Work cart idea, what do you think?

[TheGrooveking]

I am contemplating getting one of these Harbor Freight hydraulic tables, which is on sale and placing a Matco chest on it. The Matco chest is an extra I bought back in the early 80's. Anyhow my idea is to put the chest on the hydraulic table so I can use it like a cart, but the benefit would be that I could lower it down, so when I am working under the car or on the wheels/brakes the tools are right there at the correct level, thus no need to use the old knees more than I need to, what do you think?

TheGrooveking

 

[Ray-CA]

Sounds like it will work and a good idea. A plus is that it would be a lot more stable to push the loaded cart/toolbox around when it's low to the ground and harder to tip over.

Post some photos when you get it done.

Ray

 

[jamesemery728]

Ingenious idea. (you have to be "older" to appreciate this kind of thinking).

 

[sirsloop]

I'm sure that will come in handy for a vast number of tasks. Loading a fridge into a truck is no longer a back breaking operation!

 

[Corvette Cave]

Good Idea

I saw that cart used as an outfeed table for different garage power tools.
Works well since you can adjust to different tool heights.

 

[red baron]

not too sure how top heavy that wil make it, but we had one of those at the last shop I worked at, and talk about a lifesaver!

 

[ahaidet]

I had thought of doing the same thing a few months back. But a friend of mine told me I was "over-engineering" as usual. So i just built mine with a Harbor Freight 3 shelf cart and left the middle shelf out. I then set one of my craftsman boxes on the bottom shelf and finished assembling the cart with the top shelf. I then attached some metal peg board to the back and hung some of my most used tools on it. Overall it was a cheap project and has made tool organization and storage a lot more functional in my garage. I will post pics this weekend if I find some time. I still have the benefit of having the tools lower when working low but I have to bend over when working on something higher to get the bottom shelf. But I am young so no complaints yet. I don't regret not using the hydraulic table.

 

[stok2]

I think this is a great idea, in fact I going to get one and do it.....thanks.

 

[sirsloop]

I bet you can turn that into a ****** jack...

 

[bindernut]

What's the weight rating, and how much $$ is it?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sounds like a good idea, I hope that hydraulic bottle doesn't leak off.

 

[sirsloop]

What's the weight rating, and how much $$ is it?

$200, 1000lbs

 

[TheGrooveking]

1,000 pounds and normal price $199.

TheGrooveking

 

[PCO6]

I have that same cart and am very happy with it. Apart from it's intended use, moving heavy stuff around, I use it mainly as an adjustable welding table and as a bench. I'm able to duplicate the height of my main bench and use the 2 together to support long items for working on or fabricating things. I've also used it for moving engines and transmissions outside to pressure wash them. I'm not too fussy about the table top. It gets banged up and I've even drilled holes into it to clamp down things that I am working on. They are well worth $200.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

Is the handle removeable? It looks like it would be a good jack for a 4 wheeler, would get it up higher than the regular motorcycle jacks do.

 

[supertooljunkie]

I bet you can turn that into a ****** jack...

I use one of the HF motorcycle jacks as a ****** jack. Works great. Place a sheet of plywood across the arms and set the ****** on top. Pull the handle off to fit under the vehicle and up it goes.
The tool box on the jack cart is "inspired". So simple, yet, so elegant in function.

 

[916matt]

i have the 500lb model and the seals in the ram went out after about 3 months. never put anything near 500 lbs on it. maybe 100lb max

 

[rsanter]

good idea
a friend of my dads has a transmission shop
all the guys there has a top box that they put wheels under
so when they are working under a vehicle their tools are easily accessable

bob

 

[Kevin54]

I think that is a great idea

I know that when I get under a vehicle, it doesn't last 30 seconds before I have to crawl out and get something I forgot.

 

[PCO6]

Is the handle removeable? It looks like it would be a good jack for a 4 wheeler, would get it up higher than the regular motorcycle jacks do.

Yes ... and no. The handle is locked in the upright position. You can remove a few pins and it will lay down to a more or less flat position. It can come off but the cable to release the hydraulic jack is attached to the handle. I have planned to modify mine so that the cable release is attached to the base and not the handle so I can pitch the handle when I don't need it. It will be easy to do ... just haven't got to it yet.

 

[december45]

whats the height when fully extended... and a great idea.... like it

 

[PCO6]

whats the height when fully extended... and a great idea.... like it

Fully extended it's 35.5" to the top side of the table. Fully collapsed it's 11". The clearance underneath is 5.5". The table top is 20" x 32" and it's 1/8" thick steel.

 

[ears]

Definitely a good idea, low tool boxes can be nice. I have a SO KRD340. Kind of a toolbox with handtruck wheels on back and casters up front. 4 drawers down low, I work on trucks no lift and fairly commonly out in the yard. It is nice to be able to open the drawers and grab what I need without coming out from under or trudging back across the yard for one little thing I forgot. Used to use a little red wagon for the yard, worked well but I would always need one thing I didn't bring.