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AAE 4-post lift...?

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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:22 AM
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Default AAE 4-post lift...?

Well, I just noticed that American Automotive Equipment is having a sale slightly reducing their 7K 4-post lift. They are advertised at $1,645 with the basic extras: Approach Ramps, Casters, 1 Jacking Tray, and 3 Drip Trays. Anyone have/no someone with one of these? I'm thinkin I'll order 1 tomorrow.

Thanks.

AAE 4-post lift $1645
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:28 AM
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Not a bad deal at all... but I'm an advocate of American made lifts.

Safety is a huge concern for me. Overseas products dont cut it in my book.
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeRags
Not a bad deal at all... but I'm an advocate of American made lifts.

Safety is a huge concern for me. Overseas products dont cut it in my book.

this is one place where you don't want to cut corners
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Topless75
this is one place where you don't want to cut corners
We spent the few extra hundred bucks... out 2 post ended up costing about $2500 all said and done. 8,000 lb capacity, TESTED to 23,000.
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 10:14 AM
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Default lifts

I saw 2 imported lifts fail at Carlisle last year.
REALLY ugly scene.

They are so...wobbly, I would say, is the right word to use.
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 11:05 AM
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I plan to call them to order and to ask many questions.

The lifts that failed...recall what brands? where were they set-up? maybe they were un-even or assembled numerous times and something gave, as i would think that would not be good...? I would only disassemble if I were to move to a new residence.

thanks!
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 11:59 AM
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We went with Eagle lifts because they are made right up the road from us in NC. But they make all their lifts local. They gave us a tour of the plant while we were there, which was pretty cool. They showed us how they tested the rating capacity on their lifts and how they hold a lot more than they are rated for. Overall we were pleased with the service!!

http://www.lifts-lifts.com/
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Plane_guy
We went with Eagle lifts because they are made right up the road from us in NC. But they make all their lifts local. They gave us a tour of the plant while we were there, which was pretty cool. They showed us how they tested the rating capacity on their lifts and how they hold a lot more than they are rated for. Overall we were pleased with the service!!

http://www.lifts-lifts.com/
When I was searching for a lift, I did quite a bit of research. If I remember correctly, not all of the Eagle lifts are made in the USA. The higher end models are, but they have budget models that I believe are made overseas. These companies do their best to mislead people. If its not made in the USA, they just leave that bit of information out... you need to ask them.
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 12:41 PM
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When they say the lifts are made in the USA, does that mean that the actual steel is USA made?

Isn't it posible they use chinese made steel imported and then assemble the rest in the US?

I am in the same situation as bwellisley....not sure whether the lower priced lifts are safe and reliable.

I assume if they are set up right they should be OK, but who knows?
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by hzz
When they say the lifts are made in the USA, does that mean that the actual steel is USA made?

Isn't it posible they use chinese made steel imported and then assemble the rest in the US?

I am in the same situation as bwellisley....not sure whether the lower priced lifts are safe and reliable.

I assume if they are set up right they should be OK, but who knows?
If its made in the USA, it has to abide by US safety standards, which is typically a 3:1 margin of safety for anything that can inflict harm on a person. For instance, as mentioned above, my 8000# capacity lift is tested to 23,000# (not quite 3:1, but close)... so even if imported steel is used, the unit is designed, assembled and tested with that grade steel.

Bottom line, the way I see it, a few extra hundred bucks is a healthy insurance policy for your own safety and the well being of your prized auto.

Imported lifts are probably adequate, but I dont like to take chances.
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by bwellisley
Well, I just noticed that American Automotive Equipment is having a sale slightly reducing their 7K 4-post lift. They are advertised at $1,645 with the basic extras
My hoist appears to be the same as the one you're looking at, only labeled as "Direct Lift". Possibly same manufacturer, but same design. Anyway, I paid under $2K for it a few years ago and am very satisfied with it(as are everyone that wants to come over and use it!).
I feel that a lot of accidents with these could be operator error. Not paying attention to adjustments and thereby missing a stop when "parking" it in the up position. Cables need to be kept adjusted so that all 4 locking stops are EVEN. Slides and pulleys kept lubed.
I see no problem with any of the welds on mine.
With ANY 4 post lift, I would be a little uncomfortable with it being free standing. With my installation I was able to attach a strut at each post.Makes a huge difference.
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Topless75
this is one place where you don't want to cut corners
Well said
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 11:50 AM
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i found a lift by greg smith equipment. $1595 with pick-up. they are3 only 2hrs from me in deleware. they include the standard items. they have sold nearly 20,000 units of the pro-park7 with no issues. i agree that most issues are probably operator error. i plan to order today!
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 12:05 PM
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What brands out there ARE actually US made? Which ones should be avoided?
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by bwellisley
i found a lift by greg smith equipment. $1595 with pick-up. they are3 only 2hrs from me in deleware. they include the standard items. they have sold nearly 20,000 units of the pro-park7 with no issues. i agree that most issues are probably operator error. i plan to order today!
I got mine from Greg Smith Indianapolis. Like I said above, very happy with it.
Mike
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 09:21 AM
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Default lifts

kapsSa

Bolting the lift to the roof trusses seems to send the message that you do not trust the stability of the Direct lift. Is that correct ???

I have heard that they are very "loose and wobbly".
And, I have also noticed at car shows people will shake the lift, and it seems to be really, really wobbly.

That is the reason I have a Rotary Revolution lift. No wobble.
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 09:48 AM
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I got one from Greg Smith in Indy as well. I wanted an Eagle simply because they offered a red paint option. But for the price, Greg Smith was a great choice. I don't have it bolted down and don't have any stability problems. It's very solid.

Sweating bullets the first time I tried it. It's a newbie thing. I left my truck parked on it for a couple days before I would let a Vette get close to it. It's also strange the first time you drive under a lifted car. It's all silly now, but takes a while to get used to it and trust it.

Are you considering any options? The best thing I bought was the aluminum ramps. I had the steel ones for a while and hated them.

I would also like the lift cycle to be quicker. I think there might be an option for faster motor. But overall the lift is excellent.

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To AAE 4-post lift...?

Old Mar 3, 2007 | 11:00 AM
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we can leave this in C3 General...good information on lifts.
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 11:33 AM
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I'm looking to buy a 4 post Lift
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Old Mar 3, 2007 | 12:39 PM
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Do a forum search, there are a ton of threads on lifts. Here's one not to buy.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post+lift+fail
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