any tips for installing a 2 post lift ?

[rfuerst911sc]

I am getting close enough on my new man cave build to start thinking about installing my lift . Last year I purchased a used Ammco 2 post lift and it is sitting on my car trailer . So each post is already assembled when we disassembled it we just removed the top cross plate , removed the pulleys/cables , removed the pump assy and then dropped the posts onto the trailer .

My main question is what is the best way to get the posts off the trailer and into the vertical upright position ? I will back the trailer into the garage so will be relatively close to where they need to be . I have watched a few online videos and most just show two average size guys lifting the top and walking them upright . So is it really that easy ? The guys in the videos are not NFL lineman and neither am I

I'm not concerned about the install after the posts are upright , my floor was poured 9 - 10 " thick with fiberglass reinforcement so no issue there . I will purchase the correct bolts/fasteners/epoxy etc. just really wondering how you lift these two heavy pieces of steel from horizontal to vertical . Any tips are appreciated as I'm hoping to be doing this in about a month .

[unclebilly]

I put a rotary 2 post in my man cave. I looked on their website for the recommended layouts and special clearances. I didn’t angle mine to the wall but sometimes wish I did. One thing I will suggest is that once it is installed, store it with the arms up in th air to keep them off the floor.

I think I used my tractor to stand up the uprights and then slid them into position by hand.

[dad911]

I used come-alongs and straps/ratchet straps. Did it myself.

[cstreit]

The guys that installed mine used a forklift. That said - I think some pulleys to the roof joists would be okay - provided you understand your roof joist strength well enough.

Maybe a big engine hoist?

Several straps and DONT get underneath it, *ever*

[motley911]

I used one of these to lift each column off the trailer.



To stand each column up, I removed as much as I could - things like lift arms etc, I then slid the carriage for the lift arms to the very bottom of the column and used the engine hoist to pick up the top of the column to about 4' high and then just wrestled it the rest of the way up using brute force and determination. Once they were standing I was able to "shuffle" them around to get them into location.

This is best done with 2 people. Good luck.

[john walker's workshop]

I have 4 hoists and installed them myself, no help. Even moved them all once to rearrange the shop. The engine hoist is your helper.

[cabmandone]

Document this one well! I'm planning on buying a 2 post this year so any install suggestions (with pics would be even better) would be helpful!

[stevej37]

I also used hand powered winch and a couple of furniture dollies to move the real heavy parts around.
Did everything by myself. Just go slow...it's not bad.

[rfuerst911sc]

Appreciate the feedback guys , I'm surprised that some of you were able to do this solo . I do have a hand operated come along and my ceiling is currently open but my trusses are 2 x 4 and not sure how much weight they can take . I don't have an engine lift but I suppose I could rent one . The posts are loaded on the trailer with the foot of each post towards the rear . Being a dovetail type trailer as I move each post towards the rear and off the trailer the posts will start to lift at the front/top . Maybe from that point just grunt and push I have a friend who used to be a wrestler I will be giving him a call ! Thanks again guys .

[stevej37]

If worried about the trusses...put a longer 4X4 up there straddling a few. The weight will be spread out enough to take it.

[dad911]

I think your plan will work, off the trailer. You can also jack and block from the trailer, until they are standing. Just go slow, keep them stable.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by stevej37

If worried about the trusses...put a longer 4X4 up there straddling a few. The weight will be spread out enough to take it.

Excellent suggestion ! You made me think ( that's good ) and the trusses have a 2 x 4 already attached horizontally it was placed there by the pole barn company as they were setting the trusses to keep them lined up and steady . That would be perfect for an attachment point for the come along . I think I now have a plan but I'm still calling my wrestler buddy

[mepstein]

Invite some buddies over for some beers. Done.

[gordner]

+1 for the engine crane, I used that and installed my atlas 2 post by myself no issue. Once they are standing you can walk them around to where you need it.