Spec
“Please pour the entire 3rd bay slab at 6″ thick, 4,000 PSI with rebar reinforcement. In the area where a future 2-post lift will be installed, leave two 4′ × 4′ PEX-free zones (no tubing) where the lift columns will be located. Keep tubing at least 12″ clear around those zones. Provide a sketch of the tubing layout and photos before pouring.”
Notes
- Prefer 12k lbs 2-post lift for safety margin, but the 10’ ceiling forces a short-column / floorplate model in the 9k–10k class (see below).
- Candidate: BendPak GrandPrix GP-9LC (link in meeting notes).
Related: 2025-09-05 - Site Staking - Marcus + Concrete
GP-9LC Verified Specifications
Manufacturer docs on file (downloaded 2026-06-20): Installation & Operation Manual and Spec Sheet. SKU# 5175825. These replace earlier guesses — specs below are quoted from the manufacturer spec table, not estimated.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Lifting capacity | 9,000 lbs (4,500 lbs front / 4,500 lbs rear axle) |
| Overall height (raised, A) | 109.5” — to top of cylinder at max height |
| Rise (I) | 70” |
| Max lift height, pad + 63 mm adapter (J) | 76.5”–78.5” |
| Drive-thru clearance (K) | 103” |
| Width overall at baseplate (B) | 137.25” |
| Width outside of columns (C) | 127.5” |
| Width inside columns (E) | 113.5” |
| Floor-to-driveover height (D) | 1.25” |
| Base plate | 20.5” × 15.5” |
| Shipping weight | 1,385 lbs |
| Anchors | 10-piece concrete wedge anchors included |
| Warranty | 36-month limited |
Ceiling fit: raised overall height 109.5” leaves ~10.5” under the 120” (10’) ceiling. The floorplate design (no overhead crossbar) is what makes this work — a standard arch/overhead-equalizer 2-post would not.
Electrical (resolves the earlier “verify voltage” open item)
- Motor: 208–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1-phase, ≈ 23 A draw. (Brochure lists 220 VAC / 60 Hz / 1 Ph.) Special voltages available on request — this model is not offered as 110 V standard.
- Circuit protection: manual specifies a 25 A minimum time-delay fuse/breaker for a 208–230 VAC single-phase circuit, with a separate circuit breaker per power unit.
- Planned circuit: the 30 A / 240 V / NEMA 6-30 / 10-3 circuit already reserved in Electrical Planning covers this with margin (23 A draw, 25 A min — a 30 A breaker on 10 AWG is compliant for this intermittent-duty motor). Local disconnect between the PEX-free pads in bay 3.
- Installation note: the power unit ships with a pigtail; BendPak requires a licensed electrician to wire the power unit and install the disconnect (and a thermal disconnect if local code requires one). Wiring is not supplied with the lift.
XPR-9S-LP vs GP-9LC — Head-to-Head
The BendPak XPR-9S-LP is the premium floorplate alternative to the GP-9LC — both BendPak, both 9k, both fit a 10’ ceiling, and both uncertified (see Safety Certifications). Manual on file: XPR-9S Installation & Operation Manual (Rev C3, covers XPR-9S / -9S-LP / -9TS). SKU# 5175391. Specs below are from the manufacturer spec table.
| Spec | GP-9LC (value) | XPR-9S-LP (premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 9,000 lb (4,500/axle) | 9,000 lb (4,500/axle) |
| Overall height (raised) | 109.5” | 113” |
| Clearance under 120” ceiling | ~10.5” | ~7” |
| Rise | 70” | 72” |
| Max lift height | 76.5–78.5” (pad+adapter) | 78” pad / 80.5” w/2.5” adapter |
| Min pad height | 3.9” | 4.25” |
| Drive-over (floor pan) height | 1.25” | 1.75” |
| Width overall | 137.25” (fixed) | 132” / 145” adjustable (dual-width) |
| Arms | triple-telescope front, dual-stage rear | Low-Pro arms (lowered cars / outboard pickup points) |
| Rise time | 65 sec | 45 sec |
| Motor | 208–230V 1Ph ~23A | 220V 1Ph |
| Min circuit | 25A time-delay | 25A time-delay |
| Mfr min slab | (project pours 6”/4000 PSI) | 4.25” / 3,000 PSI |
| ALI certified | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Reading the table:
- Electrically identical for planning — both want the same 25A-min 240V circuit, so the 10-3 circuit covers either with no change.
