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Most 4-posters, per the manufacturers' specification, do not need to be bolted down. They are designed as free-standing, self-supporting assemblies. That doesn't mean they aren't more stable when bolted down, they just don't need to be to operate safely and properly. That said, bolting a lift down will not prevent it from tipping over, given the proper motivation.
And, btw, I had earthquakes when I lived in both Georgia and Indiana and had a hurricane make it up to Indiana when living there so almost anything is possible. I bought the lift in Indiana and had it bolted down there. Besides stability during a natural occurance, such as an earthquake, it lends a lot of stability to the lift when working on it.
Patches,
Did you drill through the Racedeck tiles or just cut them around the lift posts?
Alan, in Indiana, I bolted the lift down after we laid the floor. The pics below are part of the process of cutting the tiles to bolt the lift to the concrete.
I have a set of casters I have used to move the lift around. You can see the lift pad is about 5/8" off the floor.
Here in SoCal, I bolted the lift down prior to laying the floor.
Most 4-posters, per the manufacturers' specification, do not need to be bolted down. They are designed as free-standing, self-supporting assemblies. That doesn't mean they aren't more stable when bolted down, they just don't need to be to operate safely and properly.That said, bolting a lift down will not prevent it from tipping over, given the proper motivation.
Especially with the last line.
I wasn't required to bolt my lift down either. Even in the installation instructions, the section regarding anchoring had the "Optional" tag by it.
Ultimately, it's up to owner to decide. My home was a new build and the floor is level, so it wasn't a concern for me. If it makes you feel safer though, go for it! However IMO, proper installation (making sure it's level, cables hooked up properly, etc.), operation, and maintenance of the lift is FAR more important in an effort to prevent major accidents.
Bend-Pak HD-9 here, I bolted mine down although they say you don't have to. With a vehicle all the way to the top, stand under it and have a friend push hard just about 6 Ft off the ground on one of the posts from the side. Let me know if you feel safe or not. I'd rather have mine bolted down.
I ran a manufacturing plant for 20+ years and you would be surprised what kind of accidents happen, even when the equipment is considered "safe". I believe strongly in Murphy's law, but it's up to you. Just be sure you have your home owners insurance paid up.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Originally Posted by 69monzacpe
Bend-Pak HD-9 here, I bolted mine down although they say you don't have to. With a vehicle all the way to the top, stand under it and have a friend push hard just about 6 Ft off the ground on one of the posts from the side. Let me know if you feel safe or not. I'd rather have mine bolted down.
I ran a manufacturing plant for 20+ years and you would be surprised what kind of accidents happen, even when the equipment is considered "safe". I believe strongly in Murphy's law, but it's up to you. Just be sure you have your home owners insurance paid up.
That's why I asked the question, to see what everyone was doing!
They make nuts that epoxy into rocks to anchor things. I used those as the floor is still flat. When you take the bolts out it can be moved with ease. When back in place a pipe flange alignment bar in 1 hole lines the others up to get the bolts back in.
Last edited by duramaxsky; 03-29-2016 at 11:48 PM.
Patches, I thought my garage was too small for a 4-post, but your Indiana garage looks even smaller than mine. What were the dimensions on it? Did you park a car in the stall beside the lift?
03-29-2016, 01:02 PM
Especially with the last line.
