Table lifts

[BIKERTUCKER]

I am lucky enough to have collected nine bikes in the past twelve years. Most were in need of extensive work. At fifty three it seems a table lift would be money well spent, knees on concrete for half a day confirm this. I'm looking at a Table Lift sold by Harbor Freight. It is their 1200 Lb air lift with extension wings. Total cost around $700.00 Any user info on this lift or others would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tim

[1948man]

http://www.volusiariders.com/viewtopic.php?t=102423&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=harbor+harbour+freight+table+lift&start=0

[knowyourenemy66]

I bought a table from HF 2 years ago--works great--no problems--I bought the $400.00 version--a step up from the base model[$300.00]--it has a better wheel clamp and is air over hydaulic or foot pump operated--looked at several different brands before purchasing--dollar for dollar I made the right choice--currently 3 bikes in the shop--I use it at least 2 times a week--very happy!

[tkent02]

I bought a table from HF 2 years ago--works great--no problems--I bought the $400.00 version--a step up from the base model[$300.00]--it has a better wheel clamp and is air over hydaulic or foot pump operated--looked at several different brands before purchasing--dollar for dollar I made the right choice--currently 3 bikes in the shop--I use it at least 2 times a week--very happy!

Is it heavy and stable enough for these big old bikes way up high?
I have been looking at these, I can't tell how steady it would be.
I'd hate to tip one over, especially with someone under it.

[83GSrider]

I have the 1000lb air/hydraulic lift and I love it. If your only going to use this for motorcycles buy this one and skip the extensions. You'll save yourself about $250.00. It really makes working on bikes alot easier.

[gggGary]

I missed one on the local Craigslist, sold for $250. It was the cheapest one though. On of these is on my short list of drool tools. How is it with the wide shelf, is that a help or hindrance?

[Ponderosa]

Not..

I have looked at the harbor friegth models and they just look too cheap.. Going with this one..

http://www.completehydraulic.com/lifts-motorcycle-tcmlw.html

Sold a nice homemade a few years ago, wish I hadn't now...

[Steve]

http://www.volusiariders.com/viewtop...e+lift&start=0

You have a link to that lift that does not require resgistration on another forum?

.

[twr1776]

I have one of these from Direct Lift. Very stable IMHO, I have not seen the Harbor Freight ones but this one is definately beefy. Unless I am taking a tire off I usually just roll the bike up and put it on the centerstand.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Direct-Lift-Pro-Cycle-Air-Operated-Lift-p/tpprocycle.htm

[BIKERTUCKER]

Thanks for the replies, and comments. I now own bikes in the 700 lb range and plan to sell a few bikes in the next few years to buy a new Goldwing. Any of you use harbor freight units to lift bikes this large?
Also have watched videos of manufacture loading the bike on the table by jogging to the side of the bike.Also noticed in same video person jogging the bike into place tripped over rear table support leg, but recovered enough to make it look a part of using the table. Looks like a drop waiting to happen. I was thinking with extention wings one could ride the bike onto the table just like you do onto a low trailer. I'm concerned about my later years when I'm not the strapping youth I am today. Does anyone ride onto their lift table in this manner? Thanks again for your help.

[twr1776]

BT, I always push the bike up the ramp. Then I use the wood ramp on the left in the picture to get to the same standing level as the table and put the bike up on the centerstand. I have the side extensions but have not used them yet and I don't even use the wheel chock, on the centerstand the bike is very stable unless you are taking the wheels off or really wrenching on it. If I do take off the wheels or am planning on wrenching hard I use a scissor jack and ratchet straps to stabilize the bike. I have had both wheels off at the same time and with the jack/strap combo it stays stable. The lift I have is rated at # 1000 lb capacity and I would not worry at all about putting a # 700 lb bike on it.

[1948man]

You have a link to that lift that does not require resgistration on another forum?

.

Not sure, it works for me but I'm registered. To be honest, I didn't even think about it maybe not working.

[BIKERTUCKER]

Thanks to everyone for your information. Looked at everything and went to a number of web sites. Went for the Harbor Freight 1200 lb air lift. There were others built a little heaver and if I were a pro I'd go that direction. But I guess what pulled me over the line was I have a Harbor Freight store just twenty minutes away. Guess I still like to have a store to go into and people to look in the face should I have a problem.

Take care

Tim

[chef1366]

Thanks to everyone for your information. Looked at everything and went to a number of web sites. Went for the Harbor Freight 1200 lb air lift. There were others built a little heaver and if I were a pro I'd go that direction. But I guess what pulled me over the line was I have a Harbor Freight store just twenty minutes away. Guess I still like to have a store to go into and people to look in the face should I have a problem.

Take care

Tim

You'll like it. My friends shop (Kris V) has one and it is great. Very stable and it get's it up at a confortable working heigth.

[Nessism]

Does anyone know how the 1000# Harbor Freight unit compares to the 1200# version? My knees are getting really cranky with all the bending.

Edit: theses units seem very similar (or even identical) other than how the lift mechanism works and how the front wheel is secured; the higher capacity unit has an air cylinder vs. hydraulic for the lower rated unit. Not sure I want to plug in the air compressor every time I use this thing so maybe the 1000# unit is the way to go.