Tech Request - Lift Tech

[BigDdy31]

Well in the spirit of Tech Week and (starting a little early) after reading Don's post on concrete slab specs for lifts, here goes:


Tell us about/show us your lifts and please make some recommendations. I too would eventually like to have a lift and since a lot of us are waaaaaaay on a budget, let's talk about what is cheap and good and what it cheap and dangerous. I know there is a huge price difference in some lifts and the last one I bought (for the shop) was back in '86 and it was 3 grand.

[Mutt]

I have an Autolifters M80 (Used to be the M6+). It's a four post 8000 lb lift. specs are here...

http://www.autolifters.com/

I prefer 4 post because I have seen cars fall off of two post lifts, and a lot of hot rods don't sit well on two post lifts because of frame design.

This model is on sale now for $2495.00 which is a screaming good deal. The reason I chose this model is the collars that surround the posts, instead of the ones that ride inside - these are much more stable. Options include roll-around wheels, jack tray, drip pans, and inserts to make the deck solid.

The pump works off of a standard 120v outlet, or you can get a 220v pump. The difference is in the speed of raising the lift, and the price of the 220 pump didn't justify runnning a new line.

I had the lift shipped to a dock, and picked it up with a roll back, which dropped it in the garage. Assembly took two of us about four hours. The instructions are complete, concise, and there is a tech line if you need help, and they are very good at walking you through any problems. You will need an engine hoist or more people to help in assembling it because the ramps are heavy.

Things I learned to look for, when I was shopping for a lift were:
Make sure it has ROLLER bearings for the cables.
Make sure it has captured slot locks.
If you have low ceilings, make sure it has roll around capabilities so you can take it outside.

Do the research before you buy, and you will see the difference in the "bargain" lifts, and the quality ones. I don't think it's something to skimp on since you will be working under it. And Autolifters was a pleasure to work with from the time I ordered to now. They really believe in service to their customers.

Mutt

[Tinbender]

If you look at my "woody" post, you can see my lift in the pictures. I bought it used for 800. Works great, and I can move it around.

[TagMan]

I bought a Back Yard Buddy (that's way different than a Back Door Buddy, by the way http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif) 4-post lift about 10 years ago and so far has been great without a single problem. Mine runs on a 12v deep cycle battery and I keep it permanently hooked up to a trickle charger. I'm still using the first battery I bought for it and I use it probably three times a week on the average. It's used for everything from repairs & brake jobs to changing oil and even waxing cars (a LOT easier to wax a car standing up for the whole job). If I was going to buy another one, I'd buy the same one in a heartbeat.

[JimC]

Things I learned to look for, when I was shopping for a lift were:
Make sure it has ROLLER bearings for the cables.
Make sure it has captured slot locks.
If you have low ceilings, make sure it has roll around capabilities so you can take it outside.

Do the research before you buy, and you will see the difference in the "bargain" lifts, and the quality ones. I don't think it's something to skimp on since you will be working under it

I bought the K#W Sales lift(out of Haysville,Ks. for these reasons. It is an 8500 lb 4 post lift with the roller jack tray, caprtued locks, Castors(for moving the lift with or with out a car))and 115/220 electric motor for the pump.
The motor can be wired for either 115 or 220. I had mine wired for 115 as the closest out let to the lift is 115.
The difference in raising speed was not a factor.
for me.
My lift is overbuilt for an 8500 lb lift and cost about 4295 plus tax.
I got a deal on it and got free delivery since it was a display model, displayed at one show.
IT WAS DELIVERED ASSEMBLED.
It was neat watching the owner of the company loading and unloading assembled lift utilizing a narrow utility trailer.
The lift is raised, trailer backed underneath,2x4's placed across the rails on the trailer, then the lift lowered onto the 2x4's.
The legs then are raised off the floor/ground, a bar placed on each end in the lock sockets, a specially made bungee cord is placed to hold the cables on the pulleys and the lift is secured to the trailer, then transported to setup location.

[BigDdy31]

Thanks for all the info so far guys.

BTTT since it is now officially Monday and it is Tech Week.