Weaver Auto Lift?
- Thread starter edboyles
- Start date
Aahz
Well-known member
edboyles said:
I wish I had seen your post earlier, I might have saved you a trip.
Weaver Lift is out of business....they went belly up around 20 years ago. They were decent lifts in their day..actually top of the line for 20 years ago...While there are still places you can get replacement parts for them, they are getting to be more and more expensive every year.
I am not aware of any Weaver lifts still in production, either in or out of the country.
I made the trip and was pleased with the condition and price.The dimensions work well for my setup and I placed several calls to vendors and it seems that parts are still available. My frequency of use makes this a perfect option. I go back Friday to load it up. If anyone else has a Weaver 2 post lift I would like to hear from you......Eric
ancient post I am reviving. I have recently bought a Weaver AFH 90 and have found everything needed to be very available. I am not happy with SVI NOT selling to end users and HAVING to go to one of their "authorized dealers" and paying retail list for anything needed from them. but fortunately I have found most of what I have needed by other means. like the bearings on the carriages the arms attach to within the columns, and also that the chain rollers use I found via Motion Industries and thru Ebay...
I was only gonna replace the couple that I noticed were stiff or spun rough; but for the price I paid, they are all getting changed while I still have the lift in pieces.
the only thing so far I have "had to" get from the stealer is the rebuild kits for the cylinders; $30 per kit for each cylinder $30 to rebuild them is better than what I was quoted for new cylinders but for what that $30 bought me I felt ripped off-- an O ring, a wiper seal, and 1 lip seal
I wouldn't mind finding a spare cyl or 2 to have on hand, but NOT paying new price for one... even if someone had a good used one laying around that I could pick up and rebuild, "just in case".
I an goin thru this whole lift before I put it up so I have zero issues once it's up. I separated the fluid reservoir and dumped the fluid which was black... as were the lower most foot or so of each ram once I disassembled the cylinders; so I cleaned out all the **** and am going with all new fluid.
this thing is built like a brick **** house.... way heavier than any current prod. lift unless you spend the $6K for a Mohawk....
So, Ed, if you're still around GJ, how did you make out with your Weaver?
I was only gonna replace the couple that I noticed were stiff or spun rough; but for the price I paid, they are all getting changed while I still have the lift in pieces.
the only thing so far I have "had to" get from the stealer is the rebuild kits for the cylinders; $30 per kit for each cylinder $30 to rebuild them is better than what I was quoted for new cylinders but for what that $30 bought me I felt ripped off-- an O ring, a wiper seal, and 1 lip seal
I wouldn't mind finding a spare cyl or 2 to have on hand, but NOT paying new price for one... even if someone had a good used one laying around that I could pick up and rebuild, "just in case".
I an goin thru this whole lift before I put it up so I have zero issues once it's up. I separated the fluid reservoir and dumped the fluid which was black... as were the lower most foot or so of each ram once I disassembled the cylinders; so I cleaned out all the **** and am going with all new fluid.
this thing is built like a brick **** house.... way heavier than any current prod. lift unless you spend the $6K for a Mohawk....
So, Ed, if you're still around GJ, how did you make out with your Weaver?
there is another member here that PMd me about a AFH 88, the AFH 50,70,90 are symmetrical style and from the pix I saw the AFH 72 and 88 are assymetric style. Don't be afraid of parts availability. I have found everything for mine most in places you wouldnt think of. most is common industrial compunents like chain and bearings. Motors can also be had without getting ahold of a "lift parts supplier" specifically
Ive had mine up now about 3 months and so far do good IDK how I got by w/o one as long as I did before buying my own lift
Ive had mine up now about 3 months and so far do good IDK how I got by w/o one as long as I did before buying my own lift
I looked at a weaver a guy had for sale in his home garage, 5,000 lb unit. Well built, similar to a mohawk in construction, had a floor plate for a chain, single ram style. Probably from the mid eighties I'm guessing.
Had a big mounting area on the posts as well which I liked. Had it been rated for at least 6,000 lbs and if the guy would have come down in his price a bit I would have bought it for sure.
It did lift my 99 explorer pretty easily though.
Had a big mounting area on the posts as well which I liked. Had it been rated for at least 6,000 lbs and if the guy would have come down in his price a bit I would have bought it for sure.
It did lift my 99 explorer pretty easily though.
