I've been searching lifts for a long time, for my small single garage, and what I've found was most were too tall for my 9' ceiling. I looked into the "Kwik Lift" and almost bought one until, I came across this two post lift made by Dunnmar. It has everything I want in a lift. I can mount it in my floor with threaded anchors and sence it's portable, it can be stored away until I need it next time. I'm sure I will leave it up and maybe, remove the pins in the arm's and just store them.
When I compared this against the Kwik Lift, there is so much more I can do with the two post, not having the ramps in the way, no need to buy 1 or 2 bridges and bottle jacks to get the car/truck up off the ramps to change wheels, brakes, suspension work ect...ect... Plus, I can store my 427 Cobra on the lift and still be able to walk under it. I've gotten very tired of laying on my back all the time, with this lift, I can stand up fairly straight, work on my knee's, on my *** or on my back.
I ordered mine yesterday and can't wait,......to get it here. I may even buy the motorcycle/ATV leg accessory for my toys, that would help a lot cause I hate trying to work under my quad, or lift my heavy bike up on my wooded box. With this lift, I can get both up in the air at a comfortable height for me.
For the cost vs the Kwik Lift, and being able to do so much more, it was a no brainier for me. (I got a special price too)
Here's one of the websites, check it out. :thumbup:
Seems like a bunch of money for a lift that can't go high enough to stand under the car. The problem gets even worse if the lift has a car taller than the Vette used in the photos.
Bottom line, except for brakes and suspension work, you're still on your back on a creeper with rust from the exhaust falling in your eyes.
I don't believe that's true. As much as the Kwik Lift cost's, so much more can be done with the two post, even if it does not lift to a extended height of 10' plus. Look at the time and trouble it takes to elevate the car on the Kwik Lift, to take off wheels. I like the Kwik Lift, it's a good product but, the two post makes more sence to me.
But like at all car shows I say,..., "to each it's own". We all have different needs & wants. Actually, both lifts would be great if I had enough room. :thumbup:
I too have been looking at this lift for over a month now. I agree, it looks very appealing. And for those who still don't get the distinctive benefits this lift offers, there's probably no sense in trying to explain.
As to the "Why not get a full lift" question". Believe it or not most of us do not live on 30-acre properties with detached garages, 9' ceilings, guest quarters and the "big house", creeks and pole barns. We live in the suburbs.
Why would I consider a two-post service lift that only has 48" of lifting height? First I only have 8' ceilings at best. Second, I like being able to stow away when not in use. Third, I could locate multiple sets of anchors thingys for a variety of locations. Fourth, I could sit down while working on my car. Not sure about you, but I wouldn't have to lay on a creeper with this lift. If you couldn't fit comfortably on a roller seat, you're probalby way to big to be driving anyway.
I think with the MaxJax, every thing I need to do underneath can be performed on a roller seat. The only problem I see is the ability to use an upright transmission jack. Wonder if they make some a little shorter. If not, I may have to resort to floor transmission jacks rather than upright.
I believe in everything you've said. This lift was intended for the average height home garage, not a industriel size garage or a home shop that the ceilings was raised to accomadate the full size 2 or 4 post version lift.
With regards to the tranny jack, I know there made and will look into that. If not, looking at mine, I can easily cut the tubes down to suit my height needs.
I'll do the same with my oil change canister. MaxJax makes a nice short container too but, it's a bit expensive and I already have one anyway.
This oil container from Dannmar is nice but, the min. height is 48". You can either buy this one or go to Walmart and cut down the tube's like I will on the one I have.
Now I have not thought about this in close to 20 years.
I walked into a shop somewhere in upstate NY & there was a late 80 Full size Cadillac on this portable lift.
it as like those air bumper jacks but damn if it did not lift the whole car from about the passenger door 6'+ in the air.
I almost want to say it was a Snap ~On unit but my memory is not that great.
This was long before I ever heard of the Internet & digital pictures.
I have spent a lot of time looking for what I can't seem to find. I do remember thinking it was stable but I would be a bit uneasy working under something so small.
Does anyone know what the hell I am talking about?
lol,......welcome to computers & the www. hehe!
I bought my first computer in 2000' and have made a lot of mistakes but, I can get around pretty well now and I still, have a lot to learn.
