Forward BP9 Two Post Car Lift 9000 lb Low Ceiling Shops
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Forward Lifts BP9 9,000 lb Two-Post Lift for Low Ceiling Shops and Garages
The Forward BP9 is a 9,000 lb capacity two-post lift designed specifically for shops and garages with limited ceiling height. With an overall height of just 111.25", this lift fits in spaces with ceilings as low as 10 feet. The baseplate design routes equalizer cables at floor level between the columns instead of overhead, eliminating the need for ceiling clearance above the lift. Powered by a 2 HP single-phase motor on 208-230V power. ALI Gold Certified. 5-year structural, 1-year functional parts warranty.
Forward Lifts BP9: Who It's For
- Low-Ceiling Commercial Shops: If your shop has ceiling heights between 10 and 12 feet, the BP9 gives you full two-post lift functionality without requiring overhead clearance. The baseplate design keeps cables at floor level, so you can maximize your workspace even in older buildings or converted spaces with height restrictions.
- Home Garage Enthusiasts: Residential garages often have 9 to 10 foot ceilings that rule out standard two-post lifts. The BP9's compact 111.25" height opens up full undercar access for serious DIYers who want professional-grade lifting capability at home.
- Quick Service and Tire Shops: The 9,000 lb capacity handles the passenger cars, crossovers, and light trucks that make up most quick lube and tire shop traffic. Fast 80.5" rise with extensions gets vehicles up quickly for oil changes, tire rotations, and brake work.
- Dealership Service Departments: When service bays have structural limitations or ductwork that limits ceiling height, the BP9 provides a certified solution that meets dealer standards. ALI Gold certification ensures compliance with manufacturer requirements.
Forward BP9 Features
Low-Profile Design for Limited Ceiling Height
At just 111.25" tall, the BP9 fits under ceilings as low as 10 feet. The minimum ceiling height requirement is 113", giving you the clearance needed for safe operation while maximizing usable lift height in constrained spaces.
Floor-Level Equalizer Cable System
A steel baseplate runs between the two columns, routing the equalizer cables at floor level instead of overhead. This eliminates the overhead obstruction of traditional two-post lifts and protects the cables from damage in the shop environment.
Dual Hydraulic Cylinders
Heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders in each column provide smooth, balanced lifting and exceptional durability. The dual-cylinder design distributes the load evenly and delivers reliable performance through years of commercial use.
3" Locking Positions
The carriage latch system engages every 3 inches throughout the lift's travel, giving you precise height positioning for any job. Single-point lock release makes raising and lowering quick and efficient.
Dual Safety Lock System
The primary mechanical locks are backed by a secondary spring-actuated slack chain locking device. This redundant safety system provides protection even in the unlikely event of primary lock failure, giving you confidence when working under lifted vehicles.
2-Stage Symmetric Arms
Symmetric arm design with 30" to 46.25" reach accommodates a wide range of vehicle sizes. The two-stage telescoping arms extend smoothly to reach pickup points on everything from compact cars to full-size trucks.
Spring-Operated Arm Restraints
Arm restraints keep the lift arms performing at peak efficiency and disengage at floor level for easy vehicle positioning. The spring-operated design maintains consistent arm control throughout the lift's range of motion.
Durable Powder Coat Finish
The powder coat paint finish protects against chips, scratches, and corrosion in demanding shop environments. Available in black, the finish maintains its appearance through years of daily use while resisting the chemicals and fluids common in automotive repair.
Forward BP9 Applications
- General Automotive Repair: Oil changes, fluid services, filter replacements, and routine maintenance on passenger vehicles up to 9,000 lb.
- Brake and Suspension Work: Full undercar access for brake jobs, strut replacement, control arm service, and alignment-related repairs.
- Exhaust System Service: Clear working room underneath for exhaust inspection, catalytic converter replacement, and muffler installation.
- Tire and Wheel Service: Convenient height positioning for tire rotations, wheel balancing, and TPMS sensor service.
