foot ceiling so i only had 1 choice for a 2 post lift.
Max Jax by Danmar,
Leno and West Coast Customs have one in their shops.

 

Sorry to hijack a little, but what are the advantages for a moveable lift if you have the room? And is there a big risk involved?