I think this is a Weaver for sale in NJ. The Mohawk distributor I got my Mohawk from suggested I buy this lift instead, but I wanted a clear floor.
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/3974975243.html
ac
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/3974975243.html
ac
yup. that makes it worth it.
and I degreased/painted mine while it was in pieces, it was easier that way. theres a guy local to me that I found out after I had mine up, that has a 7K version. His has been painted several times while standing and man it shows...
I had the "luxury" of my son working at a small manufacturing place with a powder coating booth. My lift got blasted and powdercoated piece by piece while it was apart. It wasn't fee but it was cheaper than it would have otherwise been, or would be now, as my son now has a different job...
3/4tonYJ
Well-known member
Weaver was bought out in 1989 by Rotary My particular one is a 1986. there is a place online called Castle Equipment that doesn't have parts I guess its a museum of sorts for all things Weaver) but if you E mail them you serial number they will tell you the year. They did for me.
(anything parts wise youre gonna get referred to SVI which ***** because they only sell to their distributors)
those cylinders are a cakewalk to rebuild if your rams aren't scored (if so cyl may be junk) there are 2 types; on mine the kits were a whole $30/cyl. but if you need cylinders I was quoted $900 a piece.... thru SVI, via a damn distributor... I'd rather buy direct but they are "proud" of not selling direct to guys like us, which pisses me off
I'd like to find a spare cyl or 2 to have here just in case.. used is fine, I'll rebuild if necessary.
those seal kits were the only parts that I wound up needing, that I found that I had to get from the distributor,
everything else needed I was able to get elsewhere. On the carriage rollers, chain idlers etc they have a sleeved bearing, (sleeve over outer race) and you may find some stiff and hard to spin... you can pop the bearings out of the roller sleeves and get the bearings separate. you can get them cheaper than I did, but I don't suggest them.(but they are mass produced no name China) I paid an average of $11 each for mine all name brand well known to industry bearings. They are a ball bearing, available "open" or sealed 1 side, or both. You will want the sealed both sides if you wind up replacing them, there are 14 of these bearings throughout the lift I replaced them all... I wound up dealing with 3 or 4 different sellers on Ebay to be able to get that many... Get a known name brand like SKF or Fafnir I paid from $8/ea to $14/ea for them, much cheaper than Motion Industries wanted for the same ones and cheaper still than the "lift parts company" wanted.... there are sometimes ways around the "distributor only" parts chain if you know where to look
I don't remember if the chain was a #60 or a #80 but it is available from industrial supply houses. (I just need some new master links)
unfortunately I have not yet found an alternate source for cylinders or kits so if I wind up needing those down the road, I may be screwed...
I replaced what I did just as a matter of maintenance, while it was apart/ so I don't have to later...
and yes those columns are heavy... 4 of us almost weren't enough to lay them over onto my trailer without anyone getting hurt,
when I dismantled it at the place I bought it from, my son borrowed a tractor/bucket to help us when we stood them back up again
(anything parts wise youre gonna get referred to SVI which ***** because they only sell to their distributors)
those cylinders are a cakewalk to rebuild if your rams aren't scored (if so cyl may be junk) there are 2 types; on mine the kits were a whole $30/cyl. but if you need cylinders I was quoted $900 a piece.... thru SVI, via a damn distributor... I'd rather buy direct but they are "proud" of not selling direct to guys like us, which pisses me off
I'd like to find a spare cyl or 2 to have here just in case.. used is fine, I'll rebuild if necessary.
those seal kits were the only parts that I wound up needing, that I found that I had to get from the distributor,
everything else needed I was able to get elsewhere. On the carriage rollers, chain idlers etc they have a sleeved bearing, (sleeve over outer race) and you may find some stiff and hard to spin... you can pop the bearings out of the roller sleeves and get the bearings separate. you can get them cheaper than I did, but I don't suggest them.(but they are mass produced no name China) I paid an average of $11 each for mine all name brand well known to industry bearings. They are a ball bearing, available "open" or sealed 1 side, or both. You will want the sealed both sides if you wind up replacing them, there are 14 of these bearings throughout the lift I replaced them all... I wound up dealing with 3 or 4 different sellers on Ebay to be able to get that many... Get a known name brand like SKF or Fafnir I paid from $8/ea to $14/ea for them, much cheaper than Motion Industries wanted for the same ones and cheaper still than the "lift parts company" wanted.... there are sometimes ways around the "distributor only" parts chain if you know where to look
I don't remember if the chain was a #60 or a #80 but it is available from industrial supply houses. (I just need some new master links)
unfortunately I have not yet found an alternate source for cylinders or kits so if I wind up needing those down the road, I may be screwed...
