Started shopping for lifts and would prefer the extra width, not sure whether to buy one with side extensions or just an extra wide one. Is it advantageous to be able to remove the extensions? Or do you guys always leave them on? Thanks.

 

I don’t have a lift but I would think you should do it based on your storage situation for the lift. Get the removable sides if you don’t have a dedicated area/ bay in your garage where you will keep it and plan to roll it to the side when not in use.

 

I have the lift with the removable sides. I have a bad back and like working without the sides so I don't have to bend as much. Although with them on there is more room for parts and tools.
​​​​​​ I also have a couple quads so I need the extensions for them.
. They come off easy enough. If given the choice I definitely would get the lift with removable sides.

 

+1 on the removable sides. They make it easier to load the bike on, so I leave them on and like to stage my tools for working. The wider table also allows my Lawnmower to fit for easier work height. You will love having a lift and will do so much more work because of it.
I think the most important option for lifts is the rear tire removal section. That has been an invaluable asset. Mine came with a small frame jack, I also think that is a very handy option. I use my lift just for detailing sometimes. The frame jack is nice to get the rear wheel up for rotating. It also stabilizes the bike when it is on the table. I use the clamp, two straps on the front end, and the mini jack for the rear wheel.

 

Thanks for the input. I think I’ll go with the removable extension, makes sense that it would be easier to store if I needed it out of the way.

 

I wore out my old Harbor Freight lift after 35 years.Got a NEW Harbor Freight lift to replace it. It's considerably lighter to stand up and tuck against the wall and my tire changing stand. If you properly place the lift under the bike, extensions are not needed. BUT, that's my opinion.

 

I shopped around for extensions, but couldn’t agree on the prices. For $75 (current costs) I purchased 5- 2x6’s from the depot and made these side extensions. Total cost with cheap $2.99 C clamps from HF, is $100.
Gives me comfortable footings for loading and unloading bike from lift.
Extensions are removed prior to lifting bike. I store them on the lift when not in use..

 

Skip it

WP

 

i did something similar with my HF lift. I don’t have a garage so my lift stays outside on a concrete slab. Used 2x6’s also on each side with angle iron on each that fits over the lift’s edge. Also store them on the lift when not in use and I keep it covered with an outdoor sofa cover that works great.

 

Instead of buying and having to remove and store the steel side extensions for my Handy lift, I use my aluminum ramps, secured with Pony clamps and lengths of black pipe through the holes in the sides of the lift table.
I only use the extensions as a place to put my feet when moving a bike onto and off of the lift table.