Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

Does anybody (or has anybody) own a off brand 2 post or 4 post lift? I am moving into a shop (finally) and am looking into getting a 9,000lbs 2 post and 9000lbs 4 post. This garage is a 3 bay, and generally most the cars I work on are under these weight limits.

 

With that being said, I am on a budget.

 

The two lifts I am considering are here:

 

Two Post

 

Four Post

 

From what I was told these are the same lifts that the smaller named companies slap their stickers on and sell. I will be ordering them with upgraded power units.

Edited by Mario


Posted

When I went to purchase a lift for my new shop about 4 yrs ago, I decided I was not interested in going cheap on my lifts. I and my help was going to have to hang out under these vehicles and it was not worth the savings of a few bucks to get a cheap lift. I went with Rotary brand for several reasons. The biggest is the install and sales shop is less than 15 miles from me and since Rotary has been around for a long time I know that if I ever need parts I will still be able to get them. Rotary had a recall and sent me the replacements parts in the mail with no hesitation. I also didn't want to have to purchase a "cheap" lift and then in a few years replace it because it had worn out and I couldn't get parts anymore because that company went out of business. I would STRONGLY recommend looking at brands like Rotary, Challenger or Mohawk to name a few. Don't go cheap on one of your biggest investments.

  • 4 months later...
Posted

I can see CARMandP's point, but at the same time a lift isn't that complicated. If the materials are good, the design is sound, and the construction is quality then I don't see it being a safety risk to employees. I'd also be interested to know which, if any, lesser known brands people have had good luck with.

Posted

Read this article I wrote about this topic for Shop Owner Magazine. You can't save enough money on cheap equipment to justify down time for repairs, or worse injury of staff.

 

 

 

http://www.shopownermag.com/Item/92737/is_your_used_equipment_safe_does_it_comply_to_sae_ul_ali_standards.aspx

 

 

 

 

Does anybody (or has anybody) own a off brand 2 post or 4 post lift? I am moving into a shop (finally) and am looking into getting a 9,000lbs 2 post and 9000lbs 4 post. This garage is a 3 bay, and generally most the cars I work on are under these weight limits.

 

With that being said, I am on a budget.

 

The two lifts I am considering are here:

 

Two Post

 

Four Post

 

From what I was told these are the same lifts that the smaller named companies slap their stickers on and sell. I will be ordering them with upgraded power units.

Posted

I've used Rotary Lifts for 20+ years and had great luck with them. Last year we were looking to add 4 lifts and replace 3 of our oldest Rotary Lifts. Lift company I was dealing with suggested Forward Lifts (company owned by Rotary). We have had a number of minor problems with them from the start, leaking hoses, broken lock release cables. I should have stayed with Rotary Lifts.

Posted

Well a little update... I actually went with both of those lifts posted and have been using them everyday.

 

I have had no problems with the two post lift to date. The 4 post had issues catching the lock on one of the rear post due to a mistake in installation (the installer did not drill the concrete square). They came out and shimmed the lock so it catches now. Other than that we have had no issues. The 4 post is more of a parking/light service lift vs the heavier duty lifts that most shops have. Once the volume picks up in the shop, I'd like to sell it and upgrade to a beefier lift.

 

We are looking to add a third lift this year, a 11,000+ swing arm, but still weighing the options.

Posted

Well a little update... I actually went with both of those lifts posted and have been using them everyday.

 

I have had no problems with the two post lift to date. The 4 post had issues catching the lock on one of the rear post due to a mistake in installation (the installer did not drill the concrete square). They came out and shimmed the lock so it catches now. Other than that we have had no issues. The 4 post is more of a parking/light service lift vs the heavier duty lifts that most shops have. Once the volume picks up in the shop, I'd like to sell it and upgrade to a beefier lift.

 

We are looking to add a third lift this year, a 11,000+ swing arm, but still weighing the options.

 

Thanks for the update. Those look like quality lifts. I'm curious, do they have badges that show they've been approved by any third party organization?

 

I completely understand that concern of other posters about safety, but it's ludicrous to think that you have to buy a rotary or bendpak to get a quality piece of equipment that's been built to proper safety standards. That's like saying you have to buy snap-on to get a quality tool. Sure, they make great tools, but they're not the only ones doing it, and you can often get more bang for your buck going with one of their competitors that isn't as widely known. I'd like to hear from more guys that have tried lifts from the lesser-known brands.

  • 2 months later...
Posted

When i was at Acura, most lifts we had were Rotary, but mine was a Ford Smith...

 

The BMW i worked at (largest in north america) have Technolifts... more basic than Rotary, but did the job.

 

anyway, i'm looking to start my shop and i'm currently looking at Atlas (i'm actually looking to buy a few equipment at Greg Smith Equipment....i'd drive from Canada to pick them up)

 

any of you had experience with Atlas equipment (any, not just lifts) ?

 

any of you have dealt in the past with Greg Smith Equip. ?

 

 

Their equipment is cheaper than most big brand names, but it seems to not fall close to those china stuff quality (they show all the details how they are built better than the cheap stuff).

