Hot Rods Advice Needed: Which 4 Post Garage Lift To Buy

I am looking to buy 2, 4 post lifts for a garage I am building. I am using mostly for storage so I can stack cars, but will also use to work on them from below. I have a tall ceiling so height is not an issue. I am looking for a quality but economical lift that would fit the bill. Anyone have recommendations? Looking for most bang for my buck, knowing they won't be tortured but will have cars mostly sitting on them.

 

I think Direct Lift is the best built in that price range. I have had mine for several years and it has been flawless

 

PS it is also built be Rotary who build most of the lifts car dealers buy

 

I don’t have much to compare with but I’ve used my Rotary commercially for 10 years with no issues. I believe by law they have to have a mechanical safety lock in case of a hydraulic failure but just make Sure it comes with one. If you decide to go a less expensive way.

 

I don't believe I have ever heard anyone complain about the lift they bought so I think you would be safe with any of the current offerings. Mine is an Atlas which is about 12 years old and a great investment it was. A lot of work has been done with it over the years. It includes a caster kit which allows for moving the lift to different areas. I recently moved this one and turned it sideways. I always double check the lock mechanism whenever I use it or walk under it. You will never regret purchasing a lift.

 

The one you can get. You will probably find out the waiting list is long for these. I know Eagle told me it was over 6 months. Tire mounting equipment over a year.

 

"Backyard Buddy" It has removable casters that lift it off the ground when lowered. You can even move it around with a car on it.Very well built, economical, and one of the only lifts made in USA.(no, I don't sell them ,but I do own one.) Priced about the same as overseas lifts.

 

Go the Garage Journal link below. You will find many threads on this subject.

 

Between 4 of us we’ve got 7 Direct Lifts, the newest of which is 14 years old. The only maintenance is changing the oil if it shows signs of moisture contamination, and inspections or cable adjustments like any hydraulic tool. They’ve been great.

 

I have a Bend Pak 4 post 7000lb high lift in my shop. It is their most compact 4 post lift as my space was limited. It is permanently bolted to the floor., also ordered the 110 volt power pump so I didn't have to rewire. I have a 12ft 6 inch ceiling so it allows a full lift on my old cars so I can store a car or other stuff under it. I'm currently storing a 32 Ford roadster body on it.

 

I second Backyard Buddy.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...5AC762A6C508528D35A55AC&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

 

Went with Direct Lift. Works great and if I'm not mistaken are used at the Barret Jackson auction. Mine came with jack tray, a couple of plastic drip and caster wheels to move it around.

 

I have the exact same setup, bought it at Goodguys Pleasanton about 15 years ago, still working fine- my 928 is sitting on it, need to get that off it so I can use it again lol

 

I have a Direct Lift four post. Six years of flawless operation.

 

I bought two Advantage lifts when I lost a 24x32 that I used for storage . Buying a couple of lifts was cheaper than adding on to the shop, and didn’t raise my property taxes.

Advantage apparently purchased Backyard Buddy in the not too distant past. Wildfire looks like the same lift sold by another company, just under a different name.

In fact, after much searching, I concluded that there are many companies who sell lifts, but there seem to be only a few manufacturers, with the sales companies specifying color and labels.

A couple of things to consider when looking for a four post lift: First, there is a difference between a service lift and a storage lift. The approach ramps may not detach on a service lift, and it may not go as high, both of which create problems in a home garage.

Second, there are two basic construction styles: folded metal and box tube. Folded metal has posts made from bent steel, with a separate ladder for the safety lacks. Box style had crossmembers that encapsulate the box section upright, and the safety locks act on windows cut into the uprights. Most budget lifts seem to be folded metal.

I chose the Advantage for a couple of reasons. First, they had an 11k model that was wide enough to accommodate my dually and tall enough to walk under without ducking my head. I also bought an xlt 9000, again, because of the walk under height.

The Backyard Buddy looks like the same design, but is produced domestically, while the Advantage is imported.I have no complaints on the Advantage fit and finish. The Advantage far exceeded my f&f expectations. Far nicer than my Bendpack two poster.

Be sure to look at overall size and lift height.

120/240 doesn’t seem to really matter, other than Cycle times may be a little longer with 120v. The smaller Advantage I bought is 120, the larger is 240. They said I could switch to 240 for the smaller one for an upcharge, which I declined. Upon opening the powerpack box, the motor is labeled as being capable of running on 240 with some minor rewiring.