Table lifts

[Guest]

i'm trying to justify why i need one of these. Yes, it would make working on the bike much more convenient but the space it takes along with not using it much makes it a hard decision. I'd rather put the $300+ into the bike than buying a lift.

From your signature it looks like you have 2 projects? I would say that would justify one.

 

[jwegman]

During these past holidays, I was set on getting a Harbor Freight 1000lb lift ($275 w/coupon). Most of the people who've seen them, say they are one of the better motorcycle tool bargins out there.

My nearest HF store is an hour and a half away... As the lift come crated, would have required a trailer to pick it up (my neighbor offered as he was interested in seeing the store). However a week prior to the planed trip to the store, I found an 8 year old Handy airlift table (which are made in Marshalltown, Iowa) for the same money as the HF 1000lb. No brainer for me, I went with the used Handy considering it's beefier construction. The airlift does require an aircompressor...

The lift, combined with a table scissor jack has been a fantastic thing for my needs. My friends are planning on briging their bikes over for wrenching now :O

The typical sentiment of people I've seen after getting a lift is 'why did I wait so long'!

 

[twr1776]

Yesterday 04:38 PM tas850g i'm trying to justify why i need one of these. Yes, it would make working on the bike much more convenient but the space it takes along with not using it much makes it a hard decision.

If you had a lift you would use it more than you think. I use mine for just about everything.

Yesterday, 08:45 PM jwegman The lift, combined with a table scissor jack has been a fantastic thing for my needs. The typical sentiment of people I've seen after getting a lift is 'why did I wait so long!

+ 1000, with a scissor jack and some good tie down straps you can just about do anything on the lift and the bike will stay stable.

 

[tkent02]

From your signature it looks like you have 2 projects? I would say that would justify one.

By your logic I need three.
Thanks, Bruce!

 

[BIKERTUCKER]

Thought I'd write a final small report on the Harbor Freight 1200 lb air lift table I purchased a week ago. I will have to agree with those who say, why did I not do this sooner. In the last three days I have repaired the starter push button assembly. Re- soldered wires on the kickstand switch, removed and hardwired alternator reg/rectifier connector. It is wonderful being able to adjust the bike to the level I want to preform the needed repairs. Sure beats laying/ kneeling on the floor or the combination of floor/ knees/ stool to do the same work. As far as the lift goes, so far I am very pleased. The lift is strong and stable even with my old 1980 fully dressed Goldwing on it. My eighteen year old compressor has no problem preforming it's task of powering the lift. The old goldwing I'm guessing weighs around 640 lbs and the lift could raise it with less than 90 lbs of pressure in the compressor tank. My goal of riding the bikes on the lift using extension wings works very well also. Just like riding them onto my trailer. After a few small modifications that allow me to easily install and remove extensions I can install the extensions and ramp ready to ride up onto the ramp in less than four min. Tear down and ready to park my truck over the top of the lift once again converting the space back into a garage works well also. As of now I'm pleased with quality and function of this lift and expect many years of use.

Take Care

Tim

 

[Joe Nardy]

Thanks to everyone for the info in this thread. I did some research and purchased the Complete Hydraulics TCMLW lift this weekend. many thanks to twr1776 for spending the day transporting me and the lift. I wanted Tim to check this lift out as he owns the Greg Smith lift and I wanted his opinion on this one vs. the Greg Smith model. He was impressed with the Complete Hydraulics setup and gave his approval. Tim also priced out a similar setup at Greg Smith and it was $200 more than the Complete Hydraulics lift. I guess I'm now, in the words of bwringer, 'sophisticated':

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Ponderosa]

Alrighty!

Alrighty!

