Shop Lifts-Need Advice

[Dr. Evil]

Another big advantage with the overhead bar on the 2 post is a clear floor. I'd hate to have to work around a bar on the floor with a trans on a jack or even roll an oil catch can over it. Get a clear floor model.

As for lifts most of the info needed has already been posted. I ended up with a 9k lb 2 post Magnum lift made in Canada for snap on. I got it used from a mom and pop shop that was shutting down. It came up right as I was getting ready tp pull the trigger on one from Greg Smith equipment. The heaviest thing I'll lift is a 1/2 ton ext cab 4x4. For me this is more than adequate.

Check your concrete close. If you didnt have it poured or know who did it then double and triple check thickness and the underlying base. I poured my own pad and have over 5" under each post. I have seen where much older pads are hollow underneath due to the base course settling over time leaving as much as a 3" air gap under the concrete. Something to consider.

[Njja]

Two posts are nice for service work, four posts are better for storage....easier on the suspension.

Backyard Buddy said there is no problem using it over Racedeck flooring. Extra large casters will allow lift to be moved if necessary.

I think I will pull the trigger next week after the Liftmaster folks are done.

[376TT]

Car Craft Magazine done an article on these in the February 2010 issue. You might want to visit their website for the information.

[Dr Jkel]

Originally Posted by Njja

I watched the video on Backyard Buddy's website with Sam from the TV shows. Then I went to a local showroom from a dealer that's sells other popular brands of two post and four post lifts......all made in China.

The local dealers products are about 1/2 the cost of Backyard Buddy lifts, in the $1935-$2935 price range. And they look it! Locking mechanism is very thin about 1/4 inch and is loose inside post as shown in BB Video. Lifts are also wobbly with plastic guides everywhere you look. Even the dealer said everything is coming from China because of the labor costs. I asked him why he doesn't sell US products he said because the ones he carries are cheaper!

My opinion is as follows:

1. You get what you pay for.
2. If you can afford to consider a lift why put your $50-$100K vehicle up on anything but the best?
3. If I am going to walk under something......I want it made in the US
4. Our country is going through a rough time, so let's put Our people back to work and let the Chinese sell lifts in China.

I talked to Joe at BB and he was very helpful, so I will be ordering mine shortly. I'm closing on my house next Friday, and I want to do a final layout before I decide how many to order. When you see these lifts in person they are really quite large. I'm getting extended hight because I have 13' ceilings, but the lifts themselves have a large footprint.

I fully agree with you on this. I always like to buy American first, plus the fact of what I will be lifting. I guess it boils down to risk versus reward on these lifts.

Originally Posted by FirstCamaro19

I have always had good luck with rotary lifts, Used them for years

I talked with the Race Shop ( Vengeance Racing) that does my work and this is the brand lifts they use, have not had any issues with them.

Originally Posted by Kilo-9

I've got a Mohawk System I...it's wayyyyy more lift than I'll ever need. Built like a tank here in the good ole USA.

This is the only vendor I have a quote for as of now. $6550.00 delivered versus others advertised prices of about 1/3 the cost, in some cases 4 times more.

Mohawk is a little slow at responding to inquiries though. Can't seem to find a local vendor for these lifts. I did find a video of the parts comparision to other lifts and hands down the Mohawk is ALOT better made, but will just have to see.

Originally Posted by Njja

What type floor are you going to use? I think I am going to order Racedeck.

I am going to use some type of epoxy paint. I use a version of it at work and it works great, last about 5 years with heavy forklift traffic so in a garage it should last quite awhile.

Originally Posted by 376TT

Car Craft Magazine done an article on these in the February 2010 issue. You might want to visit their website for the information.

Thanks for the information.

[GtSmoke]

Hey John,

Congrats on the new garage! I can only speak from my experience but back home dad installed this hoist system (4 post rotary)

http://www.rotarylift.com/templateProduct.aspx?id=612

He also had the optional rolling jacks installed (they roll down the center of the hoist and allow you to pick the vehicle up off the hoist for tire changes, etc..) shown here on page 4.

http://www.rotarylift.com/uploadedFi...gnment-192.pdf

He decided this would be the best route for our situation for the safety factor. Me and my 2 cousins (age 16 - 20) at the time would be the ones using it the most. Working on our personal vehicles, changing oil, fixing flats, maintaining the company vehicles, etc...
With the four post the chances of a vehicle falling off in the air slim down to almost nill, and they are more stable than a 2 post (vehicle rocking).

Just my .02, as I remembered you mentioning your nephews being around alot, and if they are like me they will definately want to use the hoist for there vehicles when the time comes.

