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i know its not the right place to place this thread but i'm upgrading my garage and wanted to ask who ever is using car lifts at thier garages, what are the best outside there? any issues to be aware of?
I use a Bendpak HD9. Love it but considering how much I wrench, a 2 post might have been a better option. They are perfect for stacking cars and minor work. I also ordered the hydraulic lift which allows me to work on brakes and suspension. The lift sits between the 2 ramps.
My 997 didn't have front end lift and was not able to go up the stock ramps. The RS has no problem at all.
Additionally, when the lift is in the up position, the ramps hang down in the front pretty far. My 997 barely cleared underneath them. Haven't measured for the RS yet as this is my first week with it.
This said, I think I am going to get the detachable ramps:
I have two champion single post lifts. Good for storage as they don't take up a lot of space, but not ideal for heavy work. Two post would be better for that.
My 997 didn't have front end lift and was not able to go up the stock ramps. The RS has no problem at all.
Additionally, when the lift is in the up position, the ramps hang down in the front pretty far. My 997 barely cleared underneath them. Haven't measured for the RS yet as this is my first week with it.
This said, I think I am going to get the detachable ramps:
I also have the Bendpak HD9. The aluminum approach ramps will help. I can get my 997 RS (no lift) up there not problem, as well as the 991 GT3/RS.
My hydraulic cylinder was leaking after 4 months of ownership. Bendpak OVERNIGHTED a new cylinder from California to Florida. So I'm happy with their customer service.
With the Bendpak, I also have one rolling jack so I can work on the brakes / change wheels / etc. on the lift. One day I'll get another one (they aren't cheap).
Don't get the pneumatic air reservoir.
I got a 110V unit due to power availability close to the lift. It just slows down the rate of lift (which isn't a bad thing).
In order to accommodate my lift and cars, I had to raise my ceiling in the garage by 16".
ceiling clearance is a key consideration. I have a bendpak xpr10a and happy with it. It's a 2 post asymmetric. I had to build the ceiling at about 13 1/2 ft. They also now have a low clearance version with lower arms. With mine the clearance between the arms and the bottom of the rockers is ok but very tight.
I have a BendPak HD9 also. I use it for storage only. All I use is 110V, a little slower but it only goes up or down once a week. I do have the pneumatic bottle. It works quite well, and holds enough pressure to open the locks even after two weeks. Bendpak's service has been excellent. One of the hoses leaked upon installation and they overnighted a new hose. You will need at least 10 Ft or so of ceiling space and that is for a low roofed sports car. If you intend to park a taller car you will need even more headroom. My 997.1S has the factory aero package and it is a good thing I ordered the 3FT aluminum ramps. Even so the front lip BARELY clears. I think it is a good deal for the price. I bought it through Workshop Depot. I got excellent service from Dave Shedlock. Highly recommended.
I have an HD-9 as well, and my experience echoes the others...problems with the air lock system requiring replacement of bottles and air lines, extending the eventual drain from the non-airtight system from hours to days to weeks. Unlike the others, I would go with another brand to avoid the hassles.
I have the HD9 as well, aluminum ramps, I have the bridge jack for raising wheels off runways, i hook air hose directly to unit for airlocks, 110v as well, slow but good enough....not bolted to ground, no issuies (so far) ....manufacturer sells caster kits and claims bolting is not needed. I only lift as high as needed to park another car under, will easily go the full reach with a couple feet to spare from my 13' celings....i have drum garage doors, no track's !
works great. no complaints. 10k lift capacity, two post, clear floor, and asymmetrical, which makes it easier to get in and out of car. I use it to work on my RS and my F150 quad cab. Lifts both with ease.
I am in the process of building a new home right now. 3 car garage and one bay has 15 foot ceiling. After a lot of research, I have been advised to get a "quality" brand lift. I am going with the extended height model, 9000lb. 4 post lift. No issues with loading the car improperly and balance. I will not need to bolt it to the floor but I a getting their casters and sliding jack to work on car with wheels off, etc. quite a decent price point, too!
08-02-2016, 05:09 AM
garage car lifts
