4-Post lift on wheels

[MNTrailBoss]

I don't have the funds or the land to build anything like most of the posts here, but I do have a standard 22 x 26 foot garage. I have enough land to go back an additional 12' -- or increasing the size of the existing garage by 12 x 26 to a total of 34 x 26. I was hoping to get my project car in sideways towards the back and still be able to pull my two daily drivers in for the winter (-12 degrees as I post this).

I was hoping to get a 4-post lift -- one of those ones with wheels so you can push it around. Idea would be to drive my rod on the lift, then push the lift and car sideways into the new extension. Can 1 person really move a 4000lb car on this lift? Anyone else out there do something similar?

Thanks,

 

[ChucksCrib]

Good luck with that one. Most of the better 4-post lifts I have seen do come with casters as an option. I'd think you would need to call your buddies up for that one. Moving a 4-post lift around on casters without a vehicle takes a fair amount of effort.

 

[mikeyr]

Its very do-able, on my lift, you have to have the car on the lift for the casters to work. Without the weight of the car, the casters don't lift the lift legs off the ground. I find the hard part is getting the lift moving, once it starts it rolls fairly easily and that is on Racedeck tiles with the diamond plate pattern that it rolls fairly easily, once it starts moving.

I was a little upset when I tried to move my lift without a car on it and then read the instructions that said never attempt it without the car. Without the car, the lift legs barely come off the ground by 1/4 maybe 1/2 inch and drag with the slightest movement, with the car on it, the lift legs are 2-3 inches off the ground.

 

[fireman]

Its very do-able, on my lift, you have to have the car on the lift for the casters to work. Without the weight of the car, the casters don't lift the lift legs off the ground. I find the hard part is getting the lift moving, once it starts it rolls fairly easily and that is on Racedeck tiles with the diamond plate pattern that it rolls fairly easily, once it starts moving.

I was a little upset when I tried to move my lift without a car on it and then read the instructions that said never attempt it without the car. Without the car, the lift legs barely come off the ground by 1/4 maybe 1/2 inch and drag with the slightest movement, with the car on it, the lift legs are 2-3 inches off the ground.

You are absolutely correct. Much easier to move with a car on it. Easier to steer it around if you have two people.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I was a little upset when I tried to move my lift without a car on it and then read the instructions that said never attempt it without the car. Without the car, the lift legs barely come off the ground by 1/4 maybe 1/2 inch and drag with the slightest movement, with the car on it, the lift legs are 2-3 inches off the ground.

What kind of lift is this, I want to be sure and not buy it. My understanding of the purpose of the casters is to allow movement of an EMPTY lift to get it out of the way, move it to another bay, outside, etc. While it certainly is nice to be able to put a car on it and then move the car, you shouldn't have to do this just to move the lift.

A car can also be moved with those wheel dollies that fit under the wheels, such as the GoJak

http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3820

Charles

 

[fireman]

What kind of lift is this, I want to be sure and not buy it. My understanding of the purpose of the casters is to allow movement of an EMPTY lift to get it out of the way, move it to another bay, outside, etc. While it certainly is nice to be able to put a car on it and then move the car, you shouldn't have to do this just to move the lift.

Charles

ALL lifts use the same design for their casters. They use the weight of whatever is on the lift to offset the weight of the posts and lift them up. I suppose you could always get a big fat girlfriend to stand on the lift to raise the posts.

 

[autoist]

Only way I move mine around with a car on it is if its in the down position...

 

[Stuart in MN]

I have a lift in my garage with casters, and it's not that bad to move around if you've eaten your Wheaties. I can move it around by myself without much problem. The hardest part is getting the casters pointed in the right direction and getting it started. Once it's moving it's not bad at all.

I think most lifts are designed so they need to have a load on them for the casters to work well. I know they all need to fully lowered before you can use the casters.

If all you need is a way to move the car around, you may want to consider some of those wheel dollies, they're a lot cheaper than a lift.

 

[MNTrailBoss]

I've got 4 of those little wheel dollies under my CJ/5 right now. 3" steel wheels (or close to that), and it's all I can do to move the 2900 lb. Jeep around my garage. Yea, once you get all 16 wheels pointed the right way, but....

