Used Mohawk Lift Advice

[JDVERMONT]

Hi Folks--Used the forum for research a lot but just joined to get your advice:

I'm looking at a used Mohawk lift on Craigslist. It was made in 1981, Model TP-9. Looks from the photos to be in decent shape. The folks at Mohawk said they wouldn't have any qualms about buying a lift this old. What do you guys think? The owner was asking $1500 but will take $1000. I'm planning on using it in my home shop, so it won't see a ton of use. I know I could get a new chinese lift for under 2k, but I'm attracted to the USA and thick steel factor.

Bottom line question: Would you pay 1k for a 30 year old well-built lift?

 

[sberry]

Wouldnt bother me, couldnt find one when I needed it and bought new.

 

[Rodhotz]

Used $1000 30 year old lift vs $2800 new lift. I have been checking out lifts on CL for the past 6 months and the guys are way off on their pricing. A 30 year old lift that has seen who knows how much use i would have a hard time paying 500 bucks for. Mohawk is a very good brand but it is still 30 years old. I have been finding lifts 7-10 years old for the same price of 1500-2000 and that is out of line when a new American made one is 2800 delivered.

 

[Ironhorse]

Hi Folks--Used the forum for research a lot but just joined to get your advice:

I'm looking at a used Mohawk lift on Craigslist. It was made in 1981, Model TP-9. Looks from the photos to be in decent shape. The folks at Mohawk said they wouldn't have any qualms about buying a lift this old. What do you guys think? The owner was asking $1500 but will take $1000. I'm planning on using it in my home shop, so it won't see a ton of use. I know I could get a new chinese lift for under 2k, but I'm attracted to the USA and thick steel factor.

Bottom line question: Would you pay 1k for a 30 year old well-built lift?

Chain or cable? That is about your biggest worry...a cable lift that old will strech some...also Open top? closed top? if it is a chain open top pain in the *** to install..but a good lift for low ceilings...drawback...no height stops...like the newer ones with the closed tops...I am sure you can install one if needed. A 30 year old Mohawk lift has the following advantages...1 The steel has not been recycled 20 times and will be stronger then a new lift, 2 made in USA, 3 Made in USA ....4 the weight rating of the lift will be higher then the new one...You will hear pro's and con's I am sure but really what can break? Hydro Rams? yes but a pretty easy rebuild at your hydro shop..some little odds and ends..but in a whole..not much can go wrong...the new lifts eveyone that is jumping up and down about for 2k...are pos lifts...I just bought a used 4 post rotory lift open front for 3500 plus 1k for shipping and the lift is 10 years old...could have bought a brand new one...but if I really wanted a recycled Toyata in my garage I guess I would not be on GJ....

 

[JDVERMONT]

Chain or cable? That is about your biggest worry...a cable lift that old will strech some...also Open top? closed top? if it is a chain open top pain in the *** to install..but a good lift for low ceilings...drawback...no height stops...like the newer ones with the closed tops...I am sure you can install one if needed. A 30 year old Mohawk lift has the following advantages...1 The steel has not been recycled 20 times and will be stronger then a new lift, 2 made in USA, 3 Made in USA ....4 the weight rating of the lift will be higher then the new one...You will hear pro's and con's I am sure but really what can break? Hydro Rams? yes but a pretty easy rebuild at your hydro shop..some little odds and ends..but in a whole..not much can go wrong...the new lifts eveyone that is jumping up and down about for 2k...are pos lifts...I just bought a used 4 post rotory lift open front for 3500 plus 1k for shipping and the lift is 10 years old...could have bought a brand new one...but if I really wanted a recycled Toyata in my garage I guess I would not be on GJ....

Thanks for the reply. It has an equalizer chain that runs along the floor in a covered plate. Is this what you're talking about being a PITA to install? If so, why? My ceiling is low, by the way, so this is one more thing the lift has going for it.

 

[Rodhotz]

is it like this one?

http://us.yakaz.com/posts/00072irful52ijbi

 

[Rentawrench]

Not sure Mohawks had anything between but a steel hyd line.

Mine is that old, take the serial number an call them, IF it's a Mohawk good deal, look at there website ,only thing NOTon mine is the arm locks to keep the arms from moving when in the air.

