Bolting Down 4-post lifts?

[wutang61]

i dont really feel the need to do so.

all the bolts really do is prevent lateral movement correct?

i find it hard to believe that a lift with 3-4 thousand pounds on it is going to overcome all that friction and move.

thoughts?

im looking at a 14klb rotary lift. no i will will lift nothing ever close to that limit. but i like the open front design for engine lifting plusthe made in USA factor is very appealing over bendpak.

 

[00S4Boy]

Do you feel the need to destroy a car if the lift buckles or shifts?

 

[tonydanzah]

Do you feel the need to destroy a car if the lift buckles or shifts?

yes







........

 

[rsanter]

if the lift is designed to be bolted down, then bolt it down.
if the manufacturer says its optional, then ok

bob

 

[JerseyJim]

I agree with rsanter. Certainly bolt it down if it is supposed to be bolted down. If it is optional, I would still consider bolting it down under certain circumstances. If you have to drive onto the lift with speed in order to make it up an incline or to avoid slipping on the ramps, and then apply the brakes abruptly to stop, you may have a situation where the lift may want to move. I would certainly anchor the lift if any leveling of the columns is required. A friend of mine has an older design 4 post that really wobbles as the car is lifted. I keep telling him that if that lift were mine, it would be bolted to the floor. Finally, consider that the maximum strength of the lift will normally be attained by bolting the lift down to stiffen everything. If you lift vehicles that approach the lift's rated weight limits, probably a good idea to go ahead and bolt it down.

My lift is not bolted down. I poured my concrete dead nuts level in the area where the lift is installed. My columns are rock steady as the vehicles are lifted. No wobble or lateral motion what-so-ever. I load the cars slowly. I marked the position of the column pads when installed to check and see if I am moving them. They have stayed put. Finally, none of the vehicles that I own exceed half of the lift's rated capacity. So I'm comfortable with the lift not being bolted down.

 

[wutang61]

The heavyest vehicle I will be lifting is about 6klbs. I feel mostly that the bolts are extra insureance from them. If a 9klbs lift can be free standing..... Why cNt a 14klbs lift? It's not like the larger lift is less sturdy. It's quite the opposite. I was just curious if anyone has not bolted down a 4 post with any issues.

I agree with rsanter. Certainly bolt it down if it is supposed to be bolted down. If it is optional, I would still consider bolting it down under certain circumstances. If you have to drive onto the lift with speed in order to make it up an incline or to avoid slipping on the ramps, and then apply the brakes abruptly to stop, you may have a situation where the lift may want to move. I would certainly anchor the lift if any leveling of the columns is required. A friend of mine has an older design 4 post that really wobbles as the car is lifted. I keep telling him that if that lift were mine, it would be bolted to the floor. Finally, consider that the maximum strength of the lift will normally be attained by bolting the lift down to stiffen everything. If you lift vehicles that approach the lift's rated weight limits, probably a good idea to go ahead and bolt it down.

My lift is not bolted down. I poured my concrete dead nuts level in the area where the lift is installed. My columns are rock steady as the vehicles are lifted. No wobble or lateral motion what-so-ever. I load the cars slowly. I marked the position of the column pads when installed to check and see if I am moving them. They have stayed put. Finally, none of the vehicles that I own exceed half of the lift's rated capacity. So I'm comfortable with the lift not being bolted down.