Workshop Platform Lift

[FrankenDesmo]

I've done a wee search - seems to be a lot about paddock stands, but can't find anything about workshop lift tables.

I'm looking to buy one, so I'm wondering if anyone here has one and would recommend any particular brands?

I'm in the up to £500 range, which looks like I've got a choice between SwitZer, Clarke, and Sealey. I know Sealey's hand tools are ****e, but what about things like this? Same with Clarke, and SwitZer I haven't heard of but seems popular.

[mickj]

As most of them are made in china I would go with the biggest one you can fit into your workshop. I bought about 10 years ago and it works perfectly, just wish I had bought a bigger one as once the work starts, tools, parts rags etc fill up all the empty spaces.

[Dukedesmo]

I've got a Clarke lift with the hydraulic and pneumatic operation and it's great. I did have a seal leak so needed to replace it but the repair kit was cheap enough and it has seen a lot of use.

I really don't know how I managed before, especially doing front cylinder exhaust valve adjustments and, IMO it's worth paying the extra for the air lifting option as it is slow to lift by the pedal.

I altered it slightly by 'widening' the wheel chock so that I can clamp the rear wheel as this gives another option for removing the front end etc. plus you can remove the clamp to get the bike on paddock stands for tyre changing etc. without doing your back in.

Takes up a lot of space but I use it as a parking space for 1 bike when not in active service.

Also comes in handy for lawnmowers, quads etc. - highly recommended.

[Albie]

Originally Posted by Dukedesmo

I've got a Clarke lift with the hydraulic and pneumatic operation and it's great. I did have a seal leak so needed to replace it but the repair kit was cheap enough and it has seen a lot of use.

I really don't know how I managed before, especially doing front cylinder exhaust valve adjustments and, IMO it's worth paying the extra for the air lifting option as it is slow to lift by the pedal.

I altered it slightly by 'widening' the wheel chock so that I can clamp the rear wheel as this gives another option for removing the front end etc. plus you can remove the clamp to get the bike on paddock stands for tyre changing etc. without doing your back in.

Takes up a lot of space but I use it as a parking space for 1 bike when not in active service.

Also comes in handy for lawnmowers, quads etc. - highly recommended.

I think I have that model too. Been a blessing. I only paid £150 for it secondhand but best thing ever. I had a 180 return journey too in the back of my estate. It does drop a wee bit over time but has the safety bar to stop it. As you say it's also a bike park if needed. Monster goes on front and rear stands on mine too.

[FrankenDesmo]

Good point about being able to remove the front chock, as the first job will be front brake overhaul so need to be able to remove the front wheel on the table.

Looks like you've got the CML3 - for the extra £70 to get air & foot it seems worth it (I don't have a compressor but might eventually).

[Dukedesmo]

Originally Posted by FrankenDesmo

Good point about being able to remove the front chock, as the first job will be front brake overhaul so need to be able to remove the front wheel on the table.

Looks like you've got the CML3 - for the extra £70 to get air & foot it seems worth it (I don't have a compressor but might eventually).

Yes CML3, if you watch Machine Mart they sometimes do VAT free deals so a decent discount.

In the pic you can see I have the chock removed but you can (if you redrill the mounting holes, slightly further apart) get the rear wheel in the chock, meaning you can lift the front whilst the back is held firm.

I've even raised the bike up in this position, tied the front of the frame to the ceiling joist and then lowered the platform to hold the bike in a (stable) 'wheelie' position so that I can remove forks/yokes etc.

Definitely worth an extra £70 for the air option IMO and you can get a small compressor for around that figure plus, a compressor is another must have anyway IMO.

[FrankenDesmo]

Cheers, I think you've got me sold on the Clarke.

Just been looking at SGS compressors - a 50l 2.5hp job for £120 looks ideal.

[Darren69]

If space is an issue, then the Abba skylift may be an option. I don't have one (just the standard Abba one) but they look good and can be packed away after you have done.

[Darren69]

Originally Posted by Darren69

If space is an issue, then the Abba skylift may be an option. I don't have one (just the standard Abba one) but they look good and can be packed away after you have done.

Then it's a no brainer!

[FrankenDesmo]

Nah space isn't an issue, would much rather have a full table.

Of course Clarke charge another £50 for shipping too ��

[Albie]

Originally Posted by FrankenDesmo

Nah space isn't an issue, would much rather have a full table.

Of course Clarke charge another £50 for shipping too ��

I can tell you they are bloody heavy. Even getting out of my car was a chore. You wont regret it but you will wonder why you left it so late.

[Albie]

url=https://flic.kr/p/GdiWon][/url]23172376_10214886844309768_4180608567211827496_n by Andy Patterson, on Flickr


Mines only really just big enough tbh but does the job well.

[FrankenDesmo]

Order placed for the Clarke table with air option. My back and knees feel better already.

[Darren69]

You'll probably break you back getting it unloaded then but after that, all good? I wish I had the space for something like that, would be a godsend for my back too!

[FrankenDesmo]

Originally Posted by Darren69

You'll probably break you back getting it unloaded then but after that, all good? I wish I had the space for something like that, would be a godsend for my back too!

Almost - it wasn't too much of a hassle to muscle out of the wooden box and into place, but I was glad when it was done.

I can _just_ get my back wheel into the stock wheel clamp with the rubber bits removed from the L-brackets - given that I plan to drop down to a 170 (from 180) next time I get tyres, this should work perfectly. The L-brackets grab the edges of the tyre anyway, so don't really need to the extra protection of the rubber pads. It does require support at the front though, as the bike does sit a bit wobbly in it (might be better with the smaller tyre).

Purchased a compressor from SGS at the same time, and of course the stand has a slightly smaller connection than the hoses/tools that came with the compressor - but it's not exactly hard work using the foot pump so I'm not too bothered, and a compressor is going to be bloody handy anyway.

Some before/after photos: