Help with Loadstar hoist buying decision

[TrapperJ]

I'm in the middle of a garage build. 30x40x12. I have ran across a Loadstar electric 1/2 ton hoist complete with trolly and 11 foot long monorail. It's old. But was working when disassembled. They are asking $600 is this s decent deal? I've researched this but there's not a lot of info readily available, or I'm searching in the wrong place. Thanks in advance for opnions

 

[Bobcat753]

Half ton isn't much. If its in good shape I'd buy it. Make sure where you mount it you have enough support and the right beam placement. I'd contact the building engineer to see if the building will accept a overhead hoist/rail system.

 

[TrapperJ]

It bring only 1/2 ton is a plus for me. I have laid 2 ..2x12s double stacked on top of my trusses. Trusses are spaced every 24". The 11' beam would spread its weight across the trusses. I'll likely use to work on lighter items. I'm really into motorcycles, there's not a bike the 1/2 ton hoist wouldn't make quick work of. Overkill I know, but a decent deal I think and now would be the time to add it.

 

[404]

The beam will force all the truss lower chords to be in line with each other. That is not the same as spreading the load evenly.

May not matter in the end, just fiy.