If you own a Backyard Buddy or Advantage lift, the company’s closure doesn’t put your lift out of commission — but it does mean you’re now your own support department. The factory warranty is gone, and there’s no manufacturer line to call for cables, lock hardware, or hydraulic parts. This guide helps you keep your lift running safely for years. (For the background, see Advantage Lifts out of business: what happened →.)
The reassuring part
These are mechanically conventional four-post and two-post lifts. Almost every wear item has an equivalent available from other suppliers — you don’t have proprietary electronics or dealer-locked parts to worry about.
Step 1: Identify exactly what you have
Before you buy any part, pin down your model and specs. Look for the data/serial plate on a column or the power unit, and note:
- Model (e.g., Backyard Buddy Classic B-4P7CL, Advantage DX-9000-XLT)
- Capacity (7,000 / 9,000 / 11,000 lb, etc.)
- Cable routing (4-post cable-driven lifts use four lifting cables of specific lengths)
- Lock/ladder style and power unit voltage/specs
If you can’t find your documentation, take clear photos of the power unit label, the lock mechanism, and the cable sheaves — any lift parts supplier can usually match from those.
Step 2: The parts most likely to need replacing
Lifting cables
On four-post lifts, cables are the #1 wear item and the #1 safety item. They’re sold by diameter, length, and end-fitting type. Measure carefully or match to the original spec, and replace all four as a set, never just one. If you see fraying, kinks, or broken strands, take the lift out of service until they’re replaced.
Lock ladders / safety locks
The mechanical locks that hold the lift at height. Inspect for wear and make sure they engage evenly across all columns.
Hydraulic components
The cylinder, hoses, and power unit. Seals and hoses are common wear points; universal replacements are widely available, and hydraulic shops can rebuild or match a cylinder.
Hydraulic fluid
Use the correct weight — most home lifts run AW32 or AW46 hydraulic oil. See our car lift hydraulic oil guide → for specifics.
Sliders, rollers, and cable sheaves
Keep sheaves clean and lubricated; worn rollers cause uneven travel.
Step 3: Where to source parts now
- Universal lift-parts suppliers carry cables, locks, sheaves, hoses, and power units that cross-reference to most 4-post and 2-post lifts by spec.
- Hydraulic shops can build hoses and match or rebuild cylinders locally.
- Browse our lift parts & accessories → — rolling jacks, ramps, drip trays, jack trays, casters, and more.
If you tell us your model and what failed, we’ll help you match the right replacement.
Safety: don’t defer these
A lift with a compromised cable or lock is dangerous. If you’re seeing any of the following, stop using it until it’s fixed:
- Frayed, kinked, or broken cable strands
- Locks that don’t engage evenly or won’t hold
- Visible hydraulic leaks or a cylinder that drifts down under load
- Any bent, cracked, or deformed structural component
When in doubt, have a professional lift technician inspect it — many independent installers service any brand.
Thinking about a second lift or an upgrade?
A lot of owners loved the concept but want a lift backed by a company that’s actually around. We mapped the closest current replacements to every popular Advantage and Backyard Buddy model.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get Backyard Buddy or Advantage parts?
Are Advantage and Backyard Buddy lift cables universal?
What hydraulic oil does my lift use?
Is my lift still safe to use without factory support?