When I de-iced large military aircraft in Germany and the US we were encouraged to use hot air as much as possible. The base waste water treatment plants had trouble handling large amounts of glycol.
For large amounts I mean 500-1000 gallons per aircraft. Source
You probably won't cause...
According to the Features page there are self installed locking bars in the posts once it's up and "velocity-fuse safety valves" in the lift cylinders. If you lose hydraulic pressure they're supposed to close if the fluid shoots out of them above a certain flow rate.
As for what would happen to...
Some pictures of my Australian Shepherd, Kaylee. My mother raises aussies, but I found Kaylee on Craigslist while I was still living in Nebraska. Her owner had just got her from the breeder but couldn't keep her due to some health issues. I took one look at the little fluff ball and fell head...
You can buy a 5/16" bit for any fastener you can think of from Apex.
http://www.apexfasteners.com/Structure/Website_Structure_FINAL/11-Tools/Apex%20Fastener%20Tools.pdf
I would think the slot is there to aid in replacement of the retaining spring clip, but I could be wrong.
That framework would probably lift three times what it's rated, the limiting factor will be the hydraulic ram and pump unit.
It's hard to tell from the pictures, but it looks like all the real weight bearing pivots use solid steel pins? I'd only be concerned if there was any other sort of...