4 post lift up or down when not in use?

[Bobf]

I have generic Chinese 4 post lift which is outside since the attached and detached garage are both too low.
I'd like to know if it's best to keep it down or up when not in use. Whether up or down there should be no pressure on the cylinder, up it's on the locks and down it's on the deck.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

I keep my 4 post in the "up position" because I park under it.
I would suggest keeping it up for these two reasons:
Keep animals from nesting in or under it.
Keep air circulating on all 6 sides.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Down, because it's its natural state of rest. Its up and collapses, then something under it gets hurt. Down, and if something fails, you'll know it when you go to use it.

 

[slow]

what position retracts the cylinder so the chrome shaft has less exposure? That would be my only concern being outside, but I have seen 30 year old lifts outside here in FL without issue.

 

[pmiranda]

Are you more likely to hit your head on it when it’s up, or trip over it when it’s down?

 

[aussieracer]

what position retracts the cylinder so the chrome shaft has less exposure? That would be my only concern being outside, but I have seen 30 year old lifts outside here in FL without issue.

My 4-post retracts the ram when up - this pulls the cables

 

[pbon]

If you have one that goes up high enough so you can walk under it, leave it up. My HD-9XW goes up 7 feet. If I had one that was in the way of my moving around the garage, I’d leave it down.

 

[59 wagon man]

a pool noodle over the edge of the ramps protect your head or anything else that may get hit

 

[APEowner]

what position retracts the cylinder so the chrome shaft has less exposure? That would be my only concern being outside, but I have seen 30 year old lifts outside here in FL without issue.

This is the criteria you should use.