Relocating a 4-post

[sierradmax]

I have to move my Atlas 4 post, 9000# lift from garage to garage (yes, I have two), roughly 300' over 3/4" crushed stone. Terrain is slightly uneven. I'm considering 1/2" plywood creepers (8 sheets) and "wheeling it" from garage to garage. Any harm or should I disassemble?

 

[infinkc]

have a flatbed trailer? seen people just lower the ramps on it so it raises the posts and drive away.

 

[finn]

Consider &5/8” or 3/4”.

 

[Cryptic1911]

be cheaper to rent a trailer and just drop the ramps on it and drive over to other garage

 

[sierradmax]

I have a trailer large enough and capable to move. One issue I have is the 4 post is wider than the garage door opening to garage #2. So therefore, I'll have to drop it and finagle it at some point to get it through.

 

[HAULNSS]

I have moved them on a pontoon boat trailer were we just lowered the lift onto the trailer, secured the legs and then cranked up the trailer to get the lift off the ground.

I've also used a tilt bed car trailer and just winched the lift up while the lift was on the casters.

Both methods worked very well.

 

[BrianPK]

If its such a short move use a trailer, Ive done it that way.

 

[NBN]

Ive moved one just as you're proposing. A little tiring, but doable.

Have fun.

 

[zeke67]

I winched two Bendbacks from one end to the other end of a 60 foot shop. Get a trailer, unless you have a wheel kit, then maybe a bunch of plywood if you can which from a pull point. Otherwise get a trailer.

 

[David Beyer]

I have two lifts, a Direct Lift 9000# XLT and an 8000# Atlas. I have moved both several times over the last 15 years. Most of my moves were many miles not feet, but I can disassemble and reassemble them in less than 6 hours not including the driving. At this time it gives a good opportunity to inspect and PM as well.

 

[sierradmax]

Well, turns out I have to take it apart anyways. Lift posts are over 8' tall and won't clear garage #2 header.

 

[pmiranda]

Which reminds me, other than the cost, any reason not to install casters when putting in a new 4-post?

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Which reminds me, other than the cost, any reason not to install casters when putting in a new 4-post?

You don’t really “install” casters on the 4 post lifts I’m familiar with. You attach them when you want to move the lift, but when attached they prevent the runways from descending all the way to the floor. They use the weight of the runways and crossbars to lever the posts off the floor to move it.

With the casters, you can use the lift as a movable work platform. I used mine to install ductwork for my heating system up at ceiling level, a task that would have been very difficult to do from ladders working alone. I’ll be using it again when I finish my lighting installation on the 15’ high ceiling.