You're doing very well. :thumbup:
Bendpak is a great company and have many great products but like you, I wouldn't feel safe. :sweat:
I remember this type years ago mostly at tire stores and haven't see any since.
I thought more deeply about the Kwik Lift. I mentioned before about using bottle jacks on their bridge's, to gat 2 or all 4 wheels up in the air. The top plate of those jacks are what, 1"-2" in diameter, I can't even imagine trusting my life & my light weight 2,400 lb. Cobra, with these jacks supporting the car. I may be mistaking but, that scares me.
The top plate of those jacks are what, 1"-2" in diameter, I can't even imagine trusting my life & my light weight 2,400 lb. Cobra, with these jacks supporting the car. I may be mistaking but, that scares me.
Well, the absolute lowest grade Chinesium steel has at least 30,000 psi compressive strength. That means that a 1" diameter post will support about 23.500 lbs by itself. Of course I'd be more worried about the seals under the piston in that jack!
I agree with the seals too. I realize the strength of the steel, that's not the issue, it's the lack of surface area. Four big pads versus the small four bottle jack pads. Rocking a transmission back and forth on the bottle jacks,... scare me.
Any updates? Curious if you received it yet. I fall in the same category, connected 2 car garage, 9 foot ceilings but would like the ability to lift the car to work on suspension, brakes, oil changes and also underneath while sitting like you mentioned. Not sure how I would like the post in the way all the time, make sure the wife does not swing her car door without looking :nono:
What was the final cost if you do not mind me asking?
I should get it in a few weeks. They just started production. The posts being in the way is no problem. Remove the bolts, tip back on the wheels and move them anywhere you want. That's one of the great things about this lift, totally portable. That will keep your better half happy ! :thumbup:
If you email me, I think I can get you a deal. Let me know before Monday.
I agree with the seals too. I realize the strength of the steel, that's not the issue, it's the lack of surface area. Four big pads versus the small four bottle jack pads. Rocking a transmission back and forth on the bottle jacks,... scare me.
Rocking a whole vehicle back and forth on the two small post bases scares me. Better make certain of the anchorage for a 2 post lift. How many lb-ft of torque can a vehicle at the top of the lift apply to those bases?
It's not a issue. I have the lb. concrete torque specs somewhere and I'll post all the information for you. My friend with the mechanic shop has the industrial size two post/four arm lift's and he has never had a problem. And he lift's all kinds of vehicles from econo box's, 1 ton trucks and over.....
Thanks
It's not a issue. I have the lb. concrete torque specs somewhere and I'll post all the information for you. My friend with the mechanic shop has the industrial size two post/four arm lift's and he has never had a problem. And he lift's all kinds of vehicles from econo box's, 1 ton trucks and over.....
Thanks
Actually, it is an issue as every lift manufacturer that I'm aware of warns about loose anchors and gives minimum specs for the concrete in both thickness and PSI. I've seen a lot of residential garages with 3 1/2" thick poured slabs and nothing but welded wire reinforcement.
Please make certain your concrete meets at least the minimum standards recommended by the lift manufacturer. Also, take note of the warnings about loose anchors, 'wallowed' holes, shimming to plumb the posts, and minimum distance from cracks or expansion joints.
Yes it does matter, but with this lift, 4" of concrete with either rebar or the wire cattle type fencing for reinforcement is fine. I've never heard of a garage slab being less in thickness that a sidewalk, which are 4".
I can in vision a shifting problem with either a newer slab or a condition like side walks that the ground is still settling or frost heave. I agree with you on testing your concrete, it's always better to be on the safe side, especially with older home's. A lot of driveways and sidewalks have cracks, mostly due to the expansion and contraction with weather conditions.
I plan on using their expansion sleeves and bolts, but also the newer epoxy.
I came across this thread when doing a search on this very lift and I am going to put one in this winter since I am really tired of laying on my back on a creeper and I definately don't want something that is permanent, since my garage has the lower ceiling and like what was said in earlier posts, you can put in other anchors in different locations so that you can use the lift where needed which is exactly what I am needing. I am a member of the Garage Journal Forum and I am hoping that there will be a group buy or special price for the upcoming Holiday season and then I will buy one for sure. This lift will do everything I need without having to be on my back on a creeper. Did you buy this lift? If so, how do you like it? Thanks for letting me dig up an old thread, anyone else bought one of these?
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