Will be installing a 4-post lift in 6-9 months (still in the research phase) onto new concrete and looking for recommendations, advice, and your lessons learned.

First - I WILL NOT be getting a 2-post lift. I don't care what anyone else thinks or feels, I DO NOT trust them.

Second - this will be for residential use so about 8,000 to 9,000 lbs is likely what I will want/get

Third - concrete pour is scheduled for first half of October and I will flag out foot print of area where the pour will be 6' depth

Finally - I will have 110VAC and 220VAC available on nearest wall

Anyone have any experience with buying, installing and using lift which you can recommend or I should stay away from? Any lessons learned (positive or negative) from personal experience with buying, installing, and using one?

I went through this, but with an asymmetric 2-post.

You are on the right path for power and the footers, just triple check those footer locations! I'm assuming you KNOW you also have adequate height, though that will be dependent upon the lift's specific requirements. Mine lifts up to 79.5 inches, so I'm basically maxed out in my shop.

I went with Bendpak. It is a well-known brand that has been around for decades and is used by many commercial shops. I managed to squeeze in just before a price increase, so they will be a bit higher than some other brands, but I didn't want to go with cheap China BS, since my life will depend upon it.

Bendpak also makes 4-post lifts.

https://www.bendpak.com/car-lifts/four-post-lifts

Mine is a 10,000lb lift, but the range you are looking at should be plenty useful unless you may end up doing large trucks or tractors.

I installed it myself with two buddies. A four post shouldn't be too bad with at least one helper; the posts are typically smaller and shorter than on a 2-post. Buy or rent a decent hammer drill and bit for the anchors. I got a DeWalt, plug-in model, that takes SDS-Max bits.

Another note, pay close attention to where the power post (has the moto/pump/controls on it) can be installed in relation to the approach (drive-in) direction. On some, the approach direction can be changed, others it may be fixed. The same goes for the power post. Some brands have it fixed, others let you install the it on either side. Bendpak is pretty flexible in these areas.

When drilling for the anchors, is it after the lift is built up or is some super accurate measuring required?

Yes on the height - 14' walls with a 4/12 pitch roof

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
When drilling for the anchors, is it after the lift is built up or is some super accurate measuring required?

For mine, there was some assembly and cable routing while the posts were on the ground, then we stood them up and drilled/anchored them in place. I oversized the footers to ensure easier placement. Be VERY sure to vacuum out all of the dust from the holes before setting the anchors. I used duct tape and a straw on the end of my shop vac hose.

Here's a link to the manual for mine; we followed the installation procedure. Pages 17 and 21 have relevant information about the drilling/measuring part. I wouldn't imagine it would be too different for a 4-post, but your manual should have a similar section detailing it.

As far as measuring, the installation manuals are usually pretty straightforward. We used a laser level that could project on the floor and a chalk line. You shouldn't need to be super anal about it. Those tools with a measuring tape should be more than sufficient.

Odds are there is a YouTube video walking through the install of the model you end up with, or at least one that is similar.

I think you are good on height, at least until you install the mezzanine rec area.

Forgot to mention-

Another thing about Bendpak I like is their customer service. I had a couple of questions on things the manual didn't cover. I called them and got to speak to a very knowledgeable NATIVE ENGLISH speaker. He was very helpful and cleared up everything I brought to him.

Specifically, there was at least one part that came with the lift that wasn't in the installation section. He told me that it was a relatively new change to the design, and that the manual revision hadn't come out yet when my lift was shipped.

One more thing, decide now how high you want it to go. Do you want to be able to walk upright under the vehicle with no stooping? Or are you good with using a rolling stool? Obviously this answer can depend upon how tall you are, too. With your shop height, I'd go as tall as possible with the lift capability.

If you're dead set on a Four-Post Lift, make sure you get one that has a rolling/trolley jack option.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
If you're dead set on a Four-Post Lift, make sure you get one that has a rolling/trolley jack option.

This for sure, one at each end.

Thanks.

Next question - hydraulic or compressed air?

With both brain cells currently working together, hydraulic sounds better, safer, and more reliable than air (which in turn requires an air compressor and time for it to charge up)

My vote is hydraulic. It's all contained on the lift and I don't need a compressor that is any larger or more expensive than the one I would need for the rest of my basic shop needs. That's assuming the lift doesn't come with one, of course.

Air cylinders need to be bigger, too. This means that a lift of the same size as the hydraulic will have less lifting capacity.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
If you're dead set on a Four-Post Lift, make sure you get one that has a rolling/trolley jack option.

Definitely an option I will be considering

I watch a guy on the YouTube that uses and recommends these.

https://wildfirelifts.com/?gad...2iSe7mhoCWEUQAvD_BwE

Don't cheap out on one.

Went with an Advantage lift, 4 post, a couple years ago, couldn't be happier. I really like how the posts were made, they are square, not "C" channels. Customer Service has been great, very happy.

Similar to the Wildfire lift design. They both have great reviews, the Advantage one just had a better price when I bought mine.

And yea, make sure it has the ability to roll around incase you need to move it.

quote:

Originally posted by petr:
I watch a guy on the YouTube that uses and recommends these.

https://wildfirelifts.com

Vice Grip Garage? I remember the original install episode. I'm still leaning towards / basically in the 'Two-Post' camp though.

quote:

First - I WILL NOT be getting a 2-post lift

For overhead storage of cars, 4-posts are fine. But if you're going to work on your cars, reconsider, because they suck. I'll tell you why if you wish.

Seriously, the Runways are ALWAYS in the Way.

Yes. Vice Grip Garage

one of my customers has 3 of them
all 4 post

no idea what model, but he did not want them to collapse, or slip,

2 GT40's, Ferrari and a lambo, +a prowler, so he has an investment to protect

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
I will flag out foot print of area where the pour will be 6' depth

Is this a typo or do these really recommend that enormous pile? If so, I had no idea!

My buddy lives 5 minutes away and retired a few years ago. His house had a RV garage bay so he decided to make it a mechanic's bay and outfit it with a 4-post lift from Advantage Lifts (website is down right now). He's one of the most meticulous engineers I have ever worked with and he texted me a few minutes ago, "I’m really pleased with the quality and simplicity and pricing"

I've been changing my oil there the last 3 years plus did my front brakes there. It's really nice.

quote:

Originally posted by Georgeair:

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
I will flag out foot print of area where the pour will be 6' depth

Is this a typo or do these really recommend that enormous pile? If so, I had no idea!

I probably only need to flag where [exactly] the four legs will be located but there are a couple issues;

a. the pour is happening about 3-6 months before the lift's install

b. final decision of which lift is unlikely prior to the pour (and I am not paying someone to come out, cut the first pour, then reinforce and make a second, 6" pour exactly where the legs will be located only to wait another 30-45 days for a full cure to install the lift).

So, a knowledge of where the most probable lift(s) will be installed prior to the first pour will be flagged out for the 6" depth (typical pour is 4" - as I have been finding out)