I replaced what I did just as a matter of maintenance, while it was apart/ so I don't have to later...
and yes those columns are heavy... 4 of us almost weren't enough to lay them over onto my trailer without anyone getting hurt,
when I dismantled it at the place I bought it from, my son borrowed a tractor/bucket to help us when we stood them back up againthat's the same model Weaver that I have
and no, what you see advertised as a "Derek Weaver" lift now a days are NOT anything the same as these (not saying anything good or bad about those, just that they are a rebranded "Direct Lift" brand lift
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CodyY
Well-known member
Although, the Derek Weaver products are not bad. I'm very impressed with mine (for the money and hobby usage mine sees) even as a former dealer tech and having sold Rotary and Challenger in the past.
3/4tonYJ
Well-known member
thanks for all the information.
I just emailed Castle Equip. it would be nice to know the year of this lift.
I think I'm going to update my old garage thread with the install of this lift.
I just emailed Castle Equip. it would be nice to know the year of this lift.
I think I'm going to update my old garage thread with the install of this lift.
3/4tonYJ
Well-known member
they returned an email today,
mine pictured in earlier post was made in 1981, 32 years old. If I had to guess I would had guessed closer to 50 years. they also said it was originally green.
we'll see, I might repaint..... I might not....
mine pictured in earlier post was made in 1981, 32 years old. If I had to guess I would had guessed closer to 50 years. they also said it was originally green.
we'll see, I might repaint..... I might not....
mobilus
Well-known member
So, has anyone dealt with, or purchased a lift from http://www.derekweaver.com/ and are you happy with your purchase? A friend of mine sent me the link, and I am in no way associated with the company. The prices look good though.
nope the Weaver lifts I am talking about, had already been bought out by the time this guy came on the scene.... one difference is that the Weaver lifts we talk about here, were actually built by a company called Weaver, not just a guys name stuck on a lift that was built by someone else and they don't do much to hide that fact..... that is not to say that Derrek Weaver lifts are junk or not.... no idea about that
kits are available to fix the cylinders, easy repair and CHEAP to buy compared to new cylinders don't let that scare you.... these things are tanks
3/4tonYJ
Well-known member
I got a couple rebuild kit from the local hydraulic store, no problems and now have zero leading fluid.
attached are acouple pics that don't do justice, this is one heavy duty 9000 rated lift....
View media item 39524
View media item 39526
stngfever
Well-known member
Another Classic Weaver Lift! Woo Hooo!
I'm the other member Volaredon referenced that PM'd him for some info.
I have the AFH-88. It's a "Space Miser". While I didn't necessarily need a "Space Miser" unit with 12' ceilings, couldn't pass up the GREAT price for such a tank like built unit!
I'm the other member Volaredon referenced that PM'd him for some info.
I have the AFH-88. It's a "Space Miser". While I didn't necessarily need a "Space Miser" unit with 12' ceilings, couldn't pass up the GREAT price for such a tank like built unit!
78Chops
New member
I know this is an old thread but I was hoping a Weaver owner could give some info on the steps to remove and install a two post weaver lift. I am set to purchase a Weaver 2 post lift(7,000 lb) this week but have not yet laid eyes on it.
Thanks, Clint.
Athens, GA.
Thanks, Clint.
Athens, GA.
stngfever
Well-known member
78Chops,
Do you know what model the lift is? I have a couple of the original install manuals in pdf form.
Do you know what model the lift is? I have a couple of the original install manuals in pdf form.
love the '74-76 Dodge truck grille in the garage with working headlights even! I have a 77/78 one, an 81-85 and an 86-90 Dodge truck grills hanging in mine.... my cousin suggested putting headlights in them and lighting them up once before.... and I know that he doesn't come here to GJ so he couldn't have stolen your idea LOL
the bst piece of advice? plenty of strong bodies and/or a tractor to help lift and lower the columns.... 4 of us dang near got crushed laying my columns down onto my trailer, we had 1 guy push it over while 3 of us tried to "steady" the column as it laid down for that quick second it took for the "pusher" to grab hold... we used a 27' semi truck tie down strap wrapped around the top
I was the "anchor" at the end of the strap and my feet were sliding out from under me as the post fell...
my plan was to use a come a long to set them up, anchored to a pipe laying across several ceiling joists (my garage is all stick built and 16" OC) but my son cam up with a plan that worked better.... he borrowed a tractor with a bucket, we took the bucket off and used the lift arms that way...
once standing, we were able to slide the columns "just" where they needed to go. just go S-L-O-W doing this...
