Advise for positioning a lift

[DORIGTT]

I'm looking at a lift either 2 or 4 post and am looking for some guidelines to 'proper' placement of the lift with enough space around it for working on the car on the lift but without sucking up too much room in my 3 car garage.

Any kicks in the right direction?

 

[krooser]

I simply parked my truck in my shop where I wanted it and marked where the two posts go... pretty simple....

 

[DORIGTT]

C'mon krooser, that would be too easy!

If I were just using it for parking, I would think that would be fine but I'm looking for recommendations for clearance around it for working on vehicles on the lift.

 

[ebfabman]

I think maybe to have space to pull an axel all the way out should give enough work room???

 

[69CHARGERMD]

Good question.....

I am going to order a lift soon,,,,and to "figure" the positioning out will plan on getting the 4 casters,,,,do i can "move" it around....and find the best position, and have the ability to move the lift around in the garage if needed.
I dont plan on bolting mine to the floor,,,,

Maybe this would be an option for you as well ?

 

[krooser]

C'mon krooser, that would be too easy!

If I were just using it for parking, I would think that would be fine but I'm looking for recommendations for clearance around it for working on vehicles on the lift.

Well how would YOU figure where it should go? You didn't mention how big your garage is, didn't post any pix or diagrams, didn't tell us how large the lift is... I still say park your vehicle in the shop and go from there...

 

[pattenp]

I would think placement of a four post would be easy to figure out. Most, if not all two post lifts specify in the installation instructions the recommended clearences to the front, rear and sides.

 

[HIRISC]

Most 2 post mfg's suggest 9-10' in front of the lift (assuming asymmetrical) and 13-15' behind it. Common sense tells us that you shouldn't pin the column to the wall (unless you like to walk in circles a lot).

As mentioned - 4 post is a little easier.. Park your car where you normally do and then tape off the lift corner dimensions around it. I pinned mine to one side of the two car side of my garage.

BTW, I wouldn't sweat the whole - 'what if I need to take an axle out' what if. Unless you do that professionally, you can always back your vehicle in if you need to

2 posts are very wide.. up to 140" outside to outside so keep that in mind.