Author Topic: Getting a lift table; opinions  (Read 2623 times)

Offline Rapier

  • New Egg
  • *
  • Posts: 32
Getting a lift table; opinions
« on: June 06, 2021, 04:53:41 PM »
I have never had a lift table and I am to the point I will be getting one and I was hoping I could get some opinions.
I have $1500 to spend, which will need to include shipping to residential.
I see the reviews but I do not have much frame of reference since I have never had one.
I have listed out the links of various tables (no real order) but I think I would get the Derek Weaver if I had to pick this minute.
My heaviest and longest current bike is the Moto Guzzi v7 iii Rough (~470lbs). Only one has a chain to service.
Thoughts?

https://www.derekweaver.com/bikers-garage/motorcycle-lifts/direct-lift-pro-cycle-droptail-motorcycle-lift/

https://www.handyindustries.com/product-page/standard-1200-air-lift

https://www.blackwidowpro.com/motorcycle/lifts/p/bw-1000a/

https://www.redlinestands.com/catalog/lifts-c-290/motorcycle-atv-lifts-c-290_110/lifting-tables-c-290_110_111/redline-hd1k-1000-lb-motorcycle-atv-lift-table-p-1482

http://www.completehydraulic.com/tcml.html

https://www.atlasautoequipment.com/products/lifts/motorcycle-lifts/cycle-lift

Thanks for the input!
Rapier
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
2018 Moto Guzzi V7 iii Rough
2017 Yamaha XSR900

Online Huzo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 13202
  • Location: Creswick Australia
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2021, 05:09:54 PM »
Mine’s nothing special.
AUD $500, I dunno how I ever managed without it.


Offline twodogs

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 704
  • Location: ia
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2021, 05:24:51 PM »
I can't remember the the name of mine but it is just like the handy from Iowa but half the cost, it came out of Texas and I think it was 7 or 750 shipped to one of the freight places near me, then I just went and brought it home, it is heavy so take a friend or two, been trouble free for 12 years now and was the best investment I made for a bike  :boozing:
2-2023 Yamaha TW200
2022 Triumph 850 sport

Offline Moto Vita

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • Posts: 149
  • Location: USA WA/AZ
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2021, 05:51:00 PM »
I have never had a lift table and I am to the point I will be getting one and I was hoping I could get some opinions.
I have $1500 to spend, which will need to include shipping to residential.
I see the reviews but I do not have much frame of reference since I have never had one.
I have listed out the links of various tables (no real order) but I think I would get the Derek Weaver if I had to pick this minute.
My heaviest and longest current bike is the Moto Guzzi v7 iii Rough (~470lbs). Only one has a chain to service.
Thoughts?

https://www.derekweaver.com/bikers-garage/motorcycle-lifts/direct-lift-pro-cycle-droptail-motorcycle-lift/

https://www.handyindustries.com/product-page/standard-1200-air-lift

https://www.blackwidowpro.com/motorcycle/lifts/p/bw-1000a/

https://www.redlinestands.com/catalog/lifts-c-290/motorcycle-atv-lifts-c-290_110/lifting-tables-c-290_110_111/redline-hd1k-1000-lb-motorcycle-atv-lift-table-p-1482

http://www.completehydraulic.com/tcml.html

https://www.atlasautoequipment.com/products/lifts/motorcycle-lifts/cycle-lift

Thanks for the input!

 Buy something quick! Steel prices are skyrocketing.

Wildguzzi.com

Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2021, 05:51:00 PM »

Online Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4246
  • Northern Illinois USA
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2021, 06:37:07 PM »
My choice was Handy 20 years ago.  It is the single most valuable tool I have purchased.  I am not sure what I would choose if I was in the market today, but I would still be in favor of something American made. 

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline Scout63

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2682
  • Location: Orleans, MA USA
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2021, 06:43:29 PM »
The Handy is the one it seems more pros use and looks wonderful. I have the Redline with side panels and a Harbor Freight cheapie. The Redline is very heavy and hard to move around. The Harbor Freight was $299 with a coupon from a bike mag. In truth, the HF lift works just fine. I would watch Craigslist for a few weeks. I got the Redline with a nice front clamp for $500.00. Having two lifts is wonderful. I can have a project camped on one and do maintenance on the other.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline LongRanger

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 232
  • Location: Evergreen, CO
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2021, 06:54:01 PM »
Take a look at the Kendon stand-up lift, too.
2012 BMW R1200R Classic

Online cliffrod

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2171
  • AC Button II
    • Carolina Sculpture Studio
  • Location: Spartanburg, SC USA
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2021, 07:08:21 PM »
If you have a place to park it permanently and the budget, a Handy Lift is what I would choose. 

