Modifying a Handy lift for a trike

Oldster · Nov 3, 2024

I have a handy lift I've had for several years and since I recently switched from 2 wheels to 3 it doesn't do me a lot of good. Oh, I can lift either end up but that really isn't ideal. It seems to me that it wouldn't be very hard to fabricate something for the rear wheels. The only problem I see is the weight of the trike. My Handy lift is rated at 1000 Lb.s and I think the Trike is 1200 Lb.s. It's an electric lift which they don't make anymore, I did replace the motor a few years back. I know that most companies give themselves a little extra margin of safety when they put maximum weight limits on machinery. I guess there is only one way to find out! I could just use a floor jack on the 3 corners and some jack stands but that's not going to get it as high as I would like

Dan SC · Nov 3, 2024

Overloading any type of lifting device is asking for trouble.

You need a lift that is rated for at least 1,300 pounds and is designed to lift a trike.

It`s a big heavy expensive motorcycle, and the proper lift is also big, heavy and not cheap...

I sold an almost new Handy lift that was rated for 1,200 lbs, because it seemed to struggle to lift the trike, and the wheels were slightly wider than the side extensions.

I bought a Handy BOB 1500 lift, it is rated to lift 1,500 Lbs. and is designed to lift a trike.

Marc H · Nov 3, 2024

I don't know about your model but extentions for width and length are available.If not i'm sure something could be fabricated.

Oldster · Nov 4, 2024

Dan SC said:
Overloading any type of lifting device is asking for trouble.

You need a lift that is rated for at least 1,300 pounds and is designed to lift a trike.

It`s a big heavy expensive motorcycle, and the proper lift is also big, heavy and not cheap...

I sold an almost new Handy lift that was rated for 1,200 lbs, because it seemed to struggle to lift the trike, and the wheels were slightly wider than the side extensions.

I bought a Handy BOB 1500 lift, it is rated to lift 1,500 Lbs. and is designed to lift a trike.

View attachment 129154

You're right, I guess it's going to be a different lift or the ol floor jack and jack stands! Well, it doesn't need service that often and I have couple car ramps that work fine on the rear wheels. I guess I could buy 2 more so I could have 1 for the front. I'll worry about it in about 4000 miles LOL!

Rogue1 · Nov 4, 2024

If you sold that one. it would cover much of the cost of a trike lift.

Dan SC · Nov 4, 2024

Rogue1 said:
If you sold that one. it would cover much of the cost of a trike lift.

A Handy BOB 1500 will set you back about $3,500 including shipping.

Oldster · Nov 5, 2024

For 3500 bucks I can have the dealer service it a bunch of times or just get on the floor like I did years ago and do it myself! My lift is probably worth 500, it's worth what someone will pay! I'll just keep my handy lift and make do; I've always wanted to get an old Guzzi to restore anyway. Or an original 750 Honda or whatever.

Dan SC · Nov 6, 2024

Oldster said:
For 3500 bucks I can have the dealer service it a bunch of times or just get on the floor like I did years ago and do it myself!

Whatever works for you.

Oldster · Nov 7, 2024

Dan SC said:
Whatever works for you.

Thanks for the information but this bike is under warranty for the next 5 years so other than normal service I won't be working on it. 3500 for a lift just doesn't make any sense to me, money is always a consideration. I put my lift in the floor several years ago so it wouldn't be in the way when not being used and I'd need to redo all that also. Nope, I'll just leave things as they are but thanks again

Rick J NH · Monday at 7:48 PM

Oldster said:
I have a handy lift I've had for several years and since I recently switched from 2 wheels to 3 it doesn't do me a lot of good. Oh, I can lift either end up but that really isn't ideal. It seems to me that it wouldn't be very hard to fabricate something for the rear wheels. The only problem I see is the weight of the trike. My Handy lift is rated at 1000 Lb.s and I think the Trike is 1200 Lb.s. It's an electric lift which they don't make anymore, I did replace the motor a few years back. I know that most companies give themselves a little extra margin of safety when they put maximum weight limits on machinery. I guess there is only one way to find out! I could just use a floor jack on the 3 corners and some jack stands but that's not going to get it as high as I would like

Sell it if u can Kida outdated sounds like I had same situation going from 2-3 I had the Handy 1200 sold it to Harley repair shop 1/2 what I paid then just bought the Handy Bob with trike attachment waited 2 months for it just getting around to unpack it and get it situated . What ur trying to do is not possible I thought of everything didn't want to buy another DONT mess with it to dangerous it won't pick up your trike anyway BITE the bullet and get something else Take care Be Safe !

Rick J NH · Monday at 7:59 PM

Dan SC said:
Overloading any type of lifting device is asking for trouble.

You need a lift that is rated for at least 1,300 pounds and is designed to lift a trike.

It`s a big heavy expensive motorcycle, and the proper lift is also big, heavy and not cheap...

I sold an almost new Handy lift that was rated for 1,200 lbs, because it seemed to struggle to lift the trike, and the wheels were slightly wider than the side extensions.

I bought a Handy BOB 1500 lift, it is rated to lift 1,500 Lbs. and is designed to lift a trike.

View attachment 129154

I just bought one Gotta do things the right way QUESTION ? Mine don't have wide Back legs how did you do that seems like mine should be the same No sure what to do but something needs to be done ?

Woody · Tuesday at 7:46 AM

I think I would use car ramps for the rear tires, letting the lift you have pick up the front tire until the bike is level.

Dan SC · Tuesday at 3:34 PM

Rick J NH said:
I just bought one Gotta do things the right way QUESTION ? Mine don't have wide Back legs how did you do that seems like mine should be the same No sure what to do but something needs to be done ?

You just bought one...That doesn`t tell us anything.

Exactly what did you buy?

Dpigguy · Tuesday at 8:51 PM

Same issue with my handy BOB 1500 as far as width goes. Even with the side extensions it’s not as wide as the trike and leaves about half of a rear tire off each side. Handy sells a trike adapter ($1000) for the 1500 but availability is “iffy” and to use it you have to remove the side extensions. That makes the table less useful for mowers, ATV’s, etc. I’m working on a design using steel plate fastened over the end of the existing table. I will not try to lift my trike until I can address the overhang as doing so is asking for trouble.

Marc H · Tuesday at 9:21 PM

Theres an Amco lift at work that was there when we were a powersports dealer.The side extensions are 2 piece. front and rear.If I think about it I'll try to get pics and model #.I've been getting ideas for mods to my table from it and the Handys to us on mine.

Rick J NH · Wednesday at 8:13 PM

Dan SC said:
You just bought one...That doesn`t tell us anything.

Exactly what did you buy?

I'm sorry, Handy Bob within trike attachement.

Rick J NH · Wednesday at 8:23 PM

Rick J NH said:
I just bought one Gotta do things the right way QUESTION ? Mine don't have wide Back legs how did you do that seems like mine should be the same No sure what to do but something needs to be done ?

I figured it out put it together today

DuncanRW · 2025-07-26T16:27:20-0500

Oldster said:
You're right, I guess it's going to be a different lift or the ol floor jack and jack stands! Well, it doesn't need service that often and I have couple car ramps that work fine on the rear wheels. I guess I could buy 2 more so I could have 1 for the front. I'll worry about it in about 4000 miles LOL!

Would putting a stronger motor on and making the pertinent metal parts stronger (probably with the "blue wrench"/welder and torch

) be feasible ?!

Modifying a Handy lift for a trike

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