General information on Car lifts?

[SanMark13]

I know it's been a while, but I’ve been diving into car lifts recently, and I have to say, they’re a game-changer if you love working on your car or just want an easier way to get under it.

A scissor lift is one of the best options out there. They save space and give you a stable platform to work on. You can raise your vehicle high enough to get a good look underneath without breaking your back. Plus, they usually have safety features to keep everything secure while you work.I’ve read that these lifts can handle a good amount of weight, so they are great for most cars and light trucks. Just make sure to check the weight capacity before you buy. If you’re considering getting one, look for one with good reviews. They can be a bit pricey, but investing in a quality lift pays off in the long run.

 

[mjlan]

My $0.02 on the lift question is to be honest about how you will use it. If you use it to work on stuff then get a two-post. If you don't get into a lot of stuff then the drive-on provides an extra parking spot (although I have parked my 71 on the lift, raised, over the winter).

I have a Rotary two-post that I was lucky enough to get from a high school auction, so the price was very reasonable. I have used it to pull cabs off of trucks, pull engines, support fronts or rears of cars/ trucks- they are just far more versatile and useful (for me) than a drive-on lift.

An example- this job (injector replacement, turbo drain line replacement, exhaust leak repair) is virtually impossible without lifting the cab. Raise the lift as high as it goes and now you have access to everything:

 

[Keith Williams]

Getting ready to install a 2-post lift in my barn. All the cheaper ones are made in China. I'm planning to get the Mohawk- Made in the U.S.. If you look at how it's built, it's like the difference between a 1989 Ford Ranger, and my 2003 F250 Super Duty Diesel 4x4. Yes it costs more, but what is your life worth? You're going to spend hours working under a suspended vehicle that could be 3-6,000 lbs.
https://mohawklifts.com/

hello, i own a atlas 4 post i bought for 2800 i love it i prefe a 4 vs 2 for saftey reasons do your home work first mine is a 8000 lb capisty good luck

 

[turtle5353]

I have a 12,000 Two post lift made by Forward, which is made by Rotary. I love my lift and especially since it’s the extended height model. 14’ tall.

 

[71coop]

My $0.02 on the lift question is to be honest about how you will use it. If you use it to work on stuff then get a two-post. If you don't get into a lot of stuff then the drive-on provides an extra parking spot (although I have parked my 71 on the lift, raised, over the winter).

I have a Rotary two-post that I was lucky enough to get from a high school auction, so the price was very reasonable. I have used it to pull cabs off of trucks, pull engines, support fronts or rears of cars/ trucks- they are just far more versatile and useful (for me) than a drive-on lift.

An example- this job (injector replacement, turbo drain line replacement, exhaust leak repair) is virtually impossible without lifting the cab. Raise the lift as high as it goes and now you have access to everything:

For jobs like the one pictured, I would agree, the 2 post lift is better. However, 4 post lifts are extremely useful, more than often perceived. I've used my 4-post lift for routine maintenance, engine & transmission swaps, rear end replacement, exhaust and brake work on multiple vehicles, and full-blown suspension replacements on the mustang and a C3 corvette. It may take the use of a jack tray, but the utility of a 4 post lift is nearly as comprehensive as a 2 post.

 

[giantpune]

I have a 12,000 Two post lift made by Forward, which is made by Rotary. I love my lift and especially since it’s the extended height model. 14’ tall.

View attachment 94880

Forward is not made by rotary. They have the same parent company. Forward are imported from china, though.

 

[turtle5353]

Forward is not made by rotary. They have the same parent company. Forward are imported from china, though.

All my bags of hardware and parts that came with the lift said Rotary right on them. I don’t know. ??

 

[giantpune]

All my bags of hardware and parts that came with the lift said Rotary right on them. I don’t know. ??

They have the same parent company. They are not made in the same factory, or even the same continent. Forward is one of the more budget friendly lift brands in their portfolio. That doesn't mean that they're bad. They're one of the better brands of chinese lifts. But that's their affiliation. They have the same owner, and maybe use some of the same bolts.
https://www.derekweaver.com/faq-car-lifts/

 

[turtle5353]

Ok. I got ya. Yeah all my bags had Rotary on them. All the lines and cables had Rotary. So I assumed it was just Rotary budget brand. Which I’m fine with, it’s not an everyday use lift. It works great for what I am doing and it sure beats laying on the ground!