Backyard Buddy Free Standing Car Lift Blog

Ordering Your Car Lift? What’s the Process?

So…you have done your research, and you are ready to purchase your car lift from one of the largest and oldest freestanding lift manufacturers in the country.  Now what?  Let’s take a look at what the Backyard Buddy process is from order placement to assembly and utilization.

When you call to place your order…
A knowledgeable Backyard Buddy representative will walk you through the following steps:

• The first thing we will do is discuss your individual needs with you to determine what size car lift will serve you the best.
• Next, we will figure out the cost of shipping the car lift to you.   We show your freight charges upfront, along with the maximum savings available by shipping from point to point.  Or, if you live near our factory and want to forgo freight charges altogether, you are welcome to pull up your car trailer and pick up the lift yourself!
• Now we are ready to place your order!  We require 50% down, and we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, business checks, personal checks, and money orders.  
• When your car lift is finished…
  Backyard Buddy will call you to make sure that you are ready to receive your new car lift:
• The balance of your bill is due upon the readiness to ship the auto lift to you.  If you are not ready to receive the lift, we will hold your auto lift until you are ready.
• Upon payment, your car lift will be set on a truck and shipped to you.  We package our lifts in steel end crates for easy off-loading, and they arrive as ready-to-bolt together factory assembled sub-assemblies.
• If you are not ready to receive it, our representative will dialogue with you to determine the reason for the delay.
• When you receive your Backyard Buddy car lift…
  
  There are two options for assembly:

1. Self assembly:  Most of the major components are pre-assembled at our factory and ready to set up.  It typically takes two men approximately 2-3 hours using common hand tools.
   
   
2. Professional assembly:  Our professional installers are available in most areas.  Not only will they will put the car lift together for you, but they will also demonstrate how to operate the lift. 

As you can see, Backyard Buddy is committed to making your purchasing experience as smooth as possible from start to finish.  If you are ready to place an order or simply have further questions, please feel free to contact us by calling 800-837-9353.  Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM EST.  You may also fill out our online contact form, and someone will contact you by your preferred method within one business day.

How to Maintain Your Car Lifts at Backyard Buddy

We often get asked the questions regarding how to maintain your Backyard Buddy auto lift once it is up and running within your garage.  Proper auto lift maintenance is essential to making sure that the lift operates at peak performance year in and year out.   Keep your auto lifts operating smoothly and safely with our simple maintenance suggestions!

Things to Check Once Every 6 Months:

• Put a small amount of lightweight oil on a cotton rag and under the lift wipe the length of all the cables from start to finish.   What this will accomplish is if you encounter a snag while wiping down the cable it will be an alert that there is a broken strand on the cable and that this will need to be fixed in order to ensure top safety measures.

Things to Check Once Per Year or More, Depending on Usage:

• You will need to grease the pulleys once a year in order to maintain smooth movement of the fittings on your lift.
• On new models, you will need to grease the zerk fittings once a year.  If you ever hear a “squeak” when operating your car lift, then one of the pulleys is dry.  It is important to grease pulleys at this time in order to maintain peak performance of your auto lift.

Things to Check on Once Every Other Year:

• Carefully inspect all of the nuts and bolts on your entire auto lift in order to make sure that they are securely fastened.

Things to Check on As-Needed:

• It is our recommendation to clean all upright columns using Pledge furniture polish once every 4-6 weeks.   Make sure you do NOT use a petroleum based product because it will deteriorate the UHMW sliders and lead to potential problems in the future.

Now that you have these fundamental steps for maintaining your Backyard Buddy lift, be sure to mark your calendar accordingly in order to keep up with this ongoing and necessary maintenance.   These vital, but simple steps, do not take a lot of time, but they will greatly preserve the life and longevity of your auto lift.  

Types of Car Lifts Manufactured at Backyard Buddy

The perfect lift for your garage comes in four versions.  From standard dimensions to models with extended height and length, Backyard Buddy is sure to offer a lift that will accommodate your needs!

7000 lb. Standard Four Post Lift - 63 Inches Under the Platform
This top of the line 7,000 pound capacity car lift is powered by a 110V (or 220V) power supply and is perfect for the residential garage workshop.  The optional rolling jack platform accommodates a bottle jack so you can remove wheels and brakes for service.  Add even more versatility with the built-in rolling hydraulic platform jack that runs on the same power supply as the lift.  With 63' of platform clearance, the standard version offers plenty of room underneath to work on your favorite cars.  As a rule of thumb, it also has enough clearance under the platform to accommodate 1960’s and newer cars.  The quality, design, and construction are unparalleled in the automotive industry.

