(Topic ID: 270835)

Escalera Powered Stair Climber information thread.

By rai

3 years ago


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  • 561 posts
  • 113 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 46 days ago by PlanetExpress
  • Topic is favorited by 74 Pinsiders
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    There are 561 posts in this topic. You are on page 11 of 12.
    #501 10 months ago
    Quoted from Flipper_McGavin:

    Thank you for helping explain. With the big wheels on, I am unable to get the Escalera to pivot at enough of an angle for the stairclimbing feet to catch anything up onto that sill. I only played with it for a couple minutes so I'll practice more tomorrow.
    [quoted image]

    In the situation you have pictured I would go as close as I could to the threshold and then tilt back to the big wheels and pull it over the threshold

    #502 10 months ago
    Quoted from MrMikeman:

    Could you live without it? Sure. I've had a few instances where without it I had 1-2 step skip/bounce. Happens when you land too close to the edge and the dolly drops to the next step down. It can start a chain reaction where you would bounce every step down until you hit the floor. Not a fun feeling as your are in for the ride. This is a risk every time you move something excessively heavy (think JJP, P3, etc) as you lean the dolly slightly further back to avoid getting pulled over on the way down. The increased angle puts the wheels really close to the edge as you do down.
    Luckily in my case it was always at the bottom of the stairs. With the SED system this skipping has never happened. It's just a level of added safety especially if you always move your games alone like I do.
    I recommend it if the price is acceptable to you.

    Thank you! Does it just add additional bulk to the back of the escalera or just the sides? I have limited space on the landing that I need to turn for the stairs so just making sure it doesn’t add too much additional heft. The video from staircat just shows it from the sides but says there is a bar in the back to engage it?

    Edit - I rewatched the video and looks like it’s just on the sides/wheels.

    #503 10 months ago

    Love my escalera- I just moved a range, fridge, washer and dryer out of a house and down 4 steps this weekend by myself.

    #504 10 months ago
    Quoted from Bluthgg:

    Thank you! Does it just add additional bulk to the back of the escalera or just the sides? I have limited space on the landing that I need to turn for the stairs so just making sure it doesn’t add too much additional heft. The video from staircat just shows it from the sides but says there is a bar in the back to engage it?
    Edit - I rewatched the video and looks like it’s just on the sides/wheels.

    It makes the frame as wide as the toe plate. The top of both sides has a metal toggle that you pull back with your foot to engage the system.

    5B7F9E10-5C35-4D0E-B6AA-BB3E3A2F257D (resized).jpeg5B7F9E10-5C35-4D0E-B6AA-BB3E3A2F257D (resized).jpegB7B71292-F71C-40D2-80EC-327A11FA3F9A (resized).jpegB7B71292-F71C-40D2-80EC-327A11FA3F9A (resized).jpeg
    #505 10 months ago
    Quoted from Damonator:

    Love my escalera- I just moved a range, fridge, washer and dryer out of a house and down 4 steps this weekend by myself.

    My wife said, "You paid HOW MUCH for that thing???"

    Then she saw me moving pins by myself up and down stairs and cleaning large furniture out of my mother's house...now she thinks it's one of the best things I ever bought.

    1 month later
    #506 9 months ago
    Quoted from MrMikeman:

    It makes the frame as wide as the toe plate. The top of both sides has a metal toggle that you pull back with your foot to engage the system. [quoted image][quoted image]

    Finally have an order in with Zach for one with the edge detection built in. Thanks for the pics/info!

    2 weeks later
    #507 8 months ago

    NEW PINBALL PRODUCT: Tilt & Truck Pinball Table by Escalera

    Zach shows off Escalera's new MUST HAVE pinball product. The Tilt & Truck Pinball Table makes setting up, breaking down, loading, and unloading a pinball machine a breeze. Your collection deserves the Tilt & Truck Pinball Table. Get rid of your cheap broken down hydraulic lift table that leaks fluid everywhere and replace it with this!

    #508 8 months ago
    Quoted from MrMikeman:

    Could you live without it? Sure. I've had a few instances where without it I had 1-2 step skip/bounce. Happens when you land too close to the edge and the dolly drops to the next step down. It can start a chain reaction where you would bounce every step down until you hit the floor. Not a fun feeling as your are in for the ride. This is a risk every time you move something excessively heavy (think JJP, P3, etc) as you lean the dolly slightly further back to avoid getting pulled over on the way down. The increased angle puts the wheels really close to the edge as you do down.
    Luckily in my case it was always at the bottom of the stairs. With the SED system this skipping has never happened. It's just a level of added safety especially if you always move your games alone like I do.
    I recommend it if the price is acceptable to you.

