BendPak wobbly/lean?

[seagravedriver]

So I now have a Benpak HD9 4 post lift. Great! Customer service? Excellent!
But, now that it is in, and when it is in the "down" position, with nothing on it, the post tend to lean in. When in the "up" position, it seems straight. It is not bolted down. I have had a 67 small block Fairlane on it, and it seems solid. I just looked at it, and looked at my two sons who will be working under it when they get cars, and I just wanted to bounce it off you all to be safe
. I did do a search, but only stability stuff came up. I just want to be sure. Thanks!

 

[Stuart in MN]

I've noticed the same thing. With the platform down and nothing on it, the posts will tend to wobble a bit if you lean on them so I don't think it's a big deal. After a few up and down cycles the posts tend to self-align themselves so I suspect it will get better.

 

[phred]

I've had one of my cars up on a 4 post that was not bolted down and it scared the **** out of me. I wouldn't leave it up there much less work under it. I got my stuff down asap and used a soildly mounded lift.
Just my opinion but that's like using concrete blocks for jack stands. Something is gonna move eventually and somebody's gonna get hurt.

 

[Mister68]

I know their designed to be used not bolted down and many folks have no concerns about stability. For me, once I was happy with where is was positioned in my garage I bolted it down. It makes feel better that it doesn't sway at all now.

 

[seagravedriver]

I may bolt it, but it is not in the exact position I am going to keep it yet. It takes some getting used to, but I'm thinking it's good. I just want to be sure. Thanks all.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Mine isn't bolted down. It does wiggle a little, but I think you would still get that to a degree if it was bolted as well. I notice it the most when the car is up and i go up to start it in the winter. If it is up and I am under it working, I really don't see any movement. I would prefer to bolt it for sanitys sake, but I need to be able to move it often.

 

[akdiesel]

I've had one of my cars up on a 4 post that was not bolted down and it scared the **** out of me. I wouldn't leave it up there much less work under it. I got my stuff down asap and used a soildly mounded lift.
Just my opinion but that's like using concrete blocks for jack stands. Something is gonna move eventually and somebody's gonna get hurt.

Ok now how is a four post lift UN-bolted any different from a two post lift that has a vehicle supported by the four arms. I'm using this as an example.
A four post lift is designed to support the load directly centered on each post. The two cross beams and the two runways are designed for the capacity to reduce flex.
If you are worried about sway than the four bolts that hold each post will up route easily IF it was to tip over. If you rally want to collapse it you could take a 5 lb sledg hammer and knock the bottom of one corner out, but why.
Bolting it down is fine but does not make it any more safe.
Show me the results of a 4 post lift that tipped over from working on the lift.
The ones have failed are those that are improperly installed or loaded.
The more weight you put on the lift the more stable they are.