Lift Table

[greenbarn]

When I was going to go the table route, here's the one I spec'd out.  It can also lift quads.

Now THAT's a NICE LIFT.  Looks like they though of about everything.  I don't think we need to see the guy put on all 4 wheels on the big quad, but that thing is certainly versatile.  If only I could afford that one..... I like the features, though, if I end up building one, you can bet we're going to try to incorporate some of them...

[Boaski]

Thanks for all the input:

In order:

Boa:  I looked at those too, but right now the "sale" price is about $430.  Some of the other tables (I think) are a little wider and/or have add-on tables to make them wide enough for a quad, etc.  I think the Titan's are around $700.

I'm still looking for used, too.   May have a lead..

Harbor Freight has sale ads in almost all of the motorcycle magazines every month with these lifts for $299.00. That's how I got mine.

[CDNRatMan]

    Well because I do not have a quad, nor really want one, my favorite uncle DC only has to buy me the bike lift and all the cool parts, and have it delivered to my place...so nice of him.
But that is one nice lift.

[DC]

Thanks for all the input:

In order:
DC: I considered that route - seems like a lot easier to store.  However, I also would like be able to lift bigger stuff like my quad, a mower, perhaps even something like a truck cab ....   I might still end up going this route, but leaning towards a table, if funds and/or time permits

When I was going to go the table route, here's the one I spec'd out.  It can also lift quads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Vbn4xpsyt8o

[greenbarn]

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tld/4116742877.html

Does anybody know what the "uprights" are used for on this lift???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Kernel-1500-lb-UTV-ATV-Motorcycle-Lift-Lifting-Repair-Table-Hoist-Sides-/281082148062

[greenbarn]

Thanks for all the input:

In order:
DC: I considered that route - seems like a lot easier to store.  However, I also would like be able to lift bigger stuff like my quad, a mower, perhaps even something like a truck cab ....   I might still end up going this route, but leaning towards a table, if funds and/or time permits

John:  That's not a bad idea.  I don't know where I'd find one off hand, but you never know...  That makes me think there are probably other things that could be "converted".

Boa:  I looked at those too, but right now the "sale" price is about $430.  Some of the other tables (I think) are a little wider and/or have add-on tables to make them wide enough for a quad, etc.  I think the Titan's are around $700.

I'm still looking for used, too.   May have a lead..

[Boaski]

I bought a Harbor Freight lift table this summer. Best $300.00 I've spent. After looking at it I don't think I could build one for that price.

I wouldn't spend the extra on the pneumatic lift (I'm not sure they even offer it anymore) as the thing lifts pretty easy.

I do want to make a pair or rail on either side so I can use it for snowmobiles as well.

Greenbarn, swing by if you want to take a look at it.

[John Hopkins]

I don't know what your chances are of getting one but you can convert an old hospital bed to a hydrolic lift.

I got a free one from my local hospital because they upgraded theirs.

You said you like to build things and there are plenty of instructions on youtube.

John.

[DC]

I think that's the Harbor Freight one.  I looked at that several weeks ago.  What I hear from others is that the bike won't lift perfectly level to the ground.  Meaning, the lift arms have a bit of sag and the bike will be leaning to the outer side of the stand.  The other thing I heard is that it's a little wobbly, but it works okay.  Some people have added extra bushing/washers/spacers, etc. to take the slop out of the fittings.  Bear in mind you will have unrestricted access to the bike only on one side.  You also have to consider the distance between the lift arms and if they are properly spaced will to fit under and lift a Drifter.  I don't know.  Maybe someone here has one and can give us some first hand info and experience.

For the price, you are about $100 shy of the sale price of the lift table.  But consider which will work better for your specific needs.

The guy at Harbor Freight told me to wait until the first or second week of March to buy anything big-ticket, as they will be having a killer sale then.

Well, I did end up going with the Harbor Freight lift.

It suits my needs well, doesn't take up much space, and I got a great deal on it, with it being on sale and applying the 20% coupon.  Out the door for less than $150.

I have to say, they could have done a better job in cleaning off the media blast material.  Lots of loose shot in the box.  HA!  But after cleaning that up, you have yourself a pretty nice lift.  I used it for the oil change some months ago, and it worked fine.  Yes, it's a lot of weight being suspended, and there's a bit of swaying going on, but the lift can handle it.  There are some vids on Youtube of people using it.  Remember, support the back tire if removing the front tire, and vice versa, just for added stability and weight distribution.  The adapter I got on FleaBay worked just fine with the lift.

There's some assembly required, but nothing earth-shattering.  You do have to fill the lift cylinder with hydraulic fluid, before using it.  Naturally, I got more fluid on me than in the cylinder.  There are also some of those "C" clips that have to be installed to hold things in place. . . you know the ones that go flying off the C clip tool.  To this day, there are probably still two or three of them orbiting the earth from when I was trying to put the stand together.  I had to go and buy more locally, since some of them were "launched" during assembly.

I'm really glad I got this unit.  A table would have been nice, but you still need a separate lift, if you plan to remove either wheel.  I looked at tables and after pricing the separate lift into the equation, it just made more sense to go with the HF lift at this point in time, and save the difference for other things.

[Drift1]

Greenbarn I just use the floor jack I purchased last year , similar to the one ratman uses . It would be nice to have the table type , but the floor jack suites me just fine for the time being . With all the costly upgrades this winter I'm going to hold off on a lift . I'm interested in the replies on the " must haves " though , concerning the table lift . Keep us posted .

