Auto Lifts for Garage

[BradVV]

I am looking into buying an auto lift (probably 4 post) for my future garage. I plan on using the lift to store one of my Camaros & also give me the ability to do underbody detailing & some light maintenance to them.

I have done some Internet searching to see what's all out there for auto lifts. And boy, there are quite a few companies & models to choose from.

Any advice (do's, don'ts, recommended brands, etc) & info that anyone on this board can share with me on auto lifts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[kwhizz]

Go with the Backyard Buddy.....most of the rest are all the same Chinese built lifts sold under different names http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[budnate]

I agree Ken but they have really marked them up lately http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif... in my opinion way to much for a pretty basic hoist

I committed to one of these this weekend.
http://www.directlift.com/propark7.html

if they lock at all 4 corners they are fine, and to be honest I dont care what they say about the feet not spreading on backyard and some other brands including the one I bought....there silly idea of the bar in the tube preventing the legs from going outwards dont look bullet proof to me..that is plenty of load trying to push out with some levarage...I plan to pin my bottom legs with some 2"x2" 1/4 square box tubing couple holes and some grade 8 bolts and she is not going anyware even if we get a little quake they are selling these on special right now with all the extras for 1795.00 plus 325 shipping to Seattle, you might have to go through my local guy to save the other hundo off the listed price on the site, he claimed it was for the swap meet special...yea right http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif......I looked this one over well and after looking at a few diff brands in person, its as good as any of the others and priced right.

Bud.

[kwhizz]

Be very careful when you lower it all the way......if you let the cables relax, they will come off the rollers (very poor design) and next time you raise it without checking, you will shred the cable and ruin it......Been there......

Ken

[budnate]

thnx for the heads up!!, I recall reading about that last year but forgot about it, I will ask him about that today.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[southernfriedcj]

I've got 3 Backyard Buddy lifts. Great product. I'm a cheap bastid, but if I'm gonna be under a car I don't want to be second guessing the safety factor of my lift. IMHO the BB is well worth the extra $$. I've heard horror stories about the cheap Chinney lifts.

Jim

[budnate]

I fully agree with you guys and dont want to get squished either!!...there all copied of the buddy or whoever before the buddy..there just steel welded together, with mechanical locks on all 4 legs, so it aint coming down once locked, and they all make the feet with the same offset to the inside to counter the outward force the legs are having from the weight, they all run the same pump...and all get tested by the goverment before they can sell them...

like I said before maybe its just me but that 12 inches or so of square pipe riding at the same level as the runways is supposed to keep the legs from going anywhere with the offset feet...now that dont look to good to me but is a easy fix to tie them together so they cant go outwards even if they wanted to, I think that would make any of these brands bulletproof...


I am concerned with the cable/pulley thing though and will double check that, one would think the cables can be tensioned so there is not crazy slack when the runways hit the floor??? or set the limit switch to stop the motor when it should???

anything else I am missing????

heading over to watch the backard vid and see what I may be missing when they compare to brand X.

[mockingbird812]

Rotary Lift- for a bit more you get 4 arms, 10K capacity, and with locking system can lock car in multiple "up" positions and park another below. You have "full" access to undercarriage vs. those you drive on. My rotary lift is my favorite tool in the shop.

[budnate]

I was rrrrrrrwrong ok I said it, there is a night and day differnace from the buddy and the others...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[Allen]

For those without high roofs to work with, has anyone used the lift at the link below?

http://www.kwiklift.com/

[Mr. Duece]

I bought this lift from Autolifters out of Hemmings about 3 years ago. Very reasonable shipped to my door and assembled by me in about 4 hours. All that for $2800 I am very pleased with it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/DonDeFrancesco/Lift.jpg

[TXZS]

Allen, I bought a Kwiklift about three years ago and love it. They are really tough and well-built! Tex Timberlake

[BradVV]

Thanks for all the good posts with info thus far. It's all giving me a good start on finding a lift that I'll be happy with. Keep it coming!

[budnate]

just tried them there TU... http://www.americasprideonline.com/autolifters-letter.html

[budnate]

found these guys last night for $1895 shipped there made here in the USA, but look like all the Chinese copies...going to buzz them today and get more specs from them.
http://www.e-autolifts.com/Danmar.html

[budnate]

guys check these out!!!! WOW!!!

http://www.hardingsteel.com/

[budnate]

http://www.hardingsteel.com/st24c.htm

this is the one....think how many we can hide now!!!