[Dr Jkel]

Originally Posted by GtSmoke

Hey John,

Congrats on the new garage! I can only speak from my experience but back home dad installed this hoist system (4 post rotary)

http://www.rotarylift.com/templateProduct.aspx?id=612

He also had the optional rolling jacks installed (they roll down the center of the hoist and allow you to pick the vehicle up off the hoist for tire changes, etc..) shown here on page 4.

http://www.rotarylift.com/uploadedFi...gnment-192.pdf

He decided this would be the best route for our situation for the safety factor. Me and my 2 cousins (age 16 - 20) at the time would be the ones using it the most. Working on our personal vehicles, changing oil, fixing flats, maintaining the company vehicles, etc...
With the four post the chances of a vehicle falling off in the air slim down to almost nill, and they are more stable than a 2 post (vehicle rocking).

Just my .02, as I remembered you mentioning your nephews being around alot, and if they are like me they will definately want to use the hoist for there vehicles when the time comes.

Whats up my Brother?

I appreciate the advice and information. Trying to do as much research as possible so that I can make an informed decision, LOL, but the more I learn the less I know.

I like the Mohawk because of the way it is built but the prices is crazy high. My truck is high enough to easily get under so I do not need to lift it, so other than my 63 Chevy Truck, Camaro, 73 Vette, and 72 Firebird and Kel's Hummer H3 then not much else is going to be lifted.

I like the four post idea especially for storage purposes underneath, but the functionality of cleaning the sides of vehicles, buffing, wheel well cleaning etc makes it a little more difficult with a 4 post since the drive track is in the way.

I know Vengeance uses 2 posts Rotary's and have had great luck with them, so ........

[GTAHVIT]

IF I had the clearance and the money... I'd go 2 post all day long. I like the mohawk two post as it has a lower post height then most. also, the jack trays on teh 4 post make is so you can have some clearance....

I'm thinking since I have to be able to park I'm going with a full rise scissor lift recessed into the concrete. that way it's out of the way. bummer is .... No storage ability...

decisions decisions.

[Dr Jkel]

Originally Posted by GTAHVIT

IF I had the clearance and the money... I'd go 2 post all day long. I like the mohawk two post as it has a lower post height then most. also, the jack trays on teh 4 post make is so you can have some clearance....

I'm thinking since I have to be able to park I'm going with a full rise scissor lift recessed into the concrete. that way it's out of the way. bummer is .... No storage ability...

decisions decisions.

I thought about a recessed lift but if I ever wanted to anything underneath then I would be very limited. I have enough height to have just about any lift.

I really like the Mohawks because they are American made and the features they have but 6600.00 plus 400.00 install is quite much for a hobbyist lift. But like your said ...decisions, decision...

[Njja]

$400 for installation is reasonable. I have an $800 quote for my installer to receive, deliver and install mine.

[Dr Jkel]

Originally Posted by Njja

$400 for installation is reasonable. I have an $800 quote for my installer to receive, deliver and install mine.

What kind of lift are you having installed? Who is doing your install?

[Njja]

I have decided to go with Backyard Buddy. They sent me a list of local installers and the one closest is charging $800 to receive,deliver and install it.

I was going to order two, but I decided to start with one to make sure my garage wouldn't look like the service bay at the "Pep Boys"

[JETG]

Originally Posted by Njja

I have decided to go with Backyard Buddy. They sent me a list of local installers and the one closest is charging $800 to receive,deliver and install it.

I was going to order two, but I decided to start with one to make sure my garage wouldn't look like the service bay at the "Pep Boys"

How much total out of pocket ??? if you dont mind me asking

[yotaman96]

The Atlas PV-10 is a great lift for a good price. I have one and use it a lot. Very well made. I bought it from Greg Smith Equipment.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/At...atpk-pv10p.htm

[Njja]

Originally Posted by JETG

How much total out of pocket ??? if you dont mind me asking

... ... .... ... ... .... ... ... ....


Probably in the $6K range, lifts have lots of options, extended hight, jack trays, solid decking, casters, you can really get them to your taste. They also have quite a few color options.

My budget was $15K for the garage, original plan included Racedeck floor, 3 lift master jackstaff lifts, two car lifts, a work station, new tool chest, and electrician to add a few boxes.

As you might expect when I got into our new home parked 3 cars and my kendon motor cycle trailer......it was pretty tight. I still have one car and two Harleys at the other house, and my tools and compressors.

Things always look bigger.....until you actually move in!

Next week I will decide what the final layout will be, and place my orders, I just hope there will be room to walk when it's done!