If you have a typical small home shop and will need to move it around, it's hard to beat the basic Grazia-patterned red lift table from Harbor Freight or the like.  Not sure if anyone makes them outside of China anymore.  Hate to recommend that route, but it's a fully adequate table for 500lb-600lb range bikes. 
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/
Carolina Sculpture Studio YuoTube Channel-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifz

Offline leroysch

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 336
  • Location: Neosho, MO
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2021, 07:30:00 PM »
« Last Edit: June 06, 2021, 07:33:50 PM by leroysch »
'88 FLST
'95 Ducati 916
'04 V11 LeMans
'06 FLHX
'09 Buell 1125R
'17 BMW R Nine T
'19 H2 SX SE+
'22 Pan America

Offline Texas Turnip

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 2639
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #9 on: June 06, 2021, 07:30:10 PM »
I second the Handy Lift as I've had full dress Harleys on it. A dealer that I know very ell bought HF in the black color. Boy, howdy it didn't take him long to paint it grey as he could never find anything on the black color.

As I look back and  remember all the hours spent bent over or laying on the cement working on bikes I don't know how I did it.

Check with other pros and they might tell you that grey is the only color to have.

Enjoy a lift,
Tex

Offline SIR REAL ED

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2250
  • uh.... it's personal....
  • Location: Forest, VA
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #10 on: June 06, 2021, 07:33:48 PM »
Take a look at the Kendon stand-up lift, too.

Those are very good quality and a lot lighter than many of the others.  I have one of those, but don't use it as often as I should.  Probably cause I am lazy.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2021, 07:34:45 PM by SIR REAL ED »
"If reading shite on the internet will trigger your head exploding, please wrap your head in Gorilla tape before logging on.  Thanks!!!"

2019 Beta EVO 250
1999 Suzuki DR 650 w/790cc kit
1994, 2001, & 2002 MZ Skorpions
1992 YAMAHA TDM850

Online Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #11 on: June 06, 2021, 07:44:53 PM »
After 7 years with my HF foot pump lift last year I  decided to replace it. I knew I did not want another foot pump and air/hydraulic was out as  I didn't want to buy a 40 gallon compressor that would suck up more floor space and is noisy. My life is in and attached garage so I wanted to be able to operate it while not disturbing other in the house with a compressor running.

I had narrowed it down to the Redline electric/hydraulic and the Titan electric/hydraulic. Both were actually similar in price but the Titan also included side extension, 4 ramps (center ramp for the main lift and L/R ramps for the extensions and a ramp extender for lower bikes) It also included a front panel extension, two rigging/support poles and a solid dropout and a roller dropout.  The redline was only the main lift. Extensions were extra.

The Titan XLT-E has a 1500lb capacity and a deck height of 44 inches (11 inches higher then my HF lift). This actually made more of difference than I though it would. The HF lift while it did elevate the bike it always had it in a uncomfortable position for me. The Titan works great.

The bad news is the E/H lifts are above you budget and the Titan is now $500 more than last year but if you are figuring a air/hydraulic lift and do not have a compressor or and adequate compressor that's going to cost $300 to $500+ more. While a small compressor 5 or 10 gallon will work it will take 5 to 7 minutes or more to get the table to max height. Air lifts consume a lot of air. A 40 gallon is probably about minimum if you want to raise it with any speed and smoothness.

The E/H lift is smooth, quiet and fast. Something like 22 seconds from relaxed to full extension. Even a "smooth" operating air cylinder will still be a bit notchy. The electric is buttery smooth.