7000 lb. Extended Four Post Lift - 71-1/2 Inches Under the Platform
Backyard Buddy’s extended 7,000 pound four post lift has 8-1/2 inches of additional clearance under the deck (71-5") over our standard model and is 12 inches longer.  Similar to the standard model, this lift is powered by a 110V power supply (also available in the 220V) and accepts all of the same accessories.  This unit offers a full six feet of clearance under the platform and will accommodate most trucks and SUV's.  The construction and design are the same as the standard version with extra clearance for those taller vehicles.  This lift is great for anyone with an extra tall ceiling.

7000 lb. Over Height Four Post Lift - 84 Inches Under the Platform
Backyard Buddy also offers a special 7,000 pound over height and extra length lift with 84" underneath the deck.  It's over a foot wider for extra stability, almost four feet longer, and will handle most trucks and large SUVs.  This special application lift is powered by a 110 or 220 Volt power unit mounted on the left front leg and accepts all of the standard accessories.  With a full 7 ft. of platform clearance, this lift is perfect for shelving storage applications.  You must have extra ceiling clearance for this lift.

9000 lb. Four Post Auto and Truck Lift
The extended height and length 9000 pound capacity 4 Post Lift has a deck that is almost a foot wider than Backyard Buddy’s standard model to accommodate trucks with dual rear wheels.  At almost 4 feet longer and with an inch thicker deck, it's plenty rugged enough for dually crew cabs and the biggest SUVs.  Similar to standard model in operation, this lift is powered by 110V power supply or optional 220V for faster lifting.  The construction and design are almost the same as the standard model with the exception of heavier steel and the thicker decks.  This demonstrates the basic engineering and safety of the standard Backyard Buddy free standing lift.

Compare the dimensions of all four Backyard Buddy models by clicking here.

What Separates Backyard Buddy from Others?

Quality.  Safety.  American-made.  This is the Backyard Buddy difference.  Let us look at some of the areas that separate Backyard Buddy from the rest of the competition.

Safe and Stable Auto Lift Design – Safety is of the utmost importance to us.  So much so that we recently added a new automatic back-up lock in case of slack in the cable (which to this day, has never happened with a Backyard Buddy lift).

Standard 5 year Warranty – We are committed to standing by our product. North American Made Structural Grade Steel – Backyard Buddy does not compromise by using cheap imported steel, which typically does not meet strict U.S. steel quality standards.  Even the electric power unit and hydraulics are American made.

Fully Free-Standing Auto Lift – Backyard Buddy lifts do not need to be bolted to the floor!  Our lifts are easy to roll around, even while holding a car.  Our large phenolic casters do not cause any damage to your garage floor either.
Size – The compact size of the Backyard Buddy lift allows it to fit into most home garages where commercial lifts do not. 

Packaging and Assembly – Down to the smallest of details, Backyard Buddy is keeping YOU in mind.  We package your lift in steel end crates for easy off-loading, and it arrives as ready-to-bolt together factory assembled sub-assemblies.  You can be up and running in less than a day.

Factory Direct Only – Leave out the middleman!  While others show “free” freight costs that are averaged into the price of the list or a “delivered” price, which means you pay the same shipping costs no matter where you live, we show your freight charges upfront, along with the maximum savings available by shipping from point to point.   If you live near our factory and want to forgo freight charges altogether, you are welcome to pull up your car trailer and pick up the lift yourself. 
 
It is clear that when you choose Backyard Buddy, you are purchasing the finest car lift on the market at the best value.  Need further proof?  Go and see the difference for yourself!  In an effort to illustrate the superiority of their lifts, Backyard Buddy purchased several competitors’ units and put them through intense testing, scrutiny, and comparison.  Stop by Backyard Buddy’s factory showroom where the competitor car lifts are on display for you to compare the differences in construction, quality, and safety.  The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  No appointment is necessary.

