Topic: Automotive Lift Systems

[9F94M567042]

Evening All,
I am looking at several different types of garage lifts. I would like to know what the general opinion is
and your thoughts on such. I prefer a 4 post lift (for safety reasons) and costs really aren't a factor.
The backyard buddy, now steel valley lifts is one I am considering.
Thanks Much

[BKnapp]

I have a Wildfire 4 post lift and love it! I’ve only had it about a year, but have not had any issues and can’t think of anything they could have done differently.

[J_Speegle]

Depends on how you expect to use one or for what purpose. Lifting, storing, working on .... Slab prep or no prep .... How much height clearance do you have (to the joist or ceiling .... how tall you are and so on.


One place to check out for choice and reviews that I would suggest you check out is

Garage Journal

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3

Using them to get ideas for my new shop, tools, deals, and other great related things.

[ExportMach]

I'm installing an Advantage four post lift soon. I really like all their safety features, options and cost.

[KevinK]

I have two 4 post lifts. You can always check the local Craig’s List. I found one there. I have been told to check the local lift suppliers for used surplus too.

I picked up both of mine with the car trailer. Assembly is tricky with one person. Two people is best as a couple of pieces are heavy.

[tobkob]

I'm installing an Advantage four post lift soon. I really like all their safety features, options and cost.

I installed an Advantage four post lift 4yrs ago and I absolutely love it. It works for every vehicle I have tried (F250, and F350) and is great for storing my Shelby out of reach of my grand kids and their Grandpa.  I ordered the SS-9000-XLT to keep from scraping any hair off, I mean skin( I don't have any hair left on top) when I walked under it looking down instead of up...

https://www.advantagelifts.com/products/advantage-ss-9000

TOB

[9F94M567042]

Depends on how you expect to use one or for what purpose. Lifting, storing, working on .... Slab prep or no prep .... How much height clearance do you have (to the joist or ceiling .... how tall you are and so on.


One place to check out for choice and reviews that I would suggest you check out is

Garage Journal

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3

Using them to get ideas for my new shop, tools, deals, and other great related things.

Jeff,
My new garage is 36' x 36' with 14' ceiling. I have (2) 8 x 10 doors and (1) 8 x 12 door.
I would use it for lifting, working on the car and need to be able to stand underneath it as well.
I am about 6' 3" so
Anyone have any comments on the Back Yard Buddy Lifts? I will investigate the Advantage Lifts
Thanks

[steve_f]

I've had a Bendpak 9000 4 post lift for 6 years now and I love it. Very solid even when not bolted to the floor. I also have the wheel kit for it so I can move it around when needed. Only thing to remember is that the locks are released by air so you need a compressor to lower the lift. Added safety feature. I don't leave the air hose attached when I am working under the car so I don't have to worry about someone hitting the lowering lever. I have been crushed in the past in my garage so I am slightly biased about safety.
Steve

[Bossbill]

I remember well the turmoil of trying to select the best lift for my project.
I was originally going to get a two post for restoration and a 4 post for storing and adding another stall.
I punted on the 4 post simply due to the obstruction of having the posts so close to the 2 post lift legs as the high bay shop is only 24x24.

In my case I tore down a small, built-onto main building carport and built a 24x24 high ceiling addition. I used a CAD style program to design the interior scissor truss heights by placing a model of the 2 and 4 post lifts inside my final building. I then had the truss guys build the interior and exterior slopes to suit.

A 4 post is not the lift I would choose for a total restoration.
With a two post you can roll in your bare chassis car on its dolly and then easily lift the car for underside work. I also use it to lift the body onto the rotisserie even though the rotisserie has a hydraulic jack. It's just so much easier with the lift.

But I still want a 4 poster, even if I just use it to create another stall.

I did pick my 2 post asymmetric lift for its height. I'm 6' 5" and I can walk under most of the car. Total height in the center of the ceiling was about 12' 6" and the lift just makes it.

on edit -- add a small snip of drawing

[OldMustangGuy]

A 4 post is not the lift I would choose for a total restoration.

+1 on that. Both kinds of lifts have their advantages but if working on or building cars is the primary goal then, in my opinion, a 2 post is the only way to go.  If storage is the primary goal with work on the car as a secondary goal then a 4 post is the obvious choice. If cost isn't a factor then one of each is ideal!

[KevinK]

Mustangs are only 50” tall. Add another 6” for the 4 post lift rails, 10’ is kind on the minimum height needed for a lift. By using a scissor truss, you can gain some addition ceiling height in the middle. I’m building a pole barn on my out of state rental property. I may some day live at the property. I used the scissor truss to get 12’ at the middle using a 10’ ceiling. Gotta plan ahead.

[Bossbill]

I had an issue with having to match the 12/12 roof pitch on the front and reach out further at the back. Not only do I have an asymmetric lift, I have an asymmetric truss.
However, the interior is perfectly symmetrical.

It's amazing what the truss design guys can up with as shown in the attachment.

[J_Speegle]

We've gotten a bit off the lift focused initial thrust of the thread but all related and in this event helpful as I'm going through this currently in designing/hopefully finalizing plans for my new shop. 

[tobkob]

Another consideration if you choose a 4 post lift is do you want to be able to move it around. My building is 40'x100' and I do move it around with the casters that came with it and I chose 120V pump as opposed to the 240V so I could plug it in anywhere. I don't know many people who have 240V outlets every 10' in their shop. The disadvantage to this is it raises slower with the 110V but this is a hobby for me not a job..

TOB

[Countrysquire]

Each different style of lift is a compromise, so like stated above, you need to think through how you will be using it as well as its footprint in your garage/shop.  I have a BendPak HD9 four post, and it's great for undercarriage work and storage, but less than ideal for brake jobs, etc.  The two posts take up some space because of the width, but that shouldn't be an issue with 36' to work with.  You will need to know the psi spec of your concrete to make sure it's compatible with a two post.  They are great for pretty much everything but storage.  At our old house, the garage ceiling was 10'2" and I could not raise the lift all the way up with our '66 convertible on it.  Any lift should work well with the 14' ceiling.  The other option is an in-ground scissor lift, which have the advantage of not taking up any floor space, but they are not ideal for restoration work on the bottom of a car.  They also require concrete work for the pits.  This is easy as new construction, but a pain with an existing slab.