Garage Parking Lifts

[mmcporter]

I am building a new garage to hold my daily drivers and musclecars and plan to order two parking lifts for the musclecars. I was wondering if anyone on the board has had experience with four-post parking lifts. While the gold-standard appears to be Backyard Buddy,
Backyard Buddy Web Page
I am certain there are others out there. Any opinions or experiences (good and bad)? I'm looking at placing the order very soon. Having a powdercoated finish, strength enough to hold my LS6 and Buick Skylark GS455 convertible and a full complement of drip trays to protect the daily drivers are on my list of priorities. Also, having the lifts work on 110 power is important.

Thanks in advance for responding.

[@wot]

I have a 9000 lb. Bend Pak lift. make sure you have the ceiling height, about 12 feet. My lift uses compressed air to release the locks, another consideration when comparing features. Also, some lifts, as in my case, use 220-240 volt electrical for the motor. Most of the American made units are really good. I recently looked at a Rotary four post at a car show, and was really impressed with the quality.

[southernfriedcj]

I've got three Backyard Buddys and they are great. They go together easy, are well engineered, and are quality built. I have one regular height and two extended versions. I went with the 110's because I've got the welder and compressor on 220 and didn't want the hassle or running new outlets.

Jim

Jim

[P.J.]

I bought a back yard buddy 4 post 110 volt. Great lift, super strong. installed it in my regular garage.I modified the door slides on my regular garage door by installing a new 3 foot section so the door
travelles higher than before.I also moved the electric door
lift and instaled it inbetween the rafters so I could get max lift.I also had to put an extension on the motor arm
so that the door could close. I also had to install a longer new spring in order to put more tension on the door
as it now lifts higher than it did before.

Only problen is when you have 2 cars in place the top car
will be close to the ceiling and therefore you must remove the extension that goes to the automatic door closer so that it does not hit the car when the door is fully oppened
and therefore you will haveto manually open and close the door. When I am working on the one car its no problem as I dont haveto go to the top of the lift its only when I get two cars in do I need to remove the longer bar for the automatic door lift.
Peter

[ASTROJET]

At Fall Carlisle had the chance to compare about 6 different models.By far the BB was most impressive,not cheap but I think the one I want.

[@wot]

I also had to modify my garage door. The simplest solution is to change the door to a high-lift type. You can keep your original door, and just extend the tracks vertically towards the ceiling. The door is positioned near the ceiling when fully opened. I have been told that there are torsion type electric openers available for residential use.

[mmcporter]

I actually had the architect design the height, width and door opening with the understanding that there will be two lifts in the garage. My wife is thrilled!!

[TXSS]

I have purchased two 9000# two post lifts from American Automotive Equipment previously known as Team Lifts AAE

They may not be as well known as some but the price and quality has been excellent.

Rick

[Charley Lillard]

I have had a BB lift for probably 6 years and it has been fine. I opted for the 220 volt because the 110 volt takes alot longer to lift. Friends with the 110 know what I'm talking about. Not a big deal but when you are standing there with the button pressed you have all that time to think about how much faster a 220 Volt would be.

[@wot]

The 220V is worth the extra time to run a dedicated line. As Charlie point out the time to raise the lift is cut in half, or more with 220V. Mine takes about 45 seconds to lift, and even that is too slow!