I have a similar set up as you, but I don’t use it to take a game down. I have carpeted stairs and it’s easier to just slide the game down with me putting my shoulder into the game from the bottom to ease it down. I do use it to bring it up and I don’t have any issue with the turn. I have the 66.

My guess is that you’ll have no problem at all. There is also about 44” at the top of my steps from my garage to my basement and I’ve brought many pins down with my escalara (tall model). Even if you can’t get full tilt, the escalara will work on the first step to go down but you may have to pull back on the top a bit more. After you clear the first step and get enough room to balance perfectly you could lower the entire pin with one hand if your good at balancing (but wouldn’t recommend it of course).

I’ve had mine for a year and would never attempt to move a pin again without it due to the same back issues you spoke about.

As for the forklift... I do like mine, but don’t use it nearly as much as I’d thought I would. It’s a bit of a pain to move around when it’s not on the escalara and it always seems to be up or down (opposite of where my escalara is) when I need it. You won’t move it up or down the steps without it attached to the escalara due to its weight. I’d have to think long and hard about the forklift if I was buying today with my knowledge of how little I use it (but would probably get it anyway).

Call larry at flipnout. He is the dealer for escalera and can answer all your questions.

I have 1 step down to a landing, 42 inches between step and wall, turn 90 degrees, then 44 inches between first step down and wall I'm backed up against. I'm able to lower wpc type game on to landing and pivot the 90 degrees.
Yes it's a little unnerving at first, because the game hangs over the first step. I reposition, lean her back and down she goes. I have the 66 inch model. I like the slower speed, 7 seconds per step vs 4, but wish for shorter handles. I'm 5'10" and and getting shorter every day. I may trim my handles someday.

If you're doing it with a regular hand truck now I don't think that they'll be much difference. The escalera has almost a tighter wheelbase and a higher handle and it's straps the machine to the hand truck. I would go with the base model and not the forklift one. The forklift adds more weight to the hand truck and seems generally more awkward.
One of the best pinball purchases I've ever made!

Know anybody close who you can borrow one from?

I didn't buy the fork and don't regret it very much, it means I still have to get help setting them up on their feet but the Escalera is heavy enough already, without it.

I think Butch has a good point.

The good news is Larry is a great guy (you probably already know that) so whatever you do, you can't go wrong.

I had someone use an escalara to bring a pin to my basement, which has carpeted stairs and the chain left grease on the carpet. Is there a way to avoid that?

I have a similar stair situation going to my basement - 180 degree turn half way down the stairs.

Going from top to bottom - the stairs have a base of 38" at the platform - after sliding the machine and rotating it 180 degrees the next part of the platform is 42"- leverage is tough - I scoot the machine so it is hanging over the step by approx 4-6" before tilting the escalera back.

My escalera is the ~ 60" tall model.

Call Larry at Flip n out. Unbelievably great guy

For this, The Lectro-Truck is better.

His asking price is fair with forklift and other accessories.

I picked up a used Escalera a while back and love it. I wanted to buy the forklift for it, but turns out you can't add it later, you need to buy the model with it at the start. I'd love the forklift for putting legs on my games, no more dead lifting the end of a pinball. So I'd recommend getting the forklift.

I also have the big wheel and extended foot plate and would recommend both of those.

My question would be how much of that is removable & how easy is it to do it?

Better grab that quick. It’s a great buy, especially with all the accessories.

How much would one run used if it did not include the forklift? I’ve been thinking about getting one but $800 is about my budget; more than that and I’ll just get a gym membership

I have a video on my website showing how easy it is to remove. Takes maybe 30 seconds total. Very easy.

Call me anytime with questions. You don't have to buy it from me even if you are looking at a used one. Happy to help.

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If that Escalera is the one you want that is an excellent deal. The landing at the bottom of my carpeted basement stairs is 37 inches. I have the MS 60 Excalera. I bought the shorter one since I will not be moving Coke machines or other tall heavy things. The 60 inch is perfect for pins. I have no grease on my carpet. That sound like a user problem. The 60 inch is great for negotiating tight corners. Last weekend I helped a Pinsider get a pin up to the second floor. The landing was about 2-3 feet at the most. The 60 inch worked well. It took a little doing but was fine.

I use the forks with the plate during the final assembly of a restoration. It’s basically a mobile work platform that I can raise and lower. Higher when I’m in the cab bottom and lower when I’m working on the head.

Very easy. A few turns on the turnbuckles and the S-hooks are loose and it comes off.

I would highly recommend the cross bar handle. I’m not a fan of the loop handles that come stock.

If you're unsure about your landing and want to try one first, you can try mine. Though I have the even taller 72" model, because, well, ME.

$1600 is not a good deal, It is an amazing deal for an Escalera. American Made. It it built like a tank. It will last a lifetime. Practice using it with lighter low center of gravity items. It's all about the angle on the stairs. Once you master it you can move pins effortlessly.

Congrats on the purchase. Yes a smokin' deal. Although from what I've gathered, many Escaleras are sold "outside" our hobby and kind of sell for normal depreciation for used goods, not crazy pinball economics.

Yes I would practice it some before attempting to move a pin. Up and down the stairs even without a load. Although be aware the balance of a pinball will be different. I find I have to tilt it backwards more.

I picked up a 2001 ms66 a couple of years ago for $400 off cl. My best deal ever. Guy used it to move appliances. I bought a new battery and big wheel attachment from Larry and have been real happy with it. Seems like it's built like a tank. It's a curse, though, mainly because it makes it too easy to move games and because of this my collection has grown dramatically.

Public thank you to Brian, who helped me direct my Black Friday funds to be a co-owner of this beautiful Escalara. I was preoccupied yesterday with credit card reissue due to BofA data breach (again!!) and while updating accounts across the wonderful internet got locked out of my phone!

My back thanks you for taking the lead and negotiating a great deal!! I may finally have the upper hand on my arch nemesis "the steep stairs of doom".

BTW...I never heard of Yuba City. On my bucket list.

Not too far from the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company......

Were ya still a little nervous ?

Up is easy down, takes a little more getting use to. I actually sit on my but and go up and down for better v\balance. You really only need the 700 lb model and no forklift.

Your back will certainly be thanking you for the rest of your hobby life!!