Steve, I have a BenPak 2 post lift for several years now. *http://www.bendpak.com/XPR-9FS.pdf*
I purchased from ASE Deals as their prices were the best I could find for a new lift. Calling resulted in prices substantially lower then the advertised web site price. They were extremely helpful with installation questions as well. I found a few parts that were damaged due to freight transport. They not only shipped the new parts out immediately but threw in a set of jack stands as well for my trouble. *http://www.asedeals.com/lifts2.html* I think the BendPak 2 post units are the most versatile for overall maintenance. However they are not designed for storage. Knowing what I know now, the only thing I'd change if I could go back and do it over is to purchase the lower profile lift arms if you are using this lift for your miata. My 93LE is a bit lower then most miata and the lift arms barely fit under the car. The four post systems take less time to lift a car, you simply drive on and lift. The 2 post systems require that you position the lift arms in the appropriate lift position for your car. The lift comes with a catalog of autos showing the correct lift locations. Your cars user/operation manual also has the information on lift points. BendPak also offers shorter lift arms for smaller cars. The 220V requirement is not a big deal if you have a breaker box in your garage. The system only requires a 20 (or 30?) amp breaker. I ran 10 gauge to the lift motor. I already had 220v in my garage for my MIG Welder and AC unit. They specify 4" minimum concrete pad for this lift, but I went with 6" where the posts were positioned. I had it installed, tested and operational in 2 days. Only outside help came from a neighbor who helped me get the posts in an upright position. The rest I did alone. Installation requires precise leveling / spacing. Take your time and double / triple check your calculations and work. I annually check the interlock safety system and & lightly oil the safety interlock system pivot points, but nothing else requires lubrication. The lift has excellent safety features, and this is extremely important. It has been quite reliable for the last 5 years use. Great for tire rotations, brake jobs, Transmission removal / clutch replacements, etc., that are harder to do on a 4 post drive on lift. Starting at (approximately) 18" (could be 2') it has a redundant physical safety interlock system that takes the load off the hydraulic system at (approximately) 4-6" intervals. You can raise your car and bump it pass the interlocks, then remove hydraulic pressure and the lift will stay at that position. I have had my car on the lift for a month at a time and the hydraulic system has never bled down and lowered the car to the safety stops. To lower the car, you simply raise the lift an inch or two, and manually disengage the safety interlock ( it is controlled by a spring loaded lever next to the pump ), then lower the lift hydraulically. If you are doing major weight shifting work (for instance, removing a transmission), I'd recommend stabilizer / safety stands for the front and back of the car. They can be had inexpensively from harbor freight. I own the 3/4 ton version and like them a lot. Well built. *http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-ton-underhoist-safety-stand-92258.html* *http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=safety+stands * Selecting the right lift for you depends on your personal requirements. Garage space (ceiling height and width/depth ), type of vehicles, primary purpose of the lift - maintenance vs storage, and type of maintenance being performed. For me the 2 post design fit the bill. I have had my miata on the lift and pulled my maxima under it when occasions temporarily demanded it. But I do not generally use the lift for auto storage. Tony On 5/1/2011 8:34 PM, Steve Kiffmeyer wrote: > A friend of mine is planning to buy a lift for his garage. He is > puzzled by the different types, and not sure which type to buy. > 1 > Can anyone explain the pros and cons to different types available? > > Anyone have any suggestions about good brands? > > Thanks...Steve > > > _______________________________________________ > Miatapower mailing list > [email protected] > http://list.miatapower.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/miatapower
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