    Yea, love those 2 step bounces. Usually have to clean the draws out afterwards.

    #509 8 months ago

    I would like to buy but we in Europe can't order them...unless it's possible now?

    1 week later
    #510 7 months ago

    My Escalera still going strong, has really simplified moving around machines, .. took this mermaid for a walk.
    Easily going to get that new pinball cart they made. these aint your moms spaghetti, these be the real deal.

    IMG_6930 (resized).JPEGIMG_6930 (resized).JPEG
    1 week later
    #511 7 months ago

    I am close to pulling the trigger on an edge detector kit for my older model escalera. The unit needs a bit of TLC so i thought It might be a good time to order the kit as well as do a mini restore on it. Maybe I should get it powdercoated

    #512 7 months ago

    When you receive the step edge detector, write how easy or difficult it is to install. I had an Escalera tech tell me that they recommend installing it themselves rather than me, so I'm not sure how finicky it is to install.

    #513 7 months ago

    does anyone know if they have or are planning to release a motorized big wheel attachment? I really could use one going up hill.

    #514 7 months ago
    Quoted from Flipper_McGavin:

    When you receive the step edge detector, write how easy or difficult it is to install. I had an Escalera tech tell me that they recommend installing it themselves rather than me, so I'm not sure how finicky it is to install.

    This third party website has a guide. It doesnt look that bad. easy enough for us pinballers. Since I would be cleaning it up anyways, I wouldn't mind. I will take photos when I do it.

    https://handtrucks2go.com/pdf/STEP%20EDGE%20DETECTION%20KIT.pdf

    #515 7 months ago
    Quoted from Flipper_McGavin:

    When you receive the step edge detector, write how easy or difficult it is to install. I had an Escalera tech tell me that they recommend installing it themselves rather than me, so I'm not sure how finicky it is to install.

    It is not hard at all I did it a few years ago.

    #516 7 months ago
    Quoted from Flipper_McGavin:

    When you receive the step edge detector, write how easy or difficult it is to install. I had an Escalera tech tell me that they recommend installing it themselves rather than me, so I'm not sure how finicky it is to install.

    Just completed an install on the step edge detector with my 2021 Escalera. Took about 30 mins. Not terribly difficult - instructions were clear and all parts were included in the box. Had some minor challenges lining up the longer axel bolts and SED parts with the frame, but figured it out. Adds a nice safety buffer - pleased with the upgrade.

    1 week later
    #517 7 months ago

    Anyone have any ideas on a cheaper ramp option than the manufacturers truck/van step attachment? Perhaps an ATV ramp, or step stool, etc?

    #518 7 months ago
    Quoted from Scot0308:

    Anyone have any ideas on a cheaper ramp

    I found locally a ramp like this. Without the anti skid stuff, plain folding aluminum ramp. Was at an outlet store for $30.00.

    ebay.com link: itm

    LTG : )

    3 weeks later
    #519 6 months ago

    Other - For Sale
    “For Sale - an Escalera stair climbing hand truck model MS-1-72 with a 1200 lbs. rating. It has 2 retractable rewind safety straps and include the retractable load support attachme...”
    2023-05-27
    Oshkosh, WI
    1,500
    Archived after: 7 days
    Viewed: 224 times
    Status: Not sold

    If anyone is interested in joining the club, let me know.

    #520 6 months ago
    Quoted from Eric_S:

    Other - For Sale

    FS: Escalera Stair Climbing Dolly MS-1-72

    New ad!

    “For Sale - an Escalera stair climbing hand truck model MS-1-72 with a 1200 lbs. rating. It has 2 retractable rewind safety straps and include the retractable load support attachme...”

    1 hour ago

    Oshkosh, WI
    (1,739 mi)

    Eric_S

    1,500

    If anyone is interested in joining the club, let me know.

    Good price. GLWS. Mine is indispensable. My local buddies swing by and borrow it all the time. Even just moving pins it's far superior. During last week's Golden State Pinball Festival, we probably moved 100+ machines with mine.

