4 Post Lift Deal

[Capngeo]

I know. But you only get one chance to get something like that wrong with under-building it.

True that!

But I wonder how many times we stand on, under, or between something who's ultimate failure might result in our demise each day? Like every building and car.

You can prejudicially blame Chinese Crap but I have Harb Freight Chicom jacks, jack stands, overhead chain falls, benders, presses, and clamps, that I trust my well being to every time I get in the shop.

I get your point, but statistically. Katool failures seem rather non-existent. At least Google doesn't come up with any references thereof.

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[Lunentucker]

I just like overbuilding things. Do your thing.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

When I eventually build, I will have a designated section of concrete just to install a lift. Probably something like an 2’x2’x8” section of higher psi concrete just for an eventual lift install. I factored that into my plans ages ago so even if it doesn’t happen I still have a set of good strong footers for anything I want to install there.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I just like overbuilding things. Do your thing.

Nothing wrong with that.

Now, I probably wouldn't rework an existing floor.....but I guess I would core drill it to at least make sure its the thickness it should be (4" or more) Then decide from there.

But, if I was building new shop, I'd probably overshoot the floor thickness in general, and then put a suitable spot in the middle for a two post, even if wasn't in my plans to install one initially. Leave myself open to multiple options.

 

[ChrisNLA]

When I eventually build, I will have a designated section of concrete just to install a lift. Probably something like an 2’x2’x8” section of higher psi concrete just for an eventual lift install. I factored that into my plans ages ago so even if it doesn’t happen I still have a set of good strong footers for anything I want to install there.

Go look up Waldo Welds on YouTube. He works in an old wooden barn with a dirt floor - except he poured a chunk of concrete in it to support a lift.

So it's like a 3x10 concrete slab with a two post lift perched on it. Surrounded by dirt floor.

Let me be clear. A slab only statically large enough to keep the lift from toppling over - supposedly.

Wildest thing ever. And he lifts some heavy stuff on it.

 

[Lunentucker]

Anecdotal, but at least he lived to tell his story.
I do have a good friend who certifies such welds. I guess if I really thought I needed one I could get him to inspect if before it went together.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Anecdotal, but at least he lived to tell his story.
I do have a good friend who certifies such welds. I guess if I really thought I needed one I could get him to inspect if before it went together.

This is why I tend to trust Chinese sockets.

But maybe not Chinese lifts.

Not unless they are, at the very least, distributed and backed up by an American company.

Kinda like Harbor Freight. They had some jack stands that might kill ya - but they'll at least stand behind it

 

[Capngeo]

Anecdotal, but at least he lived to tell his story.
I do have a good friend who certifies such welds. I guess if I really thought I needed one I could get him to inspect if before it went together.

Good info there; I will be sure to inspect the welds before lifting.

As I mentioned earlier, my buddy has one that looked great, was steady and didn't have any slop.

 

[Freems]

Good info there; I will be sure to inspect the welds before lifting.

As I mentioned earlier, my buddy has one that looked great, was steady and didn't have any slop.

With this fail video posted. I would have the lifts welds Xrayed prior to use. There are plenty of mobile X-ray units for weld testing out there. Did a quick look on line, not a single lift manufacture I could find states that they X-ray Any welds on there units for sale. BTW: you can not judge weld penetration by a physical inspection of a weld. X-ray or destructive testing is the only way. Be safe out there Forum Brothers and Sisters. I'll pop for the china one, but I will have it xrayed prior to standing it up.

 

[Capngeo]

With this fail video posted. I would have the lifts welds Xrayed prior to use. There are plenty of mobile X-ray units for weld testing out there. Did a quick look on line, not a single lift manufacture I could find states that they X-ray Any welds on there units for sale. BTW: you can not judge weld penetration by a physical inspection of a weld. X-ray or destructive testing is the only way. Be safe out there Forum Brothers and Sisters. I'll pop for the china one, but I will have it xrayed prior to standing it up.

To an extent welds can be assessed visually if you know what to look for. but the gold standard is x-ray to be sure.

This 4 post lift (unlike the two post) has locks at regular intervals in this case consisting of plate cut outs that a pawl drops into on each column. I certainly would never get under any lift that didn't have locks.

This thread has me thinking that instead of the mobile x-ray, I'll just proof load the lift; I think my skid steer is right at 12k lbs I may put it on the lift at the bottom and see if it goes up. My guess is there is a relief valve that will open before the lift goes that far above operating weight. That will test the cables, pulleys and welds. I'll then proof load it to 9k and run it all the way up. Passing that, will make me feel completely safe under a 5k Gladiator.

The tracking seems to have it here 9/2.... probably take me a week before I put it together. If y'all don't hear from me after that.....it probably broke and killed me, otherwise I'll report back here with pix

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