Four Post Electric Car & Tractor Lift

bgott · May 12, 2004

" this accident happened at a Cadillac dealership and the person that put the car on the lift was a experienced mechanic/technician that had been using the lift for many years. This car had been serviced on that lift many times before this accident."

He might have been experienced but he blew it that day. Cars don't just fall off a lift. I have had cars come off the lift but I would lift the car just high enough to clear the tires and rock the snot out of it so they didn't have far to travel and there was no damage. That happened twice in 25 years so I must have been paying attention to the safety training in trade school. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif My guess would be that he left that high jackstand shown toward the front of the car in the second picture under it when he let it down. I did that once, also, but I noticed that something funny was happening and raised the car back up and moved the stand. No damage there, either. People have rolled cars off of four- posters, too. No lift is dummy proof.

Phred · May 13, 2004

Botaguy,

Of the lifts you have used which is your favorite?

Fred

em14 · May 15, 2004

Junkman,
I looked for a long time before I decided to get my 4 post lift. I got a four post because with only a couple of attachments I can do any work that I need on anything I own, The capacity is 7000 lbs. and I believe one of the best made of the many different lifts that I saw. It is extremely well made and well engineered. The company that I choose to buy from was Back Yard Buddy. I was impressed with their staff and their knowledge. I also looked at some commercial lifts but decided that I didn't need that much lift for any of my vechicles. I am slowly building a 69 Vette and I did not like the idea of lifting it with a two post unit with four wheels danging by their suspension. I also liked the safety of their lift over all the others I saw. When you get it it is all packed into one 1700 - 1800 lb. package and you will need your tractor and I also used my engine hoist to unpack and assemble the lift. I am pleased with it and I think that you would be too. You can get a free video from them. www.backyardbuddy.com
Leo

BotaGuy · May 18, 2004

If you are doing lots of vehicle repair ona daily basis, stuff like exhaust, brakes, trannies...etc....REGULARLY..then get a 2 post lift for easy access that is not encumbered. If you want a lift for your home (Like mine is), one that allows you to do those repairs, as well as double up your storage....then get a 4 post lift. The KW is similar in construction to the backyard buddy, I would not get the el cheapo chinese made lifts. I can actually roll my unit aournd with a car on it!! It is that stable.

Junkman · May 19, 2004

It looks like the one that I am going to purchase is the K & W, or as it is known on their web page as "Autolifters". I do have a question about the one that you purchased. You say that you have rolling jack trays, but the company only offers sliding jack trays. Are yours sliding or rolling? I am leaning toward the M80 model. Anyone have an opinion on this brand pr any other model? I did look into the Backyard Buddy lift, and it seems to be a knock off of this one. From what I can tell by reading the descriptions of the two, I believe that this one has a stronger runway to park the car on. Thanks for the replies and please keep the information flowing...

jrlichina · May 19, 2004

I have an Autolifters 10,000 lb. lift and used it for several years. This is a certified lift which many are not, it's certified to 3 times it's rating. It is extremely well built and very reasonable in price. In my mind you can't get a better lift.

BotaGuy · May 20, 2004

Well...actually, the K&W that I bought from is from this website...

http://www.kw-lifts.com/

I don't know if they are the same company, but I am very happy with their lift.
Yes, my jackbrigde rolls, on steel wheels...full length.

Rob

Phred · May 22, 2004

Ever lift a heavy truck on this lift?
Do you have the floor plate or clear floor model?

Fred

joes_427_vette · Aug 22, 2004

I have a 4 post lift and use it for many applications. It is portable so just put the wheels on and slide it to the desired location. When done use it to save space by putting one car in the air and another under it. Mine has a sliding jack tray for brake and suspension work. I gave up lying on my back with dirt in my eyes long ago and never looked back. They have come down in price and if you try one you will be hooked. Good luck in the search.

Phred · Sep 1, 2004

Well I went ahead and bought a two post lift.
After lots of looking I went with a gemini.
http://www.geminilift.com/
The unit I have is a 10K lb asymetric unit which is a larger version of what they have on there web page; the GPO-9A. The main difference appears to be that on the 10 the coulms are not smaller at the top, but one solid piece all the way up.

I have not had it long but love it. Picks up my heavy diesel truck with ease.

I highly recommend this company to anyone who is still thinking about a lift. This is not cheap chinese junk, they are made in texas.

The install was pretty tuff. Each post is shipped fully assembled as one peice, and they weight about 800 lbs each and are 12' long.
You will need some help and/or a strong loader and the better part of a weekend to set it up.

Fred