- Drivetrain Repairs: Access to transmission, differential, CV axles, and driveshaft components on front and rear-wheel drive vehicles.
- Undercar Inspections: Pre-purchase inspections, state safety inspections, and diagnostic undercar evaluations.
Forward Lifts BP9 Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Lifting Capacity | 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) |
| Rise with 5" Extensions | 80.5" (2,045 mm) |
| Rise without Extensions | 72" (1,829 mm) |
| Drive-Over Height | 1.5" (38 mm) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Height | 111.25" (2,826 mm) |
| Overall Width | 138.5" (3,518 mm) |
| Width Inside Columns | 111" (2,819 mm) |
| Drive-Thru Clearance | 97.25" (2,470 mm) |
| Arm Reach (Min / Max) | 30" / 46.25" (762 / 1,174 mm) |
| Minimum Adapter Height | 4.5" (114 mm) |
| Minimum Ceiling Height | 113" (2,870 mm) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor | 2 HP, Single Phase |
| Voltage / Amps | 208-230V / 17-20 Amps |
| Optional Power | 3-Phase available |
| Finish | Powder Coat (Black) |
| Certification | ALI/ETL Gold Certified |
Forward BP9 Installation Requirements
Electrical
Power: 208-230V single-phase, 17-20 amp service. Optional 3-phase available. Breaker sizing, disconnect hardware, and wiring must follow Forward installation documentation and local electrical code. Installation by a licensed electrician is required.
Concrete Foundation
Minimum Thickness: 4" with 3,000 PSI compressive strength, properly cured (28 days minimum). Anchors: 3/4" x 5.5" wedge anchors with minimum 3.25" embedment, torqued to 150 ft-lb. No cracks within 36" of base plates, no seams within 6" of anchor locations. Floor must be level within 3 degrees.
Space Requirements
Ceiling Height: Minimum 113" required. Floor Width: Overall width is 138.5", plan for adequate working clearance on both sides. Verify clearance for ductwork, sprinklers, lighting, and roof structure before installation.
Professional Installation
Professional installation is recommended. Having your Forward lift installed by a Rotary Authorized Installer (RAI) upgrades your functional parts warranty from 1 year to 2 years and makes you eligible for extended warranty purchases.
What's Included
- Two-post lift columns with baseplate
- 2-stage symmetric lift arms (4)
- Large low-profile padded threaded adapters (4)
- 3.5" adapter extensions (4)
- 5" adapter extensions (4)
- Adapter storage bracket
- 2 HP single-phase power unit
- Dual hydraulic cylinders
- Floor-level equalizer cable system
- Installation hardware and anchors
- Owner's manual and installation documentation
Optional Accessories: FA5911BK Air/Electric Work Station, FA5974 Wheel Wing Tire Arms, FA5701 Column-Mounted LED Light Kit, FA5702 Handheld LED Tech Light.
Not Included: Electrical wiring and breaker installation (by licensed electrician), concrete work if existing slab does not meet specifications.
Forward BP9 Shipping and Delivery
Freight Shipping
Coverage: Free LTL freight to commercial addresses in the 48 contiguous US states. Residential and limited-access locations may incur surcharges. Lead Time: 3-5 business days processing, subject to inventory availability. International: Contact sales for availability and pricing.
Delivery Requirements
Unloading: Forklift or loading dock required. Delivery Type: Curbside delivery is standard. Liftgate service available for additional fee if you lack unloading equipment. Inspection: Check all packages before signing the bill of lading. Note any visible damage on the BOL before the carrier departs.
Returns
Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase. Items must be unopened in original packaging with receipt. A 20% restocking fee applies and buyer is responsible for return freight. Regular priced items only.
Forward BP9 Warranty
Forward Lift Warranty Coverage
- 5 Years: Structural components including carriage, columns, yokes, arms, runways, baseplates, plungers
- 1 Year: Functional parts including power units, cylinders, latches, adapters, controls, pivot pin joints
- 1 Year: Labor coverage for warranty repairs
Upgrade to 2-Year Functional: Available when installed by a Rotary Authorized Installer (RAI).
