It is still cheaper to go HF. I checked EVERYWHERE! I modded mine....super easy! Don't trust Crappy Tire for anything!

will HF ship to Canada?

I'm not sure I'd trust it without another owner to vouch for it. Some pins can creep up to 350lbs.

I just bout one from HF. Price on the tag was 159.00, but at the register it was 136.00 including tax

I went with the flag pole bracket idea. I found some at Home Depot. They are plastic, so I'm a bit concerned, but time will tell.

I also bought a long bicycle brake cable to reach when the handle is extended. The problem of course, is that it's too short to fold the handle level, and if you make the cable long enough so the handle folds flat, there is too much slack for it to work with the handle extended. I'm going to put in a cable splitter, that can be found at bicycle shops. That way I (you) can have the cable the correct length to work with the handle extended, and disconnect the splitter to fold the handle flat.

Hmmm,

I just had another thought while typing this....move the release handle to the side of the platform and set the cable to have the right length when the table is at the highest it will be used.

Anyway......I should have done this years ago, it's already saving my back

The length isn't the problem (bike brake cables are often just as long). You need more tension on the cable between the handle and the release lever. You need to pull it very tightly when you install and fasten it.

I think my problem, is that I used a longer cable, but the old housing, which was too short to maintain tension with slack on it.

I'll have to buy a new cable housing. Do you recall how long your cable is?

THX

My parts list: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/modified-harbor-freight-lift-table/page/4#post-1758480

I bought a 50" sheath and 60" steel cable. I ended up trimming the steel cable a bit after installing it.

If you bought different flag pole mounts, you may need to measure your configuration.

Thanks again

Anyone got a coupon good in the next few days if they aren't discounted on Black Friday??

I'm definitely keeping an eye out for getting one shortly. Would appreciate it if anyone knows or has something.

Andretti

So today I received a 25% off coupon, so I will be buying my lift table as soon as I can get a seconds worth of clarification from you all....

My question: There are two 500lb lifts shown on the site....I'm confused...what is different between the two and which one is the one you all have typically been getting?

Here is links to both:

http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-61405.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-60730-10041.html

I'd appreciate anyone with the time to let me know asap. I will DEFINITELY be purchasing one. From the price of $159.99 being knocked down to 119.99 makes this a done deal (for either one), but need to make sure I get the 'right' one.

Andretti

They look the same. They might have changed the model number.

I just got one last week and had the same question, never got a definite answer but from the specs it appears the 61405 may have a longer table. I ended up with the 60730 as that's what they stocked in my local store, and WOZ needed to move now, to make room for the Christmas tree! It worked great, I placed a small piece of plywood on the lift to make it the same width as the WOZ.

There have been slightly different models of the cart. For instance, on one model, the release handle's bracket is removable like a bike brake handle, while on another model, the bracket is welded onto the cart's handle.

Biggest difference I see of the two is the minimum and maximum height, which isn't much between the two. I believe whichever way you go it will be fine.
I would go after the one with the lower minimum height to allow for storage (you would only gain an inch) but may be enough to put it under something such as a vehicle and out of the way.

Remember to toss away that horrific ribbed mat that smells like a charred tire........

Yeah, the mat just slips around and doesn't actually grip onto anything

I have the same lift. I took the handles off and had my electician bend them with his conduit bender.. Worked slick as a whistle.

Harbor Freight is having a mothers day sale - 25% off - use coupon code 10385119. Shipping is only 6.99 so don't bother going to the store like I did to only find out it is not in stock.

Just picked one up with the coupon,

Good deal

I just used one of these this weekend, totally sold on making one!

I finally solved my release issue. I never cut down the handle so the release cable was too short to work effectively. I solved the problem this way:

I pulled the cable completely out and threaded it through the release mech backwards.
I then pulled the cable over the base until it reached the back of the unit.
I made a hand sized loop in the cable to make a handle and twisted the rest of the cable to hold the handle.

I still need to get a small piece of pvc and cut a channel in it to make the handle easier to grip. This will also allow me to push down on the handle with my foot.

Not the best solution but I am happy with it.

Another solution for the cable is just to go to a bike shop or other store and get a stand bicycle brake cable with housing, cut down to the size you need. Gave me lots more room to work with.

Exactly the same thing I did. Bike shops have spools of this stuff.

Avoid the pre-packaged brake cables, though. They tend to be ridiculously expensive.

I went with the flagpole version and it does look nice! It is a bit woobly since the teeth don't really "bite" due to both side being concave... Also worried about "eating" the outside by screwing tight to make sure the handle don't move...
I am thinking some large washers may help that but any way to help making the teeth sits better together?

WP_20150908_17_49_55_Pro.jpg

An old stale thread, but I am attempting a mod today.

After looking at several of the mods, I like the look of the 'flag pole' mod by kungfucop. But I am concerned that it will stick up above the lowered table. This would make it impossible to lower the table all of the way down. Is that important?

