Looking to get a couple lifts- suggestions?

I am looking to pick up a 2 post and one or two 4 post lifts for my warehouse.

For the 2 post, I'd like to be able to put my truck on it (8500lbs). What is the main difference between the models that have a tie across the top, other than possibly crushing your vehicle if you aren't paying attention?

For the 4 post, I assume just get a wider one to be safe?

Are these layouts (lift in yellow) practical? According to the specs on my forklift I only need 8' isles. I know from experience I do much better with 10'+. Currently my cars are sitting 11' from the racks. Using one of the larger bend pack 4posts all the way to the wall it drops clearance to the post down to 10'. Tight, but it should work. I am debating dropping down to a 3500lb lift which should give me more clearance if it poses a problem.



My current situation



Usually I rotate every couple days except in winter where most aren't used at all.

Would appreciate some input on design and lift types.

i have a bendpack 2 post and dannmar 4 posts. I have the wide versions for the 4 post, the wheel base width is the same, just more room on the edges.

I do question why you have the "3 shelves" racks in the dead center, if it were me id move them down to like where the 2 post lift is and bring the 2 post up. seems liek you move cars more than access what is on those shelves.

Interesting thought. Originally I was going to put a second overhead door on that side, but the cost of the mason+ door just didn't make sense. Now I just keep my camper in the dock instead



I think flipping them I will lose a nice work area and a place for the tools.

RoyBell said:

Interesting thought. Originally I was going to put a second overhead door on that side, but the cost of the mason+ door just didn't make sense. Now I just keep my camper in the dock instead

I think flipping them I will lose a nice work area and a place for the tools.

Click to expand...

What are your plans for the 4 posts? just storage lifts or for repair also?

You are right, you do loose space for a work bench near the lift by moving it.

I would put the 2 post then where the first "car spot" is on the left. that would leave a huge space to park cars as-well. and give you a space for a work bench near that door. Technically you can move the "3 shelf" down to the end closer to the wall leaving only a walkway, not a 10ft area also, i dont see why you need that much clearance since you can access the racks from either side already.

Thinking about a couple options, these are my 2 revised ideas.

This is my preferred setup:



The (2) 4posts will allow me to easily drive in and out of the bays. I should be able to access all 4 cars on the ground without having to move any other car. If I hold it off the wall I can fit my cycle between the wall and lift. This allows the most floor space for use of the fork lift to access the racking. The only issue is there appears to be underground storage tank that was concreted over where I want to put the 2 post. I need to make sure I can mount it over some clean concrete.

Option 2:


I lose floor space, but a little easier to park the 2 against the wall.

Also, I decided to build a loft in front of the dock area. It's pretty narrow and really a waste of space. We don't use the dock for deliveries, but it will still be tall enough to drive the fork lift under should I ever sell the camper and decided to start using the dock for it's intended purpose.

The loft will be the perfect place to put the stuff wasting space on the racking that we never use. IEld files, parts we may never use, car parts, tires, etc.

I will be able to fork it up there and forget about it. It will open my racking for more important stuff.

I love my weaver hoist look at my other posts.

Well, the good thing is that the 4 post lift can be set in place and test locations without having to drill anchors. So that allows you to move it around to determine what works best with real world vehicles and space in your bldg. The 2 post you will need to just set it with anchors and get that permanent to test it. So get that in place first and then can work on the 4 post locations. Likewise your shelves can be moved around.
I don't think your angled lift entry will work out too well with your limited turn space. It just seems a lot better to have a straight entry as much as possible. Either 2 or 4 post lift you can't really enter and turn much once in the lift area. 2 post you have the columns in the way, and 4 post you have the runner width which is only 4-6 inches more than your tire width. Need to have the vehicle almost straight to the lift before entering.

I have decided to start with the 2 x 4 posts and go from there. I may not pick up the 2 post. Once I have everything stacked I will have a better idea what I am dealing with for space and what I think I may need.

I also ordered some more racking and flipping my pipe storage to the other side.