Shop Lift

[woody]

If the hoist comes with the rails for the jacks you can fab a simple C channel to span the rails, then use a bottle jack. I used this method for about six months until I scored my air jacks.

That's about what I was thinking, I have not used a 4 post so I don't really know but I have been watching a lot of video's and learning from them. I'm thinking the bottle jack can be placed on the runway to jack it up and use a jack stand to hold it.

 

[ovrszd]

Using a bottle jack you will need to lift closest to the tire. If you try to lift on the vehicle frame for example, the jack will run out of stroke before you get the tire off the ground.

A four post can be used without jacks. But they make it a complete tool. I have no idea what new jacks would cost? I've saw 4 post hoists without jacks. I've saw 4 post hoists with one jack. Mine has two jacks. Works excellent to rotate tires.

We'll need pics of course when you get the new hoist!!!

 

[PILOON]

Re 4 posts:

We have now modified 2 and converted into freight elevators for a public storage facility.
We filled the center gaps, added a cage for safety and limit switches for positioning and interlocks at all doors.
To operate all doors must be shut and only controls are outside the elevator shaft.
Push one button for up and another for down.
Nothing can move if any door is open.
3 going on 4 years and no problems so far.
Our lifts have a 12 foot operating range.
Size is sure nice when there is a major storage move in/out as the lifts can handle 4ea 3 x 6 ft carts/dollies as well as a quantity of lose items.
And finished cost? well way under any freight elevator that would be much smaller and lesser weight capacity.
Our lifts were designed to hoist a large RV (bus) so they will never be overloaded.
As designed they already had excellent fail safe features.
The initial cost was +/- $4 K (Cdn) and probably double once operational but still a bargain and might I say a very satisfying as a DIY project.

 

[PILOON]

Years ago when I was selling fork lifts we had many folks purchasing the front mechanisms in order to convert them into shop lifts or elevators.
Conversion was as simple as adding solid support for the mast and an electric hydraulic pump.
Capacity would then be limited to the length of the forks and whatever pallet was installed.
As to weight, rare was a fork lift under 2000 lb capacity.

 

[Byrdnyrd]

I just installed a BendPak 9K 4 Post lift in my garage, I wish I had done it years ago! I installed it myself, using my tractor and the garage beam hoist, it was pretty easy actually!
I got the 220V version because I already had plenty of power to the garage.

I also got the sliding air Jack, wheel Kit And rolling oil funnel thingy. 4 post works best for me because I also use it for winter storage. I don’t know about other lifts but the BendPak runways are adjustable to accommodate different width vehicles. I have 81 inches clear under the crossbars.

It’s SO nice to do maintenance standing up! One piece of advice: Do NOT tell family or neighbors you have a lift!! You’ll spend every Saturday and Sunday “Helping” them work on their vehicles!!

BN

 

[not2old]

My shop is still under construction. I have a Rotary 10,000 lb. two post just waiting for installation. Hobby use only.

 

[ovrszd]

The huge benefit to a 2 post is that it doesn't take up much floor space. The biggest downside is you need good concrete. Lot more stress at the base of the posts. I've saw some dramatic pics of 2 posts with vehicles heavy on one end, improperly balanced and leveraging the bolts out of the concrete and collapsing. I've also saw pics of a vehicle with the rear tires/wheels removed and tipped forward off the hoist.

Always be very respectful.

My shop is still under construction. I have a Rotary 10,000 lb. two post just waiting for installation. Hobby use only.

 

[Blue Mule]

The huge benefit to a 2 post is that it doesn't take up much floor space. The biggest downside is you need good concrete. Lot more stress at the base of the posts. I've saw some dramatic pics of 2 posts with vehicles heavy on one end, improperly balanced and leveraging the bolts out of the concrete and collapsing. I've also saw pics of a vehicle with the rear tires/wheels removed and tipped forward off the hoist.

Always be very respectful.

Yep that top brace is critically important. Really need to make sure that's installed correctly.

We have a Weaver 2-post 9k lb. lift. Absolutely love it. Makes tire rotations, brake work, and general maintenance a breeze and takes up minimal floor space. Also will accomodate many sizes of vehicles. Heck, my father even used it to lift his boat off the trailer so he could paint the trailer one summer.

 

[not2old]

My floor is 5" thick with 1/2" bar on 10x14" centres and has extra thickness and steel under the posts. I plan to follow the installation instructions carefully and my nephew will give me lessons on it's use. (the same nephew who, with his partner placed first overall in Volvo's 2020 world VISTA competition for cars) I will be very careful.

 

[Bill Guenthner]

I have a Bendpak 14K 4 post lift I use for storing implements:

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When I ran out of floor space, it was cheaper than a new pole barn.

I also have two Bendpak 8K 4 post lifts in one of my other buildings:

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I use one for storage and the other for working on vehicles:

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No more laying on my back under a jacked up vehicle. My creeper hasn't been used in years.

Size & weight were a problem for local delivery. I had them shipped to a local freight yard and picked them up with my 10K trailer.

I was thinking a lift isn’t worth the expense until I saw your pictures. Putting the implements up is brilliant. Doubling your covered space makes it pay for it’s self.