2 post shop lift

[89Suburban]

Awesome, so happy for you!

 

[Radiohead]

Here's the manual

Judging from the cover of the manual, you got the exact correct model lift.

Have fun!

 

[Radiohead]

Your thread has me noodling the nuances of proper lift installation. As a lift user, I always thought it was laughable how 8 bolts keeps all that potential energy in check, and for the most part it does. My brain goes to a concrete submerged steel matrix that connects with the lift much like structural rebar (if that's even a thing) giving the lift bases its support.

Curious what the manual recommends. I'm sure my solution is engineering overkill. See, I am leery of bolts in concrete for seismic reasons, especially if I'm under the lift when it starts shaking.

 

[legopnuematic]

Congratulations on the lift! Like having a pocket on a shirt, very handy.

I’ve been seriously looking into a four post for myself, split usage between storage and service.

Really one of each would be best…

 

[Ricko1966]

Your thread has me noodling the nuances of proper lift installation. As a lift user, I always thought it was laughable how 8 bolts keeps all that potential energy in check, and for the most part it does. My brain goes to a concrete submerged steel matrix that connects with the lift much like structural rebar (if that's even a thing) giving the lift bases its support.

Curious what the manual recommends. I'm sure my solution is engineering overkill. See, I am leery of bolts in concrete for seismic reasons, especially if I'm under the lift when it starts shaking.

Biggest thing I'd be concerned about is an install without verifying the concrete is reinforced. So a crack couldn't result in the lift tipping forward or back.

 

[squaredeal91]

Your thread has me noodling the nuances of proper lift installation. As a lift user, I always thought it was laughable how 8 bolts keeps all that potential energy in check, and for the most part it does. My brain goes to a concrete submerged steel matrix that connects with the lift much like structural rebar (if that's even a thing) giving the lift bases its support.

Curious what the manual recommends. I'm sure my solution is engineering overkill. See, I am leery of bolts in concrete for seismic reasons, especially if I'm under the lift when it starts shaking.

It's always kinda freaked me out too lol.
The bolts are 3/4" and concrete they recommend is 3000 psi and I'm ordering 3500 psi. Slab will average 4" but is a foot deep all around and under the lift feet. Just waiting for better weather now to poor it asap.

 

[squaredeal91]

Also have 2 of these coming for safety

 

[squaredeal91]

Congratulations on the lift! Like having a pocket on a shirt, very handy.

I’ve been seriously looking into a four post for myself, split usage between storage and service.

Really one of each would be best…

I contemplated the 4 post myself. And the storage aspect is cool for your setup. You got plenty of overhead room.

 

[legopnuematic]

I contemplated the 4 post myself. And the storage aspect is cool for your setup. You got plenty of overhead room.

There are at least two guys at the shop that have 2 posts in their units, one in a 20x50 (like mine) and another in a 15x50. So I’m guessing the slabs are thick enough for one (I’d hope so). In my mind the 15 wide unit is kind of nice for one since it can only go in one spot left to right, whereas in the 20 wide do you bias it to the left, right, center? A 25 or 30 wide unit there is enough wiggle room to navigate around one to potentially put 2 vehicles side by side.

Seems that most 4 posts these days come with a caster kit, and do not need to be anchored down, which definitely opens up some flexibility to move it as and when needed. Which appeals to me as I can see it depending on what is going on in the shop at that moment being better in the front or rear. The storage aspect would likely be the primary use for it for me.

My grandfather had a 2 post in his garage he had built about a 30x40 (give or take a couple feet either way) garage doors (one single and one double door) on the 30 foot wall. In my opinion the lift was in the wrong spot, he had it inline with the single door, but towards the back of the shop, away from the door. In my opinion should have had it closer to the door to negate the need for a clear path in between the lift and the door. Doesn’t matter now since he had sold it some years before he passed after walking into one of the arms when it was raised and gave himself a concussion.

Anyways, enough rambling, back to the regular scheduled broadcast.

 

[legopnuematic]

Of course there is always this traditional option:

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Ricko1966]

Of course there is always this traditional option:

You must be registered for see images attach

I've actually done this before. 1980 something Chevette in a drive under basement garage,doing an engine swap. David's stepdad was wedging 2x4s between the front bumper and the floor.I was like,what are you doing if this thing falls I'll be crushed and impaled by 2x4 fragments. I wasn't afraid of it falling, held up by chain hoist around basement beam. 2nd seperate log chain, safety chain around beam and front of car.

 

[squaredeal91]

similar to this one I found the other day

 

[Ricko1966]

similar to this one I found the other day

OHHH!!! and that one has wood wedged under just like I was talking about.

 

[squaredeal91]

There are at least two guys at the shop that have 2 posts in their units, one in a 20x50 (like mine) and another in a 15x50. So I’m guessing the slabs are thick enough for one (I’d hope so). In my mind the 15 wide unit is kind of nice for one since it can only go in one spot left to right, whereas in the 20 wide do you bias it to the left, right, center? A 25 or 30 wide unit there is enough wiggle room to navigate around one to potentially put 2 vehicles side by side.

Seems that most 4 posts these days come with a caster kit, and do not need to be anchored down, which definitely opens up some flexibility to move it as and when needed. Which appeals to me as I can see it depending on what is going on in the shop at that moment being better in the front or rear. The storage aspect would likely be the primary use for it for me.

My grandfather had a 2 post in his garage he had built about a 30x40 (give or take a couple feet either way) garage doors (one single and one double door) on the 30 foot wall. In my opinion the lift was in the wrong spot, he had it inline with the single door, but towards the back of the shop, away from the door. In my opinion should have had it closer to the door to negate the need for a clear path in between the lift and the door. Doesn’t matter now since he had sold it some years before he passed after walking into one of the arms when it was raised and gave himself a concussion.

Anyways, enough rambling, back to the regular scheduled broadcast.

For any 2 post lift I've seen is a recommended 6 inch of concrete and that's it. Your floor is probably at least that or more. But thickness don't matter as much with a 4 post. Didn't know that make caster kits. That's cool!

 

[bucket]

I've actually done this before. 1980 something Chevette in a drive under basement garage,doing an engine swap. David's stepdad was wedging 2x4s between the front bumper and the floor.I was like,what are you doing if this thing falls I'll be crushed and impaled by 2x4 fragments. I wasn't afraid of it falling, held up by chain hoist around basement beam. 2nd seperate log chain, safety chain around beam and front of car.

Back when I worked at the junkyard, I used the wrecker to remove engine/trans combos, many times out in the field by lifting the vehicle up like that.