Any experience with Forward Lift car lifts? Or what do you use?..

[cjshaker]

I've been putting off getting a lift for way to long. My local Napa is having a sale and I was looking at the 9000# Forward Lift car lift, priced at $3047. Does anyone have experience with these lifts, good or bad? Does anyone have recommendations for another type with that capacity? It's getting old laying under my cars to work on them.

[turbohunter]

I feel you.
I'm getting old and IT'S getting old.
But I'm kinda spinning it into a workout.
Good luck with your search.

[Nightmist66]

A 9,000lb hoist should be plenty for probably anything you would want to work on. Do you know what brand it is? Rotary and Bendpak are reputable manufacturers. I have used both at a previous job and would consider either one. On the hoist you are considering, are the posts straight or angled? The angled one allows the doors to open slightly more, but I prefer the hoist arm positioning better on the parallel one. JMO.

[cjshaker]

Jared, the lifts name is Forward Lift. I asked because I had never heard of them before. And I should have mentioned that it's a 4 post lift. I'm not a fan of the 2 post jobs because I've seen one literally fall over, almost crushing a guy in the process, a couple where cars slid off the arms etc. I want no part of that. And part of its duty will be for storing a car on, so it has to be a 4 post.

Structurally, they are pretty much all the same. It's just the hydraulics and how dependable they are that I was curious about. I'll have to do some research.

[garyv]

I have a Backyard Buddy in my garage.
It's a 4 post drive on type with 6000lb max.  Couldn't go any larger because of the size of my garage.
Have had it for 20 years and had to replace the hydraulic hose because of a leak.
Other than that is has been worry free.
I use it all the time.
I can store my 76 Bronco on it in the winter and park my 66 Fairlane beneath it.
Best of all it's Made in America and if you have to call and ask a question you will probably talk
to the man that runs it and he speaks ENGLISH !
I'd give them a look.
garyv

[Nightmist66]

Ok, I'm not familiar with that brand. Wow, I've never heard or seen of a two post doing that! Maybe it was constructed poorly or overstressed. I have personally stressed two posts pretty hard(weight and positioning) and never saw a problem. I love two posts to work on the car, the four posts really get annoying for some tasks if used mainly for repairs. I can understand your wanting the four post for mainly storage with moderate repair use. Good luck whatever you choose.

[fastback 427]

I've used several different brands for hobby and at work. Forward is a good hoist, made in china. I have seen a 25,000 lb made in USA hoist fail and drop a mini excavator. It was a four post. If you are only in the market for a four post, check out the brand and look for complaints. I'd get one size up to be safe. Also consider the rolling jack that is an option with the hoist, makes life way easier. It's almost impossible to pull a motor on a four post, jmo.

[cjshaker]

I've used several different brands for hobby and at work. Forward is a good hoist, made in china. I have seen a 25,000 lb made in USA hoist fail and drop a mini excavator. It was a four post. If you are only in the market for a four post, check out the brand and look for complaints. I'd get one size up to be safe. Also consider the rolling jack that is an option with the hoist, makes life way easier. It's almost impossible to pull a motor on a four post, jmo.

I have an overhead electric hoist in my attic for engine pulling, plus a cherry picker, so that isn't a concern. Plus I have 4 big bays, so placement is very flexible. A friend has one of the roll around jobs, but honestly, since the base isn't anchored, that thing makes me nervous when a car is in the air. I always picture it just collapsing with that 3500+ top-heavy pounds sitting 6' off the ground. Probably just paranoia, but it's hard to overcome

How did the 25k pound hoist fail? Did it fall over? The most my hoist would have to handle would be 4000#, so I'd think a 9000# unit should be fine.

Thanks for the input.

[fastback 427]

They did a safety check and couldn't find anything wrong.   They said it must have been operator error, that all the safety locks didn't "click". After that the hoists had a weekly safety p.m. Good luck with your purchase.

[FirstEliminator]

 There are 2 Forward 10,000lb asymetrical lifts in my shop. I bought them used, they were about 3 years old at the time. Been using them for 9 years. I like that they don't have those little flip-up pads like the Rotary. The Forward has 3 different size extensions for the pads. It has a nice mechanical lock system. It's a good lift.
   I had heard Forward is an economy brand for Mohawk lifts----but I never verified that. Mohawk is probably the best lift out there. Rotary and Bend Pak are good too. Stay away from the old Tan Challengers if you are looking for a used lift. Newer Challengers are pretty good. If a lift is certified by ALI, I'd believe it to be decent.
   I also have a 12K Challenger 2 post and a 12K Rotary 4 post.

   Mark

[TimeWarpF100]

I've been putting off getting a lift for way to long. My local Napa is having a sale and I was looking at the 9000# Forward Lift car lift, priced at $3047. Does anyone have experience with these lifts, good or bad? Does anyone have recommendations for another type with that capacity? It's getting old laying under my cars to work on them.

I have bought 3 new Forward brand hoists although they were all 2 post

This one was new in 2005 pic taken in 2011. Zero Issue's excellent hoist probably china made





The next one I bought new in 1999 it was perfect and sure it was made in USA. Very similar to above hoist

Zero issues of any kind. They both got left at homes I sold as part of sale.




2011 I bought another Forward lift this one the 12,000 lb version it was a display model at SEMA  above ones I had installed for just over 3k
this one below I paid 2700 and installed it myself.. It has had some issues, warranty made feeble attempt to repair. Ended up fixing it myself for price of a o-ring and a little tweaking.


this is current 12,000 lb hoist



I also have this 4 post a 9,000 lb it is a Revolution and has been perfect. Did assy myself. Cost around 2400.00



Both the 2 post and 4 post have their place. Steering, brakes & suspension gotta have the 2.

Doing exhaust or parking, oil change etc the 4 post is good.


I purchased the caster kit for my 4 post as part of deal so I can move it from shop to shop and have it outside if needed. So far its been perfect.

I was having a difficult time crawling under stuff in side shop. Mainly bought it for working on my '66 F100 Project truck and my '66 Ecoboost truck.

[TimeWarpF100]

I just found this: Forward 4 post. Exact same hoist I have with different name on it.  3000.00+ is a very steep price. I paid with tax 2450.00

Or is the 3000 installed price?

http://www.forwardlift.com/Car-Lifts/4-Post-Lifts/EFP9-Four-Post-Lift/

[cjshaker]

I just found this: Forward 4 post. Exact same hoist I have with different name on it.  3000.00+ is a very steep price. I paid with tax 2450.00

Or is the 3000 installed price?

http://www.forwardlift.com/Car-Lifts/4-Post-Lifts/EFP9-Four-Post-Lift/

Thanks for all the great info! No, the $3k price tag was NOT installed. After some more research, I realized that the Napa price was high. Somewhat typical of Napa though. I've found a supplier somewhat local where they can be had for the same price that you found, about $2500 out the door. I just have to travel about 80 miles to pick it up. Yeah, that's "local" to me

Thanks again for the comments and info.