Concrete Slab Requirements for 9K Lifts by Redline Engineering LLC

This article is written with the assumption that you are installing a Titan brand 9,000 lb two post lift.  In the event that you intend to install any other brand or capacity car lift you should refer to your installation manual for the concrete slab requirements for your machine.  We'll brake this discussion down into slab requirements and installing the anchors.  Before we go any further, let me take this time to say that we DO NOT recommend getting creative with your concrete slab and the manner upon which it is constructed.  Either build it right or don't do it at all!

The Titan 9KAC Lift

First, Titan lifts requires a minimum of 4 inches of concrete depth in order to safely secure their 9,000 lb lifts in place.  The concrete should be rated no less than 3,000 psi or 3ksi tensile strength.  It must also be reinforced with a generous supply of either rebar, wire mesh, or fiber reinforcing material.  This should go without mentioning but I'll do it anyway.  Do not even think of installing your 9K lift onto an asphalt surface.  Lastly, we always advise waiting at least 30 days for your concrete to fully cure before installing your lift.

Installing a lift near a crack or seam in the floor can be deadly.  Titan Lifts advises that no lift be installed within 38" of a crack or 6" of any seam in the floor.  Remember, the lift will derive its strength from the concrete to which it is anchored.  Thus, if the concrete is insufficient your lift will simply fall over!  You should inspect your slab carefully in advance to be sure the location of the lift is going to be sufficiently clear of any concrete flaws. Installing the anchors is not to be under rated.  First, drill all the way through the concrete.  Second, blow the hole out with compressed air.  Third, thread the nut onto the anchor so it is flush with the top of the anchor's threads.  Fourth, hammer the nut into place through the lift base plate until it stops.  We recommend using AC100+Gold concrete adhesive to help hold the anchor in place.  Lastly, quickly torque the anchors to 130 ft lbs while the epoxy, if you are using it, is still wet.  Later you can loosen the anchors to level the towers and then re-torque them.  In the event your anchor protrudes more than 2" above the concrete it is not deep enough and must be reinstalled.  Following these steps will insure your anchors are properly seated into the concrete slab.   The Titan 9K Elite Series Lift

My final piece of advice concerning your slab is to follow these recommendations perfectly.  It is very common that customers call with all sorts of creative ideas to keep from having to pour an expensive slab.  We never recommend pouring two piece slabs, mounting lifts to un-level concrete, pouring slabs smaller in size than what is recommended or any other idea that saves money on concrete.  Please feel free to contact our sales staff at 901-351-4764 or visit us online at www.RedlineStands.com to see photos, videos, and specs on each two post lift that we offer.

Redline Engineering LLC www.RedlineStands.com 901-351-4764 Ian Gilmore