Motorcycle lift table conversion

[JJZ 109]

OK, I have a Harbor Freight 68892 motorcycle lift table. The hydraulic cylinder will raise the table just fine, that is until you actually put a motorcycle on it. Someone on a Harley forum has shown that they've converted it to air over hydraulic, but their posts are a little bit light on specifics. They've posted some pics but not really a step by step and a little vague. Harbor Freight lift table conversion to air - Page 4 - Harley Davidson Forums
I've removed the hydraulic part from the table. The pics will show what it looks like.
I'm considering an air operated hydraulic unit like this: 10 Ton Porta Power Hydraulic Air Foot Pump Control Lift Replacement 170 PSI New | eBay
Has anyone here attempted a conversion like this? Any ideas as to how to plumb it up? Here's what the jack now looks like since I removed it from the table and stripped the outer jacket off it, just like the pics in the HD Forums link show. The larger linkage pumps the jack up to raise. The smaller one lets pressure off to lower.

 

[JJZ 109]

I see that there are over 200 views on this thread, so someone must be curious. So here was my solution. Instead of trying to fudge my way through and probably blowing any seals that aren't already compromised somehow in the HF cylinder, I took the easier route and ordered what are probably better quality parts to start with. A replacement cylinder that runs with either manual foot pump or air foot pedal. Below are the hydraulic cylinder and foot pedal links if anyone else should happen to have a HF lift crap out on them.
LD1K & 1000L Replacement Hydraulic Pump - FREE SHIPPING
Redline RE-RFP Replacement Foot Pedal - FREE SHIPPING
So now I've got $250 more into a $299 HF lift table. The replacement parts are only slightly more than if I would have purchased the parts to try and plumb up the old cylinder and add a foot pedal. And there will be much less labor and plumbing involved.
It's always buyer beware with HF stuff, but a lot of guys have posted online about how they've had good luck with these tables and saved a ton of money over other brands. So I rolled the dice. Came up a little short this time. But it'll be better than new when I'm done with it.

 

[oldnslo]

Good luck JJZ,

Is the lift frame strong enough to support the load you are trying to lift? Reason I ask it because I have read some reports about the HF lifts not being sturdy enough for heavier bikes like full dress Harleys, Gold Wings, etc.

 

[JJZ 109]

Good luck JJZ,

Is the lift frame strong enough to support the load you are trying to lift? Reason I ask it because I have read some reports about the HF lifts not being sturdy enough for heavier bikes like full dress Harleys, Gold Wings, etc.

It's rated for 1,000 pounds. Of our 3 bikes the Street Glide is the heaviest at something over 700. It worked as it should for a couple of years and then it wouldn't lift a bike. I added jack oil and bled it. It would then raise with no load on it, but wouldn't lift a bike.
The main complaint that I've seen about this lift is the locking bar not being very sturdy and bending under some loads. My short term answer was to lower the table enough to have some weight supported by the bar and some supported by the hydraulics. I think the better solution is to find a stronger steel bar to use.

 

[90profx]

My bike is a 2007 Harley Road Glide.
Just ran across this post by accident. I'm in the process of converting my H/F lift to a Hyd unit using a Hyd Cyl and a Air/Hyd foot pump. I'll post up some pics soon so if there's still some interest in this mod to others, maybe it's make your job easier.

I'll have to admit, I too went with the 12T air over H/F jack at first, but as stated above the jack failed to lift more & more even though I did a full bleed of the system over and over. Took it out and tore it apart only to find the the problem is with where the oil pick up is located within the jack body allowing it to suck air. This is what caused me to change direction and build a jacking system designed to operate in all positions. Stay tuned.......................

 

[Tomtint]

Interesting,...I also have the HF bike lift. Have not had issues with it yet, but it is a piece of Chinese equipment..so it's inevitable there will be problems.. converting it to air would certainly be nice.

 

[90profx]

I'll get some pics posted as soon as I get to 3 posts........

 

[90profx]

Oh, just realized this will be post #3.....

 

[90profx]

Here's a few pics I just shot. I elevated the table by 3/4" by adding a new rear axle and shimming up the front casters. This was done to allow clearance for the Hydraulic hose running under the table frame. At the rear you'll notice a "L" bracket welded on center with a 1/2" hole towards the floor, this was done to keep the lift from sliding forward upon driving my bike onto the table, I have very smooth floors. I insert a 1/2-13 bolt thru the bracket into a threaded anchor in the garage floor, no more movement ! If there are any questions please let me know. I have out riggers that attach to the table for positive footing and stability when loading, there simple wooden planks on stools. If I have time later this week I'll post those up too, cheap to make and lite weight as well.

Front tie down bar had to be removable so I can store the table under my boat trailer (running out of room....:laughing

 

[L120]

I'm not confident to have 1/2 ton of tractor up on there torque'n a bolt and the entire thing tumps over. It just doesn't look wide enough.

