2 post lift question?? Need some advice.

[itchy]

So I'm getting ready to purchase a 9000lbs two post lift, and had a few questions. I am about 6" shy of being able to fit a standard 144" lift, and pondering the thought of using the low profile floor plate style instead of redoing my ceiling. The dealer I spoke with warned me that the floor plate style had a tendency to lean in at the top were the brace or bar usually is on a clear floor style. This just sounds ridiculous to me, but I've never owned a lift before. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? Besides having obstructions, like the floor plate, are there any draw backs to the low profile lift?

 

[Ironcrow]

Yes, the lifts with free standing columns deflect toward each other when loaded. This is normal and expected. You should pay particular attention to the anchor bolt specification, thickness of the pad, and care in which the anchors are installed and so forth. These specifications are laid out by the lift manufacturer/retailer. But, this need for good workmanship should apply to any lift, it is obviously more critical with baseplate lifts.

 

[Mystic195]

I agree that the pad specs should be looked at and anchors should be done correctly. The difference in lift manufacturers differs as well. You should not have a problem with a clear floor style lift as long as you don't use the lift outside of its specs.

 

[itchy]

Ok, thanks fellas. I had no idea that it was possible for these to deflect like that when loaded.

My floor is 6" fiber reinforced with wire and is 4000 psi. I was going to have the dealer install it.

 

[iceman510]

Some deflection is normal as noted. My old Rotary installation instructions specified installing it slightly out of plumb to the outside of the lift to account for that. It was a small amount though, like 3/8" or something. Maybe not even that much, can't recall exactly.

 

[brownbagg]

they dont lean, that top part is just strong enough to hold an hydraulc hose, non structural. mine open top has never leaned.

 

[volaredon]

I agree. That top member is NOT Structural. look at how thin they are relatively to the gauge of metal used in the columns.
though I will say that newer lifts in general no matter the style are made of smaller gauge steel and have smaller floor plates than the older ones.

If there is that much deflection then they would specify some kind of guy wires or tie in with the structural members of the building, which none of them do...

 

[Ironcrow]

itchy -

We recently had this discussion.

Post #49 in this thread
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=316883&page=3

 

[Diesel Dan]

though I will say that newer lifts in general no matter the style are made of smaller gauge steel and have smaller floor plates than the older ones.

Mowhawk and Worth lifts are still made as heavy as before with thick and large floor plates.

 

[sz0k30]

I have an "Aresco" #9,000 lb lift with the top brace. The problem with the bottom crosspiece is if you have a non running car that has to be pushed on to the lift.

 

[sublimate]

The top bar doesn't have to be very beefy to counteract the forces and keep the columns from leaning in.
An 9,000lb vehicle would put a torque of 9,000 ftlbs on the base assuming the arms are extended 2' (4,500lbs per post x 2ft).
To counteract this torque the top bar only has to exert a force of 750lbs when it's at the top of a 12' lift (750lbs x 12' = 9,000ftlbs).
That doesn't take much metal.

 

[INTMD8]

The top bar doesn't have to be very beefy to counteract the forces and keep the columns from leaning in.

Agreed. Top plate on my Bendpak seems pretty sturdy. Don't see it deflecting much at all under a compression load in this application.

Also, at the time I bought mine (about 10 years ago) they built it 6" shorter for my ceiling height.

Maybe they or another manufacturer will still do a custom height.