I was thinking that the larger diameter wheels (6” or 8”?) would be easier just due to the size. Anyway, I don't have the mustard to move my CJ, let alone my Chevelle on those budget dollies.

Backyard buddy vid shows a guy moving his rod while on the lift -- albeit a light weight car....

 

[mikeyr]

What kind of lift is this, I want to be sure and not buy it. My understanding of the purpose of the casters is to allow movement of an EMPTY lift to get it out of the way, move it to another bay, outside, etc.

ALL lifts are that way as far as I know, mine is Perfect Park but if you wont buy a lift that requires the car on, you will not be enjoying the benefits of a lift for a long time. I am sure there are some that will do it empty but the idea is the weight of the car is what is lifting the posts off the ground.

 

[rx7its95]

I have a Backyard Buddy that was built on a balmy 4 degree day. We realized that one of the rods had to be installed via the rail that was opposite of the garage door opening. My friends were very upset and decided to go inside and warm up. I jacked up the lift using my floor jack locking the rails with the use of a large screwdriver placed on the safety slots. I then placed wheel dollies under each post (only one end can be done at a time). Once I had the lift on all four wheel dollies I pushed the lift and rotated it by myself. It took me no more than 15 minutes to do this and it was so easy to push that I was having problems getting it to stop.

 

[Roadster]

ALL lifts use the same design for their casters. They use the weight of whatever is on the lift to offset the weight of the posts and lift them up. I suppose you could always get a big fat girlfriend to stand on the lift to raise the posts.

Not true. I have a Stinger lift, and the caster attachment design is different than that of many other lifts. The design makes it quite easy to move the lift without a vehicle on top. Note the lack of "ankle biters" on the posts...

http://www.stingerlifts.com/OPTIONS.HTM
http://www.stingerlifts.com/CASTERKITINSTALL.htm

 

[fireman]

The only difference is that your casters attach to the post instead of the crossbar. Still, it's the same design and principal.

 

[Daryl]

It's true that once you get the car up on casters it can be a big load for one guy to push. Since I am doomed to always work alone, I have developed a simple system for moving heavy loads (engines on cranes, cars on casters, etc.) I got myself one of those inexpensive 12 volt winches, and installed heavy duty screw eyes at strategic points along the base of the garage walls. To move something big I just attach a chassis strap at an appropriate location on the object, hook up the little winch, connect it to the screw eye nearest the desired destination, press the button and enjoy my favorite cool beverage while the big load moves slowly where I want it to go!

 

[Stuart in MN]

Not true. I have a Stinger lift, and the caster attachment design is different than that of many other lifts. The design makes it quite easy to move the lift without a vehicle on top. Note the lack of "ankle biters" on the posts...

That's interesting. I have a Stinger lift as well, but its casters are like the kind used on most other brands. It is five or six years old, so they must have changed it along the way.

 

[Roadster]

The only difference is that your casters attach to the post instead of the crossbar. Still, it's the same design and principal.

"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?"

 

[MNTrailBoss]

Interesting option, Daryl.

What about a couple of screw eyes into the concrete and hook up either a cheap winch or a come-a-long? Never thought of that idea.

Right now, I take a sledge hammer and pound the wheels around to the same direction and then push.

 

[trs900]

One thing with most lifts is you have to get car on lift then put castors on then move lift. With castors already on my Bendpak the 2 approach ramps don't even touch the ground. Castors mount on posts, sure would be nice to be able to leave wheels attached at all times without affecting height.

 

[Mayor]

Any ideas on the best lift. I have a 21wx21lx10h garage and would love to get another car in. I would use the lift for storage and to work on the cars. Any input would be great.

 

[6t7gto]

Mayor,
I have a Backyard Buddy and a Direct Lift.
The BB is a MUCH better lift and they are mfg. in Warren, Ohio.

david

 

[mneblett]

Mayor,
I have a Backyard Buddy and a Direct Lift.
The BB is a MUCH better lift and they are mfg. in Warren, Ohio.

david

I looked at a *lot* of lifts, and ultimately decided to spend a bit more to get what I believe to be the much stronger BackyardBuddy-type lift. The only lift comparable to the Backyard Buddy I found was the former Autolifters (now All American Lifts) out of Kansas. Essentially the same design (external lift sliders), at about 2/3 the BB $$$. Mine should be shipped out of Kansas tomorrow

 

[Mayor]

How thick should the floor be? Good luck with your new lift.

