How Close?

[forAK]

So, while I"m planning on the build of the new shop addition, I'm trying to figure out how close the 2 post lift needs to be to the front wall. I won't have anything infront (tool boxes) of the vehicle on the lift, so what would be ideal space needed. The shop is going to be 40x40 and I'd still like to be able to park a smaller vehicle behind the vehicle on the lift. I do have a F-350 crew long box that'll be used on this lift. Just trying to start planning for this upcoming spring/summer!!!
Thanks

 

[Cyberbear]

My auto bay is 30' deep and I put my in ground single pole lift as close to the door as was feasible in order to allow for working space in front of my automobiles. When not in use my rack goes beneath floor level and is covered by a pair of steel doors.

 

[astroracer]

Measure to the middle of your F350 then add 4' to it. That will be a good place for your two post. 4' gives you plenty of room to work around the front or rear of the vehicle AND walk around it with tools or carts when it is on the floor.
Mark

 

[larry_g]

Measure to the middle of your F350 then add 4' to it. That will be a good place for your two post. 4' gives you plenty of room to work around the front or rear of the vehicle AND walk around it with tools or carts when it is on the floor.
Mark

I agree with the above, but would say 4' is the minimum. Unless your one of the OCD guys that can say nothing is going on the front wall and stick to it. I'd bet over time you find the wall creeping toward the lift.

Also is the lift symmetric or asymmetric? Might make a difference.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Richard Cranium]

agreed 4 foot is the bare min. from the front wall

 

[Daedalus]

I measured all my cars and located the CG between the wheels, then did the worst case. Also need to decide if you're going to park nose in, nose out or both. I have room to the front wall/cabinets, but I'm spaced off a platform about 7' high that juts out from the wall, and I wanted to be as close to it as possible. Trucks are pretty nose-heavy.

 

[Rod N]

I pulled my car into the garage and chalked out the floor to figure what worked.
Also mounted the motor on the wall so I could put 1 of the posts closer to the wall.
I probably have 6 feet in front before my work bench and 4 feet in the back before the door. Much smaller car though.

 

[zmotorsports]

I asked the same question here a few years back.

Lots of good information in this thread.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92596&highlight=post+placement

Mike.

 

[Rookie2]

I would go to a shop that has one on a similar lift and take a measurement of the front end overhang. You center of gravity may not be in the center of the truck or the center of the lift.

A F350 Crew long box will sit differently than a non crew.

 

[Dragster Racer]

Be aware also of your OPEN position of the garage door if it isn't a high lift. You don't want to always watch that when a vehicle goes up in nice weather.

 

[Tommo3]

Room in front for cherry picker with motor and trans?