I'm in the market for a lift and think I want a 2 post 9000# model. Any hints, tips, or tricks, you guys can give would be great.

 

I have two different styles in my shop (although I can't remember the name for the life of me). One is just a plain body lift and the other is a platform lift (4 post)that you drive up on.
The latter one also has 2 pneumatic lifts (front and rear on a sliding rail) so you can lift the wheels off the platforms to do whatever you need to do. It has front wheel alignment platforms as well.

You can see them at this link ...
http://www02.clf.navy.mil/keywest/MWR%20autohobby.htm


Both types are 9000 lb capable and work flawlessly each and every time. Even though the two post lifts are capable of lifting the bigger trucks and SUV's, I feel safer putting them on the four post lift for stability sake.

If I was outfitting for my own shop and could afford the space, I would get the platform lift. It is so versitile and sturdy. We raise the lift out of the way when it is not in use and to clean the shop.

I can get specifications if you would like. I have all of the tech manuals at the shop.

PISTOL

 

The more capacity and higher lift the better. You have to have the ceiling height, but you don't want to be in the situation where you have a lift, but still have to roll around underneath it on a stool.

I also assume you are talking a frame lift model, not a wheel lift. It seems like most of the time at work, I am doing "wheel-off" jobs. We have all 10,000# lifts and they lift full size trucks really well.

Some lifts have built in electrical, air hose reels, and work lights. Of course they could be added latter, but they are pretty nice to have.

 

This is what we use.

http://www.rotarylift.com/library/po...y_Two-Post.pdf

 

IMHO .... Mohawk makes the safest and sturdiest lifts available. No cables to stretch ... no plastic sliders .... they are made tough! Check them out ... and they are Made in the USA!

 

Going to go look at a used 9k# Rotary lift tommorrow, suppose to be less than 5 yrs old. Gotta fix the washing machine today or no lift. Man she's tough!