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
found these guys last night for $1895 shipped there made here in the USA, but look like all the Chinese copies...going to buzz them today and get more specs from them.
http://www.e-autolifts.com/Danmar.html

[/ QUOTE ]

One Word.........Chinese.....Same as Direct Lift, Superior, etc.....same Chinese unit with a different name

Beware.......

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
found these guys last night for $1895 shipped there made here in the USA, but look like all the Chinese copies...going to buzz them today and get more specs from them.
http://www.e-autolifts.com/Danmar.html

[/ QUOTE ]

One Word.........Chinese.....Same as Direct Lift, Superior, etc.....same Chinese unit with a different name

Beware.......

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

found out that brand is the worst of them all, the buddy is up to $4650 on the buddy deal.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif cant swing that...drat.

[ktownkid]

Hello....
So if I want an American-made lift, it's the Backyard Buddy or nothing??? Is that correct???

Thanks-
ktownkid

[Allen]

[ QUOTE ]
Hello....
So if I want an American-made lift, it's the Backyard Buddy or nothing??? Is that correct???

Thanks-
ktownkid

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the one I posted and asked about is USA-made.... www.kwiklift.com (http://www.kwiklift.com)

[Jonesy]

I am going with a Backyard Buddy in my new garage. I was quoted $5200 for the extended model with accessories that I wanted.
I dont care what I spend, I want what I feel is the best lift.

[budnate]

in a nut shell what I learned really digging into this .

backyard looks like the best 4 post, no doubt. he claims 6 weeks back log, there cant be that many people buying them steady???, I say bs, he is taking orders until he has a wad of $$ then builds them. don't matter it is what is.

the others are made over seas and like the little pocket bikes some plants are better than others.

what they do over there is buy stuff and reverse Engineer it, some plants do a better job and some plants get another plants item and do it with there's and so on..that where they get crappy fast

they are shipped back bare steel to avoid tariffs or something like that, they are powder coated in Cali it appears and resold from down there by the lift pimp in your area.

the pumps are bought and hung on them here, some are ok some are crap...so I am told, who knows for sure. but definitely they are diff brands going on them

I am told the loose cable thing is because they are not tensioned right when assembled????

the claim is why some fail is the steel is not very good, basically they are not getting the tencil strength right and no one is testing...so some of crap steel we are shipping over is coming back as lifts,lol.

that being said, we all have seen a pic of a leg bent out or heard stories about them going down....do we have anyone that has actually had one go down or your close friend lose one???? I have not heard of one locally going down...

there claim is people are doing stupid stuff with them to make them fail..I said like what running it up and down how is that hard on it????, they said lifting stuff or jamming the locks open when it goes down, again I say so what it's supposed to go down anyway...

anyway any real the "car was parked and lift locked and I went out in the shop to find my lift broke" story.

[kwhizz]

I am told the loose cable thing is because they are not tensioned right when assembled????

Yah!!......Right.......When the lift is all the way on the ground, there is still stroke left in the cylinder(which loosen the cables if you still hold the lowering valve open) and if you want to re-engineer the system (as with anything) it could be fixed......I've learned to stop it about a 1/2" above the floor to keep tension on the cables.......

Ken

[ktownkid]

Allen.....
I like that one, but it's not a four-poster. I also like the Backyard Buddy.......but can't afford it.

But I'm not gonna buy a lift made in China either.....

ktownkid http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[BradVV]

Does anyone have a Revolution made by Rotary Lift? I just got a brochure from them in the mail. Appears to be a good lift. Says "Proudly made in the USA".

I haven't called them to talk to a sales person to get the lowdown on them yet, but was thinking that maybe some of you folks on this board might know a little more about this company and their lifts. Here's the two websites that they listed: www.revolutionlifts.com (http://www.revolutionlifts.com) & www.rotarylift.com (http://www.rotarylift.com)

Once again, any info is greatly appreciated!

