moving lift controls passenger to driver side

[1956chevy210]

Hello all,

So I've got my heart set on a Tuxedo TP11KC-DX 2 post 11,000 lb lift set up symmetrically. I had this exact model before. Several companies seem to sell this same lift under different names. I did not install my old one, the selling company sent a couple of guys.

When I had this lift before the power unit was on the driver side column. There is a used one for sale near me, and it has the power unit on the passenger side column. When I downloaded the manual, it said the power unit MUST go on the passenger side column to prevent interference with the short (front) swing arm. I know some folks prefer the controls on the passenger side, but I think that would drive me nuts. I want it on the driver side! I never had any interference problems at all with it on the drivers side.

Has anyone installed a lift like the TP11KC-DX and installed the power unit of the driver's side? What does it take to switch it from the passenger side when the lift was installed and assembled before? I wonder if it is just a matter of putting the column that was on the pass side on the driver's side and going from there. No biggie?

Thanks!

1956chevy

 

[zkdiesel]

Passanger side is for ergonomics.

You pull vehicle in, exit vehicle, rack driver side, walk to passanger side, rack, hit button

Also helps with door opening clearance as usually you don’t need to open passanger side door when on rack


Rotary has in bay kits that put remote dual control down low and power unit at top of column out of way

 

[mikedodge]

Was your old one the same arm configuration? From the drawing of the lift it looks like the arm only becomes an issue if its folded all the way forward so if you never put it in that position maybe that's why it wasn't an issue before. Unless they changed something.

I've seen the controls on either side. I never thought of the ending on the passenger side being why you'd want it there, it seems like one side of a lift is always near a wall or more awkward to get to then the other side and it would be more important to have it on the side that's easier to get to or where you have more space to move around to keep an eye on it going up and down.

 

[1956chevy210]

Yeah, it was the same arm configuration; what you discuss is what I was thinking. As long as I don't lift the lift with the front driver side arm swung all the way forward, which I never did before, I don't see how it could be a problem. And I guess I'll just find out if "swapping" the power unit from the pass side to driver side is as simple as swapping the columns over. If that doesn't work, I guess I could live with it on the pass side.

 

[jpaw]

I had my challenger lift installed with the columns swapped at work. The left front arm would hit the power unit if left straight forward, as long as the arm is under the vehicle it was fine.

My challenger lift at home has the power unit installed up high with remote controls on both sides. Very convenient when setting the lift.

 

[TheFixer]

I have a Forward DP07A lift I purchased used (currently in storage) and I was also considering installing it 'backwards' so the control unit was on the driver's side. The installation manual (which I found on the web) indicates the controller should be on the right (passenger) side, but doesn't say why, and it looked to me like the arms could be swapped (i.e. the posts were symmetric).
Curious if anyone has done this with with the Forward lift (I think the same model is now sold as a Rotary?). If not, this thread has given me some things to check....

 

[CraigStu]

Passanger side is for ergonomics.

You pull vehicle in, exit vehicle, rack driver side, walk to passanger side, rack, hit button

Also helps with door opening clearance as usually you don’t need to open passanger side door when on rack

Dang I spent at least 25 years as a dealer tech and never thought of this. But you are 100% correct. If you put controls on the driver side you have to walk around the car an extra time for every lift. Also if a wall is so close to the passenger side that it impedes getting at the controls, I'd hate to be setting those lift arms.

 

[mikedodge]

I have a Forward DP07A lift I purchased used (currently in storage) and I was also considering installing it 'backwards' so the control unit was on the driver's side. The installation manual (which I found on the web) indicates the controller should be on the right (passenger) side, but doesn't say why, and it looked to me like the arms could be swapped (i.e. the posts were symmetric).
Curious if anyone has done this with with the Forward lift (I think the same model is now sold as a Rotary?). If not, this thread has given me some things to check....

You'd think if everything is symmetrical it could be installed either way so they'd have some reason. For Bendpak when the posts are symetrical they specifically say that the power unit has to be installed on the certain post but it doesn't matter what side you put that post on.

 

[TheFixer]

You'd think if everything is symmetrical it could be installed either way so they'd have some reason. For Bendpak when the posts are symetrical they specifically say that the power unit has to be installed on the certain post but it doesn't matter what side you put that post on.

Once I'm ready to install the lift, I'll look very carefully at whether fitting it with the post holding the power unit on the left causes any issues. I'll report back here whatever the result...

 

[cpakalolo]

Most say that because the holes or bracket are on that side. I want mine to forward facing on the post or above my head. I think the handle to lower the lift is sticking out too much. I looked at this situation before, and it led me to believe that I was going to have to bend or shorten the lowering handle. I also figure, they might say that so the warning labels are facing you when you are using the controls. I asked the question to every company I sought quotes for. One guy said to just install the posts backwards (Left on Right, right on left.)