Lets talk lifts

I purchased my Bendpak from Dorsey Racing (Stan), it was a GRM deal at $750 with a rebuild pump, I am fortunate enough to have 12" thick floors, I feel safe under a car on a Bendpak

Not my personal lift but the one i use at work was built in 88. Its a forward 7k capacity 2 post. I feel safe under it, but its all heavy so even swinging the arms under cars can be a pain in the ass. Any lift with a good mechanical lock works for me.

Lots of good words about Bendpak out this way - even from the guys who service my hoist at work.

Yes, I'm bringing back a zombie, but according to google this is the most recent it was talked about so I didn't want to start a new one. This thread has answered a few questions for me, but I have one more.

What should I look out for in buying a used lift?

I'd like to buy a new bend pak or rotary, but if I can find a used one for more reasonable rates, what are wear or important things to check out?

Is a warranty worth the extra money to get a new one?

I guess that's more than one question.

I'd throw a VBM/Challenger lift on the list to look for, they were a pretty popular USA made lift that a lot of shops installed in the 80s & 90s.

Note: I'm not in any way/shape/form an expert at this, nor have I ever been a professional mechanic nor lift installer. With that said, what I looked at when I picked my two post up was:

• It went up & down smoothly (obviously)

• Mechanical safety latches looked good (not rounded/burred, both the lock finger on the trolly and the "ladder" that it latches on)

• Chain (or cable if you're going overhead-style) condition, look for excessive wear or kinking

• Hydraulic cylinder condition - Look for leaking/dirt/scratching where the ram comes out of the cylinder, as well as any pullies or whatnot involved in moving the chains & cables around. Note that I didn't care too much about plumbing, it's mostly hard line and should be cheap & easy to replace/repair if necessary. Obviously this varies based on price. Mine was cheap, but mostly in good shape.

• Hydraulic pump doesn't grind/lag/etc. If you can see it lift up a car before you buy it this is the ideal condition, as if the pump is weak/worn it'll slow down noticeably.

If I could only have one hoist, it would be a 4 post with a center lift. I can do any job on a 4 post with a jacking beam, but there are tasks that are not possible on a 2 post.

Also, a 2 post is a huge pain if you are trying to, for example, change a blower motor when you don't have another flat bay.