Deciding on 4 post lifts...
 

I'm moving into a new place and looking for a 4 post lift to put in.

Anyone have experience in Bend Pak HD9 vs. Direct Lift ProPark 8??

I know Direct lifts are cheaper and comes with more stuff.. but is Bend Pak worth the money?

I'm going through the same process, and have found a lot of good info at www.garagejournal.com

Why did you go for a 4-post lift? Do you need the extra storage space?

Although most will say that foreign steel is inferior, I haven't heard of a single safety incident with 'made-in-china' lifts that you are looking at (even some rotary lifts are made in china). Having said that I personally would spend more money for a made in USA lift such as the pro-line rotary lifts or mohawk, just for the added reassurance and supporting our country.

Damn I guess my advice wasn't good enough ;)

Hey Phil,

Take a look at http://www.americanautomotiveequipme...-Lifts-s/8.htm . I have their two post lift at the shop and have had no issue in 7 years. Ships our of Texas so shipping price is fair.

Dan

so heres my experience

i've had my Eagle 4 post bridge lift for about 12 years now

it stays outside, under a tent

it has been through every hurricane that has hit miami in the past 12 years

i use it just about every weekend

i've never changed the fluids in it

for that matter i've never done any kind of maintenance to it

it is not bolted into the floor

not once have i ever had a problem with it, absolutely solid piece of machinery

i would recommend Eagle lifts to anyone

and the lift is probably gona be one of your best investments of all time

I'm still listen to your advice.. just need to check on the compressed air thingy..

I just called Bend Pak... When I ask if all the parts are made in USA and they told me some are... then I asked what pieces are they told me, almost all of it... Kind of made me laugh.

Chadwick, I also looked at the AAE and looks very similar to the Direct Lift... Now after talking to Bend Pak, I'm slightly leaning towards the cheaper Direct lift... just wanted to see if any of you have experience with it..

Why not a Rotary lift! ...that is an actual brand.

Drew

I've been doing some research into getting a lift and I've decided on the Direct Lift. If you check out the major companies they all have a lot of parts made in China if you are paying under 4k than it's made in China. I'm going with Direct Lift especially since it comes w/most items that other companies consider extra. Oh, and you don’t need compressed air with the Direct Lift.
http://www.directlift.com/Pro-Park-8...ift-P54C9.aspx

I'm in the process of getting my standard 7' door taken up to the 11' ceilings with a high lift kit and a Lift Master 3800 Jackshaft garage door opener.
http://www.liftmaster.com/consumerwe...lJackshaft.htm

id check out garage journal like posted before.... the people over there are like you with your rotaries, except tools and everything garage related.... they have a GREAT forum.

i have a question, are thos types of lifts only for storage and minor Maintenance like changing fluids and such? i ask because what happens if you have to work on a suspension part? and need the wheel off?

Most of these lifts have "jack trays" where by you place the tray under the car on the lift and put a bottle jack there, you can then raise the car of the lift and remove the wheels as if it was on the ground

Drew, Direct Lift is owned by the same people own Rotary Lift. Also Rotary Lift's 4 posts are mainly for commercial use and at least the double the cost and double the lifting power (14K lbs)... which I don't think I need since I'm using it mainly for the 3K lb FDs... Just seem too much for what I need.

I hear ya... with all the accessories that comes with PP8, it would cost about 3600 with Bend Pak. Also, pending how we are going to set up the new house, I might need to move the lift around, which the caster will come in handy. Its a tough decision for me as I know BendPak is a proven product.

This will be my conundrum in a couple years.... just marking this thread for the future lol