I traced the foot of the column onto 2 pieces of scrap paneling I had around cut them out, and used those to measure and center my lift within my door opening, I measured and set the pieces of paneling according to the Install manual and put short pcs of masking tape around those for layout, and then walked the columns inch by inch to where they need to go, then drilled for the Red Heads (concrete anchors) with the columns themselves in place.
I forget what exactly, but the is not much difference between the 7K capacity and 9K capacity versions; I know that the "feet" that make contact with the car are different, one has "screw" feet and the other has flip up feet.
there is a difference in the way the sprocket at the top of the columns is designed, the biggest difference even with the 5K version is that this one only has 1 lift cyl while the 7K/9k have 2 of them (and they are the SAME between the 7K and 9K versions) if you find a parts breakdown (go online to SVI Inc, they have them online there) it's readily apparent the differences between them.
just check your chains and rollers NOW before you put it up, while it is down.to do any maintenance on it while you are taking down and putting it up, not after it's up. I have put some of the things to check and do to this lift earlier in this thread. Rebuild the cylinders now, (piece o'cake)
There aint much that can go wrong with the arms, columns and carriages. and the motor/hydro unit can be had if needed, (does not have to be "the" exact same as original, they are always listed on Ebay) the roller bearings can be had via Ebay or a bearing house, as can the chain, these lifts were meant to last several lifetimes.
The thickness of the columns, the sheer size (sq ft) of the column feet, you do not see, in newer lifts.
too bad GA is so far from IL or I'd offer to help with takedown/install.... it really wasn't that bad though I had good help. (my son my cousin and a neighbor, on both take out and install, and since it was ~7-8 months between these 2 very important steps, it took everyone that was there initially to help me remember just where every little piece went back together... (I'm 47, gettin old LOL) I've had mine up n running for ~1-1/2 years
and just because I like having spare parts around for everything, I would still be interested in acquiring 1 or 2 good used cylinders..... these are the only things not available "readily" in my local area. my plan is to rebuild them then "mothball" them just in case. As it turns out one of my cylinder rams is scored and leaks ever so slightly even rebuilt. (the ram isn't part of the "kit" LOL) If it doesn't get worse I will certainly live with it, the leakage is about 95% less than what it was when the PO had it....
and just because I like having spare parts around for everything, I would still be interested in acquiring 1 or 2 good used cylinders..... these are the only things not available "readily" in my local area. my plan is to rebuild them then "mothball" them just in case. As it turns out one of my cylinder rams is scored and leaks ever so slightly even rebuilt. (the ram isn't part of the "kit" LOL) If it doesn't get worse I will certainly live with it, the leakage is about 95% less than what it was when the PO had it....
oh one more thing.... I have seen a few of these come up for sale mostly on government auctions, seems a lot of public works type places bought these lifts in the day. The biggest complaint seen in the sale listings is safeties that do not work. Mine, too, were finicky. Setting the raised car onto the sa,fety locks, so the columns don't have to hold the weight themselves, is the best thing you can do to prolong the life of the cylinders.
It is an easy fix but you gotta know someone with machine shop access (it helps to have buddies!) The safety itself, is a piece of metal, about 3/4" thick, that roughly looks like a small scale of the state of Michigan LOL. The 'thumb" is what catches the column and holds the weight of the car. Between that "thumb" and the rest of the "mitten" is a pivot hole that wallows out over the years so the safety wobbles. there is a spring in there that holds it unlocked when you pull the safety for lowering. What I did was to have it drilled (milled) out round again and bushed it back to "standard" Once apart and in your hand it will make more sense. the spring looks like one on an old Ford or Dodge drum brake, the spring for the self adjuster "finger"/// only about 3X the size.
I hope this is helping and not just making things more confusing.
but if you have much mechanical know how while it is important to have everything in top shape, most should be "self explanatory" once you see the lift and how it all goes together.
BE CAREFUL, take the lift arms off when disassembling and put them back on last...
but that carriage within the column can be a pinch point while raising/lowering the columns so be CAREFUL where your hands and fingers are during the process!
