Harbor Freight Lift Tables
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Motorcity
I expected the hydraulic piston to last better than 6 months each service. I also expected to be more stable and not dump bikes if you put any weight on the lateral. Once bolted to the floor it was more stable. Also expected the coating to not come off in sheets. Ive had the lift for about 5 years now so I know what Im talking about. I run a lot of bike thru my garage not including my 5 bikes. I know you have had yours an entire 2 weeks so good luck. Re read my last sentence that you quoted!
for only a few $100 you have a motorcycle lift that has serviced " a lot of bike thru my garage not including my 5 bikes."
IMO this lift is great value for the $ it cost, it's intent is not to be used by a professional service tech to work on all of his customers bikes.
A person such as myself with 4 motorcycles to do basic services on, will quickly recoup the cost of the lift after the first year of use.
If you are a week end warrior mechanic(such as myself) doing a few oil changes, and bike washings. I feel that this lift is a great value.
a cheep Chinese tool? absolutely,
but If your expectations are realistic of a $300 tool.... good value.
Just ask the guy who still using his 5 years after purchase!
curious as to why you are still using this lift to service your customers bikes, if it's such a disappointment to you?
not trying to flame you, just some of your statements seem contradictory to one another.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 6
From: Rio Grande Valley-Texas
I guess I did take it as a flame, maybe I should not have tried to read into too much. Sorry.
Wrenching on bikes is my 2nd line of work, and not sure if I really make too much money at it. I have to make due with the $$ I bring in from my jobs. New lift is on my wish list, but not the short list. As matter of fact I have a cam job on the lift as we speak. Has the lift paid for itself? Well from not having to bend over and hurt my already crappy back...YES.
Wrenching on bikes is my 2nd line of work, and not sure if I really make too much money at it. I have to make due with the $$ I bring in from my jobs. New lift is on my wish list, but not the short list. As matter of fact I have a cam job on the lift as we speak. Has the lift paid for itself? Well from not having to bend over and hurt my already crappy back...YES.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Danville, KY
Will pick 1 up this week
I been needing a lift, so reading this thread has helped me decide on the HF unit. I already have the wheel chock in garage so will make that swap first thing. My question is regarding the width and the extensions that some of you are adding. Can someone post a picture or explain a little more about these. I think it's a 6-9" width of tread plate bolted to the side(s). A little more info and a pic would be greatly appreciated
Tnx
Tnx
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 62
From: GA.
I just nailed some scrap plywood to some scrap 2x6's to make my side pieces. I had originally planned to weld some pieces to the bottom of the table and make some removable side extensions, but have never gotten around to it, and finally just decided I didn't need to.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Found some old aluminum running boards and made them to fit on each side so they are removeable. You need to add something as you have very little foot room when loading,etc. Also put wheel chock as far forward as possible so the rear wheel will drop down if removing. Get you an old screw jack for using when raising bike rear tire. I got one an a auto salvage yard and welded a plate on it..
How many of you have mounted a cupholder on your lift as well? *LOL* Just wonderin'..... A pocket for the TV remote?
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Motorcity
I guess I did take it as a flame, maybe I should not have tried to read into too much. Sorry.
Wrenching on bikes is my 2nd line of work, and not sure if I really make too much money at it. I have to make due with the $$ I bring in from my jobs. New lift is on my wish list, but not the short list. As matter of fact I have a cam job on the lift as we speak. Has the lift paid for itself? Well from not having to bend over and hurt my already crappy back...YES.
Wrenching on bikes is my 2nd line of work, and not sure if I really make too much money at it. I have to make due with the $$ I bring in from my jobs. New lift is on my wish list, but not the short list. As matter of fact I have a cam job on the lift as we speak. Has the lift paid for itself? Well from not having to bend over and hurt my already crappy back...YES.
no worries brother... we are all here to learn, and help one onther.
Us bikers are pretty passionate people, so you have to expect some strong opinions.
The fact that we can keep it civil and on topic is all that really matters.
Godspeed
Ride safe & enjoy the ride!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 4
From: Boca Raton, FL
FYI
I did not need anything on the sides, but I am also use to my kendon trailer which is a steeper angle then this HF lift table
Not saying you don't need them, just that you may not need them
I did not need anything on the sides, but I am also use to my kendon trailer which is a steeper angle then this HF lift table
Not saying you don't need them, just that you may not need them
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
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Yes and they work great.
Here is a pic of it on mine
I also have one on my other lift too and two more of them in the garage for the bikes not on the lifts
Here is a pic of it on mine
I also have one on my other lift too and two more of them in the garage for the bikes not on the lifts
Last edited by Mntsnow; Mar 5, 2012 at 10:13 PM.
