Above Ground car lift "Edited"

[Tx Bohemian]

I'm looking for info on "Above ground car lifts".

If anyone has one, or knows someone who has one.
What are some good brands, ones to stay away from, etc...

Or a good place to go to do research on them.

It'll be for my personal use mainly and friends.

As an old mechanic I've used the one and two post hydraulic ones that were underground.

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Edited:
Thanks for all the comments, suggestions, and websites guys!

Although I had a fairly good idea what I wanted y'all brought up some very good ideas and comments.

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Now if I could get y'all to donate, like a "go fund me" page, I'd be all set...

Probably not though, huh?

[Valker]

No personal experience with their car lifts, but I've been researching them and will purchase a lift table and tire maching from them soon.
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/

[Rams]

I have a two post lift, Bendpak is a quality brand.   There are others out there though.   Just my opinion.

You don't say whether you are considering a two post or four post lift.   Each has it's own capability and draw backs.   What I will say is, do not get a version where you have anything (cables, wires or hydraulic lines) on the floor, over head is much more user friendly.    You also need a 12 foot ceiling height to use one most effectively.

Edited:
I did my own installation, had an electrician wire it up.   Wasn't that hard to do.
But, in preparation, I was installing it into a brand new building, had the contractor pour the concrete 6 inches thick and use 4K psi mix.   That's thicker and stronger concrete than required.

Rams

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

In the last 25 years or so of being a professional auto tech, I've been at 2 places. I used a Mohawk 10K lift for 14 years at the first, and a Nussbaum 10K lift at the next. Both were asymmetrical, with all lines/cables overhead (clear floor). I'd recommend either one, but I'd recommend something else first. What I'd do is find a reputable garage equipment dealer in your area and consider buying from them rather than a mail order company. Most have a network of installers that can determine if your concrete is up to spec and install it and set it up correctly. Most importantly, they will service it if something goes wrong. If they aren't familiar with a lift you buy, they may come look at it, but they might say no thanks, too.

I know that most of us here are pretty capable, but a lift is a pretty big investment. While I have to depend on mine all day every day, I still wouldn't want a pile of crap in my home shop that nobody wants to fix or get me parts for.

[ptgb]

Go to https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/ message board. Join up and then search for "two post lift" and be prepared to spend about 14 days reading thread after thread after thread after thread.

Most of these guys know their stuff

[Robert]

Bendpak lifts are the most popular and they come in different configurations cost about 300.00 to install and the lift will be about 2500.00. You can get a deal for cheaper and sometimes more expensive that is a fairly good and common price. Many auto parts stores will sell them so look around. Occasionally you can find decent lifts used also.


http://www.bendpak.com/

[mark81]

bend pac, rotary, forward, john bean.  I have used many brands they all have drawbacks and advantages.   What I prefer on a lift are overhead cables and hydraulic lines, asymmetrical arms, single side lock release, spacer blocks for the lift pads instead of flip up style(Rotary lift).  If you are thinking about a 4 post lift don't.  completely non functional for doing any kind of real work other than alignments and oil changes.

[MarkT]

Maybe not germaine to your needs but works for me.  Misfit found a Snap-On 6,000 lb car lift.  Scissors-type, electro-hydraulic, lifts about 3 ft.  I put a steel deck, front wheel clamp and removable rear ramp on it and use it for bikes. I added two more stop points on the safety catch. Doesn't require installation.  Has swing-out arms for positioning under car frames/lift points.  We park a car over it when we need to get it out of the weather. Could be used to lift cars as originally designed but I'd have to remove the deck and I'd be sitting on a stool under it.  Snap-On lists it on their web site. I paid $1100 used.  Extremely solid, and much more useful than other bike table lifts with it's wide deck. It's the best tool in my shop, IMO.

[Jess from VA]

It looks like it would take a queen/double mattress for an in-law suite too Mark.   

[Tx Bohemian]

You don't say whether you are considering a two post or four post lift.   Each has it's own capability and draw backs.   What I will say is, do not get a version where you have anything (cables, wires or hydraulic lines) on the floor, over head is much more user friendly.    You also need a 12 foot ceiling height to use one most effectively.

I'm leaning towards the two post (probably 90% sure that's what it'll be). What I'll be using it for I think this will work better.
I can see where both have pros and cons. What I've read the 4 posts are movable (some with casters) and the two posts are permanent, don't see where either of that can't be worked around.
But with the 4 posts and the "runways" I'd need to throw jacks on it to remove wheels, seems like a PITA.

Edited:
... I was installing it into a brand new building, had the contractor pour the concrete 6 inches thick and use 4K psi mix.   That's thicker and stronger concrete than required.

Rams

This is where I'm at now, looking at different buildings to put up at the house, including pouring the slab.
Good information.

[Tx Bohemian]

In the last 25 years or so of being a professional auto tech, I've been at 2 places. I used a Mohawk 10K lift for 14 years at the first, and a Nussbaum 10K lift at the next. Both were asymmetrical, with all lines/cables overhead (clear floor). I'd recommend either one, but I'd recommend something else first. What I'd do is find a reputable garage equipment dealer in your area and consider buying from them rather than a mail order company. Most have a network of installers that can determine if your concrete is up to spec and install it and set it up correctly. Most importantly, they will service it if something goes wrong. If they aren't familiar with a lift you buy, they may come look at it, but they might say no thanks, too.

I know that most of us here are pretty capable, but a lift is a pretty big investment. While I have to depend on mine all day every day, I still wouldn't want a pile of crap in my home shop that nobody wants to fix or get me parts for.

Had to look up what "asymmetrical" meant!
That is a very good point, thanks.

I agree with the "pile of crap" comment or getting it fixed...

[Robert]

Doing some quick repairs and didn't want to put it fully on the lift. Really dont need the jack since I can get the whole bike on the lift by positioning the arms correctly.

[Rams]

You don't say whether you are considering a two post or four post lift.   Each has it's own capability and draw backs.   What I will say is, do not get a version where you have anything (cables, wires or hydraulic lines) on the floor, over head is much more user friendly.    You also need a 12 foot ceiling height to use one most effectively.

I'm leaning towards the two post (probably 90% sure that's what it'll be). What I'll be using it for I think this will work better.
I can see where both have pros and cons. What I've read the 4 posts are movable (some with casters) and the two posts are permanent, don't see where either of that can't be worked around.
But with the 4 posts and the "runways" I'd need to throw jacks on it to remove wheels, seems like a PITA.

Edited:
... I was installing it into a brand new building, had the contractor pour the concrete 6 inches thick and use 4K psi mix.   That's thicker and stronger concrete than required.

Rams

This is where I'm at now, looking at different buildings to put up at the house, including pouring the slab.
Good information.

Since you're starting with a blank sheet, be sure to inform your concrete contractor of the position of your lift.   You will not want any seams (cut or scribed) with in 3 feet of the base of your two post lift bases.   
Rams