Please recommend the best lift

[Bryan302]

I'm looking to buy a new 9,000 to 12,000 lb. two post lift. I have looked at Mohawk, Rotary, and Challenger so far. I would like to hear from some fellow collectors and restorer's to share their experience with their favorite lift. Please also touch on symmetric VS. asymmetric type, which is the most practical?

Thanks,
Bryan

[CamarosRus]

I have a used ROTARY because I met a dealer and got a good buy on a used 9000# Asymetric.

If I was shopping for new BENDPAK would be at top of my list !!!

ROTARY (made in America) owns/designs DIRECT Lifts (Made in China)

I have two DIRECT Four Post lifts, as well as the ROTARY two post

[PxTx]

Often I say your lift choice is about service- especially if you plan on having it installed by the person you are purchasing it from.

Rotary is probably the benchmark. They make good lifts. Mohawk lifts- are oversized and over engineered. If you'be got the space and the price is fair- they are an easy lift to stand under.

Challenger is more value oriented- maybe one level above bendpack. Any of the ones mentioned could be a fine choice- depending on needs and how they are configured.

Asymmetric just refers to the way the car is loaded. If the front arm can be collapse enough to be shot (some times 3 sections) and the rear arm is long enough to reach so you have 30% loaded past the column and 70% before- you have an asymmetric load. Car door opens easily- without hitting post. If you want to lift a heavy truck- I prefer a symmetric load. Some lifts can do both.

The canted column may offer a bit of extra door clearance- but not much of difference to eliminatell traditional posts.

When looking for a graphic- I found this link.

https://www.motor.com/newsletters/20...ID1_Lifts.html

I would not make a choice on weight rating as much as physically looking at them. Mohawk is my 1st choice.

[Bryan302]

Wow, thanks Chuck and Paul. I'll have to say that quality was a major concern and USA was a must. I appreciate your input, and makes my tough decision a little easier. I found another one searching last night, it was a Gemini, which looked good also. Mohawk and Rotary are at the top to choose from, from what I have seen. Any more good brands recommended would surely be welcomed.

Thanks a lot,
Bryan

[CamarosRus]

TON of info at www.garagejournal.com More than you will want to read

BENDPAK far and away most popular Chinese lift.

ROTARY American made you will pay $$$$

If you look at the SuperCar Workshop facebook page you
will SEE the BENDPAK lift that Brian has !!!!!

[PxTx]

I just looked at Gemini via a search. Decent thread on GJ with a follow-follow-up at end worth reading.

The Gemini FB page shows a lot of what appears to be import type lifts. The other pics show warehouse atuff, but zero manufacturing- other than a pic of a guy and a lathe - possibly working on some typeof custom fix for something.

They may offer an acceptable lift, but seems far and away from your criteria.

[Bryan302]

Thank you again Chuck and Paul. Those articles and sites are some very good eye opening reads. The symmetric / asymmetric selection could be and is very important. The asymmetric means much more than being able to open a door, as I had previously been told. This alone could make someone sick upon making the wrong choice. I didn't have any idea that so many of these lifts were actually made "across the pond". The companies are doing a nice job of hiding this fact! Also, I have seen a big difference in quality and material thickness. Now for the rude awakening, the prices. I'm a big fan of "you get what you pay for", I just hope I don't have to back down from my choices.

Thanks,
Bryan

[flyingn]

I had a Bendpack HD9ST installed in my garage and its an amazing lift. Love it. Highly recommended

[black69]

I have 2 backyard buddy lifts, red white and blue, made in america. have a friend that had a reputable lift fail due to frayed cables. Looked at mine and the cables are perfect still, not one fray.
they are not cheap.
the folks they sent out to set up did a great job.
I just checked and they have a 9000 lb offering.

[1969l78]

Second Backyard Buddy!