« Last Edit: June 06, 2021, 09:30:14 PM by Perazzimx14 »
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

Online dguzzi

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 1551
  • Sorry, I'm woke so I'll be quiet.
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #12 on: June 07, 2021, 06:58:48 PM »
  Mine was a freebie from work, 2000# American Lift Co.
  I would say watch the used equipment sites just in case (patience may be required)  I have seen things that would love to have in my garage/shop.
'03 EVT
'87 Cagiva
'72 Commando
'71 Commando
'90 Miata
'16 Mustang

Online moto

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 771
  • Potrebbe andare peggio, potrebbe piovere!
  • Location: Madison, WI
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #13 on: June 07, 2021, 09:23:03 PM »
I bought a Handy lift 20 years ago and have been very happy with it. The version I have is powered by an electric motor, no hydraulics. As far as moving it around goes, if your floor is smooth the little dolly attachment they sell separately allows you to steer it around handily. Tee hee.
850 T-3
Griso 1100 corretto
2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350
Italjet Buccaneer 250 (ex-SSR) -- now sold
credit for 2500+ postings lost in the database meltdown of Feb 9, 2020

Offline kingoffleece

  • SplitWeight(tm) seat covers
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4014
  • Rated 5 STARS Motorcycle Consumer News
  • Location: Valley of the Sun
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #14 on: June 08, 2021, 03:55:42 AM »
I have a Handy Lift with the extensions.  It's rock solid kit.  I paid 1200.00 years ago delivered to my door.  HEAVY sucker, it is.
SplitWeight(tm) seat covers. A King of Fleece LLC product.

Offline Rapier

  • New Egg
  • *
  • Posts: 32
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #15 on: June 09, 2021, 07:00:50 PM »
Thank you all so much for the recommendations and other lines to pursue!
I definitely need the assist these days as lying on concrete is not something my back and I agree on anymore ;)

I will be looking to get something before the end of Summer, so soon but it does not have to be today so I will keep an eye out on the sales and used market.
Rapier
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
2018 Moto Guzzi V7 iii Rough
2017 Yamaha XSR900

Offline kingoffleece

  • SplitWeight(tm) seat covers
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4014
  • Rated 5 STARS Motorcycle Consumer News
  • Location: Valley of the Sun
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #16 on: June 09, 2021, 09:46:33 PM »
Almost anything made of steel is up quite a bit now.
SplitWeight(tm) seat covers. A King of Fleece LLC product.

Online Tom H

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3377
  • Location: So. Cal.
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #17 on: June 09, 2021, 11:03:05 PM »
Steel?? Have you looked at good old plywood. 1/2" 4X8 the cheap stuff. $70 where I'm at. Crimeny

Tom
2004 Cali EV Touring
1972 Eldo
1970 Ambo V1000
1973 R75/5 SWB with Toaster
2007 HD Street Bob
1953 Triumph 6T (one day it will be on the road!)

Offline kingoffleece

  • SplitWeight(tm) seat covers
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4014
  • Rated 5 STARS Motorcycle Consumer News
  • Location: Valley of the Sun
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #18 on: June 10, 2021, 05:14:32 AM »
Yep.
A McMansion build last fall was 69K for lumber-this spring 179K.
SplitWeight(tm) seat covers. A King of Fleece LLC product.

Offline twowheeladdict

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 6149
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #19 on: June 10, 2021, 06:20:39 AM »
Picked up my "open box" HF lift for $200.  Added straight ramps on the sides to make it easer to ride a bike up on it.  Added a HF wheel chock.  All in for about $300.  I won't put my Harley on it although I know some who do.



2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2018 V7 III Carbon Dark #0009 of 1921
2018 Road Glide Special
2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2017 Suzuki Van Van 200
2009 Harley Davidson Softail Custom

Offline sidecarnutz

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • Posts: 978
  • Location: SE Virginia
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #20 on: June 11, 2021, 01:45:14 PM »
My wife bought me the HF bike lift about 9 years ago for fathers day. Still works like a champ. Great tool for $300.
yeah, I might be addicted to brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.

2002 Kawasaki ZR7S
2021 Royal Enfield 650 Conti GT

Offline bacongrease

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 381
  • Location: Iowa
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #21 on: June 11, 2021, 04:00:23 PM »
 I got the HF when they were going for $199. works good for me.  Also,  It makes a good tool table.   :rolleyes:  I have had the Harley on it and some Hondas, but not the Stone.

