Sorry for the dumb question, but is there a safe way to use a trolley jack to raise a bike in the workshop? I guess it will require some form of flat platform to sit on top of the jack, but not sure what would work. Ta v muchly
Is it worth the risk unless your bike is an old knacker? The price of paddock stands and such like is far cheaper these days than say a tank respray.
Afternoon DD I moved house recently, bought a few bits and pieces off previous occupant inc a trolley jack . As it’s taking up space thought I should work out how best to make use of it around bikes. Also now proud owner of a Mig welder - signed up for training before I fire it up
Umm sense of adventure??? Not rolling around the garage floor smacking myself for being such a cheapskate whilst surveying the "fresh modifications"! Just a thought
There was a video somewhere of someone who used a trolley jack system where they had a stack of blocks one side and the jack the other side with a short length of scaffold board between the two, they pumped up the jack to lift the bike, then replaced the jack with blocks. Presumably it was off a side stand so the bike was at an angle to start with. Not suggesting you try this! Edit, just found a video, not sure if it is the one I saw before, but similar idea.
Cheers for all the thoughts! Eldon - have paddock stands, just trying to work out if I can safely get bikes to a more comfortable working height.... save my back Looks like I might have to track down a pukka lifting bench.
Trolley jacks have their uses but they are a bit wobbly! Probably okay to temporarily lift the bike while it is supported elsewhere. Better to lift cars with though. I can recommend these modified hockey pucks/rubber pads for various lifting jobs. https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Vehicle-Lifting-Rubber-Pads/63696/bn_75474084 And a hockey puck is quite good under a side stand.
If you have the room and the cash the below is brilliant, I have had a similar one for quite a few years and find it a great help as you are working at a comfortable height. https://www.google.com/search?q=bik...EigB&biw=1366&bih=608#spd=2468180043405020334
Andy, all joking aside I bought myself a hydraulic table for that very reason and it makes lots of jobs so much easier. Initial outlay wasnt cheap, about £360 plus whatever paddock stands etc. you'd need, but cry once is the expression Highly recommended.
DD - Don’t worry, wasn’t going to try and jack it up as is! Just thought I might be missing a trick so thought I would ask you lot Thanks for the link, will have a look around....
I use a trolley jack on my Trident..i just put a piece of wood across the lower frame rails and jack it up while on the side stand and it just evens out as i lift it.
I also have a hydraulic Jack in a box type which is good for offroad bikes, think sump guards, but limited for road bikes. Another disadvantage is where do you put anything, tools, nuts and bolts etc. Edit. Bonus brownie points if you can tell me what the shotblasted exhaust pipes are off in the background? Clue; a nice 80's Japanese 2 stroke that's now worth a few quid. Certainly makes fitting "yet another" mudguard easier
I previously had the 1jac which in some ways was good and convenient but limited in others. This wasnt mine but you get the idea. Edit, just noticed my 1jac, in red, in the previous jack in a box photo.
Think I've exhausted most options as Ive also previously had the cantilever style platform. Good for heavy bikes but only inches off the floor so not good to solve the back issue. Something like this as mines now been sold; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Liftmast...ispr=1&hash=item214cca8146:g:-QgAAOSwF5hb9VmR Any questions on any of these fire away?
Something i've been deliberating over recently. If you're bold check our this link or just type in Wooden motorcycle lifts on y---t--- Basically a wooden version ol Eldons lift using the one Dozers Dad highlighted as the lifting mechanism. Metal versions also but unless you've already got the small lift and some scrap industrial shelving or the like it'll probably be cheaper to buy one. Just a thought!
I went halves on a lift table with my son about 7 yrs a go. it was the best money I have ever spent in my garage. it truly makes working on bikes a pleasure I got a Bike-It hydraulic lift table. seems like a large outlay at the time. oh and my son moved out and left me the table
