garage lift info wanted...

I am building a new house with a 3 car garage, I want to put a lift in one of the bays, which brand is a better choice to buy? I know some of you out there have to have a lift in the garage.. I just want the type you drive on, dont need it for service... thanks in advance

 

Friend of mine uses "Backyard Buddy Automotive Lift" for his garages. Considering he has about 7 of them, all with high $ cars on them, I would say they're a good lift system haha. Good luck!

 

I'm happy with my BendPak 4-post lift...

 

I had an Eagle lift installed about 4 years ago. It's made in America, the quality is outstanding, and the price was reasonable.

 

If you only want it for storage and you are building, and you have the land, just add a 4th bay. When I built my house and added the 3rd bay (not originally planned) it only cost me $5k.

 

Beware Bend Pak. I bought three of them not knowing that they require air pressure to disengage the locks in order to lower the lift. Bit PIA having to set up an air compressor just to run the lifts. They ought to operate 100% electrically like other lifts.

My lifts also wobble under the weight of a normal car. A little scary. However, I do not have them bolted to the floor. Maybe that's why they shake.

 

I have 2 Backyard Buddy overheight 4 post lifts. I bought them specifically because they are in my home and safety was my first priority. They were referred to me when I was looking, and I am grateful for that recommendation.

I am very happy with them, they have given my flawless service so far (7 years) and look as good as new.

I must say that while the engineers I spoke with at BB where knowledgeable and helpful, the sales folks were less than easy to deal with. I was willing to look the other way as a trade off for a superior product, and long term I don't care about those small issues. Hope they are easier to deal with 7 years later.

 

I like the added safety of the air locks, vs. rod locks. Since I already had a compressor, this was not a problem for me. Also, I have their rolling scissor lift, which requires air.

My lift is bolted to the ground and very stable.

 

Backyard Buddy is a great choice.

 

I have had an Eagle extra wide (TR has a big azz) and extra tall for two + years - along with the sliding jack. No issues at all. Comes with aluminum ramps std that saves the back...

 

+1 for the Eagle (with a pair of sliding bridge jacks). I've had mine for ~ 3 years and am very happy.

 

I am a home builder.

I have a couple of lifts.

Request that you have at least 8' doors, and even better if you do 9' doors.

The taller doors allow for them to open when you have the car on the lift.

Extremely important!!!

And $5k for an extra garage is a price I haven't heard of in YEARS!

 

I notice more people suggested four post versus two post. Why is that?

I'm looking for a lift as well and had only pictured a two post since I would be using it to work on cars and thus want access to take wheels off, etc.

 

It was 15 years ago and it was the price to add the 3rd bay BEFORE the construction started. I'm now spending about the same just to vault the ceiling in that bay for my 2-post lift.

To the other poster, many people want 4 post since their main objective is storing one car over another or simple oil changes. I wanted a 2- post for service only, especially dropping the motor in my 355

 

Very happy with my Rotary Revolution

 

By far a two post lift is better for working on the car. Ideally I would have one of each in the garage. But, thus far, there is nothing that I could not do on my 4 post lift - although certainly not as convenient as the full open access of a 2 post. For a weekend mechanic without the pressure of time to finish a job, I am happy with the 4 post lift and can put up with some of the inconveniences.

Curtis

 

Could you show an example of a four post that would be good for a weekend mechanic? I would appreciate it.

 

I have a 2post in the shop and 4post in one of the garage bays(ran out of room). 2 post is indespensible for proper service. Get raised rails when installing the 4 post; it will save bumping your car.

 

If your goal is oil changes - then a 4 post is fine. Do you want to take wheels off? Do brake jobs? Drop motor (355) or tans? Pull an axle? If so, get a 2-post

Plus, wit ha 2 post - you have 2 columns in the garage as obstructions - not 4 and ramps to boot. Both are great tools but you really need to analyze what your goals are.

I'm vaulting my ceiling this weekend - see this thread:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/462008-vaulting-garage-ceiling.html

 

Yeah I'm more in the latter. Wheels off, work on engine, exhaust, brakes, etc etc.

Basically everything aside from a full engine rebuild. Stuff like that is better left to the pros.

 

One can do all the things you say on a 4-post lift. (There are examples of 348/355 engines being removed using a 4 post lift - search the section.) YES, it will not be as convenient. But it can be done. The 2 post is much better for someone that does a lot of mechanical work on their cars. However, the down side is it is not ideal for car storage.

I wholeheartedly agree with you that one must analyze their goals and what they truly need in the tool. I needed more parking space (thanks to a very understanding wife) as a primary use - thus the 4 post lift. And - using the bridge jack - I was quite surprised what I have been able to do on it.

Keep your main goals in mind and pick up the tool that best fits. I hope to never have to sit or lie on a concrete floor again...

 

If you want an UBER lift get an in ground 2post.-no door dings or posts to inerfere with parking.

 

I have a four post Bend Pak that after a year and a half has been great. Look at their website and work through the specs to find what fits best.

You stated clearly that you wanted the type you drive onto, no service. In that case a four post lift meets your needs exactly. A two post does not.

 

One thing to keep in mind....

Some 2 post lifts can be fitted with wheel adapters to raise the car by the wheels - see image within link "Wheel adapters"

http://www.mohawklifts.com/wp/consumer/automotive-lifts/specialty-items/tire-engaging-adaptors/

 

Another thing to keep in mind on two post lifts is that they all have minimum specs on the depth and density of the concrete pad they will be install and bolted into. When I looked most 4 post lifts had less stringent requirements on the concrete pad as bolt down is optional with most 4 post lifts.

I have a direct lift pro-park 8+ with a sliding axle jack and find it perfect for storage and most under car work.