Allright, I'm ready to pull the trigger on a lift. I'm down to the following:

The bendpak LR-60P
$1300 shipped and it's the portable model
6000 lbs 110 v 29" lift

or

The harborfreight 6000 lb scissor lift
$940 shipped
6000 lbs 110v 39" lift

I have received great feedback from jsergio and Mark who own one of them, respectively. 2 and 4 posts lifts are OUT. I don't have the space or height.

Any last minute thoughts before I drop the cash???? thanks for any and all help!

 

Brad -

Just looked at the BendPak again....a couple more comparisons.
The Harbor model has TWIN hydraulic rams...the BP only one.
Not sure I like how the BP contacts the car - unless you opt for their optional arm kit and lift blocks. The HF model has adjustable arms and comes with the rubber lifting blocks. Makes it easier to adjust to different vehicles, and where on the lift a particular vehicle would sit.

Now...as to "Portable"...the HF is "Portable"...if you can call something that weighs 800+lbs "portable". They both have similar weights and methods of being moved about - but it ain't something you're gonna throw in the back of the truck to take to a friends house!!

Lastly - if the 2 lifts are, in your mind, a 'tie' in your decision making, the additional 10" of lift on the HF would give it the edge.

 

Thanks Mark. Based on the data I've gathered, it looks like the HF freight offers the best bang for your buck.

 

Brad -

One more thing you'll need to buy with EITHER of the lifts...

Some 2x10's to place on either side of the lift. There are clearance issues in driving over the lift!

I've done this - I just leave the boards in place and 'Baby' just parks over the lift in the garage every night!

 

You may want to consider http://www.kwiklift.com/
Comparable lift height and completely open access to the underside.

Angel
89GT

 

Angel - I considered the kwiklift. Tho it DOES have much better under car access in the middle of the car (not much to do there, tho!), it cannot be used for tires/brakes/suspension work. The HF scissor is actually LESS $ then the quiklift.
As I told Brad in a PM when he was asking earlier: Main reason I got the lift - I do a lot of AX & DE and change tires/brake pads/adj suspension/etc like most folks change their undies! It really is perfect for this kind of stuff.

 

As much as I like my lift I would have gotten the HB lift if it was available at the time I was looking. The one main reason I like the drive over that I have is that I never have to worry about hitting anything underside (I.E. if I have a flat and the car is low.). I guess they all have good points. And if I need to work in the middle of the car I have options.