Auto Lifts for Garage

[budnate]

I am going for it and buying a direct as well...been told my stuff is junk anyways, and Tamara has it insured...I would prefer a Buddy, but am really stretching for the direct as it is, will follow Kens words and be very carefull when getting close to the floor for cable tension and hope I get a decent batch of steel.

Dave did you get yours from Tim M. the lift pimp???

[Ngtflyr]

The Rotary Sam has is solid, easy to use and virtually impossible to get yourself in an unsafe condition. I have used it a number of times and that is what I am putting in my shop when I build it. I don't think it is the cheapest but it is safe. Look around at what the shops are using, talk to the mechanics, that's what Sam did and it's the smart way to go.

[hubleyman]

Here's my 2 cents worth....
I've had both two post and four post style lifts for many years and it really depends on what they will be used for "most' of the time and the amount of workspace you have .
At home I currently have three CYTECH (from Wichita, KS) Model DP-7 7000 pound 4 post lifts, a 7000lb Benwill (from Carson, Ca) 2 post lift, a Bishamon 7000lb 2 post lift and a 10,000lb Bishamon 2 post lift (for heavy duty chores). All are top quality USA made products. I've never actually seen a Backyard Buddy in person, but the CYTECH lifts are well constructed with full length welds on all the support stops (unlike some other brands that I hae seen).
If your main purpose is to stack/store vehicles than the 4 post version is excellent. You can work on them as well, but in a limited capacity. I purposely don't have mine anchored in place which allows me to move them around with or without a car on the lift (with the optional castors). This works great for squeezing things in tight places or for moving a non-running vehicle outside to perhaps pressure wash the underside.......
I find that the 2 post lifts are far most useful, for both storage and vehicle work. The pricing is about the same, but you definitely have to anchor them in place so choose your location well. If I store a car under another for any length in time, I strap the upper car to the supports just to be safe (see photo). I've gone through several strong earthquakes with these lifts and have never had a car shift on them.
I believe you can find info on the CYTECH models at http://www.doublepark.net if you interested in checking them out.

[hubleyman]

Well it seems I forgot to attach a photo in my last post.....
The Benwill model shown uses hydraulic rams and aircraft cable/pulley systems on both sides. Some older models use chains instead of cables which tend to collect dirt and not run as smooth.

Good luck!!! Charlie

[bigdave33]

Budnate,
Ya I purchased from Tim @ the corvette swapmeet , I purchased lift for storage purpose only just need more space for more toys. Tim's son came by and helped Me and a buddy assemble went real smooth . BigDave

[bbbenny]

guys, need help on this garage lift issue? what lift, if any is as good as a back yard buddy? there;s suppose to be a guy, in texas, building a lift the same as the back yard buddy? any input??????? thanks b bbenny

[TXZS]

When this thread started back in May, there was a post about lifts from Harding Steel. Based on that I contacted them and bought one. These lifts are made in the USA and are really well-engineered. They are purely for storage; the car sits on a solid platform, so you have no access to the underside. The amazing part is how adjustable they are. I have one first-gen Camaro on top of another one in a garage with a 9'4" ceiling.

[Ironworker]

Benny,
There is or was a guy from Texas building a 4 post lift very similar to the BYB. He was at Carlisle last year although I did not get his name. Sorry

[bbbenny]

thanks for the input on the lift issue. i contacted harding steel. waiting for a reply. if someone has the name or phone of the guy in texas. that would be great. carlisle is in another week. i don;t live far from carlisle. thanks bbbenny

[JRSully]

I bought a Rotary " Revolution" lift. Rotary makes most of the comemrcial lifts used by prfessionals, have been around for ever, made in US, built like a brick s-house, works great, independently tested ( a lot of them aren't)and a nice warranty, about $4250 installed 2 years ago. Suggestions, have a professional install it, these things are big, heavy and have a good amount parts and the pros know all the install quirks!! Godd luck Benny