 

[90profx]

For a tractor, your right width and small footing would be a problem. With a motorcycle the weight it centered. I've never had any doubts when my bike is on that table, plenty stout and stable for that. Here it is before I did the power hydraulic conversion.

 

[George2615]

Here's a few pics I just shot. I elevated the table by 3/4" by adding a new rear axle and shimming up the front casters. This was done to allow clearance for the Hydraulic hose running under the table frame. At the rear you'll notice a "L" bracket welded on center with a 1/2" hole towards the floor, this was done to keep the lift from sliding forward upon driving my bike onto the table, I have very smooth floors. I insert a 1/2-13 bolt thru the bracket into a threaded anchor in the garage floor, no more movement ! If there are any questions please let me know. I have out riggers that attach to the table for positive footing and stability when loading, there simple wooden planks on stools. If I have time later this week I'll post those up too, cheap to make and lite weight as well.

Front tie down bar had to be removable so I can store the table under my boat trailer (running out of room....:laughing

Can you post what cylinder you used and where you got your cylinder and air/hyd pump. I have the same lift and considering changing mine too. I'm also going to build removable extension wings for each side so I can use it for my ATV and Mower. The wing kits are not available from the HF site anymore.

 

[90profx]

Here ya go, just copy and paste...............

SEARCH EBAY FOR:
10,000 PSI 10 Ton Porta Power Hydraulic Air Foot Pump Control Lift 170PSI

SEARCH EBAY FOR:
TEMCo HC0008 - Hydraulic Cylinder Ram Single Acting 10 TON 6" Inch Stroke

You'll also need to get an adapter for the hose end of the pump to fit the cylinder hose coupler, any hydraulic shop will fix you right up, ($3)

Pump was:$129 FREE SHIP
Cylinder was: $115 FREE SHIP

 

[SPYDERLK]

OK, I have a Harbor Freight 68892 motorcycle lift table. The hydraulic cylinder will raise the table just fine, that is until you actually put a motorcycle on it. Someone on a Harley forum has shown that they've converted it to air over hydraulic, but their posts are a little bit light on specifics. They've posted some pics but not really a step by step and a little vague. Harbor Freight lift table conversion to air - Page 4 - Harley Davidson Forums
I've removed the hydraulic part from the table. The pics will show what it looks like.
I'm considering an air operated hydraulic unit like this: 10 Ton Porta Power Hydraulic Air Foot Pump Control Lift Replacement 170 PSI New | eBay
Has anyone here attempted a conversion like this? Any ideas as to how to plumb it up? Here's what the jack now looks like since I removed it from the table and stripped the outer jacket off it, just like the pics in the HD Forums link show. The larger linkage pumps the jack up to raise. The smaller one lets pressure off to lower.
View attachment 450341View attachment 450342

Are you sure its not the bleed down valve unseating under the high pressure needed for the heavy load? - - I believe the valve is seated by a spring force that you overcome with the lever to lower the table. Perhaps that spring is too weak or there is a speck of debris in the valve.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

DAM you guys are lazy!! I have two of those HF lifts, and I never thought even for one second that they needed air power to lift them! Is it really that hard on you?? lol

SR

 

[George2615]

DAM you guys are lazy!! I have two of those HF lifts, and I never thought even for one second that they needed air power to lift them! Is it really that hard on you?? lol

SR

Yes it is getting hard. At least for me.
Years ago the arthritis in my legs didn't bother me so much. After 60 pumps on the foot pump to get the platform to full height I'm too sore to do the work. As I get older I want things to be easier not harder. I no longer like to work under my vehicles in the snow but a heated garage with a lift makes it easier. I used to change tires by hand with tire irons, I now have a machine for that too.You call it lazy, I call it working smarter.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I'm looking for easier ways of doing things too as I get older. For much the same reasons.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I'm already older, glad I can still do simple things like pump the lift up... How often are you having to do that anyway?? Several times a day??

To me, it looks like a lot of work spent to make a simple job, simpler? lol

SR

 

[George2615]

I'm glad you can do these simple things without pain. I wish we all could as we get older. How often do I need to do this? Maybe onceor twice a year for each vehicle but even that is too much. Will converting my cycle lift cost money and make it easier to work on my cycle and ATV, Yes it will. I consider myself able bodied and have always worked on my own vehicles. I choose to do it as easy as possible as to not cause aches and pains. I have severe arthritis in many places in my body. My doctor is in disbelief that I can do what I do in my garage. He tells me to take my stuff to others and let them work on it but I can't afford to do that. I can see by the outside work you do you are in better shape than I so good health to you my friend. I'm happy you are in better health than I.

 

[sandman2234]

I bought one of these used on a local Craigslist. It lifts my Ultra Classic fine. The thing that bothers me most about it, is the lack of foot space when I drive the bike up on the lift. I can reach the ground with my feet, but it is a stretch. If something happened, like I missed the front wheel support which caused the bike to lean over suddenly, I might not be able to keep it from tumbling over. That bar thru the front eyelets gives me an idea on how to extend the floor. Thanks!!
David from jax