I researched these a few years ago, but then realized they would not fit in my current set-up. Now that I am designing and building a bigger workshop, I am revisiting the topic. My bookmarks are on my personal laptop, and I am abusing my work computer now -

My main requirements are:

1. Weight Requirements - lift up to 9000 lbs (8000 lbs weight of F250 thereabouts)
2. Coaster style - so that it can me moved around - Will not be bolted to foundation
3. Additional unit to lift vehicle off runners (remove tires, work on suspension)

I plan on dropping a 220 circuit to support it. I will also have a compressor. I know some of the lifts are designed to work with electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or a combo.

Anything else I should consider when selecting a lift?

This will be personal/residential use only.

Some brands I remember liking:

1. BenPak
2. Greg Smith - Because they are located in the Dallas Metroplex

 

Get the longest, tallest, widest you can fit in your shop. I have 2 bend pak 9000# lifts. I dont recall the model numbers offhand but 1 is 10" wider than the other. It has an adjustable ramp so I can comfortably work on my corvette or f100 on the same lift.

The extra 10" is also nice if you're parking underneath. My 66 parklane fits under both but it's a much more comfortable fit between the posts with the wider lift.

When I bought the second lift I got the narrower model so I'd have more room for a pool table. Eventhough the reasoning was solid, I regret buying the narrower size.

The caster kits are an absolute must for me as my shop is only 40x60. They work great on an empty lift. I was working on a 67 CJ5 and was able to move the lift loaded. I tried to move a lift loaded with my 64 f100 and it was too sketchy so I quite before something bad happened.

At the time I was buying I got the biggest moveable lift on the market which was the 9000# adjustable ramp bend pak. I dont know what the market currently has to offer.

I've owned 3 bend paks (still have 2, my first was maybe 20 years ago and sold it when I moved states) and have been happy with them. If you have the opportunity to see different manufacturers lifts in person I highly recommend it. If not look real close at the pics. Some lifts have some real hokey locking mechanisms.

 

I recommend that you get a 2 post instead. I have a 4 post and it is nothing but a pain, it takes up a bunch of room, and is hard to do any real repair work on other than oil changes and exhaust work. 2 post lifts are so much nicer and you can do a lot more with them.

 

Not sure they've yet come to the market in an "affordable" configuration but mobile column lifts would be an absolutely perfect device for any shop that's short on space. A big truck maintenance shop customer has tri-axle dump trucks and they use these to great success. I myself see nothing but positive aspects as they're portable so don't require a dedicated space, they're also very flexible in what size or type vehicle you'd be working on.

They're gaining acceptance in the industry but as I say I'm not sure they've yet become "affordable", at least no to the same price points a good permanently mounted two- or four-post above the slab lift might be.

If you enjoy Jay Leno's Garage series you may have seen this one----its very interesting: