Raising lift post columns

[Dragster Racer]

OK. Two post lift. How did you raise the columns? I have no exposed ceiling beams. I have a tractor with a bucket. I thought of lifting the top to get the bucket under it with a moving blanket for protection. Safety strap to bucket so it doesn't get away fro me. I can lift maybe 7.5 feet, and the columns are 12 plus. Suckers are heavy even at the top end! I am getting to the age that finding 3 or so friends that are physically able to manually do this is a bit of a challenge.

 

[osu69]

I put brush forks on my bucket to make the lifting easy. Northern Tool also sells forks that clamp on the leading edge of the bucket. Cardboard on the forks provided paint protection.

With the tractor, I set the uprights horizontally on my 5X8 trailer (blocking in the bed so they set about 4' off the ground) and backed the trailer into the auto shop. With the help of two others, I pushed the foot of the upright off the end of the trailer and the three of us tipped the post upright. No one strained setting the posts upright and dancing them into position was no big deal.

It would have been difficult without the forks on the tractor. The uprights on my BendPak lift weighte about #425 each.

 

[dougmac]

A buddy and I just stood them up by hand..... they weren't to bad. Just get yourself a bowl of Wheaties, grab on to them and up they'll go.....

 

[Daedalus]

I had to use a cherry picker because I had to maneuver the 12' posts up through holes cut in the drywall between the ceiling joists (and it was just me). Each post on my lift weighs about 500 lbs, but the top is lighter than the base. I agree if you only have to stand them up a couple of stout guys will probably do.

 

[Aberdale]

I used a skid steer, which isn't much different than a loader. I used a set of pallet forks instead of a bucket. Basically, I just found a secure place to hook a chain to the top of the column, then just took my time lifting and placing the column close to where I wanted it. Once it was vertical and resting on the bottom plate, I "walked" the column to it's final location by hand. I did the whole thing solo, and it wasn't as big a deal as I thought it would be. Just take it slow and be safe.

Dale

 

[Dragster Racer]

Sounds better than I thought. Thank you!

 

[harryhood]

I raised mine by myself with a engine hoist and some extra tires as back up. As said before, they are so bottom heavy once you get them partially up with the hoist one person can push them up the rest of the way.

 

[saabman]

A friend and I were able to lift the posts on my Bendpack unit.

 

[sneezer41]

I tipped mine off of my trailer then just walk them around the room

 

[Dragster Racer]

I was thinking of something similar to Harry. I may use the tractor bucket for the backup instead of the tires, since I don't think I have that many hanging around. Thanks everyone. This has been a wealth of information!

 

[larry_g]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=79271&d=1285798919

I used a bucket to set my poles. Strap the middle of the post to the bucket so you can have full control of the tilt. Pick up in the horizontal position and then tilt (dump) the bucket to erect the post.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Dragster Racer]

I don't know that my tractor would have the umph of that industrial looking case. I could do the poles, but not sure if I could do the uprights. I'd probably mess up the paint plenty too. I'm not really all that talented!

 

[Dragster Racer]

I used the cherry picker. Did the first one by myself. Only trouble is that you can't go completely upright with the cherry picker hooked up. So that one was interesting. Don't ask. Second one I took the pressure off the cherry picker and wife unhooked. Then it went right up. Boy that last part could be read wrong. I need to double check measurements and anchor and shim next.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I tipped mine off of my trailer then just walk them around the room

X2 my boy and I wiggled them around the floor till in location