Pinball Lifters

[Chris Bardon]

I'm looking at getting something better than the set of 4 three wheel dollies for moving games around the basement. I've been thinking about rearranging stuff, and I'd also like to be able to get at games to work on them a little easier. Where have you guys picked them up, and how much do they usually run? Modding something else is definitely an option, just not sure what base to start with.

 

[REVOLUTION]

Most guys I know who've made their own start with a motorcycle lifter from Princess Auto

 

[Vengeance]

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/G ... ?locale=en

Wait for it to go on sale.

 

[SquidVicious]

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/Gifts/AutoEnthusiast/HomeMechanic/PRD~1995916P/MotoMaster+Hydraulic+Lift+Cart.jsp?locale=en

Wait for it to go on sale.

Looks interesting what is the weight of that one ?

and is it like the one from princess auto that you have to reverse the handles ?

 

[Vengeance]

this is what I have:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en

Had to build a box to add the extra require height.

 

[Monkeybug]

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/Gifts/AutoEnthusiast/HomeMechanic/PRD~1995916P/MotoMaster+Hydraulic+Lift+Cart.jsp?locale=en

Wait for it to go on sale.

I have something like this. While not perfect, it does a pretty good job.

 

[SquidVicious]

this is what I have:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en

Had to build a box to add the extra require height.

That's what I've got and I have to build the box tho (been lazy).. it goes on sale fairly often for about 40-50% off

 

[Grauwulf]

I built this one:
http://www.jeff-z.com/pinball/dolly/dolly.html

But without the tilting top. I rounded off the back of the pedestal because I had planned to complete it and never did. I find it works quite well just the way it is.

 

[Chris Bardon]

Thanks, those CT links were exactly what I was looking for. It's pretty awesome that they have that feature on your website that emails you when something goes on sale. Pretty much the only time I buy anything from there anymore.

 

[DRANO]

I got the Princess Auto model when it went on sale for 50% off earlier this year. It basically came down to the same cost as the CT model but it is much more sturdy. It may be overkill, but I was happy to have the 660lb rating when I was moving around my TZ

I cut the bottom 3" of pipe off the handle and reconnected it with a 45 elbow. This keeps the original locator bolt holes in the right place and allows me to get under games very easily. The handle just pops off and lies on the bed and easily slides under a game for storage.

 

[brewmanager]

Got pretty lucky, nabbed a penguin pinball dolly used. Love it!

 

[DRANO]

Got pretty lucky, nabbed a penguin pinball dolly used. Love it!

Sweet, the pin-cadillac

 

[Chris Bardon]

And conveniently, this is going on sale for 64.99 this weekend:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/produ ... 4138324404

For those that have modded one of these, how wide/tall did you make the box, and do you find it stable enough to move a game around on one? Not sure about the width of the machine vs the wheel base on the jack. How manouverable do you find these?

I suppose the table lift would be a little more stable, but it looks like the handle would get in the way, and 330lbs isn't enough to move some of the heavier games.

 

[DRANO]

Here's the one from princess auto.
It's got a 660lb rating and nice big castors that make moving pins around a dream. The wheels on that bike lifter seem awefully tiny and low to the ground.
I used a couple of elbows to get the handle out of the way and it pops out easily for storage.
The unit is more expensive, but goes on sale every so often for 50% of the price.

 

[Chris Bardon]

That one looks pretty sweet, that's this listing, right? http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product ... Table-Lift

$430 is a little steep, but at 50%, maybe. Other option is to mod the base of the motorcycle one with new casters and keep the basic jack mech if you want a better base I suppose. Might not be too hard to mount something to the bottom with new wheels that extended the base.

 

[DRANO]

Looks like the price has gone up. I remember paying $159 on sale.

 

[DRANO]

Here you go.
This is the one you want.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product ... -Lift-Cart

Get on the mailing list or watch the flyers. It goes for sale about half off a couple of times a year.

 

[superjackpot]

And conveniently, this is going on sale for 64.99 this weekend:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/produ ... 4138324404

For those that have modded one of these, how wide/tall did you make the box...

Chris, this CT lift looks virtually identical to the Craftsman model referred to by Grauwulf earlier on in this very thread.

All the mod details are on this page http://www.jeff-z.com/pinball/dolly/dolly.html

 

[pinballhead]

Here you go.
This is the one you want.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product ... -Lift-Cart

Get on the mailing list or watch the flyers. It goes for sale about half off a couple of times a year.

I'm also looking for a Lifter. Just went on sale for 179.99 starting tomorrow. I'm torn, this one is also available

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200365546

1 is rated 500 lb and the P.A. is 660 lb and better bang for your buck on sale. The big difference is the table width 17.5 vs 19.5. I measured a few of my pins (leg width) and you have to take at least 1 leg off to get the lifter under the front with the P.A.
The northern tool is only 17.5 and would fit easier without taking the legs off at all. Not sure which way to go. Have to check on duty and Frt as well. Still have to mod the handle on both. :? That P.A. is 1 heavy SOB @ 143 lb

 

[SquidVicious]

Here you go.
This is the one you want.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product ... -Lift-Cart

Get on the mailing list or watch the flyers. It goes for sale about half off a couple of times a year.

I briefly had one .. I love the idea but just an FYI these things weigh a ton not bad if you use it in a shop and never have to move it up or downstairs but for me I returned it and have gone the motorbike lift route (but I still really like the idea of these ones .. just not working for me)