    #521 6 months ago

    Hey escalera owners, I ordered the step edge detectors and decided to do a restore on my unit at the same time.

    You can check it out here

    https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/escalera-partial-restore-#post-7601408

    IMG_3887 (resized).jpegIMG_3887 (resized).jpegIMG_3888 (resized).jpegIMG_3888 (resized).jpegIMG_3893 (resized).jpegIMG_3893 (resized).jpegIMG_3898 (resized).jpegIMG_3898 (resized).jpegIMG_3899 (resized).jpegIMG_3899 (resized).jpeg
    #522 6 months ago
    Quoted from Boat:

    Hey escalera owners, I ordered the step edge detectors and decided to do a restore on my unit at the same time.
    You can check it out here
    https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/escalera-partial-restore-#post-7601408[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

    I didn't even know I wanted to do this! Great work!

    #523 6 months ago
    Quoted from Boat:

    Hey escalera owners, I ordered the step edge detectors and decided to do a restore on my unit at the same time.
    You can check it out here
    https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/escalera-partial-restore-#post-7601408[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

    Nice job, powder coat looks nice! What do you think of the step edge detectors, are they worth the upgrade?

    #524 6 months ago
    Quoted from PlanetExpress:

    Nice job, powder coat looks nice! What do you think of the step edge detectors, are they worth the upgrade?

    I haven’t really got a chance to test them out. I will keep you posted. I might be moving a few games tomorrow

    #525 6 months ago
    Quoted from PlanetExpress:

    Nice job, powder coat looks nice! What do you think of the step edge detectors, are they worth the upgrade?

    I can answer that: Yes.

    #526 6 months ago

    I bought the edge detectors too but haven't installed them yet.

    #527 6 months ago

    I had an older model that needed a new toe plate to work with the step edge. Thing was rusted to hell and it was a pain in the rear but it was totally worth it. The step edge take the guesswork out of going down. Especially helpful when the games way more than the operator.

    1 week later
    #528 5 months ago

    Anyone else have a coin door on their Escalera?

    IMG_20230607_131928390_HDR (resized).jpgIMG_20230607_131928390_HDR (resized).jpg
    1 week later
    #529 5 months ago
    Quoted from PlanetExpress:

    Nice job, powder coat looks nice! What do you think of the step edge detectors, are they worth the upgrade?

    I second the "yes" - I purchased and installed the step edge detectors on my Escalera last month. Moved a dozen pins without the detectors and now three pins with them - definitely adds a nice element of safety when moving a pin downstairs by yourself. Highly recommended!

    #530 5 months ago

    I found one for sale for a very reasonable price but it's an older version (MLA-HC) with the forks only.

    Questions:
    Any downside to the forks only?
    Can I just remove the fork hardware and put on the pinball plate? Big wheels?
    The plate by the climbing chain seems crumpled (pictured) is this an issue?
    Is it worth the project? Or should I focus my funds on one more focused towards pinball moving?

    Appreciated!
    pasted_image (resized).pngpasted_image (resized).pngpasted_image (resized).pngpasted_image (resized).png

    #531 5 months ago

    I found one for sale for a very reasonable price but it's an older version (MLA-HC) with the forks only.
    Questions:
    Any downside to the forks only?
    Can I just remove the fork hardware and put on the pinball plate? Big wheels?
    The plate by the climbing chain seems crumpled (pictured) is this an issue?
    Is it worth the project? Or should I focus my funds on one more focused towards pinball moving?
    Appreciated!

    This appears to be a QLA-HC. Notice the swivel wheels toward the back and not the front of the forks. This was primarily used as a fork lift stacker made to lift things and stack them. It will climb however. I'm sure you could unbolt the forks but I've never seen it done but assume it would then be like a standard hand truck. A pinball plate requires the forks to be on the hand truck as that is what they attach to. The plate that is crumpled is just a cover for the motor and belt but should be on to keep things out of there. Escalera has the parts to replace this. The belt should retract so a new one might be needed. These run around a $100 bucks or so. It looks rough but these things are tough and parts are available. Hopefully its really cheap. Hope this helps.