 

[Burner]

Does anyone have any experience with Revolution lifts? They seem to be very nice unit, lots of features that I am not seeing in other products.

 

[Speed Shop]

I'm also considering a Revolution. Saw them at the B-J Auction in January. Product looked well made. Anyone here have one?

 

[falconfling]

I just bought a car from a guy

Not true. I have a Stinger lift, and the caster attachment design is different than that of many other lifts. The design makes it quite easy to move the lift without a vehicle on top. Note the lack of "ankle biters" on the posts...

http://www.stingerlifts.com/OPTIONS.HTM
http://www.stingerlifts.com/CASTERKITINSTALL.htm

with this brand of lift and he loved it...but no prices on their website.
Can you a ballpark amount on one of these things, and how easy are they to put together. My garage has a max height of 10ft, 2 inches.
Thanks

 

[trs900]

Here are a couple of sites where they list prices & options.

http://www.asedeals.com/lifts2.html

http://www.rb-wholesale.com/

hope this helps, here is a pic of my lift Benpak HD-9 wide in my detached garage carport with 10ft height. I have put my tractor on it with loader & backhoe with no problems over 7000lbs..

 

[mangomadness]

check these guys out i bought a four post from them in Jan. It is built very well i have the caster kit too but have not used them yet.

http://allamericanlifts.com/

 

[cork]

Does all american offer color choices or are they all blue and red ? Is the finish powdercoated or painted ?

 

[mneblett]

Does all american offer color choices or are they all blue and red ? Is the finish powdercoated or painted ?

You can contact them directly to confirm, but I believe it's paint, not powder coat (I should know tomorrow when the package arrives at the freight terminal ). As for colors, again I'm not sure. Their website pics only show red runways with black posts, but Earl at AAL didn't hesitate for a second when I asked for them to do my lift in all red. www.allamericanlifts.com

 

[mneblett]

A short follow-up

I received and assembled my All American Lifts M-815 lift. One of the things I found was that contrary to the earlier comments, not all lifts use the same caster system.

My lift has casters that hang from/clamp on *only* on the crossbars. Once the lift is lowered to the ground, a pry-bar plugs into a hole in the base of each post, the post is raised an inch or so and a retaining pin inserted. A bit more work than the other designs, but a better approach in my mind, as it makes moving the lift much easier without a car on it.

 

[mangomadness]

I just put the casters on mine this week and tried it... no problem to move the lift empty by myself. I think if i had a car on it i would want some help . ( Mine is from all american lifts in kansas.)

 

[RJRKCJ]

I have the BendPAk 9,000 lb lift and have moved my BMW 318IC around with it. It was very easy to do. I put the car on it to move it into place where I wanted it after the inital test. No issues.

One word of caution is NO SLOPES with a car on the lift. Even the slightest grade can be an issue and the whole thing can get away from you. Inside the garage also be careful not to do a "give it your all" effort push and then realize that you've also got to stop the thing too. So be prepared to stop it too.

Be sure and measure the diagonal length of the lift to determine if you can move it around a corner. I had difficulties moving mine from one garage to the other. That's where the slope issue came in. One was heated and the other not. Can you guess which one I wanted to build the lift in? Moving from one to the other was not an issue except when I needed to angle it to get it out the door. Another silly inch of clearance would have been great. After removing the door track and opener sensors and a good push I was all set. Once outside on the very very slightly graded driveway it was a very good thing that I had help and no car on the lift.

Good luck. I also looked at more than 10 manufactures and would buy another from BendPAk if I needed one.

 

[Hot Wheels]

Whoo - look at this!

Try this link and click on video in the upper left of ad.

https://www.gregsmithequipment.com/...id=28&osCsid=f0adbdbfaf67899acac497c8eb97bd86

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I received and assembled my All American Lifts M-815 lift. One of the things I found was that contrary to the earlier comments, not all lifts use the same caster system.

