Hi Tom,
I have a small automotive repair shop. My first hoist was an AutoLifters
brand unit, and it was rated for 6000lbs. I couldn't lift many 1/2 ton
pickups, and it struggled to lift an early 60s T-bird. I never even tried to
lift my 65 Imp convert with it. Mine may have been an exception, but it was
weak in the knees from the word "go". I recently sold the hoist, and bought
some decent Rotary A9i models. Wow, I can lift almost anything I want with
these.
I would have some concerns about the ability to lift our heavy cars.
Bend-Pak hoists are another 'economy' priced hoist that offers decent
quality. I would look at their 9,000 lb units. They are still under $3,000.
I think about $2,600 delivered.
You can email me if you want.
Jeff Ruffing