[mockingbird812]

Brad,

I have a 2 post w/ arms lift by Rotary. Many dealerships/shops in the Phoenix area use these. I have been impressed with its quality and value. With the locking levers engineered into the lift I can safely store cars beneath a lifted car indefinitely. I had one electronic module go on me and the service team trouble shot it over the phone so that I could jury-rig it to operate the lift and the next day they came out to provide final fix. Only problem so far. Have had the system for 1.5 years. Good luck.

[Postsedan]

We have both style "Rotary"...U.S.A. made lifts at our shop. Two 2 posts and one 4 post...my opinion is that these are the best lifts on the market.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/Postsedan/Shoplifts.jpg

Dan.

[olredalert]

------What does anyone have to say about superlifts? They were on display at Mecums auction. Guy in the booth said they were american made and thier product looked pretty good, I guess. Website is www.superlifts.com (http://www.superlifts.com) ........Bill S

[bigdave33]

Budnate ,

I purchased a direct lift 7000 in March , very pleased with quality and construction . Great lift for the money . BigDave http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f104/bigdave33/garagelift2.jpg

[budnate]

I am going for it and buying a direct as well...been told my stuff is junk anyways, and Tamara has it insured...I would prefer a Buddy, but am really stretching for the direct as it is, will follow Kens words and be very carefull when getting close to the floor for cable tension and hope I get a decent batch of steel. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Dave did you get yours from Tim M. the lift pimp???

[Ngtflyr]

The Rotary Sam has is solid, easy to use and virtually impossible to get yourself in an unsafe condition. I have used it a number of times and that is what I am putting in my shop when I build it. I don't think it is the cheapest but it is safe. Look around at what the shops are using, talk to the mechanics, that's what Sam did and it's the smart way to go.

[hubleyman]

Here's my 2 cents worth....
I've had both two post and four post style lifts for many years and it really depends on what they will be used for "most' of the time and the amount of workspace you have .
At home I currently have three CYTECH (from Wichita, KS) Model DP-7 7000 pound 4 post lifts, a 7000lb Benwill (from Carson, Ca) 2 post lift, a Bishamon 7000lb 2 post lift and a 10,000lb Bishamon 2 post lift (for heavy duty chores). All are top quality USA made products. I've never actually seen a Backyard Buddy in person, but the CYTECH lifts are well constructed with full length welds on all the support stops (unlike some other brands that I hae seen).
If your main purpose is to stack/store vehicles than the 4 post version is excellent. You can work on them as well, but in a limited capacity. I purposely don't have mine anchored in place which allows me to move them around with or without a car on the lift (with the optional castors). This works great for squeezing things in tight places or for moving a non-running vehicle outside to perhaps pressure wash the underside.......
I find that the 2 post lifts are far most useful, for both storage and vehicle work. The pricing is about the same, but you definitely have to anchor them in place so choose your location well. If I store a car under another for any length in time, I strap the upper car to the supports just to be safe (see photo). I've gone through several strong earthquakes with these lifts and have never had a car shift on them.
I believe you can find info on the CYTECH models at http://www.doublepark.net if you interested in checking them out.

[hubleyman]

Well it seems I forgot to attach a photo in my last post.....
The Benwill model shown uses hydraulic rams and aircraft cable/pulley systems on both sides. Some older models use chains instead of cables which tend to collect dirt and not run as smooth.

Good luck!!! Charlie

[bigdave33]

Budnate,
Ya I purchased from Tim @ the corvette swapmeet , I purchased lift for storage purpose only just need more space for more toys. Tim's son came by and helped Me and a buddy assemble went real smooth . BigDave http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[bbbenny]

guys, need help on this garage lift issue? what lift, if any is as good as a back yard buddy? there;s suppose to be a guy, in texas, building a lift the same as the back yard buddy? any input??????? thanks b http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gifbbenny

[TXZS]

When this thread started back in May, there was a post about lifts from Harding Steel. Based on that I contacted them and bought one. These lifts are made in the USA and are really well-engineered. They are purely for storage; the car sits on a solid platform, so you have no access to the underside. The amazing part is how adjustable they are. I have one first-gen Camaro on top of another one in a garage with a 9'4" ceiling.