It is an easy fix but you gotta know someone with machine shop access (it helps to have buddies!) The safety itself, is a piece of metal, about 3/4" thick, that roughly looks like a small scale of the state of Michigan LOL. The 'thumb" is what catches the column and holds the weight of the car. Between that "thumb" and the rest of the "mitten" is a pivot hole that wallows out over the years so the safety wobbles. there is a spring in there that holds it unlocked when you pull the safety for lowering. What I did was to have it drilled (milled) out round again and bushed it back to "standard" Once apart and in your hand it will make more sense. the spring looks like one on an old Ford or Dodge drum brake, the spring for the self adjuster "finger"/// only about 3X the size.
I hope this is helping and not just making things more confusing.
but if you have much mechanical know how while it is important to have everything in top shape, most should be "self explanatory" once you see the lift and how it all goes together.
BE CAREFUL, take the lift arms off when disassembling and put them back on last...
but that carriage within the column can be a pinch point while raising/lowering the columns so be CAREFUL where your hands and fingers are during the process!
Revising an old thread with some updates. Good news...SVI now sells to the public. Bad news, they **** you. I have Weaver AFH50, ONE seal kit was $69.00, but it doesn't stop there... $4.00 handling, and $19.00 SHIPPING. I dang near had a heart attack about the shipping and was told I didn't have to buy it, she could cancel the order. Quick question, will I need to bleed this when I get it back together? If so, how? Where do I add fluid to top off the reservoir?
stngfever
Well-known member
The weavers are a self bleeding system. I fully raised and lowered mine a couple times.
Look here for the Weaver seal kits:
http://www.parts4lifts.com/store/page26.html
I also have a weaver cylinder identification document. Also have an installation/owners manual for AFH72 & AWH72 in pdf.
Thanks for the link. How do I top off the reservoir? I'm guessing by removing the square headed pipe plug.. I called parts4lift after ordering from SVI and discovered they get their parts from SVI. I know it's taboo but I routinely lift my F150 with the 5k lift... Maybe that's why seals started leaking.
SILVERPLATE
Well-known member
I assuming you heading over to Derek Weaver Lifts in Arlington. Great folks to deal with, neat showroom with working lifts. I purchased my Direct-Lift from them delivered and installed. They several a few different makes of lifts. Good place to visit and get an education on lifts prior to purchase.
SILVERPLATE
Well-known member
stngfever
Well-known member
WRONG!
Weaver lifts was around until late 80's when they we're bought out by Rotary!
I too have an older Weaver AFH lift!
As for the question on topping off the fluid, mine has 3 clips at top of plastic "container" that clips the fluid container onto the pump housing. Hold onto bottom of container (better to have a helper hold it) then release the clips, lower fluid container below pickup tube and place on floor. Now add fluid.
stngfever
Well-known member
SILVERPLATE
Well-known member
You should read it all, you did not understand it.
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stngfever
Well-known member
What don't I understand?
The fact that "Weaver" started manufacturing jacks and jack stands in 1910, progressed to manufacturing in ground lifts, then onto 2 post (AFH 2 poster) lifts until they we're bought out by Rotary in 1989 and subsequently discontinued.
Derek Weaver was born in 1962 and founded Weaver Lift Brand in 2008. Of which Rotary gave him the "OK" to revive the name. "The Weaver Lift brand is currently used to label only carefully selected products from industry leading quality manufacturers."
Hence my statements that you are wrong that the AFH 2 posters in question in this thread we're manufactured by the original Weaver MFG, not the Derek Weaver company that re-brands lifts!
stngfever
Well-known member
My AFH-88 has "reservoir" attached with 3 clips at top.
Without seeing a pic or 2, can't tell on yours. Wondering if you have clips at top, screw on, or....
Hi stngfever, Craig here,
I read you have install manual and use manual for AFH-72 weaver lift.
I would love to know your parts source and if you have any advise suggestions. I have one and am just refurbishing it after sitting a few years.
I find much more on the AFH-90 than I do on the 72.
Mine is missing a few parts, so trying to see what they look like too!
Thank you,
Craig
I read you have install manual and use manual for AFH-72 weaver lift.
I would love to know your parts source and if you have any advise suggestions. I have one and am just refurbishing it after sitting a few years.
I find much more on the AFH-90 than I do on the 72.
Mine is missing a few parts, so trying to see what they look like too!
Thank you,
Craig