2 Post lift/power unit location

[Arxalot]

Think I have finally made up my mind on a lift (Bendpak XPR-10), but I have a couple of questions. Gonna be installing the lift in a 30x50 pole barn with (2) 12' bays set close to the end on the 50' side. Would it be better to install the lift in the bay by the wall or in the one closer to the center of the shop. Also, assuming you can mount the power unit on either post (driver vs pass from approach), which side would you choose, and why?

 

[pattenp]

Power unit mount bracket is only on one post. You place the power post on which side you want. Driver side, unit is on backside from approach, passenger side is on approach/front.

 

[Arxalot]

That gives me an idea of how the power unit will install. Any opinions on which side is more convenient? I've heard the argument on how you place the lift arms on the pass side last, so it makes sense for it to be on that post.

 

[killahog]

If you want to install the power unit on the driver side you will have to place the post that has the power unit bracket on it on the driver side as you are approaching the lift. When you do this you will have to rotate the post . When the post is rotated the hole in the top cross member will not be lined up for the safety cable to go thru . In order for the cable to go thru the cross member you will have to drill a hole in it and reposition the cable sheve from the inside of the post to the top of the crossmember . It's a pain in the ***
http://rs142.pbsrc.com/albums/r115/killahog/IMG_0788_zpsqdzdcui2.jpg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip

 

[killahog]

The first attached picture is how the cable was routed using the existing holes in the top connecting bracket . This picture is of the bracket I made and attached the cable on top of the connecting post . http://rs142.pbsrc.com/albums/r115/killahog/IMG_0823_zpsrlua0fnd.jpg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip

 

[pattenp]

..... When the post is rotated the hole in the top cross member will not be lined up for the safety cable to go thru . In order for the cable to go thru the cross member you will have to drill a hole in it and reposition the cable sheve from the inside of the post to the top of the crossmember . It's a pain in the ***

You are talking about the Asymmetric lift, the OP is looking at the Symmetric lift. I don't think the Symmetric will need any mods done.

To the OP... Typically in a working shop environment the power unit is on the passenger side supposedly because its more efficient for work flow.

 

[dave*99]

That gives me an idea of how the power unit will install. Any opinions on which side is more convenient? I've heard the argument on how you place the lift arms on the pass side last, so it makes sense for it to be on that post.

This! This is what I read in the owners manual for my Rotary asymmetric 2 post lift.

 

[HAP]

Look at where your power will be fed from. Less wiring the better...

 

[RacerRick]

I have a 2 post symmetric currently, and I mounted the power pack on the drivers side of the car. All my other hoists had it on the passenger side. I am finding that I bring a car in, get out, set the arms on the drivers side, set the arms on the passenger side, and then walk back to the drivers side to raise the vehicle. It would have been a better work flow with it on the passenger side.

I didn't put it on the passenger side in my install, as I didn't want the power pack directly under the radiant heat.

 

[Arxalot]

Think I have decided on passenger side for the power unit. More distance to wire from breaker box, but guess it will be more convenient in the "long-run". Still undecided on whether to mount posts on outer bay by wall or inner bay. Any concerns I should be aware of either way?

 

[Falcon67]

Depends on your space and what you like I suppose. Here, because it's tight, I would put it on the right side (facing the lift like you were driving into it). That's because the other post will be about 24" off the wall and there's more room to run on the other side should something get out of whack.

 

[killahog]

You are talking about the Asymmetric lift, the OP is looking at the Symmetric lift. I don't think the Symmetric will need any mods done.

To the OP... Typically in a working shop environment the power unit is on the passenger side supposedly because its more efficient for work flow.

Pattenp Thank you for pointing that out to the OP . After having my lift installed for a year now I would agree having the power untit on the passenger side is more efficiente. With my shop setup I wanted it on the driver side to kept it awat from my main workbench.

 

[sberry]

This is not the place to worry about a few ft of wire.

 

[MrBalll]

Not too sure of your layout or purpose of shop, but I might put it on the bay closest to the wall. If you have some large equipment you need to move or drive around in the barn then the lift may get in the way. Not like you can just pick it up and move it. With it at the wall you won't really have to worry about clearance in the shop.

 

[ghlkal]

Still undecided on whether to mount posts on outer bay by wall or inner bay. Any concerns I should be aware of either way?

I also have a 30x50 with a 2 post lift. My lift is in the "inner" bay. This gives more room on either side as you're working. I had to pull a front sway bar out the passenger side recently, and I'm not sure I would have had room if the lift had been in the "outer" bay.

Concur with others that the power unit should be on the passenger side.

 

[brownbagg]

my power unit is inside the garage hanging on the wall, my lift is outside

 

[Iroc-Z]

I have a three car garage and put my lift on the end bay. Why? That way I have two wide open bays without an obstacle. Power unit should always go on the passenger side. Why? Because when you pull a car in you get out of the drivers side, set the arms on the drivers side first then set passenger side arms. Goes the same when dropping a car. You kick the passenger arms out first then drivers side then get in the vehicle. That's why all lifts show power unit on passenger side.