Thread: Hoist - is a 2 post hoist useful for Series LR's?

I know this does not help - but I have never investigated - my shed is too low to even consider a hoist!

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I know this does not help - but I have never investigated - my shed is too low to even consider a hoist!

I picked up a second-hand Chinese hoist (or "parking lift") several years ago. Even in a lowish garage it allowed me to lift a rolling chassis both to work on it and to move stuff underneath when I needed some space! Now I have a new shed, and the opportunity to buy a 2-post hoist. The problem is that when I look underneath my 86" I really can't see how the hoist would safely engage the chassis. So maybe the 4 post is still a better bet?.....

Of course even then there are problems. For example, Bendpak de-rate their 4-post hoists with reduction of wheelbase (moving the load away from the towers and towards the middle of the runways). At 80" wheelbase they de-rate to 25% capacity on their standard length hoists, which means that a 4tonne hoist technically can't lift an 80" LR and is marginal for an 86 or 88. The suppliers of budget hoists don't specify any derating in their ads, but I find it hard to believe that their runways are so much stronger that derating isn't required!

Maybe the secret is not to read the fine print, and then act surprised later!

Originally Posted by Warb

For example, Bendpak de-rate their 4-post hoists with reduction of wheelbase (moving the load away from the towers and towards the middle of the runways).

Perhaps that explains their name. I'd be a little concerned if the runway deformed significantly with a 200mm shift in load spacing overall. You have to work under the thing.

Originally Posted by Tins

Perhaps that explains their name. I'd be a little concerned if the runway deformed significantly with a 200mm shift in load spacing overall. You have to work under the thing.

I suspect it's a legal thing, they have to avoid being sued when someone tries to lift the full 4T rating as a point load dead centre on the runway and bends it! That being the case, they have to come up with some kind of a scale to determine weight vs. wheelbase, possibly based on current/modern vehicles that are likely to be put on a lift. They also mandate that a jacking beam can't be used in the middle 30% of the runway, yet (bizarrely) explicitly state that the jacking beam is not impacted by the de-rating - so it's "wrong" to put an 80" on the lift, but (if my math is correct) it's perfectly fine top have it on jacking beams directly under the axles..... Go figure!

I built a new shed and added a Clear floor 2 post hoist.
Took me 10 minutes to check all oils last time I did it.
As I poured the New slab, the post footings are 1mx1mx1m
No issues placing the lift pads. arms are a bit narrower than a LWB, but still well balanced.

whitehillbilly

Originally Posted by whitehillbilly64

I built a new shed and added a Clear floor 2 post hoist.
Took me 10 minutes to check all oils last time I did it.
As I poured the New slab, the post footings are 1mx1mx1m
No issues placing the lift pads. arms are a bit narrower than a LWB, but still well balanced.

whitehillbilly

So the rear pad is just in front of the spring hanger, and the front pad is on the chassis just before it bends upwards? And it feels safe, well balanced and secure, even with the arms that close together? That's good to know - I had just about decided to give up on the 2-post, but this gives me hope! I don't suppose you have any pictures of the underside of the vehicle on the hoist, so I could see exactly where the pads go?

My other concern was actually swinging the arms in, given the wheels are so close together (and my 86" has bigger than standard tyres). Do you have to do any forward/backward shuffling to get both arms in, or do they just swing under in one hit?

One final question; are you using the standard rubber pads, or "frame cradles"?

Thanks!

Warb,
I have a S3 SWB, and an old Isobel two post hoist. It is possible to "safely" get a SWB in the air with a two post. My mate's 109" on the other hand is a real pain. This said, I am not particularly happy trying to do anything on the SWB on the hoist that involves the application of significant leverage. I would go a four post if you have the choice.
Alan

Originally Posted by Warb

I suspect it's a legal thing, they have to avoid being sued when someone tries to lift the full 4T rating as a point load dead centre on the runway and bends it! That being the case, they have to come up with some kind of a scale to determine weight vs. wheelbase, possibly based on current/modern vehicles that are likely to be put on a lift. They also mandate that a jacking beam can't be used in the middle 30% of the runway, yet (bizarrely) explicitly state that the jacking beam is not impacted by the de-rating - so it's "wrong" to put an 80" on the lift, but (if my math is correct) it's perfectly fine top have it on jacking beams directly under the axles..... Go figure!

And it's perfectly fine to put one of those show pony chassis stretch LC 200 ute conversions on it, at about double the mass of the 80...... In fact you could probably put TWO 80s on it and be ok.... Like you said, go figure.