won auction - two post lift...now what?

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I won an local online auction for a used Hofmann MSE 5000 two post lift, good for 11,000 lbs !!!!
I bid low so didn't think I would win....but I did! Now what? I don't have a place for it. I don't know the true value. Trade it off? Keep it for when I get a place? Try to sell it for profit?
What should I look for as far as damage. What is needed for mounting the thing. I imagine that a regular pad isn't up to snuff, or is it? Can I mount this outside, as in will the weather affect it safety wise?
Any person knowledgeable about these type lifts please give me some insight.
Thanks,

Richard

 

[NHBandit]

Spoken like a true garage junkie... Bidding on stuff you have no use for "just because". For mounting you'll want a concrete slab at least 4" thick. More is better & reinforced is even better than that. Some lift manufacturers specify thicker than that and it's not a bad idea. Outside depends on your location. Details man. Where ya at, what did you pay, how old it is if you know, is it complete ? If it's got a tag on it with stamped info it likely has a date. Pics ?

 

[Wayfastwhitie440]

Yes lets see pictures. And congrats on the win

 

[930dreamer]

Haul it where you can store it, then decide if you want to sell it or trade it off. Post some pics.

 

[uniballer]

http://hofmann.snaponequipment.eu/product/68281

 

[Mach5]

Color me jealous.

 

[uspatriot]

The two-post lift is perfect for tinkerers and hobbyists. It will lift anything you are likely to own, and will do it over and over. BUT...do NOT install it outside unless it's specifically rated for outdoors installation. Dr. Robert Beeman, The Beeman Tool Company, Bedford PA.

 

[uspatriot]

You'll need to mount the lift in 3000psi concrete, a fairly low-tensile pour and quite common. Drill out the holes with a half-inch concrete drill, then drop in a concrete expansion anchor [Lowes has them] in each hole. Be certain your lift posts are parallel and plumb. Dr. Robert Beeman, The Beeman Tool Company.

 

[justsam]

The link posted shows this as normally equipped with two 3 phase pump motors.

Do you know what this unit is equipped with? Not the end of the world but will take some effort/money if you do not have 3 phase power.

 

[justanengineer]

I bid low so didn't think I would win....but I did! Now what? I don't have a place for it. I don't know the true value. Trade it off? Keep it for when I get a place? Try to sell it for profit?

How low is "low" and where are you located? I ask bc in the midwest and NE, lifts arent really worth a whole lot on the used market, maybe $5-700 for a good condition, working Bendpak or Challenger that size. Combine that with fall season being a pretty terrible time to sell anything (prices are MUCH lower), and Id say it doesnt make much sense to sell until at least spring. Depending on how deep into it you are already and what your timeline for possibly having a space for it really are, it might not make sense to sell it at all.

 

[pattenp]

You sure about that? Most 2 post lifts I'm aware of use 3/4 inch anchors.

You'll need to mount the lift in 3000psi concrete, a fairly low-tensile pour and quite common. Drill out the holes with a half-inch concrete drill, then drop in a concrete expansion anchor [Lowes has them] in each hole. Be certain your lift posts are parallel and plumb. Dr. Robert Beeman, The Beeman Tool Company.

 

[Gary S]

It doesn't seem like a "win" if you don't have a plan.

 

[gunguy]

Sounds like the dog caught the car! Hope it all works out for you.

Jim

 

[mmack66]

It doesn't seem like a "win" if you don't have a plan.

It will probably be a "win" for the next guy.

 

[koditten]

Anyone with low ceilings and really want a lift will want that lift. Hell, those of us with full height lifts don't use the full capacity that often.

Hopefully you scored good on the price.

3/4 inch holes in concrete is the norm.

 

[LXCam]

That's awesome, you get a smoking deal but don't have a place for it.

How about setting it up at a buddies place. Someone you can trust and he can trust you as well.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I haven't picked it up yet. Here's a link to the auction site;
xxxxxxx
So now I'm thinking I should learn a little on three phase converters and so far it seems there are two types. Can anyone explain the differences, cost wise and difficulty to build. There also seems to be a problem on synchronization between the motors so maybe some explanation on that as well if possible.
Thanks,

Richard

 

[BFBOB]

Clicking on that link sent up all sorts of dire warnings from Firefox. You sure that's a legit website?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Hmmm. I'm using the latest FF and haven't seen any warnings. If I knew how I'd take a screen shot.

Richard

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Try this one;
xxxxxxxx

Richard

 

[LXCam]

Yo always, that link blew my warning stuff up huge.

 

[bazzateer]

Love the warning stickers!

 

[egnorant]

I stored mine for 5 years before I had a spot to install. But a screaming deal is a screaming deal!

Bruce

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Love the warning stickers!

Are you saying you like the pic of the warning sticker on the side of the lift or the Firefox warning? I'm hoping the former.

Richard

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Update;
I sold the lift
I had to as I've lost the place I'm renting - new owners. It went to a fellow GJ follower who seems that he can really use it. He gave me a tour of his shop where he builds custom cabinets for customers. He's got a few project vehicles that the lift should come in handy for.

Richard

 

[C96]

I haven't picked it up yet. Here's a link to the auction site;
xxxxxxx

Try this one;
xxxxxxxx

Richard

 

[Tbirdtc]

In southern states they use indoor lifts out side all the time if u disconnect power and do somthing to keep electrical contacts out of weather u should be fine using it out doors. it does rain on these things not to mention I see detail idiots soak them all the time
I imagine when u say u think of putting it out doors u mean occasional use in good weather.
I have seen these stored outside for 10 years in snow then put back into service what's the difference if it's set up tarped then used in summer.
Also swapping motor may be just as easy as a phase converter my friend has a aftermarket 110 pump on his it's painfully slow but nbd