 

i'd like inputs from people who used Atlas please.

 

Thanks !

Posted

When i was at Acura, most lifts we had were Rotary, but mine was a Ford Smith...

 

The BMW i worked at (largest in north america) have Technolifts... more basic than Rotary, but did the job.

 

anyway, i'm looking to start my shop and i'm currently looking at Atlas (i'm actually looking to buy a few equipment at Greg Smith Equipment....i'd drive from Canada to pick them up)

 

any of you had experience with Atlas equipment (any, not just lifts) ?

 

any of you have dealt in the past with Greg Smith Equip. ?

 

 

Their equipment is cheaper than most big brand names, but it seems to not fall close to those china stuff quality (they show all the details how they are built better than the cheap stuff).

 

i'd like inputs from people who used Atlas please.

 

Thanks !

 

 

Just about all the lifts are made in China anymore, very few USA manufactured lifts.

 

I have not used the Atlas brand lifts, but I do know Gregg Smith Equip. does have a solid reputation with those who have used the lifts. The company that sold me my lifts sells off brand, BendPak, Danamar, Quality, Challenger etc... The installer told me EVERY shop (including dealerships) are going to the off brand lifts because there is not a big drop off in quality and they simply are a much better price.

 

I have a China built drive on and 2 post with no problems. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. My biggest concern at the moment is the concrete under the 2 post lift, but nothing to do with the lift itself.

Posted

Watch your specs! we have (2) 9000 lb. 2post lifts. The newest one we purchased thru NAPA. Not a NAPA offering.The arms are too short and it doesn't go high enough for anyone 6' or more.And the arms flex a bit with a 7000 lb. truck. But it was sold as comparable to our old Benwil. Wish I had never bought it! If Superliifts is still in business they had USA made stuff and it was still reasonably priced- very close to the cheap stuff. Born american, raised american, will die american...... can't bring myself to buy imported unless there is not alternative. I may pay a little more but it helps keep my neighbor from the unemployment or welfare line.

  • 7 months later...
Posted

Does anybody (or has anybody) own a off brand 2 post or 4 post lift? I am moving into a shop (finally) and am looking into getting a 9,000lbs 2 post and 9000lbs 4 post. This garage is a 3 bay, and generally most the cars I work on are under these weight limits.

 

With that being said, I am on a budget.

 

The two lifts I am considering are here:

 

Two Post

 

Four Post

 

From what I was told these are the same lifts that the smaller named companies slap their stickers on and sell. I will be ordering them with upgraded power units.

I dont think these lifts above are ALI certified.

 

CC

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Changing The Industry
      Achieve Your Shop Goals With The Power of Intentional Planning #podcast #autorepairbusiness
    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments Rena Rennebohm from Empowered Advisor introduces the "Five C's of a Phone Call"—Comfort, Customer, Car, Conclusion, and Close—designed to help service advisors optimize phone interactions and increase conversion rates in the automotive service industry. She emphasizes the financial value of effective phone communication, noting that well-handled calls can greatly improve customer engagement and boost shop profitability. Rena Rennebohm, CEO and Creator of Empowered Advisor. Rena’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes: Watch Full Video Episode Comfort (00:00:26) Customer (00:01:09) Car (00:01:39) Conclusion (00:02:17) Close (00:03:53) Value of a Phone Call (00:04:36) Customer Experience Insights (00:05:50)
      Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/             Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Coping with Business Stress After Opening a Shop
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Part 2 of the "Unstoppable" series, the episode focuses on "Mastering Your Finances." Maryann Croce emphasizes the importance of understanding financial statements, calculating profit margins, and managing cash flow. She shares practical advice on building financial reserves and separating personal and business finances. The conversation aims to empower shop owners with financial literacy, enabling them to make informed decisions and ensure business sustainability. Maryann, Small Biz Vantage. Maryann’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 1: Core Values and Vision [RR 997]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e997/ Here is the link to the worksheet for Episode 2: Mastering Your Finances https://bit.ly/3BBCOnb Mastering Your Finances (00:01:19) Understanding Financials (00:02:10) Importance of Healthy Profits (00:03:24) Mastering Financial Dashboard (00:05:04) Calculating Profit Margins (00:07:02) Industry Benchmarking (00:09:11) Understanding True Profit (00:10:08) Cash Flow Management (00:12:42) Personal Story on Cash Flow (00:13:49) Invoicing Best Practices (00:17:51) Emotional Aspects of Money (00:19:45) Cash Flow Management (00:20:02) Expense Control Strategies (00:21:06) Personal vs. Business Accounts (00:22:16) Normalizing Profit and Loss Statements (00:22:18) Building Financial Reserves (00:24:21) Cash Reserve Calculation (00:25:36) Strategic Decision-Making (00:26:28) Financial Literacy Development (00:28:45) Learning Financial Concepts (00:30:09) Building Cash Flow Confidence (00:31:20) Encouragement to Seek Help (00:32:21)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/         Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...