My early ss Ballys are lined up side-to-side, which necessitates going in from the front with the 1,000lb version. It cuts it close, so care must be taken. I lay two 1 x 4’s (that are slightly wider than the cabinet) perpendicular to the machine to distribute weight evenly, and take the weight burden off the bottom of the game. Also, the handle’s tubing is slightly beefier than the 500lb cart’s is, and I learned the hard way that the chrome boat-hinge modification won’t work. I had to use heavier steel pipe elbows to get the angle needed on the handle.

Lesson to be learned: for pinball needs, the 500lb cart is all that’s needed here.

Yes, I should've qualified that. My games are all in my basement, and that's where the lift cart sleeps, so for my needs, the smaller one would've been the way to go here. For games in a garage or ground level space, I can totally see where the larger cart would be advantageous.

Also, I'll look forward to seeing the parts from Grainger that you will be using. Thanks!

That's funny, I did the EXACT same thing with my pipe cutter, thinking the tubing on both carts was the same diameter! I even had my sleek new chrome boat hinges from Amazon at the ready, and I whistled while I worked. Boy, did I feel like a doof when I realized I should assume NOTHING (just like mama said)!

My solution involved a couple of bulky pipe elbows from Home Depot, which although were a good fit, didn't look nearly as slick as the chrome. They are also angled at 90 degrees, as I couldn't find larger angled ones that fit. I sawed the handle a few inches higher than you did, so pushing and pulling the cart with these elbows attached is doable, but still a little awkward. When not in use, the bottom half of the handle lays flat, while the top portion of the handle stands erect. I'll decline to post photos here, but let's just say I clearly didn't get my degree from M.I.T.

Anyway, I just ordered a set of the brackets that you used here, and while it'll only make it look quirkier than it already does, it will DEFINITELY make the cart slightly less cumbersome to use. I don't have to use it too often, and (thankfully) not a lot of people have to see it.

I'd also add that your photos and explanations are outstanding, so thanks for posting. They'll come in handy!!

Cheers,
Tom

I lay two individual 1 x 4 boards on the bed of the lift cart (roughly 16"-18" apart) so that they stick out on each side of the machine by a couple inches.....just to be safe. It puts the weight burden on the sides of the cabinet rather than the bottom.

I do the exact same thing! Same size boards and all.

As a FYI, regarding those boat hinges, they will only work with the 500lb HF lift cart. Ask me how I know. LOL

Great idea, but the 1000lb cart handle has a slightly larger girth, and the Bimini hinges won't fit.

Yep, mine won't lift at all until I open the handle completely. I'm sure that's due to tension on the wire, but rather than mess with it, I just move the handle slightly to the open position until it stops. Cart works flawlessly then.

Ditto. I use a couple 1 x 4's laid on the rubber mat, and the machine doesn't budge while raised. Of course, it's in a controlled indoor environment, and not moving on gravel or anything rough, but even when crossing a carpet bump, the things won't move.

Expires April 11, 2024

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Grab a coupla binimi boat hinges, and a cheap pipe cutter, and ya still can!

https://www.amazon.com/Keehui-Connector-Stainless-Coupling-Hardware/dp/B07W4HMMY1/ref=asc_df_B07W4HMMY1/