The Unique Safety Features of the Backyard Buddy Car Lifts

Backyard Buddy has two core foundational values within their business.  The first is the quality of their auto lifts and the second is the highest safety features implemented into their auto lifts.  The Backyard Buddy auto lifts are the top-of-the-line quality products made from North American structural grade steel and hardware.  Backyard Buddy’s unique safety features have surpassed their competitors in this area.  Let us focus on these unique features now.

Large Diameter Ram - Backyard Buddy uses a 3” hydraulic cylinder with a 1-¼” ram.  This large diameter ram maintains proper alignment when it is fully extended.  This results in a longer seal life.  Competitors use a ¾ ram that can sag when fully extended causing it to be misaligned as it is pulled back into the cylinder and therefore dragging on the seal.  This will cause a premature wear on the seal that will result in a leak.

Flow Restrictor - The second unique feature that is only used by Back yard Buddy is a flow restrictor.  This part ensures that the lift can only come down at the same speed that it goes up.  Other competitors use only a coupler which can cause the lift to slam down instantaneously.

Steel Line - Backyard Buddy uses a steel line to protect the hose and to prevent it from getting worn down.   Competitors on the other hand allow the hose to be exposed leading to undo wear and tear.

Lock Design – Backyard Buddy uses large steel sleeves that capture the lock within the slots.  These slots are cut into each corner post on their auto lifts.   However, competitors only use a small welded-on block to prevent any slippage.

Back-Up Lock Design – This extra safety feature automatically engages if there is any slack in a cable.  Although there has never been a case of any cable failure within a Backyard Buddy lift, this back-up lock is added insurance and safety.

Sliders – Another unique feature within the Backyard Buddy auto lifts are the sliders that they utilize.  These ensure that the auto lift cannot wobble and disengage from the locks.  Competitors use an open channel post that allows for the unit to be unstable and to wobble.

As one can quickly see, Backyard Buddy auto lifts are the safest and best made lifts in the industry.  These lifts continue to outshine their competition year after year.  Individuals who are looking into installing a car lift inside of their garage have the opportunity to come to the Backyard Buddy show room.  Within the show room, Backyard Buddy not only provides their own auto lifts, but also most of their popular competitor’s lifts.  Now, one is able to not only see, feel, and experience the Backyard Buddy auto lifts, but also make comparisons with their competitors.  You will quickly see for yourself why Backyard Buddy exceeds all their competition.  The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  No appointment is necessary.

Who is Johnny Five at Backyard Buddy?

Backyard Buddy has recently acquired a new member to their production team.  It is a new robot who is named Johnny Five.  This new robot is a state of the art equipment piece that welds parts of the auto lifts.  Johnny Five is located at the manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio.  

Backyard Buddy has been utilizing Johnny Five for the last several months.  This addition to Backyard Buddy has thrust the company forward above their competitors.  Johnny Five can accomplish in 51 minutes what it would take an experience production team to accomplish in six hours thus allowing a greater productivity and output of auto lifts in a shorter period of time.  This innovative technology, along with the increase in productivity, has improved their customer service by decreasing the wait time from order to delivery.

The heart of Backyard Buddy is that all lifts, as well as, all the parts for these lifts are made from North American structural grade steel including the power units and hydraulics.  But equally as important as the quality of the steel, is the quality of the weld that holds these units together.  With top of the line welding provided by Johnny Five, Backyard Buddy guarantees a safe and dependable product.

Johnny Five is a labor saving device, but Backyard Buddy does not want this technology to be a deterrent for hiring new employees.   Instead, Backyard Buddy wants to utilize this technology to expand their horizons for increased productivity causing an increase in available jobs.  Johnny Five is always overseen and supervised by certified welders which allows for job security, as well as, guaranteed quality production.

The success found at Backyard Buddy over the last three decades is due to high quality products, to customer loyalty, and timely unit production.  This acquired success has allowed for the investment of the Johnny Five robot which is estimated to pay for itself within a year of obtaining it.

Individuals who are looking into installing a car lift inside of their garage have the opportunity to come to the Backyard Buddy show room.  The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  No appointment is necessary

See the robot in action below:

The Heart of Backyard Buddy Corp.

Walking around Backyard Buddy Corp, one will quickly be inspired on so many different levels.  From the kindness that meets you at the front door, to the highest level of quality throughout the complex, to the ease at which the personnel make you feel.  This is beyond a doubt the heart of America at its truest form. 