 

[rburke65]

I also bought a 24 year old Mohawk 9000# lift about a year ago. Payed $1500 for it and was happy to get it. I just got my shop up, and the floor in, and am starting to insulate but I am sure I will be satisfied with it when I do get it installed. No qualms about buying it. Very heavy. You can still buy the paint, in the original colors. I ordered and have received mine to bring it back to like new condition and a new set of decals with all the cautions and warning precautions.

 

[Al Bundy]

If you have any qualms about buying it just PM me where it is and I'll go buy it.

 

[JSK]

Typically, the main parts to inspect on older bearing / forklift channel type lifts are the roller bearings themselves and the journals (bearing axles). There will be eight large main carriage bearings and eight smaller (later support) carriage bearings. It’s hard to inspect these bearings when the lift is raised and loaded.

We like to think that ball bearings last forever but it simply is not true. Rotary, BendPak and Challenger all made lifts similar to Mohawk’s back in the early eighties – bearing inspection, maintenance and service was critical. The heavy “forklift” columns themselves will never wear out but typically on any two-post lift, columns are never a fatigued component. Check the bearing for excessive internal wear indicating worn balls and raceways.

I would also check the hydraulics if however possible. Mohawk lifts are hydraulically equalized. Leaking seals on any of the hydraulic components internal or external (hidden) can cause havoc with equalization (level lifting).

If the bearings check out good and all other components are functioning, I think you have yourself a good opportunity.

 

[1507dennis]

I purchased a used Bendpak two post lift which is 15 years old and it was lightly used by a classic car guy. The steel uprights are build like a lift truck mast (very heavy and thick). No leaks and it works perfect. I paid $900 for it and it is American Made... I looked for about six months for a lift and I am pleased with the price and performance!!!!!!!!!

 

[Al Bundy]

I purchased a used Bendpak two post lift which is 15 years old and it was lightly used by a classic car guy. The steel uprights are build like a lift truck mast (very heavy and thick). No leaks and it works perfect. I paid $900 for it and it is American Made... I looked for about six months for a lift and I am pleased with the price and performance!!!!!!!!!

You sure about that?

 

[Ironhorse]

Thanks for the reply. It has an equalizer chain that runs along the floor in a covered plate. Is this what you're talking about being a PITA to install? If so, why? My ceiling is low, by the way, so this is one more thing the lift has going for it.

That would be the gem...yes it is a PITA remounting the cover plate mounting and chain ( I did it my self)..but that is a great lift for your low ceilings...well done!!

 

[JDVERMONT]

Mohawks don't have equalizer chains or cables. They are hydraulic ram driven at each post. The only connection between the post is two 3/8 steel tubes that can be routed just about any configuration you can think of.

Just so folks know, the older Mohawks actually do have equalizer chains that run in an 1 1/2" ground plate. The newer units are hydraulically equalized. Anyway, looked at the lift today and am going to pick it up in the next week.

 

[1507dennis]

Originally Posted by 1507dennis
I purchased a used Bendpak two post lift which is 15 years old and it was lightly used by a classic car guy. The steel uprights are build like a lift truck mast (very heavy and thick). No leaks and it works perfect. I paid $900 for it and it is American Made... I looked for about six months for a lift and I am pleased with the price and performance!!!!!!!!!

You sure about that?

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 100% sure

 

[JDVERMONT]

FINALLY got the lift up and working--took about five hours. It was in fine shape, needed a hydraulic line and a chain adjuster. The thing is super beefy. You have to see a Mohawk in person to appreciate how well they're made.

THANKS FOR EVERYONE'S ADVICE. Glad I made the purchase--there's no replacement for being able to walk under a car. I'm just using it to do my own repairs, hopefully it'll last another 30 years.

 

[gjoe]

Next comes the overhead dormer...right?

 

[volaredon]

Next comes the overhead dormer...right?

seriously I gotta do that within my garage (no rafter/roof mods though just a few ceiling joists) I just bought a 1986 vintage Weaver it is built very much like this Mohawk. no top bar and it does have the floor plate... and yes 100% American Made with pure genuine American steel

 

[JDVERMONT]

Next comes the overhead dormer...right?