Thanks to everyone for the info in this thread. I did some research and purchased the Complete Hydraulics TCMLW lift this weekend. many thanks to twr1776 for spending the day transporting me and the lift. I wanted Tim to check this lift out as he owns the Greg Smith lift and I wanted his opinion on this one vs. the Greg Smith model. He was impressed with the Complete Hydraulics setup and gave his approval. Tim also priced out a similar setup at Greg Smith and it was $200 more than the Complete Hydraulics lift. I guess I'm now, in the words of bwringer, 'sophisticated':

Thanks,
Joe

Nice looking lift! That's the same one I have been drooling over for the last year.. Shipping costs and room have me at a loss.. So as I lie on my garage floor putting the exhaust clamps on, I will look with envy at your new lift... Enjoy! Can I ask what the total cost was with you hauling it? They were right at $800...

 

[Joe Nardy]

Nice looking lift! That's the same one I have been drooling over for the last year.. Shipping costs and room have me at a loss.. So as I lie on my garage floor putting the exhaust clamps on, I will look with envy at your new lift... Enjoy! Can I ask what the total cost was with you hauling it? They were right at $800...

Ponderosa,

The price was $799 and I had to pay sales tax of $56. My personal transporter, Tim, was impressed with the jack that was included with the lift so I bought him one as payment for his gas, time, and effort. The jack was $59.99 plus sales tax. With sales tax my total bill was just over $900. Not cheap, but my back and knees feel better already!

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Ponderosa]

Shipping...

Shipping...

Ponderosa,

The price was $799 and I had to pay sales tax of $56. My personal transporter, Tim, was impressed with the jack that was included with the lift so I bought him one as payment for his gas, time, and effort. The jack was $59.99 plus sales tax. With sales tax my total bill was just over $900. Not cheap, but my back and knees feel better already!

Thanks,
Joe

Shipping would cost me another $100, thats what kills my purchase. I am too far away for a pickup, cost me more than that in fuel for a run to an outlet.. I think there is one in Dallas, but that is still 700 miles from me... Oh yea, you will love it, I had a old homemade lift years ago, it was not very portable, and a pain to move around, it had a foot powered hydraulic jack, and very heavy! It was not wide enough to hold my four wheelers either..Sold it, kind of wish I still had it, didn't expect to be working on as many bikes as I am... May rob the wifes stash and get one anyway, but then what is better to have, a motorcycle lift, or my cohones?????

 

[twr1776]

Ponderosa, Rapid City SD any closer, they have Direct Lifts? http://www.bencostuff.com/

Today 10:19 AM Joe Nardy I guess I'm now, in the words of bwringer, 'sophisticated':

Don't worry Joe we have always thought of you as "sophisticated" with a side order of Krusty.

Seriously though, Joe's lift is very nice and will the included accessories is an excellent deal for what you get IHMO.

Yes the lifts are not cheap to buy but as Joe and I discussed in our 13 hours of "quality" time together Saturday with the amount of time and effort we put into these bikes the last thing I need to enter my mind is the thought of losing a bike off the lift. Either the Complete Motorcycle Lift or the Direct Lift units are both very good heavy duty units IMHO so I would shop them for the best deal and on the accessories they include. The one thing Joe got that I wish I would have when I got mine is the drop table for rear wheel removal. I have since used some "Hoosier "Ingenuity to come up with a good system for dropping the rear tire but it is a nice option to get from the start.

 

[GS ace]

Lift

Lift

After checking one out that Harbor Freight had assembled at the store, I bought one. I've had it for two years now and it has been an excellent piece of equipment. It has a detachable ramp and the removable plate for rear wheel removal. It also has a u bolt on each side to secure the motorcycle with tie-down straps (the front wheel clamp does a pretty good job). At the time of the purchase, it was on sale at $299.99 plus tax. If I'm not mistaken, Cycle World has a coupon for the same item at $279. Since there are no electric motors, pumps, or moving parts to worry about failing in a short amount of time, I think it is a very good bargain.

