2 post car lift fitting

[Fredxxx]

Most 2 post car lifts come with no or minimal load spreader plates.

How does this work in practice without pulling bolts out of, or fracturing, the concrete raft they're bolted into?

[Bob Minchin]

My local 1 man band mechanic has had one of these and no signs of problems. He is in an industrial unit which probably has a properly laid thick slab and the lift would have been been professionally installed.

In a small workshop, the 2 posters are so much more versatile that a four poster and allow access to virtually all part of the vehicle. Just remember to position the posts so the necessary doors open!

[Fredxxx]

Perhaps I don't have the same confidence, whether professionally installed or otherwise!

That would be a good idea!

[Adrian]

Thick concrete.

One manufacturer states an absolute minimum of 6" thickness, another 9" and reinforcement.

I'll be getting one from Automotech in the NY, to go in the newly completed garage - with about 7"+ of concrete in that bit of the floor.

[Andrew Mawson]

Seven years ago I helped my neighbour at my last place collect and install a two post lift. His slab was only 4" as far as I could tell drilling test holes. Used chemical anchors and as far as I know he is still using it. Ended up rigging a 240 single to 415 three phase inverter for him as the motor was rather special.

Andrew

[Capitol]

There have been a number of failures of cheap 2 post lifts due to the steel not being the correct thickness or hardness.

[Fredxxx]

Any with bolts being pulled out of the floor?

I have seen some with load spreader rectangular box section either side of the feet and wondering if these might improve stability?

[Capitol]

[Dave Baker]

My mate braced his 2 poster to the workshop roof trusses as the flooring wasn't very thick concrete. Seems to be ok after a couple of years use.

[Fredxxx]

I don't feel that is a practical solution in my case.

Unfortunately I don't have enough space for a 4 poster either.

[Jethro_uk]

lethal, unless you know exactly how to lift a car properly.

Guy who used to service our garage equipment lost a friend to a 2 post lift. He was a foreman, and went to check an apprentice had tightened the sump plug, and pulled the car onto himself :(

[Fredxxx]

I can see the effects as per:

I'm left wondering if I should just cut a 1 m2 hole 1 m deep for each post and just fill with concrete!

Shame a 4 poster doesn't suit the space I have.

Also looked at scissor style lifts but they have limited lift and expensive for what they are.