- GP-9LC actually wins on raw low-clearance — lower overall height (109.5 vs 113”), lower min pad (3.9 vs 4.25”), lower drive-over. If absolute ceiling margin is the priority, the GP-9LC edges it.
- XPR-9S-LP earns its premium on capability, not clearance — Low-Pro arms (the real reason to consider it for the Corvette’s side-pipe/outboard lift points), adjustable dual-width, faster rise, heavier build.
- Neither is ALI certified — the XPR-9S-LP is not the path to certification. That’s the Atlas Platinum PVL9BP (see If ALI certification is the priority).
Ceiling, Brands, and Slab Integration
- 10’ ceiling implies short-column lifts (~9k–10k lbs). Full raise height may be limited for taller vehicles (e.g., Sequoia).
- Corvette side pipes may need low-profile arms/ramps.
- Brand/model short list: BendPak XPR-9S-LP / GP-9LC, Atlas BP8000, Rotary SPOA10 short-column, Forward I10 short-column, Challenger CLFP9, Halo HL2-10K.
- Slab baseline to cover most models: 6” slab, rebar grid, 4000 PSI (some mfrs recommend 4500–5000 PSI; confirm with concrete contractor and selected lift manual).
- PEX coordination: two 4’×4’ PEX-free column pads with 12” buffer; photo and sketch documentation before pour.
- Re-locating the pads for install: the pads must be found accurately before drilling anchors so the bolts land in the PEX-free zones (not the radiant tubing). See Lift Pad Location for the photo-reconstruction method, first-cut coordinates, and the thermal-imaging confirmation step.
Safety Certifications
The certification that matters in North America is ALI Gold Certification to the ANSI/ALI ALCTV standard (Automotive Lifts — Safety Requirements for Construction, Testing, and Validation). It is the only nationally recognized safety cert covering two-post lifts, and the single sharpest dividing line across the short-list below.
What ALI Certified guarantees (vs. a manufacturer’s own claims):
- Independent testing by Intertek (ETL), a nationally recognized lab — not self-certification.
- Structural margin: components proven to 3× (some 5×) their rated working stress.
- Validated safety systems: locks, arm restraints, overload behavior, lowering speed, and stability are tested, not just advertised.
- Ongoing factory audits (≥2×/year) plus qualified welders/designers — not a one-time pass.
How to verify (don’t trust the brochure):
- Search the exact model in the official Certified Lift Directory at autolift.org. Not listed = not certified.
- On the physical lift, look for the gold ALI/ETL label with a serial number.
- ⚠️ Weasel words — “meets,” “complies with,” “designed to ANSI/ALI standards” — are not certification. Only a directory listing counts.
Supporting standards / marks (secondary): ANSI/ALI ALOIM (operation, inspection & maintenance — basis for the recommended annual lift inspection); ANSI/ALI ALIS (installation & service); and a UL / ETL / cUL listing on the power unit for electrical/hydraulic component safety (separate from the structural ALI cert).
Certification status across the short-list
Certification is per-model, not per-brand — and, crucially, the floorplate / no-overhead-crossbar design that lets a two-post lift fit under a 10’ ceiling is also what tends to disqualify it from ALI certification. ALCTV includes a slack-chain/overhead provision that floorplate designs don’t meet, so most ALI-certified two-post lifts are taller clearfloor/overhead models needing ~11–12’. The low-ceiling certified options are the exceptions. Always confirm the exact model + configuration on autolift.org.
| ALI Certified (verify on autolift.org) | Not ALI certified |
|---|---|
| Atlas Platinum PVL9BP (baseplate, fits 10’) · Challenger CLFP9 (floorplate, ~10’⅞” — borderline) | BendPak GP-9LC (floorplate, confirmed) · BendPak XPR-9S-LP (floorplate — BendPak forgoes ALI cert on floorplate models) |
| Rotary SPOA10 (certified but overhead ~12’ — won’t fit 10’) | Atlas BP8000 (budget) · Halo HL2-10K, Forward I10 (verify) |
Correction: neither BendPak low-ceiling lift is ALI certified — not the GP-9LC or the XPR-9S-LP
Both are floorplate designs, and BendPak deliberately forgoes ALI certification on its floorplate models (it uses a single-point safety-lock approach; per BendPak the lifts meet ALI structural requirements except the slack-chain provision). So the XPR-9S-LP is not a “certified upgrade” over the GP-9LC — that was an earlier error in this doc. The XPR-9S-LP’s real edge over the GP-9LC is Low-Pro arms (Corvette side-pipe/outboard lift points), dual width, faster rise, and heavier build — see XPR-9S-LP vs GP-9LC — Head-to-Head.
