I plan to buy a lift

[jthemmer]

This is my first snowmobile and for doing maintenance a lift/jack looks pretty handy. Now keep in mind I have never used or seen one in person. Are they gimicky or legitimate. Do any of you own one or have opinions on this?

 

[srx700c]

Very handy, not a gimmick. I believe there is a how-to-build-your-own posting somewhere here on TY, try a search if interested. If not I'm sure the web is full of pre-made versions. When I bought mine over a decade ago, the were available with or a without caster kit. I went with the casters and I'm glad I did, can even store a sled on the lift during the summer and move it around if needed.

I also have a hydraulic platform motorcycle lift that is too narrow for the skis but I can fashion up an "outrigger" saddle setup and bolt on to the end of the platform.

Thus 2 different types of lifts, the first one unloads the suspension and makes working on the front suspension and underhood very easy, and the other lifts the sled on it's suspension and also can act as a workbench due to the flat platform.

 

[snomofo]

Very handy, not a gimmick. I believe there is a how-to-build-your-own posting somewhere here on TY, try a search if interested. If not I'm sure the web is full of pre-made versions. When I bought mine over a decade ago, the were available with or a without caster kit. I went with the casters and I'm glad I did, can even store a sled on the lift during the summer and move it around if needed.

snip

X2 - I bought mine back in the 90's and also got the caster kit. Got it at the Novi snow show from a company called Mar-lift or some such out of Canada.

No gimick, it works and is a huge back saver.

 

[O2viper700]

I built my own, it cost me about $100 to make
works great I don't know why I didn't make one earlier

 

[SXlover]

I also built my own with the plans listed on here. Absolutely love having it. Even use it for working on stand up jet skis.

 

[jthemmer]

Well, I have to admit those were the opinions I wanted. Now I will just have to decide to build one or buy one.

 

[ILVmax4]

I purchased one from this eBay seller. It is nice and not a bad deal @ $235.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=230941429000&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=30429332880

 

[snomofo]

I purchased one from this eBay seller. It is nice and not a bad deal @ $235.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=230941429000&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=30429332880

BTW - my retired riding buds liked it so much I made two more. One for the cottage and one for at home. Very similar to the one shown in the link except is uses a hand crank winch instead of the screw jack.

If you go the winch route, get one with a brake.

See the link....

http://www.mar-lift.com/What_is_marlift