Securing a Two Post Lift

[custom10nut]

I hope this is the correct place to ask.
Within the year, I’m building my new shop at my new Homeplace, and I plan to install a Two Post Lift.
As far as securing the Lift to the shop floor. What is the safest most secure way of mounting it?
J-bolts hooked around rebar in a beefed up footer?
Anchor bolts drilled into 4500 lbs psi concrete?
Is 4500 psi too much, and would the Anchors hold?
I plan to put in a 12k Lift, so that I can safely lift anything I have (P/U, Dually, wife’s car, and my tractor), but I know a Lift is only as safe as the way it’s mounted.
I’m not looking for “should be good enough” advice, but advice from those who currently have aTwo Post llft
Thanks in advance

[AussieinNC]

When I built my "shed" I knew beforehand exactly where my two post would be located....

I poured extra concrete depth in a 4 feet by 4 feet area centered under each post location, used rebar in the pour and used fiber in the 4500 psi mix. I used 12" long 3/4" expansion anchors instead of the supplied 6" anchors....but that was my preference.

The shed has 13 foot full clearance so the "usual" height two post (146" to 148")...

Also consider the power service supply for the hoist...power requirements are listed in the specifications pages of the hoist install manual...I placed my service supply on a dedicated 220v 30 amp circuit.

I have seen some owners use a combination of supply sources then be driven crazy trying to diagnose why their hoist loses power etc.

I decided not to use embedded J bars as its almost impossible to keep them correctly aligned during a pour process.

Hope this helps...

[Jmoney01]

Be careful if you use rebar and then drill the anchor bolts. If you hit rebar when you drill, your screwed. Like what was stated before, pour thicker (at least 6-8") where the posts will sit. Use fiber in mix. I have an 8k lift and 6 inch floor in my garage. I would not pre install any anchor bolts in the floor. If your off any, your screwed. By the way, I have been pouring concrete for over 20 years and I also sub for a lift installer pouring thicker sections in thin floors so he can install lifts.

[mongocanfly]

when I built my shop I did 3'x3' area of thicker concrete sections where the posts sit...I used the anchors that came with the lift...j-bolts would definatly be better but...they absolutely have to be in the right spot...with anchor bolts I could move the posts around to get them plumb,,,then drill and anchor

[custom10nut]

Thanks to all!
Great points on the J-bar rout
Thank you to the admin for putting this in the right forum

[kenr74]

When I poured my floor I just did a 3x3 area around the footing at 12" deep. Concrete guy said it was overkill but it was cheap.

I used the anchors that came with my lift. No issues so far. The largest vehicle I've had up was my 3/4 Chevy. No issues at all.

If you have room get the tall version. Nice to be able to walk underneath a truck without ducking.

[Mike Wessinger]

With my shop I prepped the area where the lift columns would be installed by digging out an eight foot diameter depression an extra 2 inches, and a two foot diameter right under the column an extra 4 inches. So I have 8 inches under the posts, and minimum 6 inches four feet in any direction from the post base. The installer drilled holes and used the standard expansion anchors. I have only had it about 6 months, but it handles all my cars and my old truck, and I have had a buddy's 2015 Tundra crew cab with no issues at all.

Forward I10 Two Post Lift

[nlped]

I had to cut my existing floor (to thin) to get a thicker base to hold my lift. So I actually did a 4’x15’x14” hole and actually dug out 6” under the existing floor. Then I went with 6” of crushed stone, 1/2” rebar every 8” that tucked up under the existing slab and 8” of 4500 psi concrete with fiberglass added. Then I did 10” long 3/4” anchors (mine had 8 per post) so I think it’s good! I’ve lifted several f250 & Dodge 2500 diesels without issue.

[77c10bowtie]

would any of you guys have doubts about putting in a 2 post lift in just a good ole 8" slab

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by 77c10bowtie

would any of you guys have doubts about putting in a 2 post lift in just a good ole 8" slab

8'' thick concrete---no problem plenty thick. Anything is better than 4'', which is actually 3.5'' because everybody uses a 2x4 for the forms.

[Jmoney01]

As long as the slab is in good shape, not cracked all to heck. If it's not falling apart, go for it