Over 30 years ago, much time was given to locate a car lift that could be utilized inside standard garages.  This journey only led to the discovery of poorly designed products and ultimately frustration.  Desire and necessity became the mother of invention.  Backyard Buddy was created for a few key reasons.  One of the rudimentary reasons is it allows individuals easily access underneath vehicles in order to repair or work on them.   Another key reason is that it allows for the utilization of the dead space above vehicles within their garages.   This adds numerous possibilities for additional storage opportunities.   Another vital reason that Backyard Buddy’s came into being is the desire for the highest quality and safest lift around.

Backyard Buddy is one of the oldest and largest freestanding auto lift manufacturers in the country.  Their car lifts may be a little more expensive than lifts that are imported from around the world, but Backyard Buddy truly has set themselves apart from these other companies.    They pride themselves in their top line quality of products, their North American structural grade steel and hardware, and their unique safety features.

Walking through the halls of Backyard Buddy, you will see this passage on their wall.  It was written almost two hundred years ago, but truly sets the foundation to describe the vital difference when choosing quality products and the difference between value and price:

 “It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little.  When you pay too little you sometime lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.  The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot – it can’t be done.  If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk that you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”  John Ruskin (1819-1900)

Individuals who are looking into installing a car lift inside of their garage have the opportunity to come to the Backyard Buddy show room.  The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  No appointment is necessary.

Backyard Buddy Auto Lift Stands Up to 5.8 Virginia Earthquake

On August 23, 2011, Dr. Edward Boas Jr.'s house in Chesapeake Maryland was shaking. The 5.8 Virginia earthquake was in full swing. He also noticed that his four Backyard Buddy lifts were also shaking. He uses the car lifts to store vehicles above and below. After all the shaking was done, he was happy to report that all of his vehicled were undamaged.

Larry Gross, owner at Backyard Buddy said "We were not surprised to hear Ed's story, our lifts are built with American Steel and built to withstand three times their weight capacity."

This is why, when you are looking for a auto lift, you must not look at just the price. You must also look at how well it will hold up your very valuable vehicles. You never know what will happen and you must do as much as you can to protect what drives you.

Check out our comparison page.

The good news and bad news about the Steel Industry

The good news: The American economy is starting to rebound. Unemployment is down and the stock market is doing getting better.

The bad news: The domestic steel mills are going to start changing more for their steel because their order books are full!

What does this mean for the good people that are considering buying an auto lift? On March 1 Backyard Buddy will have to raise prices.

Car Lift Cables

Flexibility, strength, and intelligent design. Good cables come with plenty of each and bad cables come with none at all. The problem for customers is that you cannot “see” a bad cable. In fact, a junk cable will look just like the best cable to a novice. So how is a guy supposed to tell? Simple. Look for a few very specific things.

1. Flexibility- This matters. Since most lifts have a 4 or a 5 inch pulley, the cable is required to take a series of pretty sharp turns. A rigid cable (637cable for example) will not provide the kind of flexibility to keep the cable on the pulley when it is not under tension. This leads to accidents as people do not always check before lifting. Also, this will create premature wear. If the cable is designed to be “bent” at a certain angle and it is, it will wear quickly. The Chinese made lifts all come with very cheap, rigid cables that do not last. Ours all come with 937 wire rope.
2. Strength- For obvious reasons, this matters. If a cable is working hard to lift the weight of your car, it will wear out faster. Plain and simple: cheap lifts come with weak cables. Period. There are no exceptions to this. The certifications usually mean it has been tested to less of a standard, albeit a standard. Most certifications only require 1 ½ times lifting capacity while we demand cables that are tested to 3 times their capacity. Safety and durability are affected here.
3. Intelligent design- How can you tell if the cable has been swedged properly or if it is holding? All of the imported stuff has end caps over the cables because that is a cheaper way to weld the ends. Ours are open in the ends. That way you can look and see if it has slipped or if it is moving at all. While more expensive, it is a much safer and more durable way to do things. The cables are just another important component to the lift that makes a great deal of difference in its ease of use and safety. We do not believe that cutting corners in these areas is worth the risk to our customers. Unfortunately, many off-shore brands could care less about these issues as evidenced by the components they use.

If safety and durability matter, our lift is the only one to buy!

Compare the American Made Backyard Buddy Automotive Lift to the Lower Quality Imported Lifts