    Larry

    #532 5 months ago

    This appears to be a QLA-HC and not a MLA-HC. Notice the swivel wheels toward the back of the forks and not on the front. Made primarily to pick up, move, and then stack things. However is will climb as well. I'm assuming you could remove the forks by unbolting them, but I've never seen it done, and ending up with the standard hand truck if you add a toe plate.
    The disadvantage to only having the forks would be trying to get under the load if its flat on the floor. You would have to tip a pin in order to try and get the game on the forks. Not easy to do by yourself.
    The pinball plate requires the forks to be on as that is how they attach to hold it in place.
    The plate that is "crumpled" is replaceable and covers the motor and belt. It should be in place but will not keep it from working. You wouldn't want to get anything caught in there.
    The rewind strap should return so may not be working correctly. If not replace the whole assembly for about $100 or so.
    You will need a charger and the wiring looks a bit sketchy

    These things are well built and last a long time. This one has seen some abuse but if its cheap enough can be brought back to life. All the parts are available to rebuild them.

    Hope this helps
    Larry

    #533 5 months ago
    Quoted from flipnout1:

    This appears to be a QLA-HC and not a MLA-HC. Notice the swivel wheels toward the back of the forks and not on the front. Made primarily to pick up, move, and then stack things.

    I have an MLA-HC with swivel casters at the rear. I was told by Escalera before that rear swivels are specific to the non-removeable forklift models.

    #534 5 months ago

    Welp I picked it up and I'm thrilled with it so far.
    I called Escalara and spoke to Zach a few times and he was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable on everything.
    Got set up with the parts I needed shipped same day for a much better price than handtrucks2go.
    My switch wasn't working in one direction, tested bad, got a new one from eBay ebay.com link: itm
    pasted_image (resized).pngpasted_image (resized).png

    #535 5 months ago

    Does anyone know of a replacement up down switch that they have used.

    . Centering on/off/on

    They want 100 bucks for a switch …. You gotta be kidding me

    #536 5 months ago
    Quoted from hoby1:

    Does anyone know of a replacement up down switch that they have used.
    . Centering on/off/on
    They want 100 bucks for a switch …. You gotta be kidding me

    See my link above. You'll need to criss-cross the outputs like the original switch.
    My switch cover is missing I'm 3D printing one now that slides on, will share the file when tested.

    pasted_image (resized).pngpasted_image (resized).pngpasted_image (resized).pngpasted_image (resized).png
    #537 5 months ago

    I used one of these when refreshing a WESCO Stairking a few weeks ago. Has been flawless in the 3 times I've used it since. I was hesitant about the spade connectors, but they are TIGHT. I'm guessing there are screw terminal versions as well.

    ETA: Dudah's above is cheaper, but this one was prewired.

    Good luck getting it back up and running, stairclimbers are a godsend! Safes, Boilers, Appliances, Pinballs...my back is happy!

    https://www.amazon.com/IndusTec-Toggle-Switch-Reversing-Maintained/dp/B07WMX7ZQR/ref=sr_1_21

    #539 5 months ago

    https://thangs.com/mythangs/file/899698?activeBottomTab=workflows&activeViewer=single

    Modeled up the hand grip. Print in flexible TPU with 40% infill.

    pasted_image (resized).pngpasted_image (resized).png
    #540 5 months ago

    Dudah, have you tried moving a pinball machine with your forklift? I'd like to try and build something so that I can easily keep a machine flush with the forks, since our forklift models have the forklift permanently attached to the StairCat.

    #541 5 months ago
    Quoted from Grandnational007:

    I used one of these when refreshing a WESCO Stairking a few weeks ago. Has been flawless in the 3 times I've used it since. I was hesitant about the spade connectors, but they are TIGHT. I'm guessing there are screw terminal versions as well.
    ETA: Dudah's above is cheaper, but this one was prewired.
    Good luck getting it back up and running, stairclimbers are a godsend! Safes, Boilers, Appliances, Pinballs...my back is happy!
    https://www.amazon.com/IndusTec-Toggle-Switch-Reversing-Maintained/dp/B07WMX7ZQR/ref=sr_1_21

    The factory switches are rated at 50amp which is what the motor draw is ... Wont that be an issue in the near future with the switch going bad

    The one you are referring too is only 20 amp

    #542 5 months ago
    Quoted from hoby1:

    The factory switches are rated at 50amp which is what the motor draw is ... Wont that be an issue in the near future with the switch going bad

    That’s only a 20 amp switch and the motor has a 50 amp draw. I don’t think it will hold up. Factory one is 50 amp switch. Thoughts ?

