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Okay, I know there is info on this, but there is just too much to sort through at the moment. So I'd like to ask this.... Have a 2013 electra glide ultra classic and am looking for something to be able to lift it up (preferably a scissor style). It's alot of weight and I have ready that people swear by everything for a 4k table down to a harbor freight will do the job. Problem is, the harbor freight style scare the hell out of me, just because it seems the lift style would make everything off balance. Or at the least because of the weight of the bike unstable. If you do use one of them, have you done any mods to the actual frame, tabletop, etc.? The scissor style seems to be pretty stable as far as weight centered. But of course there is a major cost difference. So please, if you post what you have, at least say why, any mods, etc. I'm a fabricator (20 years exp.) and went to school for engineering. So getting my hands dirty doing some mods doesn't bother me. What bothers me is spending money, then having to sink alot more into it, when I could have just picked up something for the same price that I didn't have to spend huge amounts of time working on. So enlighten me as to what you have and why. Most of the posts i've found tend to just be guys saying what they have. Which doesn't do really anything. I can read that info on the webpage. Give me info, strengths, weaknesses, mods, etc. etc. etc.
Although many say they've had good luck with the HF, that wasn't my experience. If you're going to buy a table and keep it for years, spend the money now, get an air operated and be done with it.
I've gone down the HF modification road and didn't like it. Spent as much in parts (hydraulic pump, pump base, foot pedal, etc,) and wasted time as I did on the $299 table. And in the end the table will never be as sound as the one I have now.
I have a couple of Handy Lift tables that have served me well over the years. All air operated. They have some models that have removable inserts for rear wheel removal. Like most stuff, you will get what you pay for. A good unit will run you about $1000 buckaroo's.
I was never sold on the Harbor Freight lift table. It may work fine for some folks, but I just could not wrap my head around it.
I decided that I was going to bite the bullet and buy a Handy Lift, which is what most bike shops use, at least in my experience. A few months religiously scanning Craigslist and I was able to snag a decent deal on one, but it was still high (about $750). I've never regretted spending that money though for a quality lift that I don't have to worry about.
I've since fitted it with the side boards, which allows me to run my ATV's up on it for their maintenance as well. (also makes getting on/off the bike much easier)
Money well spent in my book.
Steve
Last edited by stellarpod; Feb 5, 2017 at 06:11 AM.
I looked at several lifts before purchasing mine. There are many that are the same with different labels, many that are the same design with different quality (materials used), and several with quality materials, but different design/limitations.
There seems to be a "get what you pay for" theme among the lift tables. What you are willing to accept, the "cost v benefit" if you will, is going to vary between each of us... if a Harbor Freight table will work for you, great, but don't try to talk yourself into thinking a HF table is the same quality as a top model Handy, K&L, or Titan, that's just not the case...
I wanted a lift that was rated for my Ultra limited (900lbs) plus some. When you are wrenching on a comp bolt with a cheater bar, stability and strength matter. I decided I wanted over a 1000lb max limit. I also wanted a table that went to 40" from the floor, rather than the standard 32"...
I was between a Handy B.O.B. (1500lb max) or the K&L MC625R (1750lbs). I liked that the K&L had twin cylinders, and the scissor mechanism rolls on a metal frame, not directly on the concrete floor.
I got a deal on a K&L, for about $300 less than a similarly equipped Handy. It wasn't cheap, but it is a quality lift, that will out live me. I 'd rather do it right the first time...
Good luck on your decision.... whatever lift table you select, they are an excellent tool... not to mention a back saver....
Last edited by hattitude; Feb 5, 2017 at 11:17 AM.
I looked at several lifts before purchasing mine. There are many that are the same with different labels, many that are the same design with different quality (materials used), and several with quality materials, but different design/limitations.
There seems to be a "get what you pay for" theme among the lift tables. What you are willing to accept, the "cost v benefit" if you will, is going to vary between each of us... if a Harbor Freight table will work for you, great, but don't try to talk yourself into thinking a HF table is the same quality as a top model Handy, K&L, or Titan, that's just not the case...
I wanted a lift that was rated for my Ultra limited (900lbs) plus some. When you are wrenching on a comp bolt with a cheater bar, stability and strength matter. I decided I wanted over a 1000lb max limit. I also wanted a table that went to 40" from the floor, rather than the standard 32"...
I was between a Handy B.O.B. (1500lb max) or the K&L MC625R (1750lbs). I liked that the K&L had twin cylinders, and the scissor mechanism rolls on a metal frame, not directly on the concrete floor.
I got a deal on a K&L, for about $300 less than a similarly equipped Handy. It wasn't cheap, but it is a quality lift, that will out live me. I 'd rather do it right the first time...
Good luck on your decision.... whatever lift table you select, they are an excellent tool... not to mention a back saver....
Nice lift and workspace, hattitude. Wish mine were less cluttered.
I bought a used HB table for $200.00 and used it to change the cams in my SG. I sold it for $225.00 when I finished my cam job. That being said it worked ok for what I wanted one for but if I was going to use one often I would spend the money and get heavier built one. I pretty much just use a J&S jack now and I love it.
Nice lift and workspace, hattitude. Wish mine were less cluttered.
Steve
Thanks...
I've been riding Harleys since 1977. I have worked on my bikes in parking lots, on concrete patios, in a 10x10 tuff shed, in friend's garages, done several oil changes while parked on the street, and finally had a garage of my own.
I had to share the garage with two Great Danes, washer/dryer, and misc garage stuff...
When I retired a couple years ago, the wife was cool with me building a small 360 sq. ft. shop for me and my Harleys....
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Lift table
