Harbor Freight Table Lift 1000lbs

[8flhtc8]

HI All,

I picked up a HF lift last week and now can change oil without lying on my back on the floor.  That's a good thing.  The bad thing is the amount of flexing that goes on with either 883 or dresser sitting on top of it while jacked up.  Pumps up great and all four pivot bolt pieces look to be plumb and flush without any metal distortions.  The safety 'pin' in a long metal rod about 7/8" to 1" in diameter and you use it to 'lock' the jack in the up position.  The rod bends like hell and the area of the frame that the Front lifting arms pivot also bends.  The rear ones are fine.  I can raise it back up and everything straightenes out.  Anyone have the same experience and if so did you do anything about it?

Thanks,
Mike 

[Mark222]

I have had mine for about 3 years now.  Never noticed any flexing like you describe.  And likewise it has been used for Sportsters and Ultras alike.  Some say it is junk, but I caught it on sale for $300 and picked it up, so no shipping $$$, and it does everything I need it to do.  I have rebuilt / restored 3 bike projects so far.  But you now have me curious.....................   I have it stowed away presently, but will certainly look closely the next time I use it.  But I think I would have noticed what you are describing.

Mark

[8flhtc8]

Hi Mark,
To give you an idea the difference in height from all the way up to locked in the upper position as about 4".  That's what got me to start looking under the table in the first place.  Can't get pic here but if anyone wants to see them send an email and I will kick them out to you.  
Thanks,
Mike

[Mark222]

Mike,

I agree mine has about 5" of lift above the top hole for the bar.  But usually let it down to rest completely on the bar while in use.

Send pics and I will take a look at what you are describing.

mlw_222@yahoo.com

Mark

[cig]

I just leave mine all the way up. I put the bar in foe safteys sake in case it would drop, but it has never leaked down.

[8flhtc8]

Hi Cig,
Do you leave it up there for extended periods of time?  Like a week?  When I first got it I did pump it all the way up and let it sit all night and no leak down.  Then put wife's sporty on it and again no leak down. 
Thanks,
Mike

[cig]

8 days is the longest. Never leaked. Like I said, put the bar under it for saftey.

[HogBob]

I can leave mine full extended for a couple of weeks with no leak down. I insert the safety bar just as a precaution. I don't know how you could bend the bar unless you didn't insert it all the way through the holes on both sides of the lift and lowered the full weight of the bike down on it. That would cause the lift to flex and the bar to bend. No problems lifting my Ultra or DynaSport.

Bob

[8flhtc8]

HogBob,  When you lift your Ultra do you then lower it onto the pin or just leave the jack pressurized?  It lifts and lowers just fine but when the total weight is on the pin it bends/flexes.  Took some pics into HF tonight for a show and tell and they want it back.  Will exchange for another one on Sat.  Give me enough time to find someone to help me lift it back into the truck!  Bummer for me!

[harleyjt]

HogBob,  When you lift your Ultra do you then lower it onto the pin or just leave the jack pressurized?  It lifts and lowers just fine but when the total weight is on the pin it bends/flexes.  Took some pics into HF tonight for a show and tell and they want it back.  Will exchange for another one on Sat.  Give me enough time to find someone to help me lift it back into the truck!  Bummer for me!

Why would you think another one would act any differently?  Just curious.
jt

[IndyHarley]

If I understand what he is saying they shouldn't bow like that therefore I would want another one.