Off brand Automotive Lift

[Mario]

Does anybody (or has anybody) own a off brand 2 post or 4 post lift? I am moving into a shop (finally) and am looking into getting a 9,000lbs 2 post and 9000lbs 4 post. This garage is a 3 bay, and generally most the cars I work on are under these weight limits.

 

With that being said, I am on a budget.

 

The two lifts I am considering are here:

 

Two Post

 

Four Post

 

From what I was told these are the same lifts that the smaller named companies slap their stickers on and sell. I will be ordering them with upgraded power units.

Edited December 3, 2011 by Mario

[CARMandP]

When I went to purchase a lift for my new shop about 4 yrs ago, I decided I was not interested in going cheap on my lifts. I and my help was going to have to hang out under these vehicles and it was not worth the savings of a few bucks to get a cheap lift. I went with Rotary brand for several reasons. The biggest is the install and sales shop is less than 15 miles from me and since Rotary has been around for a long time I know that if I ever need parts I will still be able to get them. Rotary had a recall and sent me the replacements parts in the mail with no hesitation. I also didn't want to have to purchase a "cheap" lift and then in a few years replace it because it had worn out and I couldn't get parts anymore because that company went out of business. I would STRONGLY recommend looking at brands like Rotary, Challenger or Mohawk to name a few. Don't go cheap on one of your biggest investments.

[Robbie]

I can see CARMandP's point, but at the same time a lift isn't that complicated. If the materials are good, the design is sound, and the construction is quality then I don't see it being a safety risk to employees. I'd also be interested to know which, if any, lesser known brands people have had good luck with.

[benzfxr]

Read this article I wrote about this topic for Shop Owner Magazine. You can't save enough money on cheap equipment to justify down time for repairs, or worse injury of staff.

 

 

 

http://www.shopownermag.com/Item/92737/is_your_used_equipment_safe_does_it_comply_to_sae_ul_ali_standards.aspx

 

 

 

 

Does anybody (or has anybody) own a off brand 2 post or 4 post lift? I am moving into a shop (finally) and am looking into getting a 9,000lbs 2 post and 9000lbs 4 post. This garage is a 3 bay, and generally most the cars I work on are under these weight limits.

 

With that being said, I am on a budget.

 

The two lifts I am considering are here:

 

Two Post

 

Four Post

 

From what I was told these are the same lifts that the smaller named companies slap their stickers on and sell. I will be ordering them with upgraded power units.

[xrac]

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[Joe Marconi]

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[CARMandP]

Interesting article that I just read. Explains a lot.

 

http://blog.jmcautomotiveequipment.com/4-important-questions-you-need-to-ask-before-you-invest-in-a-car-lift/?goback=.gde_3321805_member_111692620

[Tires Too]

I've used Rotary Lifts for 20+ years and had great luck with them. Last year we were looking to add 4 lifts and replace 3 of our oldest Rotary Lifts. Lift company I was dealing with suggested Forward Lifts (company owned by Rotary). We have had a number of minor problems with them from the start, leaking hoses, broken lock release cables. I should have stayed with Rotary Lifts.

[Mario]

Well a little update... I actually went with both of those lifts posted and have been using them everyday.

 

I have had no problems with the two post lift to date. The 4 post had issues catching the lock on one of the rear post due to a mistake in installation (the installer did not drill the concrete square). They came out and shimmed the lock so it catches now. Other than that we have had no issues. The 4 post is more of a parking/light service lift vs the heavier duty lifts that most shops have. Once the volume picks up in the shop, I'd like to sell it and upgrade to a beefier lift.

 

We are looking to add a third lift this year, a 11,000+ swing arm, but still weighing the options.

[Robbie]

Well a little update... I actually went with both of those lifts posted and have been using them everyday.

 

I have had no problems with the two post lift to date. The 4 post had issues catching the lock on one of the rear post due to a mistake in installation (the installer did not drill the concrete square). They came out and shimmed the lock so it catches now. Other than that we have had no issues. The 4 post is more of a parking/light service lift vs the heavier duty lifts that most shops have. Once the volume picks up in the shop, I'd like to sell it and upgrade to a beefier lift.

