Yall make a lot of good points and good information. Thanks I appreciate it. I didn't even think about the foundation needing to be a little stronger. My driveway needs to be replaced and garage is too small. That's why I'd have to put it on the side of the house. Scissor lift is out of the question and would go with a 2 post more than likely for just a bit more money.
A LOT stronger. I've seen the footings done to code, and that was several years ago.. so probably the requirements are now even more stringent.
The footings I saw was about 2x4' and 12" thick under each leg. Lots of rebar and the mounting bolts with a 'T' on the bottom were installed. Not just bolts pushed into the cement like plate tie downs on home construction. And TWO of them (2 legs). Then there was a minimum of 3" of concrete poured over top these footings.
Now a 4 post lift is much less complicated to install. A friend installed one in his home garage a few years ago, and by code all he needed was 4" of concrete underneath.
In lefty Canada, lifts are coming up for sale all over as garages are getting pinched by the government every day. They are making garages update their equipment. 'So how old is your lift? Oh that won't do... you need to buy a new one.' Somehow the government has determined lifts have a shelf life...
I got my 4 post a few years back, payed $3000 for it. It has the sliding air lift doodads on it, so I can lift my truck while it's on... the lift. I love the
stability offered, and even though the ramps take up some space (working under a car, and also floor space) I like the space to place tools and such. These are great for trucks and especially doing suspension work, as I can lift the truck to a good working height and then with the air jacks I can
lift the chassis off the suspension, like you would normally have with a 2 post lift.
With a your own lift, you can make a buck renting out shop space as guys will be happy to use it. "Bring your own tools and $100 a day to use my lift,
and compressed air... and if you bring beer you can also use my shop fridge!" Everyone is happy!