 

[Joe Nardy]

Update

Update

Just an update regarding the Complete Hydraulic lift. When I got the lift home I discovered one small part was missing and another was drilled incorrectly. I called them up and spoke to a sales rep. He took the time to walk out to the showroom so he was sure he knew which parts I was referring to. A couple days later the replacement parts showed up at my house. I have to give them a big thumbs-up for their customer service.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[jwhelan65]

That is one awesome lift there Mr Joe! sure beats my wifes garden kneeling pad.

 

[Ponderosa]

How is it working for ya?

How is it working for ya?

Just an update regarding the Complete Hydraulic lift. When I got the lift home I discovered one small part was missing and another was drilled incorrectly. I called them up and spoke to a sales rep. He took the time to walk out to the showroom so he was sure he knew which parts I was referring to. A couple days later the replacement parts showed up at my house. I have to give them a big thumbs-up for their customer service.

Thanks,
Joe

Getting ready to purchase, hows that lift working for ya?

 

[Kcwiro]

Oh yeah!!

Oh yeah!!

Thanks to everyone... I guess I'm now, in the words of bwringer, 'sophisticated':

Thanks,
Joe

I have to ask but seriously what do your wives say about that many bikes and a lift taking up the entire garage?.... slippin something in their tea every morning or is there some silent pact between husband and wife that I can use for my significant other to get away with such a large and awesome lift in my garage?

When I get a house I will need any tips and tricks on that front to outfit my 'man cave' =)

 

[tas850g]

Joe,

What's the green bike next to the garage door?

 

[twr1776]

#34 Yesterday, 10:55 PM Ponderosa Getting ready to purchase, hows that lift working for ya?

Ponderosa, which brand of lift are you going with? Was the one in SD a better deal for you with shipping costs?

 

[Ponderosa]

Research

Research

Ponderosa, which brand of lift are you going with? Was the one in SD a better deal for you with shipping costs?

I have not made the phone call yet, but I am sure it will probably be SD, and delivered to a local dock for my pickup. Probably just take my car trailer, easier to load on.. Going to get a new compressor this weekend, so as soon as I have it in and working, I will make the call on the lift... Was getting tired of my old limited compressor, just didn't have the CFM for extended air tool use...

 

[Joe Nardy]

Getting ready to purchase, hows that lift working for ya?

I've been busy and out of town a lot lately so I haven't even had a bike on it yet. That will change next weekend at the tire changing party, if not sooner.

I have to ask but seriously what do your wives say about that many bikes and a lift taking up the entire garage?.... slippin something in their tea every morning or is there some silent pact between husband and wife that I can use for my significant other to get away with such a large and awesome lift in my garage?

When I get a house I will need any tips and tricks on that front to outfit my 'man cave' =)

I am lucky to have a wife who shares my passion for riding and is understanding about my addiction. It also helps that she has a fairly expensive car ('07 Acura TL Type S) that cost more than all the bikes combined. Every once in a while I use that fact for leverage. One tip would be to remind the wife that you could have a cocaine, gambling, or alcohol addiction that would be more costly and destructive........

Joe,

What's the green bike next to the garage door?

it is an '02 Kawasaki EX250 Ninja for the wife.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Ponderosa]

Hold on...

Hold on...

I've been busy and out of town a lot lately so I haven't even had a bike on it yet. That will change next weekend at the tire changing party, if not sooner.



I am lucky to have a wife who shares my passion for riding and is understanding about my addiction. It also helps that she has a fairly expensive car ('07 Acura TL Type S) that cost more than all the bikes combined. Every once in a while I use that fact for leverage. One tip would be to remind the wife that you could have a cocaine, gambling, or alcohol addiction that would be more costly and destructive........



it is an '02 Kawasaki EX250 Ninja for the wife.

Thanks,
Joe

You have a good one there, hold on to her. I have to fight with my wife at every move my garage makes. That is one of the reasons I am upgrading now, so I can tell her to kiss my rearend when it comes time for investments, my services will be paid for in cash, it wil go in my personal coffee can.. Funny how her money is her money, and my money is her money to! OW! It will be a couple of weeks before I order, let me know if you use it in that period...