i use a 8000 pound 4 post for now and it work pretty good but i geting ready to get rid of it to get a 2 post lift.
4 post lifts
- Thread starter aggar
- Start date
*On all Two post models; If anchors do not tighten to specified torque, replace concrete
under each column base with a 4’ X 4’ X 6” thick 3,000psi minimum concrete pad keyed
under and flush with top of existing floor.
** On Four post except models if anchors do not tighten to specified torque, replace
concrete under each column base with a 24” X 24” X 6” thick 3,000psi minimum
concrete pad keyed under and flush with top of existing floor.
Straight from Rotary's website. But I know the instructions on my fathers lift called for more. Maybe they have changed it in the past 10 year
their website sucks, and I do know we always went overboard, but we have had a habbit of back loading the lift far more than what it is designed for.
under each column base with a 4’ X 4’ X 6” thick 3,000psi minimum concrete pad keyed
under and flush with top of existing floor.
** On Four post except models if anchors do not tighten to specified torque, replace
concrete under each column base with a 24” X 24” X 6” thick 3,000psi minimum
concrete pad keyed under and flush with top of existing floor.
Straight from Rotary's website. But I know the instructions on my fathers lift called for more. Maybe they have changed it in the past 10 year
their website sucks, and I do know we always went overboard, but we have had a habbit of back loading the lift far more than what it is designed for.
I've always like the 2 post ones better...just less stuff in the way to move around. But you definetly have to invest in a good one. You want to make sure the arms have good strong locking mechanisms on them. If you get really rammy they can move, but you shouldn't have any problems with a good hoist. You'll probably spend about half the money on a 2 post as opposed to a 4 post as well.
rotary does state 3000psi, 6" thick. Maybe 4" of 3500psi is equivilent?? Not sure, didnt mean to argue paul, I was just confused/worried because we recetnly poured a floor with the intent of adding a lift and only poured it 6" 3500psi.
The ones I was looking at, bend pak, and the lifts from Greg Smith Equipment all required 4" 3500psi.
We only have an 11' ceiling so Im going with one of the baseplate lifts. It only requires like 9' 8" clearance.
The ones I was looking at, bend pak, and the lifts from Greg Smith Equipment all required 4" 3500psi.
We only have an 11' ceiling so Im going with one of the baseplate lifts. It only requires like 9' 8" clearance.
just some food for thought there is some work you cant do on a drive on 4 post lift , i would go with a 2 post the options are unlimited on the work that can be performed, and they are usually cheaper, i like rotary , and have had good luck with Whip , on a four post you cant pull your rear end out and some front chassis work is hard depending on if you can find a spot to lift the front up and still have the parts clear to remove them , 4 posts are great for trans work , oil changes, tires, brakes but they have there limmits .
After a couple years with an import 2-post (11,000lb):
Certain model cars/trucks, you can't get in and out without banging the door.
2 posts can allow "walking". This is where you lift a vehicle up and down, and the feet move on the frame. This is how Casper slipped off one leg. It was on the feet perfect, but after going up and down a few times, it wasn't.
Instructions for mine were 5.5" minimum slab. (aka 6") Most garage floors aren't.
If you want really high capacity, or the option of moving the lift once in place, you have no choice but a 4 post.
But a 2-post is far more economical. A good 4-post is going to be $10,000, but an import 2-post is $1800.
Certain model cars/trucks, you can't get in and out without banging the door.
2 posts can allow "walking". This is where you lift a vehicle up and down, and the feet move on the frame. This is how Casper slipped off one leg. It was on the feet perfect, but after going up and down a few times, it wasn't.
Instructions for mine were 5.5" minimum slab. (aka 6") Most garage floors aren't.
If you want really high capacity, or the option of moving the lift once in place, you have no choice but a 4 post.
But a 2-post is far more economical. A good 4-post is going to be $10,000, but an import 2-post is $1800.
Yes, you need to order the "hyd trolley" option with the 4-post. Not all models have a trolley option, so you need to check. With the trolley(s) you can remove things like axles easier than a 2-post, since you can do it standing up. And if you eventually want to do alignments, you need the 4 post anyhow.
If you are selecting a 2-post, get the installation instructions first. It you get the overhead beam style, you will want the "tall" version for our trucks, or you can't stand under the truck without squatting. They make both 220v and 110v, so get the 220v if you have 220v available. With the floor beam style, you will be tripping over the floor beam constantly, but the ceiling requirement is much less.
If you do get a 2-post, you should get the U-Shaped feet option since our frames are coated with wax.
I don't like the twin post side by side lifts for a few reasons. The way our frames upturn at the rear does not allow you to spread the arms enough to distribute the weight properly. Frames bend as you are lifting with twin post allowing the pads to move so you must use cradle pads to be safe. Extra capacity fuel tanks can make it very difficult to position pads sometimes. Truck cannot be safely run on the hoist and doors cannot be opened sometimes because of clearance issues. Next time you raise your truck on one of these lifts, watch the upper part of the side beems how much they move. makes you wonder.
I hate the four posters but believe they are safer. I miss my front to rear twin post that I had in my old shop.
I hate the four posters but believe they are safer. I miss my front to rear twin post that I had in my old shop.
If any of you are in the market for a hoist, now might be the best time for you to act. With the end of the year upon us, many of the wholesalers that sell them want to get rid of inventory...You might save yourself some $$ by ordering before December 31.
I too think the 4 post lift is safer, however they are far less convenient to work around than a two post is.
I too think the 4 post lift is safer, however they are far less convenient to work around than a two post is.
rotary does state 3000psi, 6" thick. Maybe 4" of 3500psi is equivilent?? Not sure, didnt mean to argue paul, I was just confused/worried because we recetnly poured a floor with the intent of adding a lift and only poured it 6" 3500psi.
The ones I was looking at, bend pak, and the lifts from Greg Smith Equipment all required 4" 3500psi.
We only have an 11' ceiling so Im going with one of the baseplate lifts. It only requires like 9' 8" clearance.
Not trying to argue either :hug:A 6" floor is more than enough. I was just trying to show what to do if someone doesn't have a thick enough floor and doesn't want to repour the whole thing.
I don't think 6" is enough lifting these trucks. I went 2 feet down with rebar. I use BendPack 12K lifts and was told to do it this way.