Author Topic: Car lifts for storage (Read 4966 times)

john.mancini · « **on:** February 17, 2022, 02:41:23 »

I am looking, preferably, for a 4 post car lift system, in order to store another car in my garage. As I searched the older threads on this topic, I found that there are some new lifts on the market that were not available back when these posts appeared. Has anyone had any experience with the Triumph NSS-8SQ? This is a four post, 8,000 lb, compact lift that will nicely fit in my garage. Perfect for older cars like our SL's and air cooled Porsches. The other is the BendPak Autostacker. Very pricey, but very compact. Any other suggestions?

Pinder · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2022, 02:50:53 »

No. But its its on my wish list so I am in interested in the responses.

Garry · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2022, 03:10:40 »

I use a two post hoist with wheel pickup to avoid suspension hang and I store car on it. It has a relatively low profile hydraulic lift, made by a company called EAE and carries 4500kg or just under 10,000lb. Purchased in Australia but originally saw it in USA. I can attach jack pads if i want to use it that way.

Jordan · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2022, 03:18:40 »

Hey John, I have a 4 post with very similar specs to the one you are looking at but with about 2-ft longer ramps.

https://liftsuperstore.com/product/quatro-stacker-standard-8000-lb-3-6t/

I like the 4 post because it is mobile so I can move it, even with a vehicle on it (mine is in a 36x32-ft garage/barn with 12-ft ceiling and 6-in concrete reinforced floor). I also get to stand up when I'm working under the car.

Vander · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2022, 12:25:14 »

Bendpak is the best lift money can buy, think of it as the Mercedes-Benz of lifts.

However, if all you want to do is gain an extra parking spot at your residential garage then it is overkill.

I have both 2-post and 4-post Bendpak lifts and I use those as my workhorses. HD-9 is the 4 post model I have.

But when I wanted an extra parking spot I went with one of the cheap black Chinese lifts, and it has been great. 4 or 5 companies sell this same economy lift, they just slap their own sticker on it.

Check-out Bestbuyautoequipment.com
I've talked to a dozen lift manufacturers and dealers and their customer service was the best.

Jonny B · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2022, 16:20:13 »

I'll throw in my 3 cents. I have a Backyard Buddy four post lift. Top notch item. I liked the way the locking mechanism is set up - using a square steel column at each corner with the lock notches cut into the beam, not welded in.

I purchased it while I was in Ohio and they were able to deliver it to me, as they are located in Warren Ohio, not so terribly far from where I was located at the time. When I moved to SoCal, I was able to take it apart and get it moved out here.

https://www.advantagelifts.com/collections/backyard-buddy

thelews · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2022, 16:45:13 »

Quote from: Vander on February 17, 2022, 12:25:14

Bendpak is the best lift money can buy, think of it as the Mercedes-Benz of lifts.

That's a stretch, hardly the MB of lifts. And, I own one, am happy with it, and would buy again, but it's no MB

Mike Hughes · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2022, 17:23:06 »

I, too, have a BendPak 2-post lift. While they do offer a host of interchangeable 60mm pad attachments to fit the arm ends, their website does not show the availability of wheel pickup attachments like Garry pictures.

Norm · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2022, 17:44:48 »

I had the Bendpak 4 post and liked it. The only change I had to make was to move my garage door opener from overhead to a side mount. I would definitely purchase again if I felt the need. a bigger garage is a nicer option.

Norm

johnk · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2022, 20:33:14 »

I was just about to buy the triumph lift until I decided to sell my Alfa. It is very reasonably priced and came highly recommended by people at a local at a local car parts distributor that owns several of them.

john.mancini · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2022, 21:07:04 »

Thanks so much guys. I don't think you can go wrong with either of the BendPak or the Triumph. Both get great reviews. The Triumph offers a shortened version of the NSS-8, called the NSS-8SQ Classic, for smaller sports cars. This may be perfect. Now to find an installer in the 34275 Florida area. Can anyone recommend an installer in this area?

Jordan · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2022, 21:15:28 »

Quote from: john.mancini on February 17, 2022, 21:07:04

Thanks so much guys. I don't think you can go wrong with either of the BendPak or the Triumph. Both get great reviews. The Triumph offers a shortened version of the NSS-8, called the NSS-8SQ Classic, for smaller sports cars. This may be perfect. Now to find an installer in the 34275 Florida area. Can anyone recommend an installer in this area?

