Another 2 post lift and concrete question.

recountryman · Jul 19, 2020

In process of getting my build for a 30x50 metal building. Wanting to put in a 2 post lift...eventually. Been looking at some 10k lifts as figured that would suit my needs as the heaviest vehicle I got is a F150 extended cab 4x4. Now my contract says 4" thick concrete but told my builder due to lift want 4.5 or 5 inch as the Bendpak states 4.25". He said we could got thicker in the area where I think my lift will got and that would create less waste and save some money.

I figure front to back clearance I want min of 13' and a min of 3' side to side clearance. I figure either a 4x4 ft section or a 5x5 ft section thicker for the post should be fine. What do you think? Also why is some lifts manufacture says 4 inch thickness is fine for their lifts and other like Bendpak for one with same lift ratings is 4.25"? thanks!

lakeroadster · Jul 19, 2020

Ideally, you want the bottom of the slab as flat as the top. This minimizes stress concentrations and helps to prevent cracking.

For a retrofit, where you are trying keep a slab and modify it to work with a 2 post lift, then cutting, removing an area and making it thicker is about the only option... but not the ideal option for you.

What I did on my 30 x 44 was install a metal key in the floor between the bay where the lift is, and the other bays.

I went with 5" of concrete in the lift bay.... 4" everywhere else.