Modifying a handy lift for a trike

[Oldster]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Dan SC]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Burnerboy]

I cut three 4X4 blocks of wood, and jack up the rear of TRIKE and place a 4x4 under each rear wheel, and that jack up the front and place the remain'nn block under the front wheel.... So now my bike is 4inches higher, a little easier to service..
caution> be sure to place a "wiretie" on your front brake lever, to keep trike from rolling off these blocks!!

Ronnie
11/7/24