John, if you have someone that can help you should be able to put it together yourself. It's not especially difficult. I put mine together myself and just used a loader tractor to lift and position the ramps.

Norm · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2022, 21:16:57 »

When I ordered my Bendpak they provided an installer who delivered and installed the lift.

Maybe Triumph will do the same....

Norm

johnk · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2022, 23:38:42 »

wherever its shipped to you need to be able to unload it from the truck.

Mike Hughes · « **Reply #14 on:** February 18, 2022, 00:03:34 »

Quote from: johnk on February 17, 2022, 23:38:42

wherever its shipped to you need to be able to unload it from the truck.

When I ordered my BendPak lift Summit Racing called me to verify that there would be a forklift available for unloading at the delivery address.

john.mancini · « **Reply #15 on:** February 18, 2022, 01:29:57 »

I have plenty of bodies around who would enjoy putting the lift together, but no fork lift. I may take the easy way out and have an installer do the dirty work!!

specracer · « **Reply #16 on:** February 18, 2022, 09:52:24 »

My 2c, find an installer 1st, then see what brand(s) they represent. I have a fork lift, and above avg mechanical ability, but I still had all of our lifts installed (6 off shore 4 posts). Seeing the pros use their specialized tools, carts, and tricks, I was glad, each time, I chose that direction.

lowpad · « **Reply #17 on:** February 19, 2022, 16:08:50 »

I just installed two Advantage lifts in my garage. I paid to have it installed, which I think is worth every cent. Very happy with the result.

john.mancini · « **Reply #18 on:** February 20, 2022, 01:33:03 »

I just checked out the Advantage lifts. Looks like they are a great product.

mazmonza · « **Reply #19 on:** February 20, 2022, 20:18:07 »

I'm pleased with my Twin Busch, worth a look

RobSirg · « **Reply #20 on:** February 21, 2022, 05:17:41 »

I've just added a single post stacker to my Car storage - that way I don't have a post impeding my car movement as the single post is against the wall.
In my last house I had a single post hoist/stacker with a chequer plate flooring which was fine (easy drive on and off) but I chose one with rails this time so I have under car access.
Rated to 2700kg's
Costs have halved in the last 10 years so these days it was under AU$6K plus installation.

Rob

johnk · « **Reply #21 on:** February 21, 2022, 12:34:37 »

I have garage envy!

Pawel66 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 21, 2022, 12:53:38 »

Quote from: johnk on February 21, 2022, 12:34:37

I have garage envy!

Tell me about it...

johnk · « **Reply #23 on:** February 21, 2022, 16:39:47 »

I can’t help but think how much it would cost me to have a garage like Robsirg’s. Not just the cost of the garage and the cars inside it, but the two or three times I would have to spend on my wife to allow me to do it!!

thelews · « **Reply #24 on:** February 21, 2022, 17:12:23 »

RobSirg

You and I have four of the same vintage cars, 190 SL, 250 SL, 911 and E-type, although I don't see the E in your list.

john.mancini · « **Reply #25 on:** February 22, 2022, 19:21:56 »

Thanks again for all of the suggestions. I followed through with first, finding an installer, and second, getting his opinion. It seems that most of the 4-post lifts are made in China. The American made Advantage Lifts are very high quality. The Backyard Buddy, sold through Advantage Lifts, is extremely well made. Ultimately, I chose the Backyard Buddy Classic. If you are in the market for a storage lift, check out Advantage and watch the videos on the Backyard Buddy. It's about $1,200 more than the Chinese brands, but appears to be well worth the money.

RobSirg · « **Reply #26 on:** April 02, 2022, 21:16:49 »

Hi John (theLews),

I haven’t updated my list in a while - the 250SL is now gone and l replaced it with the Etype Jag (and another Alfa). You have amazing cars - envious of your 356.

John K - my wife actually encourages me to buy cars! ..and is the reason l started my Pagoda obsession as l hadn’t heard of them until l met her.

This is my favourite photo these days - l do feel blessed

PSB · « **Reply #27 on:** April 03, 2022, 07:50:34 »

Rob,

I think you have just "upped the game" significantly.
Those who have garage envy will now surely have wife envy as well !

