Direct screw drive two post lift?

[bdk1976]

Anyone have one or know much about this design?

Came across a two post lift with no markings on it locally that uses a large screw in each post, driven directly by a motor (no hydraulics) at the top of one post via belts/pulleys with a chain connecting gears at the base of each post used to xfer power to post #2.

Seems to be a dated design, but looks pretty robust. Anyone familiar with lifts like these? Any safety/functionality concerns with this design?

I’ve seen references to older Hoffman and others in my research so far but no positive ID yet.

Thinking about picking this up if the price is right, but don’t want to spend $/time on something that I am unsure about design/safety wise.

 

[MrSurly]

First, pics are needed for sure.
I’ve never seen one but it sounds interesting. I’d really be curious to know if the threads show a bunch of wear before I would even consider it. But I’m very curious about it.

Id bet that it is very very slow to operate


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[finn]

So, where will you get parts?

 

[bdk1976]

I'll take pics if I decide to go check it out. Saw a couple taken by the owner but they are horrible quality.

There are a few examples I can find on the web, but none with any major detail.

Chances are I will pass on this unless I can get it dirt cheap to use as a second lift, but I was wonderring about the mechanism and why we don't see this on any of the current mainstream lifts. Is it a safety thing? Cost? Capacity/Speed limitations?

Here is a quick clip from a youtube video that briefly shows the lifting mechanism:

Looks like the plate that joins the two posts and contains the drive for the 2nd post is embedded flush in the concrete in this instance.

 

[bdk1976]

So, where will you get parts?

1) find out what model it is through pre/post sale research and order parts accordingly if available (if parts too costly, see below)

2) Make them myself or have them made. Or scrap/repurpose the machine if not cost effective.