Building a shop, need help choosing gear...

[Beanmachine7000]

Ok, we're building a shop (30'x40'x12' 2 bay garage) and are installing a 2 post lift in one bay, along with some type of air system... Now, I've never shopped for a lift, and was wondering where is the best place to get one and what kind would be best? From what I've read an overhead 9,000lb, 2 post lift, with assymetrical arms, and wider drive through width is what would work... I've looked and seen them from $1,500-$5,000, we'd like to keep it as inexpensive as possible, shooting for a $20,000 limit here, the building itself will be half that budget... Also, not really sure about air system either, we'll only be doing 2 outlets, one for each bay... Any help?

 

[Ranger Kip]

I need to install bay lifts in mine

 

[88_Eddie]

find an old shop that's closed down and talk the owner into selling the lifts

 

[Hopman]

Find yourself a good twin-post lift that's good for at least 8,000 lbs.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Plan on getting one 9,000lb+, not sure which brand is a 'good' brand though... Not going to use it every single day, maybe 7/8 times a month though...

 

[ThatGuy]

When we built our shop, my friend and I chose this model.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Direct-Lift-Pro-9F-p/tppro-9fp.htm

It worked very well.

30x40 is a good starter shop but you will be wanting more soon. We ran out of space in a hurry. We could fit 3 zuks in there no problem but when it went to a 40x60 that made a world of difference.


Edited to add:

Just seen your budget......good luck. Our first building cost more than that without any tools.

 

[ThatGuy]

Air system.

Used a 80 gal Craftsman plumbed to 2 outlets per table (4 total) and 2 retractable drop lines hangin in the front of each of the 2 bays. We had some aluminum tubing stuff you buy and it all snaps together. Worked pretty well only ever had one leak. I'll see if I can find it. I forgot the name of the stuff. I've seen some use a type of PVC tubing but it has to be made to withstand pressure. The stuff down at Home Depot won't work.

 

[Hopman]

Another couple of things to add: a good sound system and a beer fridge!

Those are two things that no good shop should be without.

Besides, the fridge will give you a good place to put all those stickers you have kicking around!

 

[Beanmachine7000]

i'm glad to hear good things about the gregsmith.com stuff... I've been looking at them and they seem reasonable... We got tools and beer fridge taken care of already...

 

[Hopman]

What about the stereo?

 

[ThatGuy]

i'm glad to hear good things about the gregsmith.com stuff... I've been looking at them and they seem reasonable... We got tools and beer fridge taken care of already...

I went to high school with the guy that owns it. They also own tennsmith, which if you ever watch extreme 4x4 or any of the powerblock shows, makes all the brakes and shears and other equipment.
Good stuff at a good price. Very good reps too.

 

[mini274]

I would suggest rotary brand 2 post lifts. most shops have em and they seem to be very easy to work on if they break down. as for air ingersol is the ones that me and my buddy use in the garage 80 gallon and 125psi air pressure with strategically placed connects.... ok their random... as for piping high pressure pvc is the cheapest way to get it around the garage unless you know some people

 

[crusin93]

As far as 2 post lifts go stick with Rotary. They are the best in the business and stand behind their product. One big problem I see here is your celing hieght. 12' is not tall enough. You will put a full size truck roof through the shop roof. My shop is 16' tall and I have gotten close - 1.5' to the celing with a few vans. Build your shop around your tallest lift and the vehicles that will be on it. Also, be aware most 4 post hoists do not have an overall lift height of a 2 post.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

We use all Rotory hoists at the dealership I work at, both 2 post and drive ons They never seem to have any issues.

I've also heard good things about Bend Pak lifts.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

As far as 2 post lifts go stick with Rotary. They are the best in the business and stand behind their product. One big problem I see here is your celing hieght. 12' is not tall enough. You will put a full size truck roof through the shop roof. My shop is 16' tall and I have gotten close - 1.5' to the celing with a few vans. Build your shop around your tallest lift and the vehicles that will be on it. Also, be aware most 4 post hoists do not have an overall lift height of a 2 post.

The lifts I've been looking at claim they can be installed under a 12' ceiling...

We use all Rotory hoists at the dealership I work at, both 2 post and drive ons They never seem to have any issues.

I've also heard good things about Bend Pak lifts.

I've looked at Rotary and Bendpak, but it's seems silly to spend at least $1,000 more for a certain brand when this isn't going to be used for a commercial application... It won't be used every single day...