Built-in bed when I convert the upstairs to an apartment But it isn't bad how it is--can walk under it and will pick up a rolling creeper/stool. Sure beats rusty exhaust pipes flaking off in your eyes five inches away.

 

[gjoe]

I can feel for ya. I'm just in the middle of installing a used 2 post lift, and unfortunately, my ceiling is 8' with trusses above. Know I'll be raising my roof next spring. Congrats on yours. now you say you just picked up another one ? are you cornering the market, or what?

 

[YellowTT]

i guess i was being cheap for complaining about spending $4000 on a brand new system 1 10k mohawk lift. A company near me over purchased the system 1 unit. they were suppose to purchase 12 and an associate purchased 15. so they have 3 extras still in package taking up space in their warehouse. so the rep offered my 1 at $4000 drop off and unloaded from the truck to my garage. I want to install it myself.

Just trying to justify spending an extra $2K when i can get a decent 9k lift for under $2K delivered. think the mohawk is over kill for a home garage.

need some input guys

 

[Shadowdog500]

i guess i was being cheap for complaining about spending $4000 on a brand new system 1 10k mohawk lift. A company near me over purchased the system 1 unit. they were suppose to purchase 12 and an associate purchased 15. so they have 3 extras still in package taking up space in their warehouse. so the rep offered my 1 at $4000 drop off and unloaded from the truck to my garage. I want to install it myself.

Just trying to justify spending an extra $2K when i can get a decent 9k lift for under $2K delivered. think the mohawk is over kill for a home garage.

need some input guys

I don't think it is overkill for a home garage, especially when you are the one standing under a heavy truck. I bought mine used two years ago and at this point the price I paid is a distant memory.

Chris

 

[rburke65]

JDVERMONT.....you needed a hydraulic line...from where did you punched the hydraulic line? I'm thinking that I also will need one.....or two for my used Mohawk l fit. Thanks for any info.

 

[JDVERMONT]

I just had a 2 wire line made at the parts store--I called Mohawk and they said that was fine. The stainless they sell is SOOOOO expensive. 10' of regular line was $58 from the parts store.

 

[Al Bundy]

i guess i was being cheap for complaining about spending $4000 on a brand new system 1 10k mohawk lift. A company near me over purchased the system 1 unit. they were suppose to purchase 12 and an associate purchased 15. so they have 3 extras still in package taking up space in their warehouse. so the rep offered my 1 at $4000 drop off and unloaded from the truck to my garage. I want to install it myself.

Just trying to justify spending an extra $2K when i can get a decent 9k lift for under $2K delivered. think the mohawk is over kill for a home garage.

need some input guys

I'd do that deal in a heartbeat. In fact if you're anywhere near NY I'd take one of the other extras.

 

[JDVERMONT]

i guess i was being cheap for complaining about spending $4000 on a brand new system 1 10k mohawk lift. A company near me over purchased the system 1 unit. they were suppose to purchase 12 and an associate purchased 15. so they have 3 extras still in package taking up space in their warehouse. so the rep offered my 1 at $4000 drop off and unloaded from the truck to my garage. I want to install it myself.

Just trying to justify spending an extra $2K when i can get a decent 9k lift for under $2K delivered. think the mohawk is over kill for a home garage.

need some input guys

A new Mohawk may be overkill for a home garage.....but I will say I can still get parts for the 31 year old lift that I bought, which goes a long way. (They may be hella overpriced, but they have the parts!). As I said before, you have to see the difference in person to appreciate how beefy and well made the Mohawk is....kinda like Snap-On, is it going to make a HUGE difference, probably not, but it's quality. If I had the extra 2k without breaking the bank or making life stressful for a while, I'd go for it.

 

[spoolgarage]

If you were in the northeast i would buy that lift in a second. A comparable lift for $2000 does not exist.

 

[kvom]

My 7K Mohawk is a beast;

My only regret is not spacing the posts a bit further apart, as I cannot fit my car trailer between them.

In addition to raising my vehicles, I also use the arms to lift heavy items into and out of the truck bed when needed.