 

We are looking to add a third lift this year, a 11,000+ swing arm, but still weighing the options.

 

Thanks for the update. Those look like quality lifts. I'm curious, do they have badges that show they've been approved by any third party organization?

 

I completely understand that concern of other posters about safety, but it's ludicrous to think that you have to buy a rotary or bendpak to get a quality piece of equipment that's been built to proper safety standards. That's like saying you have to buy snap-on to get a quality tool. Sure, they make great tools, but they're not the only ones doing it, and you can often get more bang for your buck going with one of their competitors that isn't as widely known. I'd like to hear from more guys that have tried lifts from the lesser-known brands.

[xrac]

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[Type S Zero]

When i was at Acura, most lifts we had were Rotary, but mine was a Ford Smith...

 

The BMW i worked at (largest in north america) have Technolifts... more basic than Rotary, but did the job.

 

anyway, i'm looking to start my shop and i'm currently looking at Atlas (i'm actually looking to buy a few equipment at Greg Smith Equipment....i'd drive from Canada to pick them up)

 

any of you had experience with Atlas equipment (any, not just lifts) ?

 

any of you have dealt in the past with Greg Smith Equip. ?

 

 

Their equipment is cheaper than most big brand names, but it seems to not fall close to those china stuff quality (they show all the details how they are built better than the cheap stuff).

 

i'd like inputs from people who used Atlas please.

 

Thanks !

[Mario]

When i was at Acura, most lifts we had were Rotary, but mine was a Ford Smith...

 

The BMW i worked at (largest in north america) have Technolifts... more basic than Rotary, but did the job.

 

anyway, i'm looking to start my shop and i'm currently looking at Atlas (i'm actually looking to buy a few equipment at Greg Smith Equipment....i'd drive from Canada to pick them up)

 

any of you had experience with Atlas equipment (any, not just lifts) ?

 

any of you have dealt in the past with Greg Smith Equip. ?

 

 

Their equipment is cheaper than most big brand names, but it seems to not fall close to those china stuff quality (they show all the details how they are built better than the cheap stuff).

 

i'd like inputs from people who used Atlas please.

 

Thanks !

 

 

Just about all the lifts are made in China anymore, very few USA manufactured lifts.

 

I have not used the Atlas brand lifts, but I do know Gregg Smith Equip. does have a solid reputation with those who have used the lifts. The company that sold me my lifts sells off brand, BendPak, Danamar, Quality, Challenger etc... The installer told me EVERY shop (including dealerships) are going to the off brand lifts because there is not a big drop off in quality and they simply are a much better price.

 

I have a China built drive on and 2 post with no problems. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. My biggest concern at the moment is the concrete under the 2 post lift, but nothing to do with the lift itself.

[az mike]

Watch your specs! we have (2) 9000 lb. 2post lifts. The newest one we purchased thru NAPA. Not a NAPA offering.The arms are too short and it doesn't go high enough for anyone 6' or more.And the arms flex a bit with a 7000 lb. truck. But it was sold as comparable to our old Benwil. Wish I had never bought it! If Superliifts is still in business they had USA made stuff and it was still reasonably priced- very close to the cheap stuff. Born american, raised american, will die american...... can't bring myself to buy imported unless there is not alternative. I may pay a little more but it helps keep my neighbor from the unemployment or welfare line.

[Canadian Cowboy]

Does anybody (or has anybody) own a off brand 2 post or 4 post lift? I am moving into a shop (finally) and am looking into getting a 9,000lbs 2 post and 9000lbs 4 post. This garage is a 3 bay, and generally most the cars I work on are under these weight limits.

 

With that being said, I am on a budget.

 

The two lifts I am considering are here:

 

Two Post

 

Four Post

 

From what I was told these are the same lifts that the smaller named companies slap their stickers on and sell. I will be ordering them with upgraded power units.

I dont think these lifts above are ALI certified.

 

CC