I do most of my work sitting on a Home Depot bucket.   :boozing:
« Last Edit: June 11, 2021, 06:23:28 PM by bacongrease »

Offline AJ Huff

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4069
  • Location: College Community IA
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #22 on: June 11, 2021, 04:34:32 PM »
I found this guy searching Facebook Marketplace. All I know. Dont know anything about the shops. .might be helpful for someone in the WI area.

http://briansrepairables.com/#!/titan

-AJ
'71 Ambassador
'01 California Special
'05 Road King
MGNOC# L-753

Offline Rapier

  • New Egg
  • *
  • Posts: 32
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #23 on: June 12, 2021, 03:15:42 PM »
Rapier
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
2018 Moto Guzzi V7 iii Rough
2017 Yamaha XSR900

Offline Moto Vita

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • Posts: 149
  • Location: USA WA/AZ
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #24 on: June 12, 2021, 03:42:04 PM »
I have narrowed it down to two options; interestingly neither was on my original list. Both are pneumatic and hydraulic:

https://www.derekweaver.com/bikers-garage/motorcycle-lifts/weaver-w-1000-motorcycle-lift/

https://www.redlinestands.com/catalog/lifts-c-290/motorcycle-atv-lifts-c-290_110/lifting-tables-c-290_110_111/redline-ld1k-1000-lb-light-duty-motorcycle-lift-table-p-2534


ANyone have any good / bad stories on either?

 #2 on your list says "sold out" and i assume comes from China. When/if it becomes available it will probably be more expensive. If the other one is available you might want to order it immediately.

Offline Brand X

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 432
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #25 on: June 12, 2021, 05:28:42 PM »
I have ordered from both companies, and had zero issues. I did get hit with a shipping surcharge to the PNW from Redlinestands....(after i ordered it on-line with free shipping )

Online Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #26 on: June 12, 2021, 06:23:36 PM »
I think you're in NC? If you are willing to travel a little there is a hell of a deal on a Titan foot pump hydraulic 1500lb table with all the trimmings for $650 in Northern VA. 

The 650lb weight is with all the trimmings. Two men could load the base lift onto a lower deck trailer. Jack it up and crib it then back the trailer under it until it just over the lip. Then ether brute force it on or buy a cheap cable come-a-long from HF and ratchet it on. Wife and I off loaded mine from the bed of a pick-up.

It'll save me from adding another to the over crowded garage.

https://advrider.com/f/threads/titan-1500-motorcycle-lift-table-northern-virginia.1506552/
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

Online John A

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4907
  • No way to slow down...
  • Location: Hager city ,western WI
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #27 on: June 12, 2021, 08:39:05 PM »
John
MGNOC L-471
It is easier to fool people than it is to convince them that they have been fooled-Mark Twain
99 Bassa, sidecar
02 Stone
84 V65C
15 F3S Spyder

Offline not-fishing

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1233
  • Location: Folsom, Ca
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #28 on: June 12, 2021, 10:07:01 PM »
My Kendon is an OK lift, no squeezer up front, I have to pump it up but it only cost me $250 used and I can stand it up when not in use.
Griso 1100
Rosso Corsa Lemans
1/2 a V50 III (with my son)
V65 SP - Finished but the Dyna died so it's non-op'd
'75 850T with sidecar - a new project and adventure

Online Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: Getting a lift table; opinions
« Reply #29 on: June 13, 2021, 05:39:51 AM »
My Kendon is an OK lift, no squeezer up front, I have to pump it up but it only cost me $250 used and I can stand it up when not in use.

I think the Kenda fold up lift is a lot like quick detach panniers. At 1st it seems like it something you need and cannot live without then realize you rarely use.

I really never understood the Kenda as folded up it actually can take up more room than if you just park the bike on the lift when not in use. So if you park the bike in the garage it still takes up space.  Now fold the lift up and store against the wall its taking up more floor and now wall space. The narrowness of the Kenda and the trip hazard of the stabilization/tip over bar on the floor were also detractors for me. I prefer the deck be as wide or wider than the base to eliminate the trip hazard.



2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

 

20 Ounce Stainless Steel Double Insulated Tumbler
Buy a quality tumbler and support the forum at the same time!
Better than a YETI! BPA and Lead free.
Advertise Here