Garage lifts

[NMRJock]

DirectLift used to make a ProPark 7 and ProPark 7LL lift. They had 7000# of lifting capacity. I thought that's what these were. But now that I look more closely at the pictures I see the 2nd hydraulic line and it appears that the locks stick out of the columns on this lift.

[Exigent]

Originally Posted by SAHD

I wonder if anyone has the Danmar lift, from Costco, for $1,700 inc tax and delivery?

Costco - Dannmar 4-Post Portable Parking & Storage Lift Starting at $1699.99

Wow. That's the best price I've seen. And the smaller size could actually be an advantage for some garages. I didn't see anything about ramps or accessories though. I'd also prefer the 220V power.

[Bleu Omdurman]

There is a note on there that it comes with rails for optional accesories.

Last bullet under features. It also seems the the width between runways is standard at 37.5"

[caccobra]

Randy,

It really isn't necessary to raise the car all the way up to work on it. Since you have a low ceiling, I would advise getting a mechanic's chair like mine in the picture below. It alows you to roll around under the car easily and is easier on your back when removing those 134 screws from the bellypan. The chair can also be raised and lowered with the touch of a lever, so you don't have to overreach at all. I used to try working standing up all the time, but at 6'4" I still had to stoop a little under the car and that gets hard on your back after a while. Now I just raise the car up high enough to where it is comfortable to work from the mechanic's chair and I can do that comfortably for hours. Other than that, just pick a hoist you like and enjoy working on your car from underneath.

Craig

[Valenz]

Originally Posted by Exigent

... I'd also prefer the 220V power.

The hydraulic power unit on the DirectLift (and the Dannmar from appearances ?) is very easily rewired for either 120 or 240 volt service. The (re-)wiring diagram is on the side of the motor.

[Exigent]

I'm planning on ordering this lift by mid-week unless someone can tell me something bad about it - or the company.

AmericanProducts 4 Post Lifts Model SS8000XLT

Delivery from Texas is $400. But for $600 more, they'll delivery it and install it in my garage. I don't have to lift a finger, pull a muscle, or get anything dirty / sweaty. Considering the total hassle of unloading this freight, I'm planning to pay the extra $600 for the install.

Any last words before I place my order? I want something in place before the winter weather gets here.

[Valenz]

Originally Posted by Exigent

I'm planning on ordering this lift by mid-week unless someone can tell me something bad about it - or the company ... Any last words before I place my order? I want something in place before the winter weather gets here.

Caution See Post #56 above. That company billed me for $2200+ on a canceled order and delivered nothing. They are slow to process orders and all but their answering machines disappear after they have your money. Greg Smith Equipment was great - I'd recommend them.

[Exigent]

Originally Posted by Valenz

Caution See Post #56 above. That company billed me for $2200+ on a canceled order and delivered nothing. They are slow to process orders and all but their answering machines disappear after they have your money. Greg Smith Equipment was great - I'd recommend them.

I do like this feature that is available with the Greg Smith lifts:
Greg Smith Equipment Sales Inc. - The lift professionals with quality automotive equipment at discount prices.

I think I could elevate the Lotus and the motorcycle. That would be a bonus.

I guess I'll call them and see if they can match prices / and if they have a local company that can deliver and install for me.

I'm tired of all the research and legwork.

[Exigent]

I think the Greg Smith product does actually look better. I spent a long time going over the details.

Direct Lift Pro Park 8 Plus - Greg Smith Equipment Sales, Inc

I just spoke with their sales rep. and the best price he can do on the tall version of their lift is $2,145.00. I'm willing to pay another $300 for those removable solid panels that fit between the ramps. Atlas Pro Floor - Greg Smith Equipment Sales, Inc

They gave me the name & number of the guy that does delivery and installs in Maryland. He has to quote me a price. I left that guy a message and am awaiting a return call. If he can get it to me and set it up for less than $500, I've finally found myself a lift.

[NMRJock]

Congratulations! I put the Lotus up in its Direct Lift winter perch yesterday so that I can park my daily-driver inside and out of the snow this winter. The storage is great, and so is the easy access for maintenance and repairs.

[Valenz]

Originally Posted by Exigent

I think the Greg Smith product does actually look better ... I've finally found myself a lift.

Congratulations. I hope that you're as happy with yours as I've been with mine.

[Exigent]

Originally Posted by Exigent

They gave me the name & number of the guy that does delivery and installs in Maryland. He has to quote me a price. I left that guy a message and am awaiting a return call. If he can get it to me and set it up for less than $500, I've finally found myself a lift.

$900 for the guy to drive from the Baltimore area to Delaware, load the lift, drive it back to the area, unload it, and install it in my garage. Whaddya think? I guess that's not unreasonable considering all the BS involved.

That'll put me at $2,145 + $900 = $3,045 for this lift
vs.
$2,890 for the other one (both installed).

I think this is a nicer lift and it's dimensions fit my space a bit better. My $3000 budget was somewhat arbitrary anyway. I guess I should just do it.

I wonder if I have to pay sales tax since this is purchased and picked up in Delaware.

[Baysailor]

Originally Posted by Exigent

I wonder if I have to pay sales tax since this is purchased and picked up in Delaware.

I don't think Delaware has any sales tax.

EDIT: or maybe you are asking if you have to pay Maryland sales tax???

[Valenz]

Originally Posted by Exigent

$900 for the guy to drive from the Baltimore area to Delaware, load the lift, drive it back to the area, unload it, and install it in my garage. Whaddya think?

Having just installed my own by myself, it'd take a bit more than $900 to get me to do another one. Nonetheless, that price seems a little high, but I suppose you're in the ballpark if you assume about $250 of that amount is for S&H.

[Exigent]

Originally Posted by Baysailor

I don't think Delaware has any sales tax.

EDIT: or maybe you are asking if you have to pay Maryland sales tax???

ORDERED! No tax.

Hope to have it set up next Friday.

[Exigent]

Originally Posted by Valenz

Congratulations. I hope that you're as happy with yours as I've been with mine.

Did you have to buy a particular type of oil or grease to be used on the lift? I recall hearing that I needed 3 gallons of something or other.

[Valenz]

Originally Posted by Exigent

Did you have to buy a particular type of oil or grease to be used on the lift? I recall hearing that I needed 3 gallons of something or other.

Yes, you'll need 3 gallons of ISO 32 light hydraulic oil for the lift pump. It's available at AutoZone and such places. It's a good idea to oil or grease the cables. Some folks prefer to do this with penetrating oil, but I used a red lithium grease that I use for tractor tools and equipment. This will reduce cable wear and retard rust. You'll need to occasionally wipe the cables down to remove dust and grit. You can do this with a light spray oil and wiping with a rag.

Good luck with your installation. It won't be long now!

[blairellis]

Out of curiosity how come most of you seem to be going with the 4 post lifts vs the 2 post? Seems like the 4 post would make it alot harder to do brake work, tire rotations, etc.

[NMRJock]

Originally Posted by blairellis

Out of curiosity how come most of you seem to be going with the 4 post lifts vs the 2 post? Seems like the 4 post would make it alot harder to do brake work, tire rotations, etc.

For me it is versatility. I can do wheels-off work on the 4-post lift by using the sliding jack. I can't store my car on a 2-post lift though. If I had lots of room I'd buy a 2-post but I needed a way to get more vehicles into our 3-car garage.

[Valenz]

Originally Posted by blairellis

Out of curiosity how come most of you seem to be going with the 4 post lifts vs the 2 post? Seems like the 4 post would make it alot harder to do brake work, tire rotations, etc.

Check out this thread.