| Author | Message | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 186 Registered: 10-2002 |
Just remembered this - When I called American Auto back to purchase the caster kit he questioned how long ago I had purchased my 4 poster. The reason was that they were NOT selling the Bendpak unit as their standard any longer. He was nice to ask and he did send me the Bendpak caster kit. I think he has contracted with someone else as his "house" brand. So ask if you will be getting Bendpak or another brand. | ||
| Roy (Tpup)
New member Username: Tpup Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2003 |
Good feedback. The only additional comment I have is to look into what type of locking system they have. I could not tell from the american automotive equipment site what lock in on their lift. In my research, there were two types, one is welded on tab, the other is a hole cut into each of the four posts. I did not trust the welded on type. I went with a www.backyardbuddy.com. It has worked well so far... Pic - http://www.lotussource.com/lspics/garage/9s.jpg Roy | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 396 Registered: 5-2003 |
I think american services lifts and sells lifts - new and used - from other companies. The big players among the US manufacturers seem to be Eagle, Mohawk, and BendPak -- each have their own web sites. There are a few others, such as a good one from England whose name I don't recall offhand. John's advice about delivery is sound. The lifts are packaged expecting you to have a fork lift to get it off the truck. I bought a "portable" low-rise lift from Eagle, with an extra fee for special "lift gate" delivery, and it came on a 1000 lb, 5ft square pallet, on a truck with a 30 inch lift gate. No way. Eventually, the Eagle salesman brought it out on a car trailer. (Which is why I bought from the local company.) Still, "portable" is a relative term. Also, nip over to NAPA and pick up a gallon or two of hydraulic fluid. Most lifts ship without it. (Ask about quantity required when you buy.) You might also want to make sure you have some teflon tape on hand, if you have to assemble some of the hydraulic fittings. | ||
| John A (Jarends)
Member Username: Jarends Post Number: 307 Registered: 7-2001 |
I purchased one from them and they did what they said. It came with a damaged post, but BendPak replaced it without a problem. The Bendpak people where very helpful and informative. Just make sure you have a way to unload the truck, it comes in a bundle that weighs more then you can imagine. We had to take it apart on the truck and then it was a job, especially the ramps. I didn't bolt it down to the floor as I wanted to take it with me when I moved. It's working fine and safely. It should never fall it you operate it correctly. Make sure all the releases disengage with you want to lower the car. The one lever releases all four, but if you don't pull it enough, sometimes one will catch and if your not watching, one corner will hang. I could imagine the lift tilting if that happens, but as with everything else. Safe operation mean years of safe use.  | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1941 Registered: 11-2001 |
A 4-post lift will not fall over..... but it can fall down! saw a nasty thread about a failed lift on some corvette forum last year. ouch. ugly. doody. | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Intermediate Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 1195 Registered: 4-2002 |
As to the 2-post lift: If you garage floor was poored thick enough, and has enough reinforcing, then 2-posts are more versitile. A 4-post lift will not fall over..... | ||
| Ali Haas (Aehaas)
Junior Member Username: Aehaas Post Number: 175 Registered: 5-2003 |
I have a 2 post. It is an 8,000 lb lift and requires 220 volts. You need to be sure the floor can handle the weight of the lift and car. When I built the house I put a full yard of concrete under where each stand was to be located. Most floors are not made with enough PSI in the concrete. A fatal error may result. I used 3,500 PSI. aehaas | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 184 Registered: 10-2002 |
Very true Tom. Just make sure you purchase the type that still allows you to park a car under and still be able to open the doors on the bottom car. I have not studied these types " symmetrical or asymmetrical" I think. I also have the jack stand for mechanical stuff, have not used it once. | ||
| TOM BUCKLEY (Tom_b)
Junior Member Username: Tom_b Post Number: 114 Registered: 6-2003 |
I'm debating on the pros and cons of a 4 post vs. a 2 post. 4 post is easier if storage is the goal. But they make it difficult to do brake, suspension , or wheel work as a special platform is needed along with a bottle jack. 2 posters take up much less space and eliminate the need for jacks and jackstands. Not good for storage as the suspension is extended and hanging and there is the matter of dripping oil on the vehicle underneath. Not that Ferraris EVER leak oil.  Comments ? Tom | ||
| David C. (Worth_it)
Junior Member Username: Worth_it Post Number: 183 Registered: 10-2002 |
I purchased my 4 post lift form this same company last year. I think I paid about the same price. I am very happy with the unit, mine is made by Bendpak, and was shipped from California. They use the same lift on Monster Garage Tv show. I agree that it is not the best for performing mechanical things on the suspension, etc.. However, I purchased mine for storage reasons. My garage was full and I could not add on. I started looking at all that air space and the lift was the answer. I "bolted" mine to the floor, not required though. This was great until I moved 6 weeeks ago. After analysis I removed the bolts and purchased the "caster kit" - then I just rolled in on a flat bed tow truck and carried to the new house. The tow truck charged me a whole 50.00. My point is buy the caster kit if you think you may move it after installation. My new garage is extra deep so I can actually turn the lift side ways at the front. As for the height - You need approximately 10 feet clear if parking a standard size car under. ( Mine is an Merc. E body ) You may have to re-locate your garage door opener to one side and add a "high lift kit" to the door. This will allow the door to rise up snug to the ceiling. You can get a way with less height but measure closely. The lift has stops every 4" so round to the nearest 1/3 of a foot. Also , it runs 110vac. Sorry for the extra information - Yes I have bought from him and I am happy. | ||
| dale hart (Dale)
New member Username: Dale Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hi gents go for a two post ramp,lots more room if you want to work on your cars,four poster lift is ideal for checking suspension joint wear depending on suspension type,two post lift for me so much more room to work,regards Dale. | ||
| Gordy (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 42 Registered: 7-2003 |
I have a Eagle lift and couldn't be happier with the service and quality of the product. I paid about $3k delivered. The assembly instructions were clear and concise and had no problems with the installation. It can also be moved easily, which can't be said for a two post lift. But, there are advantages to each. It has an 110v electric hydraulic pump so it runs off house current. And it's red. Here's the site: http://www.eagleequip.com/ Now if I could just fast forward a few months so I can put my new F-car onto it life would be good:-) | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 587 Registered: 2-2003 |
I've always wanted one of these as well. I have seen several in Hemmings. I would rather a two post as I could store long term without tire flatspots and do repair work. They have some nice two posts shown. Heck, one Ferrari service alone would pay for one!! Would also like to hear anyone's experience or recommendations.. best rt | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 555 Registered: 8-2002 |
Frank, I don't know anything about this company, but the lift looks pretty awesome! What is the extra $600 for? Is that just for shipping & putting it together? Does that include a compressor? I think my garage cieling is 8' tall, but the automatic openers & tracks make it only about 7' of usable space. I don't know if that's enough to be able to store 2 cars (except really short ones!) But it would be great to have one of these for maintence work! | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 3072 Registered: 9-2001 |
Has anyone bought one from www.americanautomotiveequipment.com ? I can get the SS7000 4 post lift with delivery and installation for $2600. |