Technique for Moving 4 Post Lift?

[Davey4000]

I’m moving and taking my Direct Lift 4 post lift with me. What’s the best way to empty the hydraulic fluid without making a mess? Anybody done this before? There’s no drain in the bottom of the plastic reservoir.

I'm thinking that I'll need to take off the whole motor with reservoir attached, tip it over and pour the fluid out of the filler. I'll still have fluid in the line and cylinder which will still make a mess when I disconnect the line I suspect.

 

[stingry]

How far are you moving? I will be moving mine and the plan is to back my car trailer under it, lower the deck onto the trailer, lift the posts up and secure, drive away. I only have to go a couple of miles so this may not work for a long move.

As far as emptying the fluid, why not just leave it in the reservoir? Once you lower the lift and relieve the pressure, you should be able to remove the hydraulic line from the pump. Nothing should run out of the pump and the hydraulic line is above the cylinder so no fluid should escape as long as you keep the line above the cylinder. You can then cap the line and plug the outlet to the pump. DISCLAIMER: I am doing this from memory and my lift is an Eagle, so this may not work for you but I think most four posts are basically the same design. Just food for thought!

Cheers
Steve

 

[ADDGarage]

I bought and moved a 4 post a couple years ago. We picked it up intact on a car trailer and moved it some 30 miles (across state lines) no problem. The trailer was backed up under the raised lift, the posts retracted and lashed to the trailer. The trailer was backed into my shop and the lift dropped into place and the trailer pulled out from under (well, it took a little longer than that). We wired the lift on the trailer to utilize the lift motor in taking it off the trailer. A better description with pics in this blog post:

http://addgarage.blogspot.com/2008/10/add-gets-lift.html

 

[V-10 Killer]

I'd suggest being cautious about the resevoir if you load it whole on a trailer as mentioned. I know the one on my lift is basically held on by a single big band clamp. It'd **** to get where you're going and find you lost the resevoir on the road (and the 4-5 gallons of fluid with it). Vehicles behind ya might not appreciate that lol.

 

[Old Moparz]

How far are you moving? I will be moving mine and the plan is to back my car trailer under it, lower the deck onto the trailer, lift the posts up and secure, drive away. I only have to go a couple of miles so this may not work for a long move.

As far as emptying the fluid, why not just leave it in the reservoir? Once you lower the lift and relieve the pressure, you should be able to remove the hydraulic line from the pump. Nothing should run out of the pump and the hydraulic line is above the cylinder so no fluid should escape as long as you keep the line above the cylinder. You can then cap the line and plug the outlet to the pump. DISCLAIMER: I am doing this from memory and my lift is an Eagle, so this may not work for you but I think most four posts are basically the same design. Just food for thought!

Cheers
Steve

I had thought about this option as well & I don't see why it wouldn't work. As mentioned, securing the reservoir & the posts would be important. I would be concerned with the bouncing while traveling over the road. The lift isn't designed to be in motion, just in a stationary position.

Maybe the manufacturer could be helpful with transporting issues.

 

[Kirkz28]

I bought a used 4 post this fall and ended up moving it with a flatbed truck. I just disconnected the 4 cables from the posts, removed the two ramps, then tied it all down. Left the motor and oil resevoir attached. Worked great!

I would have gone with a car hauler and left it all together, but we couldn't get the lift out of the old owners garage all in one piece (garage door header was too low).

 

[Davey4000]

I cannot get mine out of the door either without partial disassembly. For those who are talking about moving it intact on a flatbed trailer I cannot take a chance going 325 miles, on interstate, passing three weight stations and being about 2 feet over width.

I think I’ll remove the line from the pump as Steve suggests, plug the hole and the line, and then take the pump/reservoir off the post for transport.

Thanks for the replies. It always helps to get ideas from others.

 

[Photo]

Davey4000,

Actually, a 'Wide Load Permit' may not be too expensive in your area. The weight should not be an issue.

Check with a small local trucking company and see what they can do for you!

Lane