Not certified ≠ unsafe — both BendPak lifts have automatic locks, arm restraints, lanyard release, and ANSI-rated chain. Certified = independent third-party proof of the 3×/5× structural testing.
If ALI certification is the priority
The garage is a private, non-commercial shop, so certification is not legally required (IBC/OSHA mandate it only for commercial/permitted installs) — it’s a safety-margin and resale choice. Two models are both ALI-certified and fit a true 10’ (120”) ceiling: the Atlas Platinum PVL9BP and the Forward BP9 (both verified 2026-06-21 — manuals on file in Manuals). Specs below are from the manufacturer manuals.
| Model | Cert | Cap. | Overall height | Max lift ht | Motor / circuit | Fits 120”? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Platinum PVL9BP | ✅ ALI + ETL | 9,000 | 111⅛” | 74¾” | 208–240V 1Ph 2HP (~25–30A) | ✅ ~9” | Best certified + fits-10’ option. Baseplate/open-top. Atlas’s certified Platinum line — not the budget BP8000. |
| Forward BP9 | ✅ ALI + ETL | 9,000 | 111¼” | 72” (80½” w/ext) | 208–230V 1Ph 2HP, 20A | ✅ ~9” | Floorplate, VSG/Rotary-family. Drive-thru 97¼”. Cert administered by Intertek (ALCTV). |
| Challenger CLFP9 | ✅ ALI | 9,000 | ~120⅞” (10’⅞”) | — | — | ⚠️ just over | Certified floorplate, but won’t clear a flush 120” ceiling |
| (ref) BendPak GP-9LC / XPR-9S-LP | ❌ none | 9,000 | 109.5” / 113” | 78” / 80.5” | 240V 1Ph, 25A | ✅ | BendPak floorplate — uncertified by design |
- Verification (2026-06-21): both Atlas Platinum and Forward Lift appear as participating manufacturers in the live ALI Certified Lift Directory; Forward BP9’s cert is documented to ANSI/ALI ALCTV, Intertek-administered. The directory’s exact-model search is a JS form — run it (30 seconds) at purchase to confirm the live listing.
- The certified options trade a little capability for the cert: the Atlas tops out at 74¾” max lift (vs ~78” on the BendPak floorplate lifts) and neither offers BendPak’s Low-Pro arms.
- A true 10,000 lb clearfloor lift won’t fit 10’ (overhead beam) — the 9k baseplate/floorplate class is the ceiling-constrained reality.
- Bottom line: there’s a real trade between certification and the BendPak ecosystem. Want ALI-certified and a 10’ fit → Atlas Platinum PVL9BP or Forward BP9. Staying with BendPak (GP-9LC or XPR-9S-LP) means accepting no ALI cert in exchange for the floorplate clearance, Low-Pro arms, and BendPak’s build/support.
Pricing, color & where to buy (verified 2026-06-21)
Color-matched to the garage’s gray/charcoal/silver scheme (see Interior Aesthetics & Finish Plan). Prices are street/sale prices captured 2026-06-21 and move with promos — reconfirm at purchase. Both ship freight; free shipping is common.
| Atlas Platinum PVL9BP — gray | Forward BP9 — black (BP9N100MBK) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best price found | **~5,459) | **~6,939) |
| Scheme-match color | Gray is the standard Platinum finish — every PVL9BP ships gray ✅ | Black is a special-order color (standard is blue columns / yellow arms) ✅ |
| Promo | — | $200 rebate (Mar 16–Jun 30 2026; claim by Jul 31) |
| Buy (links verified live 2026-06-21) | ASE Deals — $5,199 · Atlas official · Race Tools Direct | Tire Supply Network — black SKU · ASE Deals — BP9 (select black) |
Cost + color verdict: the Atlas Platinum PVL9BP wins on both — it’s the aesthetic match (factory gray, no upcharge) and ~$1,400 cheaper than the Forward BP9 in black. The Forward is the USA-made VSG/Rotary-pedigree premium, but you pay for it and black is a special-order finish. Among certified options that fit the 10’ ceiling and the gray scheme, Atlas PVL9BP is the value pick. (Both still run well above the uncertified BendPak GP-9LC value tier — the price of certification.)
