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I built a wood platform out of pressure treated lumber 6ft X 4ft 2x6 with beams every 16 inches and 2x6 deck. It is bolted into the house 2x10 on the 6 ft rear wall and carriage bolted to an existing deck on one 4ft side. It is carriage bolted to 4 4x4's that extend to a concrete driveway.

The generator weighs a total of 500 lb. I need to compute the weight per square inch that the platform will support.

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What's the question? It sounds like you've already built the platform. –  Henry Jackson Jan 8 '13 at 1:40
for a 500 lb generator? You've got more than ample support. –  The Evil Greebo Jan 8 '13 at 2:39
Did you try jumping on it? I'm pretty sure jumping on it is the standard DIY live load test. Jumping then wiggling and/or gyrating tests live loads in multiple directions. Getting all the people within earshot to stand on it, is the standard DIY dead load test. –  Tester101 Jan 8 '13 at 12:17
2X6 with a 2X deck will hold 600 pounds per square foot easily, especially if it is resting on a concrete slab. –  shirlock homes Jan 8 '13 at 12:19
I'm picturing something like this, is that correct? –  Tester101 Jan 8 '13 at 13:23
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2 Answers

As long as everything is joined and fastened properly a 6'x4' platform framed and decked with 2x6 will hold much more than a 500 lbs generator.

Though I don't think I'd count a driveway as a proper footing for your posts.

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Generators should not be mounted on a wood deck. Check the installation manual.

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You could improve your answer by explaining why –  gregmac Apr 17 '13 at 1:12
This depends on the footings of the deck, materials and so on. There is nothing innately wrong with mounting a generator on a wood deck. –  DMoore Apr 17 '13 at 2:40
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