Center of gravity for lifts

Fonzi · Apr 26, 2015

Is there a front and rear axle weight that I could use to determine the center of gravity of an r107 and/or c107 to know exactly where I should position my cars on my scissor lift?

I am building my plywood and 2x4 platforms and was thinking about how I would like to make sure my cars are correctly positioned on the lift. I plan on making marks that will be used to center the platform for each vehicle.

The scissor lift seems pretty stable, but I don't want to take any unnecessary chances.

Balancing Safety - Two-Post Lift Loading - Center of Gravity - Two-Post Lift Balance

Djenka · Apr 26, 2015

I read somewhere that Iron age SLC has near 50:50 balance with 2 passengers.

Recycling depots have weighbridge. You could drive there and just measure weight of each axle.

Fonzi · Apr 26, 2015

One thing I read in the above link was "If no data plate is found, contact the vehicle manufacturer directly or refer to the vehicle operator’s manual."

This made me think that maybe the information would be in the manual or on some data plate or sticker somewhere.

Is it possible that the recommended tire pressure is proportional to the weights of each axle?

I seem to recall the 1972 350sl 4.5 unexpectedly balancing on the cinder blocks I placed under the front of the rockers not much behind the front jack points. Perhaps this was after removing to bumpers, hardtop, soft top, and many interior items.

CA-280SL · Apr 27, 2015

Dont give this too much serious thought. On my lift i place the doors rite between the 2 post. Then on the front i place the two lift points rite at the upslope ofthe main rail. I place the rear lift post on the bolthead of rear subframe on each side in front of the rear tire. Its balanced.

Fonzi · Apr 27, 2015

CA-280SL said:
Dont give this too much serious thought. On my lift i place the doors rite between the 2 post. Then on the front i place the two lift points rite at the upslope ofthe main rail. I place the rear lift post on the bolthead of rear subframe on each side in front of the rear tire. Its balanced.

I do try to get the lift pads on the frame in the front and the subframe mounts for the rear. I agree it has been stable every time. Today I finally got the scissor lift I to the garage but determined that it's not going to live on this side of my garage anyway because it it way too tight. I did get the marks for my ramps and the platform painted on the floor. I will ultimately do the same on the other side of the garage too, but hopefully also paint the perfect location for the lift too.

reno4u2 · Apr 27, 2015

I think I'd be more worried about using plywood instead of 2x10s or 2x12's. Considering they will have constant weight on them don't be surprised if they bow or crack.

Fonzi · Apr 27, 2015

reno4u2 said:
I think I'd be more worried about using plywood instead of 2x10s or 2x12's. Considering they will have constant weight on them don't be surprised if they bow or crack.

I put 4x4s under the spots where the tires sit. Plywood is 3/4".

It's a lot lighter than solid wood the whole length and a lot easier to make the ramp section removable.

I saw that someone else had done a writeup on this method.

Center of gravity for lifts

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