Lifting large objects to a loft

[gtivr4]

So I am planning a shop that will have a decent loft space. Ideally I'd like to be able to move large objects up there like engines, lawn mowers etc. My one idea is to use a lift (planning on an in ground scissor lift), and create a bridge from the lift to the loft. The problem is that the lift only goes to 6 feet, and the loft would be around 8 feet off the ground. So you have a big angle to deal with.

What are my other options? For some things a small crane would work, but for large objects that seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

Oh and did I mention this needs to be done for a cheap as possible?

 

[A_Pmech]

$500 forklift from Craigslist.

 

[Cryptic1911]

how about one of those electric winches on a rolling channel from the ceiling? like those ones they sell at harbor freight? You can get those with pretty high weight ratings.. use some straps and chains, and you should be pretty safe

 

[gtivr4]

$500 forklift from Craigslist.

lol. Only if I can store it up there as well!

 

[gtivr4]

how about one of those electric winches on a rolling channel from the ceiling? like those ones they sell at harbor freight? You can get those with pretty high weight ratings.. use some straps and chains, and you should be pretty safe

Can those handle 1000lbs, and more important, can standard rafters handle that?

 

[Cryptic1911]

i'm sure you could get one to handle 1000 lbs.. not sure on the rafters, but it would be optimal to go across a bunch of them to distribute the load. take some pics of what you have, i'm sure someone else would have some more insight into the weight question

 

[DIC]

I have been gathering stuff to build one like this......Looks like it will work for me...

 

[Chimball]

Thats purty!

 

[dirttracker18]

I am getting some ideas, that can't be good

 

[bobadame]

I use this thing. It's a $200. Big Joe "push around" lift with a Harbor Freight pickup bed crane attached to the forks.











You could mount an I beam at the peak of your ceiling and use a hoist and a trolley

 

[russlaferrera]

how about one of those electric winches on a rolling channel from the ceiling? like those ones they sell at harbor freight? You can get those with pretty high weight ratings.. use some straps and chains, and you should be pretty safe

When you build the garage double or triple the the end beams where the end of the rolling I beam or channel will end, also under the beams (wall 2X 4s.) This will give you the extra support you will need. Depending on what you store up in the loft, the floor will have to be built to handle the load.

I used 2 X 12 X 16 ft with 3/4 plywood.

 

[oldcpecdr]

Here is my solution based on several ideas that were here before me...I used a Harbor Freight Hoist rated at 800 pounds but 1200 is available, 8 foot section of 4 inch I beam, two lifting straps, a 2000 pound rated trolley.

About 300 bux total including lots of threaded rod for hangers and a 2 x 10 to lay across the ceiling joists to "sandwich" the I-Beam and 2 x 10.... the I Beam runs acros about 6 joists .... took me more time to fabricate the trap door (4 foot x 6 foot) then to install the beam and hoist. I have hoisted my air compressor, sand blast cabinet, snow blower, several complete engines, with no deflection at all.

For occasional home use I would rate this particular Harbor Freight product MORE than adequate... email me if you have any how- to questions...

 

[gtivr4]

I have been gathering stuff to build one like this......Looks like it will work for me...

LOVE this idea. Simple, strong, easier than strapping things together to a crane, and out of the way when you don't need it. I'm thinking you could use some of those sliding garage door hangers as the vertical supports.

 

[Licensed to kill]

This is what I will use as soon as I get my mezzanine built in the next week or two. While it's not as cheap as some solutions, it is not a 'one trick pony' either. It extends 14 feet and will lift 800-900 pounds fully extended and about 2500 pounds fully retracted. The uses are endless. Examples would be, you can extricate an engine from a car out in the bush and set it on the deck. If you find a wreck in the middle of nowhere and you want the diff you can hook the side of the car and flip it over, torch the bolts and lift the diff onto the deck, no help required. You can unload heavy items from a truck and set them anywhere, I've even lifted a full 100 gal slip tank out of my DD truck and set it on the deck because I needed the other truck for something else. Once my mezzanine is built I will be using the picker to put my snowmobiles up there for summer storage. Once you own one you'll wonder how you ever got along without one.

 

[swharris]

Here is a commercial version.

 

[Hmrhead]

This is what I will use as soon as I get my mezzanine built in the next week or two. While it's not as cheap as some solutions, it is not a 'one trick pony' either. It extends 14 feet and will lift 800-900 pounds fully extended and about 2500 pounds fully retracted. The uses are endless. Examples would be, you can extricate an engine from a car out in the bush and set it on the deck. If you find a wreck in the middle of nowhere and you want the diff you can hook the side of the car and flip it over, torch the bolts and lift the diff onto the deck, no help required. You can unload heavy items from a truck and set them anywhere, I've even lifted a full 100 gal slip tank out of my DD truck and set it on the deck because I needed the other truck for something else. Once my mezzanine is built I will be using the picker to put my snowmobiles up there for summer storage. Once you own one you'll wonder how you ever got along without one.

Is that a clay pigeon thrower on the roll bar??

 

[Licensed to kill]

Is that a clay pigeon thrower on the roll bar??

Yes it is. Just stand on the deck and put a box of clays on the roof. Don't have to stoop

 

[Cracker Jack]

Ahh good question, and worthy aspiration. I've experimented with this sort of thing in a couple shops, and the cheapest, most effective solution I've found involves an I-beam, and a chain hoist. We've raised and lowered many a big old Haas Milling machine via this system. Chain hoists dont really cost too much, and are quite easy to use.

But yeah, one vote here for the I-beam/chain hoist combo. It works!

 

[rickycobra]

An electric pulley might be the cheapest and safest solution. Those two words should not be said together.