[Shop-talk] Autolifters

[Jim Stone]

I know this group has discussed lifts many times and I swear I saved the
relevant discussions, but I can't find them now that I need them.  So, my
apologies in advance for bringing up this topic yet again.  Still...

Someone near me is selling a used Autolifters 2-post lift.  He is asking
$1500.  I haven't gone to see it yet, but he's the second owner.  For what its
worth, he said the original owner used it to store one Shelby above another.
He is currently using it to store a Jeep.  I want it for something
considerably lighter: a Sunbeam Alpine.

I just did a little surfing on Autolifters and learned that there have been
problems with some of the four post models and some concern about pulley
bearings, but in general they seem to have been well made.  However, the
company went bankrupt, apparently put out of business by cheap imports.  It
makes me nervous to buy a used one in the first place (but unnecessarily
spending a few thousand more makes me even more nervous); one from an out of
business company just adds to the concerns.

So, I have two main questions: 1) Am I completely stupid to trust life and
limb (not to mention two Alpines) to a used lift from a company no longer in
business?  And, if the answer to the first question is not a resounding "Yes":
2)  what should I look at to determine if this particular lift is worth
buying?  (BTW: for what it's worth, my garage was built with a lift in mind,
so I have plenty of room to put one in and already have the garage door tracks
mounted up high.)

As always, thanks for the advice and input.  This list is a wonderful
resource!

Jim

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