    The factory switches are rated at 50amp which is what the motor draw is ... Wont that be an issue in the near future with the switch going bad again

    #543 5 months ago
    Quoted from Flipper_McGavin:

    Dudah, have you tried moving a pinball machine with your forklift? I'd like to try and build something so that I can easily keep a machine flush with the forks, since our forklift models have the forklift permanently attached to the StairCat.

    They make this plate https://handtrucks2go.com/Lift-Plate-for-Escalera-Hand-Truck.html
    I'm sure a local metal fab shop could whip you up one to your liking.

    #544 5 months ago

    I have both that plate and the longer pinball plate. It rests on top of the forks so it actually increases the height a tiny bit more. This is the only drawback to the models with the non-removeable forklift, as you can't easily slip a hand truck plate under the machine when rested upright on the floor. I have to rock the machine back and forth to get it to catch onto the forks/plate.

    1 week later
    #545 4 months ago
    IMG_1405 (resized).jpegIMG_1405 (resized).jpeg
    #546 4 months ago
    Quoted from hoby1:

    The factory switches are rated at 50amp which is what the motor draw is ... Wont that be an issue in the near future with the switch going bad
    The one you are referring too is only 20 amp

    I initially was perplexed about the same thing.

    I matched the specs of the new switch to the faulty switch that was in there, and verified that it was likely the oem switch, by comparing the specs to replacements from WESCO. It was used daily, for YEARS, without a problem, by an HVAC contractor buddy of mine prior to me getting it. I think it is because the Stairking has an automotive in-line thermal breaker that protects everything from overheating. I recently used it to move a safe up from a 20 stair, 10-foot ceiling basement, and it worked great.

    I've had both Staircats, and Stairkings, and functionally, they are the same. I now prefer the Stairking as the main frame seems a little sturdier and doesn't flex as much, if at all, and the whole unit is lighter than the Stairkat (by a smidge). After refurbishing a number of both over the years, it's surprising how much they cost new, considering the components, but what's cheaper? A blown back, or a stairclimber? I'll go with the latter, every time.

    These things are great, and take up very little space when being stored. And the parts are easy to find and replace, even on old units, as everything is off-the-shelf industrial grade parts except the proprietary frames each manufacturer uses.

    But to keep this discussion on track, back to Escalera talk, haha.

    1 week later
    #547 4 months ago

    TIL you definitely need the head on there as a counterweight. This worked, but not easily.

    IMG_1695 (resized).jpegIMG_1695 (resized).jpegIMG_1698 (resized).jpegIMG_1698 (resized).jpegIMG_1703 (resized).jpegIMG_1703 (resized).jpeg
    #548 4 months ago

    This is sorta like a will it fit question.

    I am reaching the point where I don't want to bring games to the local show because of getting them up the stairs. Due to my landing configuration I slide my games down but going up is where I wonder if an escalera can help me

    Going up I have 9 steps to a landing that is 40" deep and 35 " wide. I take a game up sideways on an appliance dolly but have no room to turn so I then lay it down on its bottom up the remaining 4 steps and slide it up into the hallway.

    If I can fit an appliance dolly in those 40 inches will an escalera fit or does it need more room?

    Can an escalera climb the distance of 2 7" steps if I build a box that sits on my landing that is 40 by 35 so that it gains the area of one more step for a turn?

    Thanks for any feedback.

    #549 4 months ago
    Quoted from dudah:

    TIL you definitely need the head on there as a counterweight. This worked, but not easily.
    [quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

    You definitely need to get the Pinball Plate to do this. Its designed to lift the game in this position. The plate fits over the forks and extends out 42" IIRC.

    Larry

    1 month later
    #550 3 months ago

    MS-1-66 for sale in NJ with Big Wheel, Big Toeplate and extra strap:

    Other - For Sale
    “Escalera Staircat MS-1-66 stair-climbing hand truck and extras. Includes: Escalera Staircat MS-1-66 Extra retractable strap (installed, for 2 total straps) Big Wheel attachm...”
    2023-08-17
    Long Hill, NJ
    2,000
    Archived after: 3 days
    Viewed: 105 times
    Status: Sold (amount private)

    There are 561 posts in this topic. You are on page 11 of 12.

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