[CDNRatMan]

   Ok I too would like on but the living room is too small for a decent table, but if you can build a nice one with wheels on it so I cam move it around does not need to go very high only up about 24" so I can sit comfortable in my roller chair that is acceptable, in red would be nice. also needs to be able to be man handled through a normal house door ..32" wide. I have a Birthday coming in the new year and that would be an awesome gift from you to me......thanks buddy

[greenbarn]

OK it's been almost a year since this topic has been discussed.  How about an update.  I still don't have a lift table, but would like very much to have one by spring.  I found plans to build one, and it looks simple, and would be somewhere around $300 in materials.  I like to build stuff so that may be fine.  However, the plans don't have any drop-out panels, so those would need to fabricated as well, IMO.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121200926731?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

SO how many of you now have a lift table, and what are the features you think are "must have", and what features do you wish you had, maybe that you don't have??   There are numerous manufactured units available "somewhat" locally, ranging from $429 (harbor freight) to as much as you want- over $1500.  Several REAL NICE tables are around $800, namely Titan, and ProCycle DT.

Rear Drop panel - this seems like it would be really handy.  - available on most $800 models
Front Drop Panel - does anybody have this on your table?  Do you need it?  Wish you had it??
Wheel Clamp- looks like a GOOD clamp is really important  - standard on Titan, extra on some, have to purchase or design on DIY
Wheels on unit- at minimum I want to be able to move this thing inside or outside easily w/o a forklift.  Does anybody out there have wheels where they can move the unit around after the bike is on it?  Do you need it?
Side Panels/extensions - this would be great to make the table a little for lots of things - quad, mower, putting cab mounts on the cab of my 66 F250, etc.   Anybody have side-panels?   Use them?  need them??

SO WHO HAS a new lift table they want to share the details on?   Looks like Chief got one.  Drift1 find anything?  DC?

[Drift1]

I like that one my friend.I'm sure Aidan and I could work out some type of  rent agreement.

[CDNRatMan]

  I'll build Aidan a garage for his Drifter and if he wants to rent you space so be it......lol

[Drift1]

That's the same thing that steered me away from the table lift.It just takes up to much room.Like Ratman I just used my modified jack from Harbor Freight,unfortunately I didn't have one of those fancy tractor seats(dual purpose )I might add.Soon as my good buddie wins that lotto,maybe he'll buy an extra lift and leave me space in that big garage so I can use his toolbox as well.

[CDNRatMan]

  well my modified Canadian Tire motorcycle jack and Ikea tractor roller stool worked out really good in the living room, and very comfortable to be working in the house rather then the small shed, perhaps after I win the lottery and move to BC or Indiana I'll buy a house with a garage.....then put in a lift, and all.

[greenbarn]

I'm drooling... over the table (the bike is nice too, but I have one of those)....

I have a local guy who wants $250 for a used table.  I think I might go look at it.  My biggest problem is what to do with it when we're not using it - I hate to think of it taking up all that space, and don't like the idea of having to move it out of the way, either.

[KEN.]

Just yesterday I had my Dixon zero turn on the lift.....so nice to be able to sit on a chair to work on it....I guess it would depend on the width of the wheels more than anything.....Like I have said  once you get one you will be saying why didn't I do this before!.....KEN.

[DC]

A friend of mine also has a Hustler.  Great machines!   

[greenbarn]

Ken do you think you could easily lift the front of a zero-turn mower?  That's another possible use I would have.  like the one in the pic.

One of the advantages (for me) of the other lift is that I think it would easily be used to lift up mowers to service the blades.  My son has a landscaping business, and we're all the time lifting up a mower and cleaning/sharpening...

[KEN.]

The beauty of a lift table is......you can use it for more than just a M/C lift,....I use mine for
lots of things...hey its an adjustable table a multi use table at that!...Once you have one you'll wonder how you got along without it....KEN.

[chief]

Nope, too many other projects took up the funds. I am looking again - but also looking at getting my reloading bench upgraded...

[DC]

I think that's the Harbor Freight one.  I looked at that several weeks ago.  What I hear from others is that the bike won't lift perfectly level to the ground.  Meaning, the lift arms have a bit of sag and the bike will be leaning to the outer side of the stand.  The other thing I heard is that it's a little wobbly, but it works okay.  Some people have added extra bushing/washers/spacers, etc. to take the slop out of the fittings.  Bear in mind you will have unrestricted access to the bike only on one side.  You also have to consider the distance between the lift arms and if they are properly spaced will to fit under and lift a Drifter.  I don't know.  Maybe someone here has one and can give us some first hand info and experience.

For the price, you are about $100 shy of the sale price of the lift table.  But consider which will work better for your specific needs.

The guy at Harbor Freight told me to wait until the first or second week of March to buy anything big-ticket, as they will be having a killer sale then.

[greenbarn]

Just to revisit this topic:  Chief, did you ever end up buying a lift table?  What brand/model?  Do you like it? any complaints, praises??

As an option, does any one have one of the high lift jacks?  like this one?  Advantages and disadvantages?   Has anyone owned both??

Advantages:
takes up less space when not in use
easy access to both wheels
I think this could be used to lift the front of a mower as well
somewhat cheaper
OTHERS??

Disadvantages:
maybe less stable?
harder to set up?

Are there any big dis-advantages vs. the lift table??

[greenbarn]

Hey Greenbarn here you go......

CD:  I just finally caught the picture - somehow I missed this earlier - sorry I've gotten behind.

This is really a good, good look for you.  Much better with the clothes "on"....