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!

 

[gstrom99]

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

I looked at two bucket trucks (1 ton GMC, 454 motors), that were sitting (for years) next to a used car place. He wanted $2k, each. Brake pedals both went to the floor, don't know if the motors ran. I think the lifts were VersaLift. They were powered by a combo generator/hydraulic pump, and had some of the electronic controller bits missing. I looked into finding new/used parts online. Impossible to find. I could have cobbled together a hydraulic pump system, but I passed.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm a Contractor and when I need a lift, I usually rent one from Home Depot. They are all about the same price to rent, but Home Depot is open 7 days a week, and their hours are a lot later then the Rental Yards. I can usually rent it in the morning, get the job done, and return it at the end of the day. I add the rental fee to the job, which my clients are told about before I start the job, and they agree to it. I can get more done in a day with a lift then I can in a week on a ladder.

JLG 35' Towable Boom Lift Rental T350 - The Home Depot

Rent a 35' Towable Boom Lift Rental from one of our over 1,200 THD rental locations. Call your local store for same day pickup availability.

www.homedepot.com

I own a few used tractors, and they are great for around my farm, but not reliable enough to have clients pay me to use them on their jobs. For something as specialized as a lift, I prefer to pay the rental fee and not have to maintain it or put in the hours to repair it. I know it's going to work the day I need it, and for me, it's cheaper to rent one then own one.

For squirrels and racoons, I use 1/2-inch Hardie Backer Board. It's mostly used for tiling showers and comes in 3 x 5 sheets for around $15 each. It's thick enough to stop anything from eating through it, but usually not very attractive. Once painted, it usually blends in enough to not be noticeable, but I also try to cut it, so it looks like it belongs there. The most common place for these repairs is where the roof overhangs another part of the roof, and it's easy for animals to eat through the wood soffit.

For smaller repairs, like woodpeckers on cedar, I use solid metal faceplates for metal electrical boxes. Once painted, they blend in enough to not be too ugly. Once a woodpecker gets through the wood, it always comes back to the same spot. Metal stops this.

 

[grsthegreat]

You have to have a brass set to climb a 40 foot extension ladder…..i used to cringe on my 28’ ladder.

I also just rent one when needed. I like the electric tow behind rigs myself also as you dont need to listen to the stupid motor running for hours on end.

My wife wants me to buy one also, but the prices are rediculous.

 

[careyo63]

Hardie board siding and cats. The MiraTech type trim I had to repair and replace on the porches from the Squirrels. I brought in the kitties and solved the Porch and Deck problem.

 

[caver]

Several times I have rented a tow behind for a week while building on the cabin. I usually get the 35' Haulotte which gives me a 41' or so reach with my hands. Last year I could rent this unit for a week for $599. It looks like he raised his prices this year another $100. One thing I like about that unit is it allows for a 11% slope before auto leveling. Some other brands it is far less so it would never auto-level.

FarmCraft101

bought a drive around boom lift starting in this video. He has several videos after that one doing repairs to the machine.

 

[texas42]

I have a Nifty Lift TM 34 - Honda Power. Nice machine, I like the Nifty Lift because the controls are mostly direct hydraulic, not electric actuated hydraulic. Had it about 3 1/2 years, no issues, does what I need, but somewhat expensive

 

[Williy]

:You can attach this to your ladder to stand on https://www.amazon.com/NYLOTREAD-Attachment-Platform-Extension-Accessory/dp/B0DNNWQF84/ref=sr_1_18?crid=G5OA1QELBPL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aOJkyyxyVYziyWSahRisu5BOPZ7PH-jhKaaFvv75m5lIf9bR6NJfVRWAEh6qUbzUAcPvLTX8i0rgtThXHeBhgrvDS3Ct0pTEPrtnI52hEVRNRFSz6l0KdvigFvjkg8vdjxfMKTPD48D5yUkt3ugoBe9uz2XwHdM25XPp7aBRIH1wFKJIgEuO1pBWcyCigsH79imAxD3xIdNEIU0RjjCme-4Ixj2GhB1saWYJZ-mytZHz43CbklZDWIC_wmfIiMUFEmi0uyMkbRD7fSo2keHi3Kg7F-5205xoTVgPRAygEFVNIFjv38tcovEtNYvjnlge-HJUnwsRL6_-znqxUydaZO-T0l6yK2iXBXAUh5Mu5R33v9RaOyvpbAC1KfiewM9Z0u5Lati8rY5mZuaG9FnQNpaFF8d4oMXmR5afnK9Z-DjwwQgY2ECG5DLTQHqEMLv9.USfJ9DU-MBK5jwH2GQEcvTvI5IYjQl56vSOG1vYwc2E&dib_tag=se&keywords=roofers+ladder+attachments&qid=1739430518&sprefix=roofers+ladder+attachments,aps,152&sr=8-18

or get 2 ot something like this and use your tractor to haul it around as you can climb up the sides

Amazon.com

willy

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

FarmCraft101

bought a drive around boom lift starting in this video. He has several videos after that one doing repairs to the machine.

Loved the video. Dude got a great deal... It helps he really understood the dynamics of what makes it work and how to fix it.

 

[Smokeydog]

My dad bought one ton bucket truck from local power plant auction. Thinking it would be great around the farm. At first it was. Then his friends and friends of friends got much use out it. Painted and repaired many houses. Use and abuse took their toll. I only saw it to do maintenance and make repairs. Rarely around when needed it. Definitely spent more time working on it than using it. Equipment like this does need frequent and competent maintenance. Was happy when he decided to sell it.

They are handy. Watching workers use 65’ bucket truck trimming trees, don’t think I would enjoy the ride.

Do use the man basket and tractor hydraulic pole saw.

 

[riptides]

I have an old UpRight TL33 lift. It was very useful around the houses and farm buildings for a while. Now it sits, unused. Two issues, I have become less fond of heights and the work that the man lift entails, I am even less fond of. It is a most useful piece of equipment when needed for certain jobs, but now using it, other factors come into play.

Example: Large trees need work, that requires a chain saw, 20 to 30 feet up on a man lift just is not fun anymore.

I have two out buildings that will require roof painting, again. But to haul it out every five years or so just for that is no longer economical.

I'd say to the OP, rent out this type of equipment, as needed, for specific tasks.