Thread: Craigslist Mohawk two poster lift

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Yeah I am kicking tires on a two poster lift.Wanted to know what you guys did about slab requirements.I looked up this:

http://www.mohawklifts.com/consumer/...eco_2-2010.pdf

Hey Gary,
As long as the slab is sound and at least 4" thick you should be good to go. Stay away from edges as outlined in the install instructions. IF I was pouring new and planned on adding a lift I would reinforce the concrete with a little rebar and pour it a bit thicker at the post locations. Not really necessary though but good insurance.
I put my lift in on a basic 4" slab two years ago and have seen no issues. (I do check the posts and fasteners) The Astro has been sitting on the lift now for over a month with no problems.
Mark

I think talking the landlord into drilling for the lags is doable,but beyond that I don't think he would go for that.
What is being offered is only $800.Need chains and safety latches which before a buy I would look into the costs.I am thinking that I heard of companies that specialize in install of car lifts.I would also be interested if anyone has used a service like that and the ballpark price for it?.

I have a good friend who is a professional mechanic and he strongly recommends that one never buy a used lift other than one reconditioned and sold by the OEM with their backing; and that any new lift be installed by the company that builds it. You're talking life safety issues here, and that is not something that should be left to chance. You're not going to fare well trying to catch a falling vehicle. No skin off my nose either way, just passing along advice I have been given by a pro.

Originally Posted by rspears

I have a good friend who is a professional mechanic and he strongly recommends that one never buy a used lift other than one reconditioned and sold by the OEM with their backing; and that any new lift be installed by the company that builds it. You're talking life safety issues here, and that is not something that should be left to chance. You're not going to fare well trying to catch a falling vehicle. No skin off my nose either way, just passing along advice I have been given by a pro.

Roger-I totally agree short of buying a use lift.What do you think of having it installed by the company who made it and have them inspect it??.Or like I said,I thought there are pro installers that specialize in lift installs but I am not sure of that.I want a lift the right way 150%,but I don't want it to get messy with permits from the town and then landlord's involvement,property taxes going up,ect.Hell they talk about architects and building plans..........that could get out of hand in a hurry.Guess I am asking guys I know have lifts in their private shops how they handle that.There is not even a chance of me attempting to install a lift with the risk of 4,000 or more pounds above me.I won't do that.

Gary,
I understand, especially with the building permit and tax issue, but I believe that by the time you 1) buy a used lift, 2) have it inspected by the company that made it (if they'll even do that for you, which I doubt you'll pay time, travel and expenses for a day or two trip), 3) repair any parts deemed necessary by the company, and 4) have it installed by a third party company specializing in lift installation you will probably have spent as much or more than you would if you shop for an OEM "deal" on a new, good quality lift and you'll still have an old, used lift with no warranty. OEM's are hungry now, just like lots of others. I'd shop for new, and then look for loopholes in the building permit and property tax arena if they exist. I would also be cautious about installing any type of permanent equipment in a building owned by someone else. At the very least you will likely be required to return the property to it's previous condition (to the landlord's satisfaction) if you are allowed to remove the equipment, or it could be considered an "improvement" that has to remain, depending on the conditions of your lease/rental agreement.

I'll back away now and let others who have dealt with this situation head on respond to your questions, and I wish you best of luck in your quest for a lift. I would love to have one, too.

Just go to a couple of your local dealers and find out name/contact of whoever does their installs/maintenance--

With all the dealer shutdowns in past few years these people may even have some high quality lifts available---there is a BIGGGGGGG differance in types as to symetrical, assymetrical arms and heights they lift. You will need 220 volt.
If you are only lifting regular size car, 7000 lb will do, suv/pickup 9000 or 10000lb.
Rotaries are USA made, some others are furrrrrinnnn!!!!!

If you can find contacts from dealer inquiry you can make a deal complete with install and will be good contact for any maintenance needed.
I got my fairly late Hunter 4 wheel alignment rack that came out of Caddie dealer that had to upgrade because of LENGTH of suvs (whatever Caddie calls the Subruban)

I do have a 100 amp 220 service in the shop.

i have a 4 post lift in my shop, some people love them or hate them. it seams like it depends on what you're intended use is for.
i would suggest an American brand, read this not assembled but made in the us.
reason being is quality control setup issues etc etc . use a name brand with 4 post locks if you do the 4 poster thing.
mine is 110v\hydrolic and can be rolled out side for the bigger projects. it does not have to be hilti gunned to the floor hence if i move it will go with me.

The questioned Craigslist brand is American made.In fact about three hours away from me in Amsterdam,NY.

Gary
Tomorrow morning get up and take a little excursion around to some dealers----you will see what works

and you can get some contacts

You know Jerry,I have been passively shopping this for awhile.I have seen dealers selling off their stuff here and there and auctions for shutting down dealers equipment that range from $1,200 to $2,500.Good advise for sure Jerry.There have been deals on still working lifts that for one reason or another I haven't jumped on yet.I personally have never installed one or paid for that.Kind of feeling my way around to see if it is do-able.