696

I think I’m going to do an HD9. After going through all the specs, I realized that the outside edge of the runways for the HD9 is 75.5” while it’s only 72.5” on the GP9F. I just don’t see the GP9F working well for modern wide cars. The runway width is also a quarter inch wider on the HD9. On top of this, the HD9 also has a smaller footprint. I still don’t love messing with air, but it’s not a deal breaker.

Has anyone had a failure of the air locks?

GiuseppeM

It's annoying to have to turn on an air compressor to lower the lift, it's not like I do it that often but compressors are loud. I don't see why other people are saying it's a safety feature, you can't release the locks if the lift is sitting on them, that's why you have to raise, release and then lower it.

Casters are an option, you still need 2 people to move it around. Drip trays are soggy and not the right size, once you install them all you're left with openings. They just don't look right.

Also the 20amps version is not that much faster, unless you work in a public garage and parking cars constantly it doesn't make a difference. (AND as an advice you don't want the lift to go to fast neither up or down, you need to make sure none of the locks get stuck... Google it and you'll see what happens)

What's very important if to find a reputable installer.

bonehead

If you have the ceiling height, also look into the HD 7W. Exact same specs as the HD9 except for a lower load capacity (I mean, how many cars above 7000 lbs are you putting on that lift?) but a higher rise height. I'd like to be able to walk under the lift without ducking. I can't do that with the HD9.

696

Unfortunately I don’t have the extra height. My garage ceiling is only 126” high. I really wish I would have made the ceilings higher when we built our house.

Raven 666

standard two post hoist works best for me ...

bonehead

Question for those that connect to power in the ceiling.
How do you set up battery tenders? Where do you leave the units? Mount them to one of the posts? Trying to figure out the cleanest way to set this up without wires hanging all over the place.

Blrmkr

I got tired of hooking up an air compressor everytime so I ordered a air recovery unit from Benpak. Installed it and it didn’t have enough volume to lower the cars. I went ahead and bought a small tank for a portable air compressor and I improved upon the Bendpak design. I capture some air that is normally vented as the car is raised. Probably charge the small tank attached to the post every 10-15 cycles.

joejenie

Or you can just buy a Challenger Lift and don't have to deal with air. Similar price and works great.

wareaglescott

The shorter the car and the further it sits away from the corner posts the less the lift can safely lift. A 7000 lb lift cant really lift 7000 lbs. There is a chart in the instruction manual you should familiarize yourself with.
They also make a taller HD9. I have the larger version that I can easily walk under (I am 6'3") and I park my F150 4 door cab truck under it.

bonehead

Understood. I'm not putting anything more than 3500 lbs on it at the moment and likely nothing much more than 4000 in the future.
The taller HD 9 series lifts are also longer. Not that it wouldn't fit, but then it encroaches more on the distance behind it for cabinets and comfortable room for walking space.

696

I started checking out the challenger lifts out too, just to be sure that HD9 is the best lift for me. I’m waiting on local pricing still, but I did get pricing for the AC 4 post lift. My understanding is that challenger CL4P7, Quality Lifts Q4P07 and AC Lifts ACV7 are the same lift sold under different names. My biggest concern for the challenger is the width between posts which is 92.125 inches vs 100.25 for HD9. That’s kind of tight for a wide car. The Challenger 7000 pound lift is narrower overall (100.5 inch) which is nice, but probably not going to be worth it for me.

I talked to a local installer who seemed very knowledgeable about installing and servicing the HD9 and likes it which is a big plus for me. The Challenger seems to be a nice unit as well, but it doesn’t seem to have as much local support in my case.

joejenie

Local support does matter. In my case, I called a local lift company to order a HD9 and he talked me out of it. Maybe he gets more commission? Width hasn't been an issue on mine. Widest car I have had on it is a Corvette ZR1 which is huge and it was fine.

Maxemus

first of two Omer Tri Stackers are installed. adding LED strips to lighten up the middle and lower levels

fastmd

Please share you opinion and thoughts about the operation/build quality. I am thinking about the same lift.

3Series

That's sweet.....

However, isn't that a PIA to get the cars out? All lifts are a PIA for parking/storage but if you're short on space, that tri deck looks awesome. I'm waiting for someone to install one of those Carvana storage buildings in there backyard.