Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[BukitCase]

Mark (DragonEggs) - in your particular situation, I think the cherry picker may be your ONLY option (Space - the final frontier ) - be SURE to budget for the air/hydraulic jack replacement if you're gonna use it more than maybe once a YEAR

As to the HF gantry, you're right about headroom - unless you're willing to cut a foot or more off inner AND outer uprights BEFORE assembly, it's a no-go.
Also, you may remember what I did to mine (INCLUDING the heavier beam already mentioned here) - the "saga" begins here, and includes diagonal bracing between posts and heavier/longer beam (distance between posts wasn't enough for my 580B's stabilizers to clear)

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/387658-container-weld-shop-build-17.html with post# 163

Besides the mods I've already done, I've discovered that the stock height adjusters ABSOLUTELY SUCK as in, don't work AT ALL about half the time. Cheesy little weird cam-like "winches" on each post, cables too light, tacked on afterthought CRAP (to put it mildly)

My THIRD plan (after scrapping the first couple ) was to fab bolt-on brackets at the base of each post, shorten the cheesy pipes enough and add a pair of the air/hyd jacks (replacement for cherry picker jack) to PUSH UP on said cheesy pipes, BUT...

The HF version of that (which seems to have DISAPPEARED from their site) has a MAXIMUM stroke of 17.5 inches - the adjustment holes on the crane are on 6 inch centers; which means that my mod would've only allowed a 12" change in height without either using some pre-cut spacers and a bunch of "monkey motion" to get more range, or moving the earlier mentioned bolt-on brackets...

SOLUTION -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UAOJX0O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered a pair of these a while back - if you read the description, they are the ONLY version of this I found with slightly MORE than 18" ram travel.

That will at least let me change height by THREE holes at a time instead of only two...

Before you ask, NO - that part isn't even STARTED yet, there's so many 'gators in my little pond ATM that (if I wuz smarter) I could probly just walk across their heads and run away

However, if anybody wants a better description of my height adjust plan, just ask and I'll 'splain my intentions. Meantime, back to your basic "suckage" channel... Steve

 

[bigtiller]

I know I could research this thread but I am lazy. Looking for experience on HF Gantry Crane.

Telescoping Gantry Crane - 1 Ton

Looking to lift off my F-150 bed for a repair. Thoughts? Thinking of using a 25% coupon. Puts it at $555 plus tax. Seems worth it. Problem is I have no more room in my garage/shop.

The HF store is too far away for me to get to on a casual basis. But at that price, I would make the drive. So I have to ask the question before I make the drive....

Will a 25% coupon be excepted on the gantry crane purchase?

 

[dragoneggs]

Okay gravitating to the HF 2T folding shop crane... is this tool on the 'don't suck' list?

 

[bcp]

Good for a few more days:

Bruce

 

[California]

Okay gravitating to the HF 2T folding shop crane... is this tool on the 'don't suck' list?

I recently bought the 1 ton version when I had to replace an axle housing. It was ideal, including for wiggling the ROPS past obstructions and into the precise position I needed to get the bolts started. Photo Photo. With a coupon from that coupon database it cost $100.

Some other projects were made simple by having the crane. Quality of the crane seems fine. Recommended!


One tip: I made a second, short 10 inch jack handle for adjusting height quickly when there is no or minimal load. The handle is visible in the second photo.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Good for a few more days:

View attachment 616197

Bruce

$10 less.

 

[whitepine2]

How about a lovejoy cuppler type with the right size for both shafts.

 

[MoArk Willy]

The HF store is too far away for me to get to on a casual basis. But at that price, I would make the drive. So I have to ask the question before I make the drive....

Will a 25% coupon be excepted on the gantry crane purchase?

Just try and order it online and use the coupon code. If it works there it will work in the store.

 

[5030]

I wonder where HF's prices will go with Trump hammering on the tariff's. In as much as 90% of the stuff they sell is Chinese, I expect serious price increases in the very near future. May even put them out of business...

 

[dragoneggs]

$10 less.

View attachment 616204

Called my local HF and learned they had one left. Used this coupon and purchased and assembled it this afternoon. I think this will be a great addition to the shop. Glad I got the 2 ton vs. 1 ton as I need the extra reach... and with the reach the rating steps down to 1.5, 1.0, and 1/2 ton depending on boom extension.

Fairly easy to assemble by yourself, just don't tighten up the crane and bolts until you have the side brace straps in place. I did get wifey assist with the boom to place the bolts in the holes. Installing the caster bolt/nut in the tubes was a little challenge but easily solved with electrical tape and a box wrench.



Also bought the 1 ton load leveler using a 20% off coupon. Wanted the 2 ton just for the smoother bearing action but HF was out of those. Oh well. Positioned it over my F150 bed and it doesn't reach to the center of the 4 pick up points but hoping the load leveler will compensate. I have some straps and hooks but need a couple larger chain quick links to do a proper rigging.

After a couple of actuations... I am now in the market for an 8T air over hydraulic long ram. I added an air/hydraulic jack to my HF 20T press and that has been a wonderful mod.

A whole lot less expense than going with a gantry, and much more portable and folds easily for storage. Someday when I build my shop with higher ceiling and doors I will do it right with a gantry. Don't know if it will be HF or a built in though.