Man Lift

[johneking]

This might be a shot in the dark, but here goes.
I have a squirrel issue with the vinyl soffit on my two story house. I'm not for killing them as I feed deer, turkey, fox, cats, birds etc. and they are fun to watch -- just like all the rest.
BUT -- they chew holes in my vented soffit and build nests which means I have to hear about it {"the boss" my wife} says I can't get my 40' Extension Ladder out and put it to work any longer -- WTH, it's only 42' to the peak on our home!
So -- I'd like to buy a "Man Lift" {or sorts} but am not willing to pay for new as I won't be making any money with it, just repairing {as necessary} the squirrel damage, cleaning the valleys of leaves and pine needles and occasionally cleaning the flu's on our three chimneys.
It could also be used around the neighborhood for tree limb removal etc. as I have a couple of neighbors who are younger {I'll be a YOUNG 73 in May!} who might want to borrow it.
I can replace/rebuild a motor, find/repair hydraulics, some electrical trouble shooting, weld/straighten/strengthen frames etc. so "fixing" one is definitely preferred over buying one in great condition.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[scootr]

Buying a manlift would be an expensive solution to your problem. Even if you are set on buying, rent one for a weekend and see how you like it. Renting a manlift once a year might be all you need... or hire a younger man to climb the ladder and do the work. Signed, 71 and not going up there any more either.

 

[zzvyb6]

I bought a used JLG T-350 man-lift after renting 3 different brands, models & types. Settled on a battery powered 35' reach. Actually needed it for installing and servicing my farm windmill collection. Battery because no motor noise allows easy communication with ground helpers.

So renting one for occasional use would be my first recommendation. They make/rent 50' reach models, too.

But, it might surprise you that there turned out to be be a lot more uses than I imagined: trimming trees, painting the barns, fixing the roofing, Christmas tree lights, changing light bulbs on my tall outside light towers, fixing the flag on my flag pole, and helping neighbors wth the same issues. I made a jib crane attachment for it (the man-cage can be removed and there is a ground control feature for doing this really smooth).

Features to consider if buying one: Mine has air lines, electrical, & 12V outlets available on the mast. It has auto-leveling: you push a button and the outriggers are adjusted automatically to level the turret. It also has some safety features related to overloading the rig: It will stop you from getting close to unloading an outrigger.

 

[bcp]

I had squirrels in the attic at one time. I opened the attic hatch in the closet and placed a board with one end in the attic and the other end on the bed, then placed the cat in the attic. He loved going up there, and the squirrels left. Did this for about a week.

Bruce

 

[JeepHead]

Rent one or pay someone to take care of it for you. Man lifts aren't cheap and they can be dangerous as well.

 

[Roadworthy]

Consider what you'll do with your soffits. My son solved his squirrel problem by having concrete siding installed in that area. Manlift type will vary by terrain. The inexpensive small ones don't do well at all off road. They can't get traction on a lawn or gravel driveway. A bucket truck may be a wiser choice.

 

[gstrom99]

Rent one.

I've been looking for a reasonably priced bucket truck (like the cable company has) for about five years. No decent (like - running) that I found were less than $9k. I've been renting the tow behind ones, like once a year, for roof repair, painting, etc...
I'll be renting one again this year, when I paint the (two story) house. The True Value rents two diff sizes, about 30 minutes away.

 

[4570Man]

Trying to fix a decrepit man lift is a disaster. The whole thing is nothing but a mess of hoses and wires. You need one that’s pretty new and that puts the price beyond what’s sensible. Just renting one is the best option unless you’re making repairs once a month.

 

[johneking]

Consider what you'll do with your soffits. My son solved his squirrel problem by having concrete siding installed in that area. Manlift type will vary by terrain. The inexpensive small ones don't do well at all off road. They can't get traction on a lawn or gravel driveway. A bucket truck may be a wiser choice.

I definitely like the concrete soffit idea and will check into that.
Thanks.

 

[johneking]

Trying to fix a decrepit man lift is a disaster. The whole thing is nothing but a mess of hoses and wires. You need one that’s pretty new and that puts the price beyond what’s sensible. Just renting one is the best option unless you’re making repairs once a month.

The main reasons I have passed on two so far -- hydraulic hoses and fittings have become like gold!