[Ironworker]

Benny,
There is or was a guy from Texas building a 4 post lift very similar to the BYB. He was at Carlisle last year although I did not get his name. Sorry

[bbbenny]

thanks for the input on the lift issue. i contacted harding steel. waiting for a reply. if someone has the name or phone of the guy in texas. that would be great. carlisle is in another week. i don;t live far from carlisle. thanks bbbenny http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[JRSully]

I bought a Rotary " Revolution" lift. Rotary makes most of the comemrcial lifts used by prfessionals, have been around for ever, made in US, built like a brick s-house, works great, independently tested ( a lot of them aren't)and a nice warranty, about $4250 installed 2 years ago. Suggestions, have a professional install it, these things are big, heavy and have a good amount parts and the pros know all the install quirks!! Godd luck Benny

[SMGCO]

I have two four leg lifts in my garage. Overall I do not recommend them. I have countless dings and scratches due to close clearances with the ceiling, garage doors etc. Also makes it hard to get around in a garage that previously had room to move around in.

[J_D]

Well...........as Brad already knows............I decided to go with a Bend Pak 12,000 lb. four post lift similiar to the one I have at my business. I have four 7000 lb. two post Forward lifts, one 12,000 lb four post lift and one 9,000 lb. Hunter sissor lift at my business.

I have had the Bend Pak four post lift here in my shop at home since March, 2006 and have been happy with it so far.

Again, it is a 12,000 lb lift with two 6,000 lb. rolling jacks so I can pretty much do whatever I want here at home without going to my business (shop) to work on my stuff there. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/Bend%20Pak%20Lift/BendPakLift001.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/Bend%20Pak%20Lift/BendPakLift002.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/Bend%20Pak%20Lift/BendPakLift004.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/Bend%20Pak%20Lift/BendPakLift007.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/Bend%20Pak%20Lift/BendPakLift008.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/Bend%20Pak%20Lift/BendPakLift009.jpg

[Xplantdad]

WOW http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Nice Shop you have there, JD! Can I come over and play? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

[J_D]

Sure Bruce...........come on over ! ! ! ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Thanks for the compliment.

The shop is a detached from the house...........we built them both at the same time. The shop is 36'X44. My concrete guy wanted to know what kind of airplane I had as my driveway up to the shop from the street is 110'x36' and the approach at the street is 42'. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/House%20Photographs/IMG_5927.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/02zl1_97ss/House%20Photographs/IMG_5926.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Wow...really nice place. I like the bowtie on the garage, too! Nice touch. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[KMOTION]

Someone mentioned Autolifters in an earlier post. I bought an Auto Lifter M-6000 (I think this is the model number) in 1993. Moved it with us from Michigan to Georgia and moved it once again when we built the new house. It's a great lift, very solid, easy to breakdown to move if you ever have to. Also bought the wheels option to roll it around my garage and it works super also. Never had a problem with cables going loose when lowering and when looking at the design, I don't that that it would be possible with this lift. All parts are overdesigned and much higher rating than what the lift can handle.

These were American made but the Company went out of business a few years ago. Just found out that the employees bought the company and reopened under a new name. Can't say anything about the product now as I bought from the old company, but the website sounds like its the same lifts. Lifts look just like mine and they are American made.

Here's the website:

http://allamericanlifts.com/

Jim

[Donutblue]

Hey JD, no trees in Iowa !!! Gonna have some hot summers in that garage.

[Salvatore]

NAH, I bet it is air conditioned!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
NAH, I bet it is air conditioned!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm with Sam...I think it's air conditioned, too! In fact. if you look at the pics...aren't there circular vents in the ceiling for it?


Hmmm...I guess those could be for heat... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[J_D]

[ QUOTE ]
Hey JD, no trees in Iowa !!! Gonna have some hot summers in that garage.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nope..................it has a geo-thermal system with radiant in-floor heat for the ccccccold Iowa winters and central air conditioning for the hhhhhhot Iowa summers. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif So.............Sam and Bruce........you were right on track ! ! ! ! ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Mr70]

Install a blue neon tube light around the perimeter of that stone Chevrolet logo. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[J_D]

[ QUOTE ]
Install a blue neon tube light around the perimeter of that stone Chevrolet logo. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Neat idea Rick.............but I think I'll leave it just the way it is.............don't want to draw too much attention to it, if ya know what I mean. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif