Installing a lift outside - thoughts?

[Lynnhowlyn]

OK - thoughts on installation of a lift OUTSIDE ....a good thing if done right or a piss-poor idea overall.

Background:
I just retired and have moved to St George UT (southwest corner of the state, approx 120 miles northeast of Las Vegas). It's essentially desert and gets a bit over 8 inches of rain per year.

Making a long story short - best, most cost effective option to install a lift MAY BE to do it outside the existing shop, on a dedicated new slab.

Lift will most probably be a four post, with lift tall enough for me to get under easily (I'm 6 ft 3) and strong enough to support my '03 Ram 2500 Diesel Quad Cab as well as the CJ7 and occasionally the wife's 09 Ford Flex (but only one at a time thank you very much!)

Thoughts, comments, more information needed?

Thanks
Lynn in St George

 

[padstack]

I'm no engineer (used to be, but was fired for making the train in the mall run too fast), but I think it sounds like a good idea. As long as the climate is mild enough for you, I'd say go for it!

 

[ZRX61]

I live in SoCal, I see a lot of outdoor lifts.

 

[aqr81]

A friend of mine has his Bendpak HD9 outside his shop - there is an overhead roof. As it's outside he has to clean and grease it occasionally but has had no problems. Depending on weather it will require a bit more upkeep is all. Many shops in my area have outside lifts. Should not be a problem for you.

 

[Red Green]

A lot of service stations used to have inground lifts outdoors. I have been thinking about looking into getting a two post above ground to put on a slab next to my shop.

Things to consider
Wind will make a mess if you are trying to drain fluids.
Needing a cart to make it easier to move tools back in doors after you are done for the night.

 

[rwhite692]

Really should be no problem, it might be a good idea to make up a canvas cover for the pump and electric motor unit, keeping the weather off of that is probably good preventive medicine.

 

[markviii]

Our original 1928 Rotary Lift was outside for at least 28 years in Central IL before a lean-to off the shop was built over it. Heat, cold, sleet, snow, rain, tonados; it's seen them all, just like the mailman. You can bet that Mr. Johnson worked on equipment using that lift through all of that weather. The original lift still resides inside and is probably happier, but works just as well!

Chris (markviii of the Restored 1930s Auto Shop thread)

 

[brownbagg]

My bendpak been outside since before katrina. I have a five gallon bucket on top of the pump. It seem to be happy out there

 

[bazzateer]

Just be sure to factor in enough ceiling height!

 

[larry_g]

The lift will be fine. Being retired you probably won't be doing real heavy repair work so the rig will most likely be on the lift for a few daylight hours so security of tools and parts are ok. Since its private and you will not have to work out there in bad weather I would say go for it. The only thing I see is that if your in a neighbor hood and it is in the front of the standard 2 car garage then it looks a bit out of place to me. If off to the side or out back ok.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[20V'er]

I can think of one shop here in MN that has an outside 2 post lift. I have driven by in winter and there has been cars on it when it is darn cold out. Guessing the pump has to be very slow in MN winter temps also assuming it is the newbie that gets stuck working on it.

Actually, I think all they use it for is light stuff like pulling tires off to take them inside for dismount/remounts.

 

[kbs2244]

I am in northern IL.
For 30 years I have been driving by a two post that sees pretty regular use.
And it is on the north side of the shop.

 

[uhcrandy]

Having lived in St George for many years, the only thing to consider would be the blowing sand. Otherwise I would do it in a minute. Enjoy St George, I loved living there!

 

[78Bird]

Might be a good place for a Max Jax, if you dont need full height it's ability to be easily broken down and stored indoors by 1 person when not needed could be great.

You could even install anchors both indoors and out if you ever might want to use it inside as well.

Do they make a full height model with similar features?

 

[avc8130]

Might be a good place for a Max Jax, if you dont need full height it's ability to be easily broken down and stored indoors by 1 person when not needed could be great.

You could even install anchors both indoors and out if you ever might want to use it inside as well.

Do they make a full height model with similar features?

"'03 Ram 2500 Diesel Quad Cab"

That right there, that's going to be your problem.

 

[rsanter]

if it were me I would want to install a cover of the lift. like perhaps one of the RV covers to keep the sun off me and some of the rain off my lift. other than that I would be doing the same thing if I had the space

bob

 

[londonsteve]

In my old yard we had one over 20 years old and worked great, it was never covered over in snow or rain. The control box was in a plywood cupboard with felt roof. Miss having it now.

 

[Lynnhowlyn]

Thanks for all the great comments. Part of why I keep coming back to "lurk and learn".

Looks like there's no significant show stoppers to an outside lift install. I had thought of an RV-type cover, and the probable need for a bit more attention to lubrication and etc. As well as a location with enough "head room" LOL!!

And yes - St George is a wonderful place to have retired. A bit on the warm side in the summer, but the other seasons have the promise of being absolutely outstanding.

Thanks again for the comments, examples and encouragement.

Lynn in St George

 

[flajim]

I live in Florida and in this location, we average 40"-50" rain/year, although we never get the cold. We have a tire shop locally that has had a 4 post lift ouside for at least 16 years (that I know of) without any cover. I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[79firebird]

should be fine i live in victoria bc and there are a fue shops that have ifts out side dome are 2 post some are 4 and have never had a prob. as long as you take care of it it will be all good.

 

[CreekRat]

There's a Bend Pak lift on the local Craig's List that has has been used outdoors if you're interested in seeing a picture of how the weather.

The add says it "shows weather but in great shape" looks a little worse than "showing the weather" but you can be the judge. Price listed is $1,700, in this condition is this a good deal or bad?

http://seks.craigslist.org/tls/1908476746.html

 

[bmwpower]

What about the seals on the rams? I never even looked at mine, but I would imagine they are rubber or similar.

 

[Lynnhowlyn]

Thanks for sharing the unit listed on Craigslist in Kansas.

Looks like it has seen a few winters. Makes one wonder how old it is. Nonetheless, I'd don't think this unit's visual condition is a show stopper for me - esp given the wealth of other comments suggesting an outside install is do-able.

I'm still thinking a RV type cover and some regular maintenance will be good things to include in my plans.