Safest automotive lift?

Check Automotive lift institute (AlI) web site to see if the lift you chose is certified.

 

I have a Bendpak. One reason I chose it was the air actuated locks - it takes two hands to lower the lift: 1) on the spring loaded air button and 2) on the oil decompression button. I mounted an on/off rocker switch up high (about 7ft), which switches the power on/off to the lift, so to operate it up, one must flip this switch on, then press the up button (I had the 220 line dropped from the ceiling to allow for this, as well as the air line).

PM me with your email address if you want pics...

 

JMC08, there is a great forum called "Garage Journal," which is about grages, floors, tools, and lifts. There are very helpful and instructive threads there on four-post lifts that you might find useful.

 

Back yard buddy lifts are same.... 2 handed procedure

 

Rotary makes a great lift with 2 handed safety (hydraulic release and manual locks). Its a traditional 4 post lift design (that all the imports copy) but much sturdier.

They raise and lower quickly, and in several years of using one once or twice a week for maintenance work ours hasn't required any repair of significant maintenance.

For lock out, I'd suggest an electrical disconnect box with a manual switch. You can go so far as to secure it with a padlock. If you choose a 220v lift, your code may require a panel like this anyway.
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Bend pak and dannmar are the same company, and it's all manufactured in China, if you care.
When I bought my 4 post it was right around when they switched. I wasn't to happy about that. But it was cheaper than the backyard buddy. Should have known.

But 5 years later it's still working great.


How old are your children? Like how tall? You could always put your own lockout on it. Remove power, or air on the bend pak. Or box the controls and put a lock on it.

 

Have to add, I have a Direct Lift in my warehouse that's just used for storage, and a friend has several similar models. This is the $1800 import lift that's commonly available on the web. It runs on 120v power, which is much more convenient, but the motor raises it very slowly compared to a 220v unit.

Its a perfectly adequate lift, and I haven't had any safety concerns. It isn't bolted to the floor - which is optional according to the manufacturer, and I've even bumped it with the forklift while a car was raised to the highest level, and nothing bad happened. That was a definite "oh crap!" moment...Not the way I intended to test out the lift!

 

BendPak has a good reputation.
I am looking to upgrade from the Autolifters I have.

BendPak is certified and used commercially.

BendPak
Lift design comparison, A Study In Lift Design
ALI/ETL Certification Program, BendPak's ALI/ETL Certification - Automotive Lift Institute Member
Automotive Lift Institute: Auto Lift, Vehicle and Garage Car Lifts

I am looking at the HD-9XW for best all around capacity, size and features (scroll down for options and accessories).
Plan on 220 volt installation.
BendPak HD-9XW Car Lift: bigboysgaragetoys.com
FREE SHIPPING

 

bendpak needs a separate air compressor to release the locks. the compressor air hose has a quick disconnect to the lift, so disconnecting that hose prevents the lifts lowering.

 

Han, not all there products are certified, again looking at ALI list will tell you which one is. I thought BendPak is American made and there are in Pasa Robles, ca.

 

for these lifts? Much thanks.

 

That was my question. How high ceilings must you have for a Bend-Pak? mine are 10'6".

 

I'm sure the Bend-Paks are excellent choices but just for the discussion, I've been using Backyard Buddy lifts for over 10 years with no issues.

Compare American Made Backyard Buddy Auto Lifts to cheaper lifts

 

I am aware of that. Sorry if I didn't word that correctly.

The BendPak HD-9XW that I am looking at is on the list .

Certified Lift Specifications
Participant:
BendPak, Inc.
1645 Lemonwood Drive,
Santa Paula, CA 93060
805-529-3675
Internet/URL:
http://www.bendpak.com/
Section:
Multi-Post Runway Lifts
Brand Name:
BENDPAK/RANGER
Lift Model #:
HD-9XW
Rated Load Capacity:
9000 lbs
Certification Date:
06/18/2013
******************************
As with all manufacturers, there is a high end product and a low end product.
I haven't checked but this may be the difference between the BendPak and Danmar (also under the BendPak umbrella)

I have seen some budget lifts from places like Costco that were pretty scary in comparison.

 

It depends on the range of the lift that you have and the size of the vehicle you put on it.

1) Measure the height of the tallest vehicle you plan on parking on the lift.

2) Pull up the diagram of the lift you want to purchase and look for the "deck height" in the full up position. ( It should be available on most websites in .pdf).

* Add vehicle height and deck height plus 12 inches. You can get by with less clearance but remember that the lift travels above the final lock points a few inches so the locks can engage.

I have an Autolifters storage lift that only goes up high enough to park a car under.
The BendPak I am looking at raises up high enough to park an SUV under. A BIG difference.

If I place an SUV on top instead of the Testarossa (which is only 44 inches high) and raise all the way up I will use up another foot or two (or three) of head room. Fortunately I have scissor-trusses in the shop so there will be just enough room.

It's all in the math.

 

2 Backyard Buddies precisely for the safety and quality issues. 8 years of without a hiccough or worry.

 

Bend Pak is based in CA but now mfg. in China. I have two of the HD-9s that were made before the shift to China and they are well made. A friend of mine has one of the off shore units and it does appear to be made with similar quality. I have looked closely at a number of the other low coat China made units and they couldn't give them to me.

 

FWIW, the rule of thumb with BYB is something like 10'3" is the minimum you can get away with for ceiling height.

 

Thank you.

 

I love Bendpak. I specified to have 110 instead of 220 electric. It goes up a little slower, but I can just plug it into the wall. I believe if you don't specify, you get 220.
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Wow thats a lot of cars! Well done!

 

How high are your ceilings? ^^^^^