Scissor Lift suggestions

[natalena]

Any comments; good or poor, on a scissor lift for the motorbikes. I've seen the 10x10 platform type (1100 lb capacity) that cranks with a ratchet, that looks good for the intended use of oil changes, tires, drives, etc.
There's room in the garage now, so perhaps a full-size table lift may be in order, but seems overkill for the sporadic use.
Haven't dropped a bike or car off a lift, but I've seen it happen, and it's super scary!

[Laitch]

Haven't dropped a bike or car off a lift, but I've seen it happen, and it's super scary!

Motorcycling can be super scary, too.  I have a NH Pro pneumatic lift. I'm glad I have it. Removing the engine covers, rear drive, transmission, wheels, and doing oil changes while standing is how I prefer to work. Of course, it can always serve as a workbench when necessary if the moto is parked elsewhere ready to ride.

[natalena]

Thanks Laitch, I'm leaning the way of a table + small platform lift. The extra use as a table is a great point to sell the wife on the "garage gadget" purchase.

[alexg]

I have a full car snap-on scissor and I add a sheet of plywood to size with reinforcements for the bike stand. It is useful as a working table for other projects as well. It sits flat 3" tall when fully retracted and can park one of the cars over it.

[natalena]

Thanks Alex, that's great info, as saving some space to park the wife's car inside during winter is a concern. Much appreciated. Cheers

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I've used the scissors lift a few times, and found that the brick engine/transmission doesn't sit on it with as much stability as I would like.  The table lifts are more than I can justify spending for the amount of use I will give them. 

For lifting and support I have a 4 ton floor jack, a couple saw horses, and a pile of wood blocks.  So far I have been able to strip and do frame up restorations using just these simple items. 

I also have an upside down 5 gallon pail with a couple folded towels on it for upholstery that lets me sit comfortably next to the bike when I'm doing things like valve adjustments and throttle balancing.  If I need to do any kneeling or get under the engine to do an oil change I have a piece of plush carpet about 2ft x 4 ft that is comfortable to kneel or lie on and insulates me from the cold concrete floor.

So far, my total investment in stands and such is the $10 I paid for the jack at a garage sale about 15 years ago which predates the bikes I use it on.  In a couple years when I hit 75, if I'm still riding I might start to think about getting a lift, so it's with a bit of interest that I will be following this thread.

[Laitch]

rbm shows one of the ways he stabilizes the moto on his scissor jack in this post.

[natalena]

RBM's outrigger fab is an elegant solution for stability on the brick. Some 2x2 angle iron can't cost too much.

I really appreciate the input, as I've been following the path of least expense, much like TMG. Lately, after yardwork, bicycle rides, getting firewood, etc. my wife is tiring of hearing me mew about "where's the ibuprofen."

Shopping for table lifts, it looks like 7-800.00 to get a decent one with a wheel chock. I'd secure it to the floor, so Alex's observation of height when retracted is important. Best case would be a rail lift that could be used on the car's too. Wife suggested excavating a trench to drive over, but that just seems like a poor choice all the way around.

Those who have a table lift; do you hand crank, attach a driver, foot pump, electric switch operate? Any preference?

[Laitch]

Mine was $400 from Craigslist. It operates with air from my compressor. It needs 90psi to lift. Control is with a foot pedal. The deck is held at height by a hinged bar that indexes into hooks along the lift members as the deck raises and swings up into friction clamps when lowering. The lift is free-standing but has a heavy-duty six-foot long galvanized pipe threaded on each end that is inserted through two openings in frame's base for lateral stability on the floor then capped, and doesn't wobble disconcertingly. The moto's front wheel is clamped within crank-tightened square tubing. The moto gets ratchet-strapped to the deck from its frame through deck eyebolts at four points.

[Scott_]

I have had this one for about 13yrs now. Works with my air compressor.
http://www.completehydraulic.com/lifts-motorcycle-tcml.html
I opted for the side extensions(though they are still in the box 13yrs later.....) so I can have a wider table.
I was able to park my 3/4 ton truck over it without issues. Today I park my boat over it.
I think it is too tall to park a car over it, unless you recess it into the floor.

[stokester]

I've got the Handy SAM 1200 pneumatic lift and have never wished for another.  I believe it is the only brand made in the US.

https://www.handyindustries.com/sam-1200

[Scott_]

I would have liked to have had a Handy brand as they are/were made local here where I live.... unfortunately it was priced outside my budget. For less than the price of the Handy basic lift(no accessories) only, and no shipping cost, I got the TCML lift with the accessories(scissor jack, side extensions) and shipping...

[Texer]

I've got the Handy SAM 1200 pneumatic lift and have never wished for another.  I believe it is the only brand made in the US.

https://www.handyindustries.com/sam-1200

You can’t go wrong with a Handy lift - I lucked out and got one on CL after being alerted by a friend. The owner had even upgraded the wheel chock. It’s great. It has no issues with the K.

[Bon Jon Bovi]

I cheaped out and got the Harbor Freight unit for $425. Adequate but only just. For serious, ongoing work I would definitely recommend ponying up for something similar to the Handy or whatever Chris Harris is using. Worth the investment IMO.

[Laitch]

I have had this one for about 13yrs now. Works with my air compressor.
http://www.completehydraulic.com/lifts-motorcycle-tcml.html

That looks exactly like mine, right down to the square tubing wheel vise and capped pipe floor stabilizer at the rear.

[natalena]

Thanks for the great info and suggestions. I purchased a HF Aluminum 1500lb lift, as it will do the job while waiting for the new garage to get built and a proper lift is installed for the cars and bikes. Cost was $143.99 with use of a 20% coupon and no state tax. I liked the way it worked in the store, the sides are more robust than the smaller platform lifts, and it has metal wheels instead of the plastic coasters. Cranked up the HD on it, and it is stable with a couple ratchet straps ... enough to move it around without fear of tipping it over.

Now to fab up the angle iron brackets to lift up the K75.

Cheers