I-Joist

[Krfjkm]

I just wrapped up my 26x26 detached shop. It has a second floor and we utilized 16” I joists NI-80.

I’d like some sort of a light duty hoist in my shop for things like lifting up a riding lawnmower. What are your thoughts on something attached to the I joists for light lifting?

 

[Krfjkm]

When I say “lifting a riding mower”— I am thinking about the front end of the mower for easy access to the blades for cleaning and sharpening. Not pitting the whole mower.

 

[mike93lx]

What does the engineer's drawing show for weight loading/capacity on the joists?

Drywall, metal, tongue and groove pine... Lots of options that will all function the same as a wall covering

 

[MoonRise]

Just get a riding mower lift.

Probably costs less than rigging up some overhead hoist and some load-sharing framing to span several of the joists, the appropriate fasteners, the secure attachment to the joists and not just to the ceiling panels whatever they are.

I have an older, all mechanical screw lift one. No chinesium hydraulics or Seals to ever fail, because there are none. Handy tool, even if I only use it once or twice a season.

 

[JuncleJohn]

I think an I-Joist would have more strength when the load is placed on the top and not suspended from below. I’d be worried about failure due to separation.

John

 

[whateg01]

If you just wrapped up this build, it seems like you should have considered this need before building it. I think I would treat it the same as I would if it was solid dimensional lumber

 

[firebirdparts]

I-joists seem pretty fragile to me, but you could certainly google that. I would attach a hoist to the floor instead. If the floor is OSB, then I would be attaching to a piece of framing lumber sitting on top of the floor.

Effective joints in wood can be tricky.

Here's one official answer:

Attachment Connections to TJI Joist Bottom Flange - tb-808

Guidelines for specifying withdrawal connections into the bottom flange of residential TJI joists

www.weyerhaeuser.com

 

[matt_i]

Nice-looking build there!

It would be easy to section out a piece of the 2nd floor subfloor, and put in something like a 16" to 24" square 1/2" steel plate (A36, hot rolled, etc) that bears on the top flanges of the I-joists, just like plywood or OSB. Not sure what your joist centerline spacing is (?) The plate can further be beefed up with ribs underneath (bolted or welded) Make the thickness same-as or shim it to match the subfloor thickness. Now you have something to hang a hoist from that can bear on the top flanges of the I-joist and you won't trip-over while walking upstairs. It could be buried under a different type of floor. One could tap a hole in it and screw in a lifting ring or start fabricating an underhung structure for your hoist of choice (I would prefer electric chain hoist). I would pay close attention to welding clean and thoroughly for any under-structure. (7018 sticks would be my personal choice) as the tension welds are high-confidence.

 

[Rusted Nut]

In general, I-joists are not very good at supporting point loads; which is why most floor designs have LVL's or Microlams for point loads. Maybe a floor jack for the lawnmower.

 

[Stuart in MN]

When I say “lifting a riding mower”— I am thinking about the front end of the mower for easy access to the blades for cleaning and sharpening. Not pitting the whole mower.

So what is the actual weight we're talking about here? I'm guessing 200 lbs or less?

 

[mm08822]

A good floor jack and make some wheel chocks?
Engine hoist?

 

[Hooked]

Just get a riding mower lift.

Probably costs less than rigging up some overhead hoist and some load-sharing framing to span several of the joists, the appropriate fasteners, the secure attachment to the joists and not just to the ceiling panels whatever they are.

I have an older, all mechanical screw lift one. No chinesium hydraulics or Seals to ever fail, because there are none. Handy tool, even if I only use it once or twice a season.

I bought something like this for my daughter for blade changes. It's kinda heavy for her to deal with but as infrequently as it's needed it works well.

 

[Krfjkm]

Thanks guys— good suggestions and thoughts. Going to go in a different direction— I kinda thought this would be the case which is why I asked.

 

[txvwnut]

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