Lesson learned about 4 post lift

[albaran]

This is probably something everybody knew (except me) about 4 post lifts. I have an Eagle which is similar to many of the other 4 post lifts out there and am very happy with it. However, when I raised the lift up without a car on it, I had a hard time bringng it down because the weight of the ramps alone wasn't enough to push the fluid back into the cylinder and it hung up on the farthest post from the controls.
After getting some kids to climb up on the lift and jump up and down, it finally came all the way down. The lesson is that you need the weight of a car on the lift to work properly. With cars on it, it works fine. I use pledge to lubricate the sliders. I don't use the lift that much, so I think it will work better when the sliders get worn in.

 

[c39er]

Never had that happen with my BP. It's slow though.

 

[Tripp2012]

Depends on the weight of the steel in the runways. A Hunter rack will come down at the same speed loaded or empty.

 

[froggert]

no issues with my direct lift. it groans a bit when coming down with no load and is definitely slower, but doesn't hang up. have you lubed the cables?

 

[akdiesel]

Are you sure you do not have a blockage in your hydraulic return or a pinched line.
These lifts should function the same loaded or not. Granted it will be a little slower unloaded but it should retract fully
.

 

[glntom]

My Direct never does this, goes up/down at same rate whether loaded or empty.

 

[Junkman]

I have experienced this when I move my lift, and the posts are slightly out of square. Once I use the lift with a car on it a few times, the posts align themselves and no more problems. If the posts are bolted down to the floor, it is a lot better, then if they are free standing on the floor.

 

[LX-Markham]

sure the posts are completely plumb?

shouldn't have to use child labour to get the lift down.

edit: treed by junkman

 

[LXCam]

Same here my BP is a turtle but it all comes down the way its supposed too.

 

[WanderingSol]

I'm looking to get a lift. How did you get the lift off the delivery truck and into your garage?

 

[ptschram]

I'm looking to get a lift. How did you get the lift off the delivery truck and into your garage?

Engine hoist and two wheel dolly is how I did it with mine.

I did it alone and it took me about ten hours total to assemble my four-post.

 

[NitroShark]

Have it delivered to a towing company with a rollback flatbed. They can bring it to you. That's what I've done before. Cost about $150

Shawn