My lift has casters that hang from/clamp on *only* on the crossbars. Once the lift is lowered to the ground, a pry-bar plugs into a hole in the base of each post, the post is raised an inch or so and a retaining pin inserted. A bit more work than the other designs, but a better approach in my mind, as it makes moving the lift much easier without a car on it.

I will be very interested to to hear all of your comments on the quality of the lift, the ease of assembly, use, etc. Did you take any pics during assembly?

The way you raise the post and pin them to roll an empty lift answered one of my first questions.

I came close to bidding on an AutoLifters lift on Ebay that was not far from me, but it was the 13 ft ramp model and I finally decided to pass. It sold for $1500. I am very interested in the All American M-815, and want to know all I can about it. Their web site is lacking, new company trying to keep their head above water, I understand they cannot focus on a web site, but it could be a make or break for them, in todays internet business world.

Charles

 

[Truck Guy]

I have the BendPAk 9,000 lb lift and have moved my BMW 318IC around with it. It was very easy to do. I put the car on it to move it into place where I wanted it after the inital test. No issues.

============================================

Good luck. I also looked at more than 10 manufactures and would buy another from BendPAk if I needed one.

I have the BendPak HD9-ST and just used the casters last weekend for the first time.

The lift was empty and had no problem moving it around the garage. I'm sure it would be
more stable with the weight of a car on it, but it was fine without.

I would also buy the BendPak again if I had too.

 

[mneblett]

I came close to bidding on an AutoLifters lift on Ebay that was not far from me, but it was the 13 ft ramp model and I finally decided to pass. It sold for $1500. I am very interested in the All American M-815, and want to know all I can about it. Their web site is lacking, new company trying to keep their head above water, I understand they cannot focus on a web site, but it could be a make or break for them, in todays internet business world.

Charles

For ease of posting (i.e., I'm lazy ), here's a link to a place I've posted some pics -- most are at the bottom of the thread:
http://www.nvcorvetteclub.com/mvnforum/mvnforum/viewthread?thread=1765

I'm pleased with the mechanical quality; the paint is overall good, but the transport resulted in a lot of nicks (I hear that's not uncommon for lift shipments). They included a couple cans of spray paint for this reason.

Assembly was straight-forward, but requires a lot of pre-planning due to the shear size/weight of the parts. I did 99% of the assembly by myself, but there were a couple pieces I needed my son and/or wife to stabilize while I, or my engine hoist, or overhead electric hoist, did the heavy lifting. It would be much better, however, to have someone (or two) with you for the assembly; this just wasn't an option for me.

Happy to answer more Qs, or take a call.
Mark

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Thanks alot. I too will probably do most of the assembly by myself so the engine hoist is a good idea. I've used an engine hoist to stand up 14 ft high pallet rack verticals, it gets interesting. Amazing what you can do with a hoist with a little planning and forethought.

Charles

 

[Jason B]

I know this is OLD but is this still an issue today with having to put a car on the lift to move the lift with casters? I've read instructions with many 4 posts and they say DON'T try to move the lift with a car ON it.

Video with bendpak saying not to move the lift with a car on it:

 

[finn]

Another 15 year old thread. Interesting how many of the lift companies referred to have seemingly disappeared over time.

The BendPack and many other four post lifts are built with “folded metal” posts and a separate ladder style locking frame.

Others, like the Advantage, Backyard Buddy, Wildfire, and a few more have Box section posts with an integral lock ladder, and sliding box sections that fully capture the upright posts.

My Advantage lifts are advertised as being fully portable with or without a car on them. It works, too. I can move the unloaded lift without help, and moved it with my wife’s help with a 36 Ford on the ramps. I suspect I could have done that alone, but she volunteered since she was there.

Watch out for floor that slope towards the drain, though. It wants to scoot towards the low spot.

 

[ch612T]

I'll put my flame suit on before I type my comment.

I bought a "made in China" lift from a dealer close to my home. Will use it as a storage lift most of the time for my 3400 lb Nova or my Corvette. It is a 4 post Tuxedo 8000 lb and it seems to work good. Came with wheels, drip pans and a jacking tray. I could not justify the more expensive lifts for my personal use (this was almost three grand). The dealer I bought it from sells other brands but recommended this lift and sold out of the product quickly. Time will tell.................