How much ceiling height needed for lift?

[ManCave]

Hi Guys,

I have a pole building where the ceiling height is currently around 12 feet. I bought the metal last fall to finish the ceiling, which I will do this spring when it warms up.

I know that I want to put a lift in my center bay. I got to thinking that if 12 feet isn't enough height for my 3/4 ton dodge when its on the lift, then that might be a problem. In which case, before I finish the ceiling this spring I may need to think about figuring out a solution for more ceiling height in that center bay. I'd prefer not to have to make major modifications to the building, but if I have to I have to.


So...the question is...how much ceiling height does a guy need really need when you have a lift? I have not bought a lift yet, so I can buy whatever lift would best fit my needs. Not worried about lift choice right now, just want to know if 12 feet height would be adequate?

Thanks!

 

[Notch1988]

Depends on whether you're going with a 2 post or 4 post.

 

[Grape Ape]

I am currently in the process of installing a lift in my 12' ceiling garage.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87741

The lift I am installing is 12' 7-1/2" tall. This is not a problem for me because, like you, I haven't finished my ceiling yet. My trusses run across the bay allowing the lift to protrude up into the space between two trusses. My plan is to box it in.

The shut off bar on the particular lift I am installing sits right at 12'. This will allow me raise the vehicles all the way to the ceiling. My 3/4 ton crew cab diesel sit about 6.5' high. In theory, I can raise the vehicle 5.5'. When you add the 1' that a majority of the undercarriage already sits off the ground I should have about 6.5 feet of clear walk under space available under a majority of the truck.

Here's a pic from yesterday to give a some idea of my situation:

I hope this helps.

 

[ManCave]

Grape,

That does help, thanks. The other possibility I suppose is that I could cut the concrete out and drop the floor a couple of feet right where the lift will sit.

 

[ket-tek]

My ceiling is 12ft, and it works out ok. I wish it was taller that's for sure though. I have all cars and minitrucks and they are great I can double stack them with plenty of room. But I also have a chevy express work van and I can barley get it up 4' off the ground, but then again I can change the oil and do most stuff on that van on the ground with no problem cause there is so much ground clearance I don't put it on the lift very much anyway.

If you have big trucks you may want to look into raising the ceiling some over the lift if possible.

If I were to do it over again I'd probally go 16ft in the lift bay.

 

[mad57]

which direction do your rafters run? can you take some out? and make a pocket thats what i did in my pole barn. i can fit my van up enough to stand under it with bent knees works for me.

 

[Vicegrip]

Bend pac and others make 2 post lifts that fit well in a 10 foot + garage.

 

[halltrail]

How tall are you? 12' should be ok. It's probably what most would say is the min. Im 6'1 and my ceiling is 12'. My 2 post is open at the top (Mohawk). I have a Ford Expedition with a Yakima bike rack..so I loose about 3". Some places under the truck I have keep my feet spread out to lower my height.

 

[DE@N]

I am in the same situation. I want to install a two post lift in my pole building with 12' walls. Too bad I didn't know about this site earlier. I recently requested a quote from Conestoga (company that erected my building) to replace exiting trusses over one bay with scissor trusses. Price was about 6 grand to remove metal roofing and soffits, replace existing standard trusses and install scissor trusses, replace soffit with new material and reuse metal roofing. This is for one bay not entire 40' x60' building. I was hoping something could be done from inside and for less money though. Possibly sistering new built in place scissor trusses to existing ones and then modifying existing ones to match angle of scissor truss (instead of removing). Of course engineering and snow load requirements would need to be met.

 

[Chris Adams]

Bend pac and others make 2 post lifts that fit well in a 10 foot + garage.

And don't forget there are different kinds of lifts. Low rise, mid rise, work in any shop, or garage.

 

[tigmusky]

my ceiling is 12'3'' and thr lift fit prefect! 12' might be a bit tight. heres some pics
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51741

 

[ManCave]

I am in the same situation. I want to install a two post lift in my pole building with 12' walls. Too bad I didn't know about this site earlier. I recently requested a quote from Conestoga (company that erected my building) to replace exiting trusses over one bay with scissor trusses. Price was about 6 grand to remove metal roofing and soffits, replace existing standard trusses and install scissor trusses, replace soffit with new material and reuse metal roofing. This is for one bay not entire 40' x60' building. I was hoping something could be done from inside and for less money though. Possibly sistering new built in place scissor trusses to existing ones and then modifying existing ones to match angle of scissor truss (instead of removing). Of course engineering and snow load requirements would need to be met.

Dean,

I think it would be way easier and cheaper to remove the concrete in the area of the lift and lower the floor.

I also think that you wouldn't need to remove the metal roofing. I don't see why new trusses couldn't be built in place next to the current trusses. It just seems like there has to be a better option than what they told you.

 

[gnxtc2]

Hi Guys,

I have a pole building where the ceiling height is currently around 12 feet. I bought the metal last fall to finish the ceiling, which I will do this spring when it warms up.

I know that I want to put a lift in my center bay. I got to thinking that if 12 feet isn't enough height for my 3/4 ton dodge when its on the lift, then that might be a problem. In which case, before I finish the ceiling this spring I may need to think about figuring out a solution for more ceiling height in that center bay. I'd prefer not to have to make major modifications to the building, but if I have to I have to.


So...the question is...how much ceiling height does a guy need really need when you have a lift? I have not bought a lift yet, so I can buy whatever lift would best fit my needs. Not worried about lift choice right now, just want to know if 12 feet height would be adequate?

Thanks!

I am in the same situation. Here is some info and research I've done so far.

Would look into a Mohawk System 1 2 post. Yea, I know they cost more but for a 12' high ceiling they'll work great. The Mohawk towers are 8'7".

Also, I would look into getting a 12K lb lift for your truck. Mohawk is coming out with a 12K, 3 stage arms in a System 1 frame. You don't want the 12K lb Mohawk lift because the pistons rise above the towers for a total of 13'6".

Another thing you can do. Pull your truck into you shop and stand in the bed. Then figure if you can stand between the cab and the ceiling. Remember the truck's frame is already approximately 2' above the floor.

If you decide to get a different brand lift, make sure the arms are long enough to safely lift your truck.

I'm waiting for spring as I have a one ton Ford truck.

Billy T.
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