- At purchase time, run the ALI directory model search on the final pick. BendPak floorplate lifts (GP-9LC, XPR-9S-LP) are not certified; the certified + fits-10’ options are the Atlas Platinum PVL9BP and Forward BP9 (Challenger CLFP9 is certified but ~10’⅞”). — stage:: 6
Purchase Timing
2-post lifts are a significant purchase ($2k–5k+ depending on brand/model) and pricing behavior varies by manufacturer. Since final selection is deferred to stage 6 (post-build), there’s time to watch for promos.
By Brand
BendPak (GP-9LC, XPR-9S-LP) — Strict MAP pricing; dealers cannot discount below floor. Factory promos run a few times per year:
- SEMA Show week (early November) — often the best promo of the year
- Black Friday / Cyber Monday — typically 5–10% off or free shipping + free accessories (adapters, truck kits, drip trays)
- Spring “Garage Season” (March–April)
- End-of-quarter dealer pushes (late June, late September)
- Free shipping alone saves $300–600 given freight weight.
Atlas (BP8000, via Greg Smith Equipment) — More aggressive year-round discounting. Black Friday typically stacks 5–10% plus free accessory bundles.
Rotary / Forward / Challenger — Commercial brands; rarely discount publicly. Dealer negotiation matters more than calendar sales — call and ask for a quote rather than expecting a web promo.
Halo (HL2-10K) — Newer direct-to-consumer brand; runs Black Friday and holiday sales more like a consumer brand.
Historical Promo Reference (BendPak)
Use these as benchmarks when comparing live promos at purchase time:
- SEMA promo code — historically ~20% off or ~$225 off at checkout (varies by year; announced mid-October)
- Bang for the Buck sale — bundled accessories on 2-post/4-post lift packages: drip trays (
200), mobile jack tray (400). Effective value: $300–800 in free gear. - Quarterly Instant Rebate — up to ~$1,700 off selected models (running through March 31, 2026 as of this writing; typically renews each quarter with updated eligible list). Rebate not combinable with other codes; accessories excluded.
- Memorial Day / Holiday promos — announced on BendPak blog; typically smaller than SEMA but may stack with bundled accessories.
- New model launch pricing — new models debut at SEMA (e.g., 12AP-SRT short-rise 2-post, Octa-Flex 8-arm lift at SEMA 2025) — worth watching if a newer GP-9 or XPR-9 successor appears.
Decision rule: Compare SEMA code vs active Quarterly Rebate for the specific model — the rebate often beats the code on eligible lifts, but SEMA may include free accessories the rebate excludes. Sometimes the winning deal is dealer-side (ASE Deals, JMC Automotive, Summit Racing, Pittsburgh Spray Equip) rather than BendPak direct.
Action Items
- Sign up for BendPak and Atlas (Greg Smith Equipment) email lists ~60 days before planned purchase to catch promo announcements. — stage:: 5
- Compare SEMA week (early November) vs Black Friday pricing before buying BendPak. — stage:: 5
- Check BendPak quarterly rebate eligibility for shortlisted model — often beats SEMA code on eligible lifts. — stage:: 5
- Compare BendPak direct pricing against authorized dealers (ASE Deals, JMC, Summit Racing, Pittsburgh Spray Equip) during promo windows. — stage:: 5
- For Rotary/Forward/Challenger, request direct dealer quotes rather than relying on advertised pricing. — stage:: 5
Actions
- Confirm column center spacing (typically ~10’6”–11’) and mark PEX exclusion pads accordingly. — stage:: 2
- Provide slab spec to concrete crew and verify PSI requirement per chosen lift. — stage:: 2
- Capture photos/sketch of PEX layout prior to pour. — stage:: 2
- Finalize lift model post-build; verify anchor pattern and torque spec. — stage:: 6
- Install LED strip underlighting on lift arms after lift installation. See Interior Lighting Plan - Zone 4. — stage:: 6
References
- BendPak concrete requirements: https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/concrete-floor-requirements/
- BendPak slab footer recommendations (PDF): https://www.bendpak.com/media/wysiwyg/downloads/Concrete-Slab-Footer-Recommendations-BendPak-2025.pdf
- Chat summary: Car_Lift_Planning_with_Radiant_Slab