In less than 2 weeks we should have a 36'x50' pole barn up and then the foundation poured shortly after and I realized that I need to figure out what kind of lift to get so I can plan where to beef up the foundation. So far I know I want a 4-post one as a friend already has a 2 post one but heres the probem, I'm having trouble finding which brands are good, what I need/ dont need/ etc and thats where I'm hoping you guys come in. What brand/type/kind of lift do you reccomend and why? I'm looking for a quality lift for a hobbiest that is reasonably priced. Im still in HS and I'm working 35hours a week on top of school to be able to have the $ for the lift so I dont want to make a wrong decsion, right now im leaning towards used. One I found so far is that is close to me is: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=250098276448&rd=1&rd=1 Which is made/sold by Dynocom here: http://www.dynocom.net/store/product_category_2.htm Any reccomendations on this one?
I know several people who have Direct Lifts. I know you want a 4-post, and they sell those as well, but everyone I know has the 2-post and it sells for about $1500 shipped to the warehouse, and you just go get it with your trailer. PRO-9 2-Post
I've had a "Back Yard Buddy" for 12 years and use it almost daily. I feel safe under it and have never had any repairs, what so ever. Yeah, there's cheaper ones available, but from an Engineering & construction point of view, the BYB's the best........and remember, you'll be standing under a few thousands pounds of steel - do you REALLY wanna be under the cheapest lift available ????
My pal is on his second lift. The first, at his old house was a 4 post bolted to the floor. There were several times he wished it was in another location, but he never got around to pulling the bolts, installing new ones etc. His present lift is movable. Same capacity as the old one. Nice part is, the lift will jack itself up a few inches so the dolly wheels can be put down and the lift - empty - can be pushed around the 30' x 30' shop by one person. Jack it up again, get the dolly wheels out of the way, let er' down and you're in business. So far he's moved it twice to accomodate running changes in the shop layout. He's quite happy with it and I'd get one like it if I had room. I don't remember the make, but I can get it if need be....
If you can afford it Rotary is the best. http://www.rotarylift.com/ There are a few that are running second...
I have a bend pac 2post lift, made in usa and it is a quality peice. it is 3 yrs. old and is problem free .
Mohawk is the best lift, not Rotary. Go here fer all the info you need. www.garagejournal.com (Ryan owns it too.)
I can't complain about my Rotary.........my friends don't either.......or are they just here to drink my beer?
Most folks will do the foundation before the building. Its easier than holding the building up off the ground while the concrete hardens.
I know you said 4-post, but really think about that before you get one - they're not as useful as a 2-post lift IMHO - think about what type of work that you want to do.... Here's My $.02 - Things that you can do with a 2-post that you can't do without extra work on the 4-poster... - Anything to do with removing the wheels/tires (from basic tire rotation to front or rear end suspension work) - Brakes (see above) - Remove Axles - lift a body (or set a body on the frame) - lift a pickup bed - drop an engine/trans cradle (it's a late model car thing) There's more but you get the drift. If you want to just store a car, or do oil changes then a 4-poster is a great choice, if you're wanting to do service work - well then you really have to consider the 2-poster.
if your pouring fresh concrete you should plan on sinking some hooks or eyebolts of some kind in there too for doing pulls on frames/coresupports.. ect???
Lots of lifts are used outside in the good weather states. Keep up the maintenance on them as with anything else that sees use outside.
^^ I second this ^^ Plus, with a 2-poster, you can get/make axle stands that you can use to compress the suspension to check exhaust clearance, etc. When I was working at my Dad's shop, I can't tell you how useful the lift was for removing/replacing bodies to ch***is.
I bought a used Weaver (out of busness...bought by Rotary) two-post lift ten years ago...9000K capacity. It's now about 25 years old...Paid $1800.00 for it and have never looked back... Now a lot of guys will buy a cheap, imported lift and never have any problems...but if you buy a QUALITY lift you will never be sorry. Regarding reinforcing your floor....4 " of 3500# concrete should be fine. I have mine on 6" and haven't had any problems. You don't need any rebar or wire mesh unless you want to spend more $$$. I used fibermesh in my floor and it's worked great...since 1994 anyway!
With a pole building you use the building as a form...you only have to frame up any doors...pretty easy!
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