4 post lift pics and questions....

[XLR-V]

I installed a pro-kar 4 post lift a couple months ago. It has the single piece of steel that has the lock stop holes cut into it. It appears to be very stable, but I noticed that the piece of steel with the lock holes just hangs freely from a single bolt. There is no other rail or connection to the leg itself other than the single bolt at the top of the leg. It looks like the piece of steel needs to be set out from the inside of the leg so the locks can catch the lip and overhang slightly inside the hole itself. Because the piece of steel hangs freely it seems possible that the piece could swing or get pushed against the inside of the leg allowing the lock to only have the tiny edge of the steel itself to hang/catch on. Just how safe is this design? I assume that if one or more of the locks were to slip free that the hydraulics should catch the lift before it falls, but just how safe is it?

I have my lift so I can park 3 cars inside my 2 car garage and don't want to go out into the garage and find my Vette pancaked on top of my XLR-V or visa versa depending on what is parked where. Even though I will probably rarely if ever move the lift around I would prefer to not bolt it to the floor. However, if it's going to make the lift a lot safer I may consider it. Does anyone have any recommendations/comments on what I could do to prevent any failure of my lift? Just looking for some added security/piece of mind. Here are a couple pics of my setup. I'll apprecitate any and all advice. Thanks!

 

[akdiesel]

You have some very nice wheels in your garage.
The BP lift is similar in comparison with the single bolt on each leg to support the lock rack.
I don't support alot of weight over a long period of time but I have lifted a 7400# truck for a couple of days with no issues.

Did you reserch before your purchase?

 

[XLR-V]

Yes, I did research before buying and asked a lot of questions. I believe I made the correct choice for what I need. However, like everything else you become more of an expert and better educated once you actually own and use a particular piece of equipment.

I'm probably being a little paranoid, but with the money I have put into my toys I want to take any and all reasonable precautions to protect them. Consequently, I thought it was a good idea to post my question/concern here hoping that someone with more experience/expertise could give me advice or put my concerns to rest.

 

[JSK]

XLR-V,

You should not have a problem as long as there is some type of ladder containment device.

In the design attached below the plastic slide-blocks are slotted to maintain the ladder in close primiity to the safety locks.

If you have a similar desgin I would not worry. If not, you may have a concern. I usually design stuff on the permise..."If it can happen, it will happen".

JSK

 

[XLR-V]

XLR-V,

You should not have a problem as long as there is some type of ladder containment device.

In the design attached below the plastic slide-blocks are slotted to maintain the ladder in close primiity to the safety locks.

If you have a similar desgin I would not worry. If not, you may have a concern. I usually design stuff on the permise..."If it can happen, it will happen".

JSK

Thanks! You described my setup exactly so I'll stop worrying about it. Thanks again for the info.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Very nice!!! Keep up the good work!!

 

[e-tek]

I installed a pro-kar 4 post lift a couple months ago. It has the single piece of steel that has the lock stop holes cut into it. It appears to be very stable, but I noticed that the piece of steel with the lock holes just hangs freely from a single bolt. There is no other rail or connection to the leg itself other than the single bolt at the top of the leg. It looks like the piece of steel needs to be set out from the inside of the leg so the locks can catch the lip and overhang slightly inside the hole itself. Because the piece of steel hangs freely it seems possible that the piece could swing or get pushed against the inside of the leg allowing the lock to only have the tiny edge of the steel itself to hang/catch on. Just how safe is this design? I assume that if one or more of the locks were to slip free that the hydraulics should catch the lift before it falls, but just how safe is it?

Yes.....amazing isn't it!!!!!!

But since "THE" JSK chimed in and gave his seal of approval to the design - you don't need me!!! (In case you're not aware: JSK is THE MAN, The Head Honcho, The Executive VeeP of BendPak...)