I have a tiny lot of cars and my wife keeps asking when will I sell the pagoda. In the meantime 2 more modern ones have gone but the pagoda is still here.

Congratulations on the collection.

Regards
Pedro

thelews · « **Reply #28 on:** April 03, 2022, 13:45:47 »

Quote from: RobSirg on April 02, 2022, 21:16:49

my wife actually encourages me to buy cars!

I don't know that my wife encourages me to buy cars, but she's certainly on board with it. If it makes me happy, she's good. She also knows better. Occasionally I'll point out how my hobby has been an excellent investment, unlike hers, a horse that turns money into sh*t.

Was your 250 and early one? IMO, they're the sweet spot.

RobSirg · « **Reply #29 on:** April 03, 2022, 14:34:11 »

Yes John,

The 250SL was an early one - Manual with both tops…..and l agree with you…..They are the best in terms of driving and aesthetics. If only 1st gear wasn’t so short. ( all Pagoda’s not just 250SL)

I had always intended to sell the 250SL once l completed restoring the manual
280SL. It served me well as a great driver in that time, and appreciated nicely so l was able to roll it into another car l always hankered for ( early Etype).

Haven’t had a good drive of the Etype yet but it’s a car lm just as happy to look at - especially the engine bay.

Most of my car buddies are Pagoda owners so we typically drive them on our Sunday runs.

thelews · « **Reply #30 on:** April 04, 2022, 01:10:59 »

Quote from: RobSirg on April 03, 2022, 14:34:11

Haven’t had a good drive of the Etype yet but it’s a car lm just as happy to look at - especially the engine bay.

Once you get your E sorted, if not already, it will not disappoint. Whole different animal than the Pagoda, pun intended. So much grunt and torque, you can take corners in 3rd gear. You actually have to get used to not shifting as much. Yours looks BRG/Tan. Mine's Opalescent Dark Green/Black. Take it easy, Mr. Bond!

RobSirg · « **Reply #31 on:** April 06, 2022, 13:47:45 »

Thanks John, your car is stunning. What a colour!
Mine is a 3.8L with the Moss box - still haven’t quite got used to shifting gears, but hardly driven it yet.
( hope we don’t get kicked off the forum with the Etype talk ☺️)

RobSirg · « **Reply #32 on:** April 06, 2022, 13:59:57 »

Anyway to get things back on topic …..my Blue Pagoda was used in a fashion shoot recently…….. you’re welcome ☺️

RobSirg · « **Reply #33 on:** April 06, 2022, 14:11:38 »

One more

waltklatt · « **Reply #34 on:** April 06, 2022, 15:36:05 »

Wow! Rob, your collection is impressive. Mind your stepping around my drool on the floor.
Anyways, watchout for the ceiling heights in the garages. Make sure you have a detent to stop the lift from crushing the roof of the car onto the ceiling.
Or the garage door path.
A friend of mine has a 1955 Willy's and has to be careful not to raise the lift with the garage door open.
There is a box cutout on the ceiling for the cars to be raised into.
Walter

thelews · « **Reply #35 on:** April 06, 2022, 16:06:49 »

Rob, beautiful car. Those engines are a work of art!

lowpad · « **Reply #36 on:** April 10, 2022, 22:57:07 »

Ditto on Advantage Lifts. Just installed two of them and completely agree on paying for the installation -- worth every cent. They are really well made and very solid, just a little slow.

john.mancini · « **Reply #37 on:** April 11, 2022, 14:35:09 »

My lift will be installed next week. I'll include photos. For anyone considering a lift, it came down to BendPak and Advantage Lifts. You can't go wrong with either of these U.S. made lifts. Heavier gauge steel and much better made and stronger posts.

john.mancini · « **Reply #38 on:** April 26, 2022, 18:42:55 »

A follow-up on this topic that I started a while back............my Backyard Buddy Classic lift from Advantage Lifts arrived and was installed yesterday. Great product and very sturdy. While I await the return of my 65 230SL from Pierre Hedary, (engine rebuild from Metric Motors), and my 83 911SC, I know that I'll now have room for them both!!!

Anyway, very happy with the lift. Even my golf cart fits.

News:

Author Topic: Car lifts for storage (Read 4966 times)