Hydraulic lift or hoist, what do you use?

[oldGSfan]

I just read about an injury and MC damage due to a bike falling off a hydraulic lift, the kind that you roll onto. I have had a big one given to me free, and sold it. I couldn't get up close enough to the bike. I also had a smaller one given to me that lifts by the frame, sold it too. Good luck with it, wow, that was sketchy. It fit zero bikes that I tried it on. I rely on a $50 Harbor Freight 1-ton chain hoist. You need a strong beam, but I've had no problem with the big 1100s, etc, with my 2x4 garage beam, which is supported on either side by 45-degree angled 2x4s tying it up to the main roof beams.

With a strong sling (yeah, HF purple one, $10), and/or some ratchet straps, I can lift from front, back, or the whole bike, and get in close, micro-adjust, and rotate 360 as needed. I can't see lifts as being as simple, cheap, or effective. Maybe the only downside I can see is that you may need to take the seat and tank off if lifting from the middle to hoist the whole bike upright.

[Buffalo Bill]

I use the same system you do. I found a small 1/4 ton chain hoist. I use it for front end work, removing front wheel.
It would be nice to not have to sit on the floor while working, but a hydraulic lift takes up too much space when not in use.
I would want to use a chain hoist for backup safety if I had a bike up on a lift.

[oldGSfan]

I use the same system you do. I found a small 1/4 ton chain hoist. I use it for front end work, removing front wheel.
It would be nice to not have to sit on the floor while working, but a hydraulic lift takes up too much space when not in use.
I would want to use a chain hoist for backup safety if I had a bike up on a lift.

I usually can lift mine high enough to sit on my or stool. Have to be careful with the chains, I put a moving blanket on the bike when adjusting. It's also great for doing chain maintenance for bikes with only a sidestand. I put the straps on the upper shock mounts, if possible. If not, the frame rails under the seat work too.

Reading responses to the poor guy, others are showing pics of their dropped bikes and telling of injuries or near misses, well, near hits, per George Carlin..

This guy really went to town, belt and suspenders, and then some. Seems like overkill and also a PITA to get up close to the action.

[Grimly]

About nearly ten years ago I bought a decent bike lift.
Best thing I ever purchased, however I found it a bit narrow to comfortably ride the bikes up and off again, so I made a set of side extenders and a proper on-ramp which aid in getting on and off with plenty of room to put a foot down and are removeable easily enough.

DSC_0003.jpg

[Grimly]

And with the long approach ramp...

ply ramp complete 03.jpg

[Buffalo Bill]

I wish I had so much room in the garage.

[oldGSfan]

About nearly ten years ago I bought a decent bike lift.
Best thing I ever purchased, however I found it a bit narrow to comfortably ride the bikes up and off again, so I made a set of side extenders and a proper on-ramp which aid in getting on and off with plenty of room to put a foot down and are removeable easily enough.

DSC_0003.jpg

That's clever, you can remove the extenders and get in close.

[Grimly]

That's clever, you can remove the extenders and get in close.

Also, should I ever buy a snowmobile or lawn tractor it will fit.

[LAB3]

I use my center stand and a one ton bottle jack to keep it from tipping fore/aft depending on which end of the bike I'm working on.

IMG_20250212_151014683_HDR.jpg

[rphillips]

Dang Kawa ZRX has "no center stand". A real PITA just for something as simple as taking off either wheel. WHY, WHY, WHY??????

[gustovh]

I use either a 2 ton hoist, (removing engines) or a newly acquired harbor freight used lift. I gotta say I like the HF lift at my age, the back doesn’t hurt so much useing it.

V