Extended Warranty: 2 additional years of parts coverage available if purchased within 12 months of invoice (RAI installation required).
Requirements: Proper installation per manufacturer's manual. Regular maintenance as specified. Warranty is non-transferable and applies to original owner only.
Documents
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Questions About the Forward BP9?
Our team can help with product selection, installation planning, concrete specs, electrical requirements, and finding a Rotary Authorized Installer in your area.
Forward BP9 FAQ
What is the lifting capacity of the Forward BP9?
The Forward BP9 has a total lifting capacity of 9,000 lb (4,082 kg). This capacity handles passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs, light trucks, and vans commonly serviced in automotive repair shops.
What ceiling height do I need for the Forward BP9?
The BP9 requires a minimum ceiling height of 113" (approximately 9 feet 5 inches). The lift itself stands 111.25" tall, so the extra clearance allows for safe operation. This makes the BP9 ideal for shops with ceilings as low as 10 feet.
How is the BP9 different from standard two-post lifts?
The BP9 uses a baseplate design that routes the equalizer cables at floor level between the columns instead of overhead. This eliminates the overhead bar found on standard two-post lifts, reducing the overall height and ceiling clearance requirements significantly.
What electrical power does the Forward BP9 require?
The BP9 requires 208-230V single-phase power at 17-20 amps. An optional 3-phase power unit is available. Installation must be performed by a licensed electrician following local electrical codes and Forward's installation documentation.
What is the maximum rise height of the BP9?
The BP9 rises to 72" without adapter extensions and 80.5" with the included 5" extensions. This provides comfortable working height for most technicians on typical passenger vehicles.
What warranty does the Forward BP9 come with?
The Forward BP9 comes with a 5-year structural warranty covering columns, arms, carriage, and baseplates. Functional parts including the power unit, cylinders, latches, and controls are covered for 1 year, along with 1 year of labor coverage. Installation by a Rotary Authorized Installer (RAI) upgrades the functional parts warranty to 2 years.
What is a Rotary Authorized Installer (RAI)?
A Rotary Authorized Installer is a certified technician trained to install Forward and Rotary lifts according to factory specifications. Using an RAI for installation upgrades your functional parts warranty from 1 year to 2 years and makes you eligible for extended warranty purchases. Contact us to find an RAI in your area.
Is the Forward BP9 ALI certified?
Yes, the Forward BP9 is ALI Gold Certified and ETL validated. This certification means the lift meets the highest industry safety and performance standards established by the Automotive Lift Institute.
What's included with the Forward BP9?
The BP9 includes the complete lift with columns and baseplate, four 2-stage symmetric arms, four large padded threaded adapters, four 3.5" extensions, four 5" extensions, adapter storage bracket, power unit, hydraulic cylinders, equalizer system, and all installation hardware.
How is the Forward BP9 shipped?
The BP9 ships via LTL freight free to commercial addresses in the 48 contiguous states. Processing takes 3-5 business days subject to inventory. You need a forklift or loading dock to unload the lift. Inspect all packages and note any damage on the bill of lading before the carrier leaves.
What concrete specifications are required?
The BP9 requires a minimum 4" thick concrete slab with 3,000 PSI compressive strength, properly cured for at least 28 days. Anchors are 3/4" x 5.5" wedge bolts torqued to 150 ft-lb. There must be no cracks within 36" of the base plates and no seams within 6" of anchor locations. The floor must be level within 3 degrees.
What accessories are available for the BP9?
Forward offers several accessories including the FA5911BK Air/Electric Work Station that mounts to the column and provides 110V outlets and air connection, the FA5974 Wheel Wing tire arm kit for holding wheels during service, and LED light kits (FA5701 column-mounted or FA5702 handheld) for improved visibility.
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including styrene and vinyl chloride, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
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