Which motorcycle lift?
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
I continue to look daily, but paraphrasing what Einstein said long ago, if you keep doing the same wrong thing you will continue to get the wrong results. I am starting to look at "material handling lifts" instead, and see what that more industrial, higher quality and durability, and more safety conscious equipment marketplace might be offering.
Jim G
Last edited by JimGnitecki; Jul 18, 2024 at 08:42 PM.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Jim G
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Ok, here is what a "light duty" SERIOUS material handling lift looks like. THIS specific example only lifts 750 lb, but does it all day every day, SAFELY, and uses a hydraulic system somehow coupled to an INDUSTRIAL CHAIN, and the lifting plate is SO strong that it needs to be only about 1/2" thick, and can get under a load with a ground clearance of just one-half inch:
https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/7...EEL/p/GGM2MPU5
This baby weighs 160 lb and goes for $1186 CDN ( = "only" $866 US) plus sales tax and you pick it up from an industrial warehouse, but now you are actually getting something more dependable and less risky than the typical retail level motorcycle lift.
This speciifc example has way more "tower" than needed that would just get in the way used as a motorcycle lift, and the lift platform length is a nice 22 inches but a too-wide 22 inches, but hey, there are probably a zillion more appropriate sizes and capacities, because so MANY businesses handle heavy items in their warehousing and shipping operations.
I should take a look for a lift in THAT world. Our flatbottomed Softails don't even need any adaptors. Just need to pick the right weight capacity,and the right overall shape that minimizes the 'tower" because we don't need or want anywhere near that amount of lift height (this example lifts 54 inches!).
Jim G
https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/7...EEL/p/GGM2MPU5
This baby weighs 160 lb and goes for $1186 CDN ( = "only" $866 US) plus sales tax and you pick it up from an industrial warehouse, but now you are actually getting something more dependable and less risky than the typical retail level motorcycle lift.
This speciifc example has way more "tower" than needed that would just get in the way used as a motorcycle lift, and the lift platform length is a nice 22 inches but a too-wide 22 inches, but hey, there are probably a zillion more appropriate sizes and capacities, because so MANY businesses handle heavy items in their warehousing and shipping operations.
I should take a look for a lift in THAT world. Our flatbottomed Softails don't even need any adaptors. Just need to pick the right weight capacity,and the right overall shape that minimizes the 'tower" because we don't need or want anywhere near that amount of lift height (this example lifts 54 inches!).
Jim G
Last edited by JimGnitecki; Jul 18, 2024 at 10:25 PM.
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Thanks for pointing this out, TwiZted Biker.
Jim G
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Ok, I see now. You have a lift that fits entirely inside the dolly, lift the bike first, slide the dolly in from the opposite side, and then remove the lift. It's a LITTLE more time and effort, but not bad! And if the dolly does NOT have wheels, or has lockable wheels, it can be much steadier and more stable than when on a lift.
Thanks for pointing this out, TwiZted Biker.
Jim G
Thanks for pointing this out, TwiZted Biker.
Jim G
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
And at ;east in theory, you could make that dolly any custom width that you want, varying the width to either enable easier access to the bike or to make it more stable against moving when you use high torque on nuts or bolts. As long as it clears the lift, no problem.
Thanks for broadening my tunnel vision.
Jim G
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They are made to move things, not to hold things. As such, they do not have the safety features to support the load mechanically. Instead, it is held up hydraulically, just like a forklift, pallet jack or a tommygate. None are recommended as a work station because of that.
The one you are excited about is a glorified hand cart.
The lifting mechanism is simply an overhung chain lift. The hydraulic cylinder goes up X, the lift goes up 2X.
An animated GIF file to show you how it works:
https://acropolis-wp-content-uploads...ulley-2x-2.gif
The thin lifting decks on this type are prone to sagging under load, and and permanently deforming under heavy loads.
You will likely have to cut the lift platform down to fully fit under your bike, but perhaps not. Though that could have the bike being lifted far out on the platform tongue, which will sag and bend the lift deck even more.
It is a vertical lift, not angled, and you will run afoul of the bike with regards to sliding it under the bike, and lifting the bike.
Being a solid deck you will not be able to perform oil changes and such with the bike up on it.
You will also find the deck slippery, and the bike, not being perfectly flat underneath, will likely rock on it.
There are no provisions for tying a bike down onto it, though you could be creative.
If you are determined to use a Dayton hand cart, I'd suggest the 2MPU9 would be better suited, having adjustable lifting tines.
https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/7...IFT/p/GGM2MPU9
Last edited by foxtrapper; Jul 19, 2024 at 08:16 AM.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Jim G