2-post lift experiences?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
2-post lift experiences?
I've read most of the lift threads that I could find on the forum, and have made an extensive spread sheet with data about many of the different lifts that are out there.
My garage has an 11' unfinished ceiling (which will be finished once my "shop" renovations are complete).
I have just about decided on a 2-post floor plate lift (unless someone can make a compelling argument to install an overhead lift in which the top rail is about 8" into the ceiling, and which would be covered over with an access pannel when the ceiling goes up [to keep the AC in]).
I have narrowed my selection to the following lift brands and models based on cost and hobbist type use (verses pro-shop use). What I'd like to know is if people have experience with the following lifts and can tell me their opinion on them (especially if you have had maintenance issues/quality issues, since I believe all the models below are made partially or completely in China).
Bendpak XPR-9FX / XPR-9F
Danmar D9-2X / D9-X
Workhorse TP9-KAF
Eagle MTP-9F
Direct Lift Pro 9F
Thanks in advance.
My garage has an 11' unfinished ceiling (which will be finished once my "shop" renovations are complete).
I have just about decided on a 2-post floor plate lift (unless someone can make a compelling argument to install an overhead lift in which the top rail is about 8" into the ceiling, and which would be covered over with an access pannel when the ceiling goes up [to keep the AC in]).
I have narrowed my selection to the following lift brands and models based on cost and hobbist type use (verses pro-shop use). What I'd like to know is if people have experience with the following lifts and can tell me their opinion on them (especially if you have had maintenance issues/quality issues, since I believe all the models below are made partially or completely in China).
Bendpak XPR-9FX / XPR-9F
Danmar D9-2X / D9-X
Workhorse TP9-KAF
Eagle MTP-9F
Direct Lift Pro 9F
Thanks in advance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Not in your list,but check out Western lifts. I was told that there a knockoff of Rotary lifts.I dont know how true this is, but i bought a used western out of a toyota dealership for $1400. I bought it from the company that serviced toyota's lifts. He rebuilt the cylinders pump, installed all new cables and pulleys along with the arm king pins. Like a new one for half the price. I bought used, rather than pay for a cheap brand new one. Ive had it 7 years with not one issue. Just my humble opinion! ;-)
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
lifts
Not in your list,but check out Western lifts. I was told that there a knockoff of Rotary lifts.I dont know how true this is, but i bought a used western out of a toyota dealership for $1400. I bought it from the company that serviced toyota's lifts. He rebuilt the cylinders pump, installed all new cables and pulleys along with the arm king pins. Like a new one for half the price. I bought used, rather than pay for a cheap brand new one. Ive had it 7 years with not one issue. Just my humble opinion! ;-)
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have a Direct Lift HR8000 in my garage. Best thing I have ever done. I use it almost daily it seems like. I have had it 3 years now and love it. I have stored cars on it and used the heck out of it. Never failed me ever. I have low ceilings so mine has the plate in the center for the cables. Yes I would like it to not be there but I feel very fortunate to be able to just get a lift in my garage. A minor issue at best. I have had many transmissions in and out and just work around the center plate. My garage is small and it fits in just fine.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Mine is a little over 3 years old. Pretty much maint. free so far. I do check all the hardware and moving parts and so far nothing. I installed mine by myself. Careful planning and some grunt got it done. I even picked it up and brought it home myself.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,694
Likes: 833
From: WI
I recently purchased a used 2-post hydraylic IN-GROUND lift for the garage I plan to build next spring. It's going to take more energy to get it installed, but look forward to having the working parts out of the way when not in use ...and being able to not have to use jack stands for exhaust work. Reason I wanted in-ground is because I do a lot of bodywork and I want to be able to put a car at chest height and be able to have access to the doors, fenders, etc w/o a pole in my way. In the process of looking at lifts, I noticed there are a lot of good quality used above ground lifts on the market, many of them Made In USA for $700 and up. The bad economy seems to have put pressure on shops who may not need them, are going out of business, or guys that had them in their shop, not installed, and would rather get the money out of them. I think any of the lifts you mentioned will work just fine. Good luck!
Mark G
Mark G
Last edited by Mark G; Nov 21, 2010 at 12:19 AM.
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