OK with the thread canning the BMW repairer for shoddy and expensive work still current, I am being pushed to pick up a lift also.
OK I need it to be able to lift a full size conversion van. I have 12 foot ceilings 
Will 9000 lbs be enough?
What brands would you recommend and why?
Thanks in advance
I'm liking this one
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TP-XL-9OH
Steve
IMO, for DIY use, that one should be fine. Probably what I would have bought if I had the ceiling height. The only possible issue with a 2-post lift is if you use the space for parking 99% of the time, those posts may become annoying...
While not necessarily applicable to your situation (since you have more height), I just stumbled across this over on a MINI board...
http://www.maxjaxusa.com/index.html
I also have 12".............. yes 12" thick concrete floors
I am still looking at 2 post as I have the room for it without requiring the parking room.
Like you, I find I like the Greg Smith lift. It seems well built, and they seem quite smart and well spoken on their web page.
Though remember, Carlisle Spring Swap Meet is this weekend, and there will be a number of lift guys there.
foxtrapper wrote:Though remember, Carlisle Spring Swap Meet is this weekend, and there will be a number of lift guys there.
That sounds like a wonderful Idea.
I will say that if cost is no object, I'd probably go with a Rotary model...
There's a ton of info on the garagejournal.com forums about lifts. You'll even find a few pictorial installation guides from unloading to installing to lifting.
Based on what I've read there Mohawk or BendPak are the two most favored lifts. I have a 'clear-center mid rise lift', it's the BendPak P6 and I love it. However it won't lift a conversion van and I'd go with a 2 post if you have the ceiling height, floor thickness and plenty of room in your shop.
Having said that, I'd be nervous getting under a conversion van weighing upwards of 10000lbs.How do you lift it now? I would think that you don't work on the conversion van as much as the normal cars?
My vans are work vehicles for disabled transport and they will need regular maintenance, but I doubt they weigh a full 9000lbs, they have a lift but basic interiors.
RussellH wrote: Having said that, I'd be nervous getting under a conversion van weighing upwards of 10000lbs.How do you lift it now? I would think that you don't work on the conversion van as much as the normal cars?
As long as it's lifted correctly and doesn't exceed the rating of the lift, I don't see what the worry is... A 2000 lb car falling on you will kill you just as well. Since vans have simple frame construction, they are pretty easy to lift safely.
Also, most conversion vans are based on 1/2 ton vans... which generally have a GVWR of 6500 lbs, or there abouts, and a normal weight of around 5000 or less (at least this was the case with my '90 Ford E150 conversion van)...
That is about what I estimated also
