4 Post Lift Maneuverability

[Thegundog]

4 post lifts with casters - how feasible is it to move the unit from a garage to the concrete apron entering the garage?

My garage is attached to my home and I don’t like welding in it for fear of fire.

I was wondering if rolling a 4 post lift from the garage to the outdoor apron (for welding) is practical.

 

[Stuart in MN]

My experience is a four post lift on casters is pretty easy to move around - I've done it by myself with a heavy car on the lift (it was in the fully lowered position, of course.) It takes a push to get the casters pointed in the right direction but once that's done it rolls okay. Of course it will depend somewhat on whether you have any cracks or joints in the concrete you have to go across, and if your apron has an incline.

 

[Rusty Wrench]

On flat, with casters aligned, I can move it with minimal force.
Like Stu suggests: cracks, incline or a break in elevation is an issue.
I have a rain lip at my overhead door, maybe 1/4". I needed a couple levers and another hand.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I agree with all the comments posted above.

In addition, be especially careful if your driveway/apron has ANY incline whatsoever, as it's quite a large mass (loaded or not) and it's VERY easy to lose control. I use chock blocks on two of the wheels to inch the lift along. On the return trip (uphill) if I am by myself I use a come-along to assist with bringing the lift back into the garage.

 

[finn]

I agree with all the comments posted above.

In addition, be especially careful if your driveway/apron has ANY incline whatsoever, as it's quite a large mass (loaded or not) and it's VERY easy to lose control. I use chock blocks on two of the wheels to inch the lift along. On the return trip (uphill) if I am by myself I use a come-along to assist with bringing the lift back into the garage.

No brakes might make for an interesting climax. A winch or come along securely fastened to something stout mignt be in order.

Also, look carefully at your garage door height.

 

[chinboys]

The bigger the dolly wheels and the proper wheel hardness (weight rating) means easier moving.
Try using heavy-duty metal furniture dollys or machinery skate dollys.

 

[Stuart in MN]

The bigger the dolly wheels and the proper wheel hardness (weight rating) means easier moving.
Try using heavy-duty metal furniture dollys or machinery skate dollys.

I can't speak for every brand of lift, but if they're equipped with a caster kit the casters are pretty heavy duty and the wheels are large - like 6" or 8". There should be no need for additional dollys.

 

[Spareparts]

If your drive has an incline, well have a video handy so we can all enjoy the outcome. Then we can poke fun at you
for a couple of days OK. Seriously be careful and be safe, big mass to control so get some help.

 

[P0234]

A fire extinguisher and hose would be my preference but what are you welding anyway?

 

[Thegundog]

A fire extinguisher and hose would be my preference but what are you welding anyway?

Typical 1967 Mustang rot - floors, cowl top panel, aprons…..

No to welding in my garage attached to the home.

 

[Mike65]

At our last house when we lived in southern NJ we had only a 1 car garage so all the work on my 69 Mustang was done in the driveway. Roll it outside, weld, roll it back in the garage when done. I did l/s front floor, front inner fender panels, toe boards, torque boxes, quarter panel skins, & taillight panel.

 

[CraigStu]

I second the slope caution. Back when I was an auto tech we occasionally had a car outside the shop that wouldn't move. We had a set of those tire lifts you pump up and it lifts the tire an inch or so off the ground. I was really surprised at how many good techs didn't understand that the car would choose it's own path once we got to an inclined area. Your Mustang is light at this stage, but adding the lift weight, if it starts going down a slope you will not be stopping it. I'd have a piece of 1/2" rope tied off to something and a couple of wedges ready to go.

 

[575cat]

Stan & ollie come to mind