I haven't drawn a paycheck from any company of which I was not the principal since I was 25. I know all about hard work, less about smart work, and maybe a thing or two about big boy pants. I think if you and I poured a beer over this subject we'd land on the same side regarding most of it. American companies need to work every day to remain competitive in a global market, AND they have a responsibility to the communities which rely on the jobs they create. Unions, regulation, taxes, and a bunch of other shit that can't be discussed here all play their role in the issue. I was focusing on one valid point, not dismissing all other causes. You criticized my decision to buy US made as a default. I believe you called it an oversimplification. I disagree. That's my decision and I personally believe that we would be a stronger country if more people drew that line in the sand. I will always buy an equal product for more money if it's American made, and I don't see changing my mind about that.
I've owned a Handy lift for 23 years. $700 (if I remember correctly) and that was in real money. Still worth every penny. It is air cylinder operated with a front wheel chock and doesn't have the rear wheel drop out plate (they didn't have it back then). I wish I would have bought two, that's how "Handy" it is......
I had a Handy lift for a while and that thing was a beast and worked great. However, I didn't always like having to use my air compressor every time I wanted to raise it (I didn't have a huge tank always on stand by like professional shops). If I were to buy another lift, I would go with the HF one unless you can find a Handy for sale second hand. It's cheaper and more convenient to raise and lower the HF in my opinion. None of my friends that use them has ever had any issues.
Just build one out of lumber. Cheap and strong. I've had both of these for years. Unless you are trying roll 1000 pound baggers on the lift sport bikes and dirtbikes are easy to take up and down with a ramp
What mechanism for raising and lowering is preferred? Air, electric/hydraulic (something else)? And then I guess there are air bags and air cylinder variations as well.
I prefer hydraulic. Simple, easy maintenance or repair if needed. And most importantly, no need to run my compressor every time I want to use it
For me, whichever system(s) provide a measure of speed control that isn't determined by how quickly I pump a lever or hit an on/off switch. I have lots of control with the foot valve on my pneumatic Handy.
Exactly.... Have 3 used H If tables picked all of them up for less than $150.00) each. They all work , I have a RZ350,VFR750, Royal Enfield & the GSXR750 SRAD....They work just great with these lightweight bikes. A Cruiser or Harley...Not likley. But for the budget price....for the home garage....no brainer. Sure if I had the $$$ several of the others would be great to own.......but those days are gone....it's budget time from here till the end...lol
Those are nice. I bought a couple used industrial scissor lift tables, electric over hydraulic, 110 volt. Welded a larger table top to it and it's good to go. Lift capacity 2000lbs. Smooth operation. I've got about $650 in each one.
https://newlondon.craigslist.org/mpo/d/thompson-southworth-hydraulic-scissors/7231623212.html This is a great deal for someone in that area. Get rid of the channel and weld a larger top and base on it.
I've used a few lumber tables. Nice and solid, and can make them as wide as you need. But I hate wheeling a bike up and down. Never feel 100% comfy I'm not going to drop it. I like the used scissor jack DIY mod. Keep an eye on the inventory at the industrial surplus shop for a good one.
