4 post lifts

[Bill Rose]

Been starting to research lifts for the storage garage I will be putting up out back. This will be pretty much just a storage lift. I will have a 12' high ceiling/I'm limited to 15' total roof height for the local zoning/engineering Nazis...

I want to be able to put my Dually under the lift, which needs 76" height, and 96" between the posts.

There's a bunch of choices out there. Money really isn't an issue, when it comes to safety. Anyone have a favorite, or one they'd stay away from?

[PxTx]

Back Yard Buddy has a great design and is safe. They are made in the USA and should be able to build one to meet your requirements. I would be comfortable with most wives operating one. They typically cost 3x what the economy guys offer.

Greg Smith has a place in Deleware. He sells economy lifts. I've installed both BYB and GS. I would own either. It is just a bit more critical that the GS lift is kept in adjustment. If the posts were out of adjustment AND you were lowering the lift AND you started to relax on the lock release handle AND you were not paying attention for a bit you could experience an operator induced problem.

[92646]

Bill,
I installed a Bendpak in a garage that I was restricted with space. It has worked out well. I have seen these for sale with free shipping and by the time you factor in the shipping on the cheap lifts it is not much more money. These things come in a whole bunch of different sizes and they have the 4-post adjustable ladder locks. If I had to do it over again I would get the extra wide lift that you raise and lower 2 cars side by side at the same time so you do not have to mess with the posts in the middle of the garage. I had to go with a lift that was not as wide as I would have liked to give room for my wife to pull her Toyota Sequia into the garage around the posts in the middle of garage. If I remember right the Bendpaks are built in the US but with imported parts.

[Mr. Chevy]

Bill, Back Yard Buddy is the way to go. My friend has one and I helped him pick it up right here in Youngstown, Ohio where they are made and assemble it. Very well made and very safe..

Rich

[Bill Rose]

Thank you gentleman. I just read all about the ones you guys suggested. It seems like the back yard buddy is the best built, but the others aren't far behind. The Bendpak needs compressed air to lock them, or am I reading it wrong? I wasn't planning to run the air to this building. Sounds like the Back Yard Buddy would be best for my needs. It has the height and width for my truck. I have time to make this decision. Thanks again!!

[92646]

Bill,
You are right you need compressed air to set the locks when lowering the Bendpak lift. You do not need much pressure so I bought a $150.00 compressor that I plug into a 110 outlet just for the lift. Also I had to wire the garage for 220 for the lift and I had to upgrade my electrical panel. The one thing about the Bendpak lifts is that many dealerships have other styles of lifts in their shops at least from what I have seen out here in southern California.

[tabooo]

How about a Stinger, Made in USA.

[Bill Rose]

No problem with the power supply Mark. I'm running juice to a sub panel to the new building, for heat/air cond, so a 220 line to a lift is easy. We have Bendpak dealers around here too. The Bendpak would save me a couple thousand bucks, and they do have one that is high and wide enough to drive my dually under it. Running a small air comp is a simple solution too. I would think they would offer an optional air comp built into the lift. My understanding is, it only needs 30 lbs............none of this is a an issue really. I have to dig a ditch out to the building from the house garage/shop for power, gas, cable/net. etc.

[TimG]

Does anyone know if a 10 foot ceiling a problem if I'm storing a Corvette on the top with a Corvette on the bottom?

[92646]

Tim,
It all depends on the height of the 2 cars plus the thickness of the ramps. I would guess 12" should cover the thickness and I have heard 10' is doable. The only other issues would be the height of the posts around the garage door opener and how close you are to the garage door. If you decide to get a lift please watch your head while getting into the lower car and make sure the antenna is down before pulling in. Another thing I have done is install large convex mirrors on the back walls so I can see the entire car as I am raising it and as I am driving it up the ramp.