Also, the table as sized would put the entire weight of the pin in the rather flimsy center of the bottom of the box. I have visions of the bottom ripping free and jamming up through the pin. How important is it to put some sort of support so that the lift occurs on the side of the pin box? I see several have made wood attachments to the lift table.

kungfucop.gif

What do you all use in place of the ribbed mat?

I've wondered the same thing. Maybe something to replace the mat? If the "support" was wider then it wouldn't fit if you slide it between the front legs.

The sides with the teeth are in contact with each other, and I don't actually tighten the wingnut very much on mine.

The only time I need to bring my cart all the way down is if I'm sliding the pin off the cart and tipping it on its end. In that case, I just take off the handle. However--I used a slightly different flagpole mod that makes that process easier since I just use the round thumb screws to remove the handle, rather than needing to unscrew the bolts. However, with your mod, the handle sits a little lower, so if you need to lower the table to tip the pin up on its end, the handle may actually help you a bit by putting the pin at a slight downward angle.

I usually put a thick piece of carboard under the pin--usually one of those large moving boxes from home depot. I haven't had a problem so far.

You can just throw that mat away. It's useless and smells awful.

Just an fyi as it has been posted here earlier... You can simply stand on the Hf table and push/bend the handle down. Takes 2 seconds. You can then pull out the handle for storage if you'd like. Or go the fancy route for those looking for another project.

I thought that was actually a joke? I can tell you there was 0 chance this would have worked with mine May be because I am 160lbs but the bar did not budge at all...

I'm 200 lbs and not in too bad of shape, and maybe it did take 3-4 minutes...but I did two of them like this. Easy peasy. Have a bigger friend help.

I left mine in the sun on a concrete pad for about a month to help it off-gas more quickly.

The smell was almost gone after a month.

Mine keeps lowering with any weight on it. Any suggestions?

Is it still under warranty?

I just did this exact mod, with a couple differences. I used the 1/2" pipe. The external diameter is 3/4" and it slides right inside the handle tubing with no issues. It's smaller than the handle mount, but with the tightening screws it is not a problem. I used 7" pieces for the handle side. All-in-all, it costs $10 and takes 2 minutes.

When ordering the flag poles holder, be careful what you order. I ended up with the type shown below in my photo. I ground off all the 'nubs' and the center area, leaving two essentially flat disks. I am hoping they will hold when moving the cart. If not, I will have to drill small holes through the two and put a small bolt to hold it in place.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014SKUN4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1

2015-10-25_16.12.46.jpg

Bleed your hydraulic pump.

"When ordering the flag poles holder, be careful what you order."

I finished mine up. I am not sure the flag brackets are going to hold well enough, but it seems to work.

The big downside for me is that my pin room is carpeted with thick cushioning which makes the cart hard to move under load. I might have to invest in the larger wheels mod. I was hoping to avoid welding....

2015-10-26_14.17.38.jpg

I use that spongy drawer liner stuff, put a piece down the same size as the horrible mat, works just fine. Smells like nada!

drawer-liner_01_LRG.jpg

This one would work without the need to grind anything. http://www.amazon.com/Valley-Forge-Flag-Multi-Position-Aluminum/dp/B0007KP9SG/ref=pd_sim_86_3 The problem again is that you need four, about $40.

Wish those were available when I put mine together. Oh well.

Actually I had to grind these quite a bit... Needed to order 2 sets, 4 pairs and use 2 of the long ones together so both side where convex. One had to be grinded so the teeth fit together...

What are people using now for the cheap base dolly?

My mod was pretty simple. I used a harbor freight cutting wheel (around $12) and a harbor freight welder (around $80) that I have had for too long to still be welding things as crappy as I do.

I just cut out a wedge of metal from each side bent it down and test it for size...then re-cut out a bit more to get it perfect, then welded it.

Also, I think it smart to cushion the handle to keep it from denting the your pin. If your not careful your pin can come down fast when you squeeze the lower grip too hard, the pin can come down on those rails very fast and hard. If I had it to do over again I would have positioned mine down a bit further than I did, then the pin dropping fast on the rails would be less of an issue.

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IMG_2108.jpg

Mine. I went with the "lowrider" handle. Added carpet w/carpet tape to replace the stinky mat.
image.jpegimage.jpegimage.jpegimage.jpeg

Awesome. I did carpet as well, but opted for an indoor "welcome" mat. I didn't think to use carpet tape (and used duct tape..super classy). I'll have to buy some carpet tape.

I also fee like the mat I'm using is a little too rough. It's a tough balance since you want to keep a good grip on the machine, but also don't want to scratch the hell out of the bottom if the machine shifts a bit while moving.

All of this said, when I moved my last machine, I used 2x4s across the top to support the machine from the sides of the bottom and it felt much more stable.