fwillison

I'm deciding between two inexpensive entry level 2 post lifts. Best Buy Automotive sells the AutoLift brand for $1399, and the Direct Lift brand for $1499. Pretty similiar. I'm sure both made in China.

Anyone with experience with this company (Bestbuy automotive), and/or these brand lifts?

thx
Fred

MikeM

Buy American!

MiguelsC2

How much is your life worth? With 1 1/2 tons hanging over my head,I would gladly pay a few hundred more for the security of a quality built unit. When it comes to heavy shop equipment, the choice is almost always American.

Germans,Italians,Scandinavians etc.. make some fine stuff. But it's out of most shops price range.

Ron Miller

I've got a Direct Lift, 4 post unit that I'm well satisfied with quality and function. Direct Lift is owned by the Dover elevator folks and lifts are manufactured in an ISO 9001 certified factory. Their 4 post lifts are load tested as well, and are certified by the Automotive Lift Institute, not an inexpensive process.

I don't have any information on the Auto Lift brand, you might try a Google search.

fwillison

I'm all for buying American, and would gladly pay a few hundred dollars more. I was born in America, raised in America, served honorably in the US Army for 12 years and 2 wars, and I love this country and it's people.
The problem is, to buy an American manufactured unit is not a few hundred dollars more, it is a few thousand dollars more. More accurately, it is approximately double the price when it comes to home garage auto lifts. American made goods cannot realistically compete with that much price differential.
Either the Chinese made goods must be unavailable, much inferior quality, or the government must place a tariff on them to reduce the price advantage.

Plasticman

Fred,

Tried to send you a private message, but it says your folder is full.

Plasticman

silver67

Mohawks are the best imo on a two post, but no where in that price range even used. I agree with the comments on the direct lift 4 post i have an 8 plus ran about 3K and can do plenty of work and i feel secure under it which is the most important feature.

fwillison

What do you think about working on a car on a 2 post vs. a 4 post with jack tray. Seems like a lot easier to work on suspension and undercarriage with a 2 post, but 4 post would be much nicer in that it is mobile (on casters) and doesn't really require any installation (doesn't need to be bolted to concrete floor).
So 2 post must be a lot more convenient for working to justify the downside.

Ron Miller

For my usage, I like the convenience of a four post much more than a two post. Just drive on and lift it up, no arms to mess with, and nothing in the way of the doors when it's on the lift. My 8,000 lb. capacity Direct lift came with a jack bridge, removable stop plates for the front and rear, a pair of chock blocks, ramps that can be either removed or left in place when you're lifting, and two oil drip trays, all included in the price. And, as I mentioned earlier, it's certified by the Automotive Lift Institute to that load rating.

I also like the idea of all four wheels supported on a freestanding lift rather than having to anchor down a two post and have the wheels hanging. Should you decide to go the two post route, I'd certainly recommend that you check out the requirements for mounting the posts to the concrete. You've got to have adequate strength and depth to the concrete to support the posts, read the manufacturer's requirements carefully!!

I suppose it depends largely upon what your intended usage for the lift will be. For my usage, I prefer the four post, your move!!

fwillison

Thanks Ron,

I intend to use it to do exhaust system replacement, undercarriage cleaning and detailing, suspension work (a arms, coil springs, etc.), as well as routine tasks like oil changes, brake work, etc.

What is the experience of members with doing this type of work on a 4 post lift?

Fred

silver67

Are you going to use it to store a car? If so get the four post. The only type of work that will be more difficult will be suspension work on a four post, but certainly not impossible. Both beat crawling around like a reptile

MikeM

That is for sure.

To the OP. I have a Auto Lifters (US made, no longer is business) two post. I paid about $2K for it. Surely, there are some competitive prices from other US vendors?

I do the same type work on my two post as you propose doing. It wouldn't be as handy for me to do it on a four post. Matter of fact, it might get downright tiresome.

If you buy the off shore stuff, pay attention to the quality of the cylinders, pump/motor and the pullies.

You can do some internet searching on replacement parts for the above and read some of the vendors comments about "cheap chinese" KO replacement parts.

Vogie

Check around. There are companies that remove lifts from dealerships and sell them. A friend bought a heavy duty 2-post Rotary for about $1000.

fwillison

Well, the best price I found for a 2 post is the AutoLift at BestBuyAutoEquipment.com, internet price $1399, $180 shipping to me. I'm thinking of buying a DirectLift, though, for $1495 (same vendor) since it is a known American company with plenty of good reviews on the internet, and they've been in business quite a while.
If anyone knows of a good quality American manufactured lift for less than $2k or so let me know.
I'm now just trying to decide between 2 post and 4 post. I'd like to get the 4 post, but I think it may hamper getting around the suspension pieces.

fwillison

Anyone have direct experience with the Max Jax? It was on Jay Leno's Garage, and looks pretty cool. Cost about $2K. Fully moveable and storable out of the way. Only downside I see is that it only lifts to 48 inches, so you have to work on a rolling seat rather than stand.