2 Post Lift Location

[Swampfox]

Looking for some suggestions on where to place a 2 post lift with the layout below. I'd love to have the door centered but with easements and where the driveway sits it has to be done like this. Getting ready to pour the slab in the next few weeks and want to have it poured thicker where the 2 post lift will eventually go. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[tater1977]

I have a Dannmar 2 post Asymetric in my 36x40 pole barn shop. It is a 10ACX model, which is wider between the columns. My is located as follows, 20inches from edge of 4x6 post {pole barn} or 25 1/2 inches to edge of slab from outermost edge of lift base plate. The lift is 15 1/2 ft. off of the back wall of building. I have been very pleased with its location and it easily accomadates fullsize pickups with mounted plows, and my crew cab full size pickup.

 

[astroracer]

Keep the lift as close to the center of your shop as you can. Keeping it off the walls (at least 3', 4' is better) gives you room for walking or working around them or storage or benches against the wall.
Place it toward the rear of the shop so, when a car is full up on the lift, it is not blocking the garage door from opening all the way.
Also, most lift manufacturers specify 4" of 3500 PSI concrete as sufficient to support a lift. There is no need to pour it thicker under the posts.
Mark

 

[ghlkal]

Keeping it off the walls (at least 3', 4' is better) gives you room for walking or working around them or storage or benches against the wall.

I agree.

Would it work to have it in the "right" bay (as you face the garage door from outside) because then you have the extra room on that side of the garage.

There have been times when I have needed a good deal of room around the lift to work effectively. Recently I needed to remove a sway bar and I was glad the lift wasn't up against the wall.

My $0.02

 

[SD396]

I agree with the right bay, only keep it towards the back of the garage so you can still park a car in front of it by the door.

 

[tater1977]

Center vs offset lift placement is a personal preference. A valid case can be made for or against each location. What it boiled down to for me was not wanting the lift to obstruct most of the usable space in my shop. Keeping two full length and width bays was very important for me, so I opted for the offset placement. Someday I may possibly find myself in a situation where more clearance would help, but to date that has not been the case. I have removed the left axle shaft from a gm truck with a Dana 60 front end {long shaft} and still had plenty of room from the wall to spare, not to mention lots of brake, suspension and trans/clutch work.