I don't know if something like this already exists, so try not to flame me too much if it does.....

I am thinking about buying a four-post lift that I could add wheels to, so I could actually store the lift in the same place my truck is parked when not in use. I would not be able to leave it there for use because I have a loft right above the truck. I do have alot of floor space in the main part of the barn, but I do not want to install anything permanently out there because I also have a half-court basketball court and the lift would be in the way.

The wheels on the lift would engage for travel and disengage when in use. I could install an anchoring point in its place of use that would be flush with the existing concrete, so whenever I needed to use it I would roll it into place and bolt it to the floor. Once I was done I could move it back under the loft where my truck sits.

What do you think? Crazy?

Thanks in advance.

-Wardster

Not sure what you want to lift.
Are you talking about lifting your truck or smaller items?
They do make different types of mobile lifts. Some steel and some alluminium. I believe the alluminium ones lift approx 2000 lbs and the steel ones can lift up to 4000 lbs depending on which model you go. They have wheel locks on them. They also have a manual trolly that can span the distance of the I-Beam, approx. 10 feet.I believe the price on the steel ones are around $1200.

Can you get a lift that is wide enough to park you truck under? I've seen paking garages where they have a lift system so they can park cars on top of eachother, literally.

Take a look at this lift on Ebay. It states it has casters. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8000lb-4-POST-HOIST-2-POST-AUTO-LIFT-1995-00-TOTAL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63699QQitemZ46265 11238QQrdZ1

I guess I did not realize just how many lift there are out there. I am looking for a 4-post capable of lifting the truck and it would have to be able to get all four wheels off the ground, too. I think that would eliminate the stackable systems since they would only be good for fluid changes and drivetrain work.

I was thinking about one of the 12K pound 4-post rotary lifts specifically. I found several that had casters, but their capacities and options did not meet my needs (wife says these are wants :lol: ). Has anyone ever installed casters on a lift similar to the one described?

Thanks.

-Wardster

Most 4 post lifts have a jack plate for lifting the wheels off the runners, or they have a jack made to slide on the rails of the runners to lift the tires.

I would be VERY careful about adding castors to a lift that is not originally desiged to have them on it. Most lifts are designed to be securely bolted to the floor. If I am reading this correctly you are looking for a lift that you can roll out to the middle of the shop, pull your truck on, do repairs and when finished roll the lift back out of the way? I have seen smaller lifts at street rod shows capable of this just not sure I would want my heavy truck on these. And am very sure I wouldn't want to be under my heavy truck on these portable lifts. My best recommendations, get yourself a Good Quality Safe lift and install it correctly. There are some things you can definatly save money on. Personally I think Brakes, car lifts, and jack stands are not among them.

That is not my intent. I would install a bearing assembly in the existing concrete with anchor points that meet the requirements of the manufacturer, but the lift would not stay there permanently. I would roll iinto place, retract the casters, and bolt it down before putting anything on it. I just want to be able to move it out of the main floor space when not in use.

I would be VERY careful about adding castors to a lift that is not originally desiged to have them on it. Most lifts are designed to be securely bolted to the floor. If I am reading this correctly you are looking for a lift that you can roll out to the middle of the shop, pull your truck on, do repairs and when finished roll the lift back out of the way? I have seen smaller lifts at street rod shows capable of this just not sure I would want my heavy truck on these. And am very sure I wouldn't want to be under my heavy truck on these portable lifts. My best recommendations, get yourself a Good Quality Safe lift and install it correctly. There are some things you can definatly save money on. Personally I think Brakes, car lifts, and jack stands are not among them.

I may have misread just didn't want you getting hurt by modifying something. Sounds like a lot of work to bolt it down every time but I don't see a problem doing it that way. One other option is a two post lift. They don't take up as much room as a four post. I find I can do more with a two post rather than the 4 post but thats just my kind of work. (being in street rods pulling bodies off frames). I don't think you would be able to roll it around due to it being unstable when unbolted though. However the posts are far enough apart you can park between them. Just lift the arms all the way up and park. I have done this with my lift from time to time.