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I've been tossing the idea of getting a lift for my shop for a while now. I maintain at least 6 different vehicles for my family and it gets very old ( with my bad back and bad leg). I know I save tons doing this and over time can justify it in many ways (besides I WANT one lol).
any of ya'll look into them before and have a ranked list? If someone has (and knows a lot more than me about functionality and things I ought to splurge on for example) that would be fantastic as I'm somewhat ignorant on the topic.
Last edited by Brian Hanks; Jun 5, 2026 at 07:16 PM.
As we age, these lifts become a way to extend our usefulness in this "hobby" of working on vehicles. I have a few observations from using one at my place.
I used Rotary brand 2 post lifts for years at an auto center I worked at when younger and they worked very well - still a reputable brand. When I went looking for one for home use, the Rotary's were pricey. I found Olympic out of Arlington, WA, and liked the quality and price.
I went with a 10,000lb 2 post, and it is barely adequate for a crew cab long bed 7.3. The lift capacity is fine, but the arms have limited reach (2 sections each), so I have to put the truck in the exactly right position to get the arms to the right lift points on the frame. If I had the 3 section arms that come on the 12,000 lb lifts, positioning would be much easier. It's not a show stopper though.
I went with the 2 post lift with the cables that go across the floor. This keeps the top of the lift open for tall vehicles, but makes rolling around oil change tanks and transmission lifts more difficult.
Being you said you have a bad back and knee my suggestion would be a 4 post lift and a air over hydraulic trolley jack. I have both a 2 post and a 4 post. Getting down on you hands and knees is hard enough somedays, but if your back and knee are not good you will not like doing the pads on a two post. With a good trolley jack you can suspend tires for brakes, shocks and suspension work. That is my opinion based on my age, experience and owning both. Good luck on your future purchase.
Last edited by truckeemtnfords; Jun 5, 2026 at 08:21 PM.
I've been fortunate enough to have had a couple of in-ground Rotary lifts. (Think 2-post without the posts.) As others have stated, a 10K lift is the minimum for our trucks. My Excursion weighs just over 8000lbs, and I wouldn't lift it with anything less. Given the weight of these things, I'd get an ALI certified one, rather than the cheapest thing that had a 10K label.
Depending on the work you'll be doing, a 4-post with bridge jacks might work. I swapped my 4runner from leave springs to links in mine, and doing it on a 4-post would have not been fun.
ohhh... I like that. Are they air operated, Mark? The ones we had at the old Sears auto center back in the day were used shop air.
Brian >> do you need to be able to lift the crew cab long beds? I know it was a bit tight to get Eric's truck on the 4 post lift at CNC fab used for the dyno due to the length, but it worked.
I've been fortunate enough to have had a couple of in-ground Rotary lifts. (Think 2-post without the posts.) As others have stated, a 10K lift is the minimum for our trucks. My Excursion weighs just over 8000lbs, and I wouldn't lift it with anything less. Given the weight of these things, I'd get an ALI certified one, rather than the cheapest thing that had a 10K label.
Depending on the work you'll be doing, a 4-post with bridge jacks might work. I swapped my 4runner from leave springs to links in mine, and doing it on a 4-post would have not been fun.
Mark
I wonder if I can find enough room between the cables in a post-tensioned slab for one of these.
I wonder if I can find enough room between the cables in a post-tensioned slab for one of these.
Man, I think it would be tough, but I know nothing about those floors, or the distance between the cables. If it helps, I have a thread about this install on the Garage Journal, and you can see the size of the hole:
I've had an above ground 4 post Bend-Pak 9k lb. lift for decades when my shop was a business. It's performed well and has only required a few adjustments and a cable replacement once. I can say though Fords are the worst vehicles to lift on a 2 post lift and I've lifted them all. I can put a GM 4 door dually on with no problem. I don't even try with my own F350 dually. it takes so many adapter extensions to reach the frame it's a little spooky. Even a Ford Ranger or old Bronco II is a pain as the frames sit so high and they are narrow. If you're off a little crooked you have to back out and reposition it. For the price I'd probably go with a 4 post for a hobby shop. No worry about floor strength and you just drive on and lift it, no bending to set the lift. Years back it was no big deal, now I need a light and my glasses to be sure I've got it right while on my hands and knees.
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