HYDRAULIC WORK BENCHES

[xbally]

I'm part exchanging 2 of my bikes this week (the Guzzi and W650) for a V7 so i hope to have room in the work shop for a hydraulic work bench as i'm struggling to work on the bikes on my knees-and my back can no longer cope with this system of working any longer either. I don't want to buy one and find i don't use it .Anyone got any experience of these devices?Are they any good and which ones are recommended please?

[iansoady]

I really wanted one of these but you do need a lot of room so that you can get all round the bike. I eventually settled for one of those lifts advertised as Quad bike lifts that goes under the frame rails. Machine Mart etc have them for around £100 or so.

The advantages are that it can be folded and stashed against the garage wall when not in use, and having wheels can be shuffled from side to side to get at both sides of the bike. I find that in my smallish single car garage I can have one bike up against the wall and have enough room to work on another beside it.

Disadvantages - it's less stable so loading needs to be carefully done, and actually getting the bike onto it can be tricky.

[Half Ton]

My brother has one ,His is a Sealey version and he loves it,He has trouble working low down on his bikes,All I can add is go for the wider versions as they are easier to use and more stable,He is now considering making 2 small low ramps to put either side of it so he can park his car over the top when not in use..........I have never seen it without a bike on ... and the car has never been in the garage but hey ho...ya never know

[johnr]

I've got one, they're great. You just need to readjust to working on the bike on one without crawling round on your knees. But they don't take any room up cos if you leave it flat, you can leave a bike parked on it as a parking spot. I've never not had mine in use since I got it. Well worth the money.

[timbo]

I'm with Ian on the small compact frame rail lifts. I had a Honda sitting on one for five years, and just used to push it about the shed to get it out of the way. Some people reckon that they don't fit all bikes, which is rubbish. You can always cobble up something out of bits of wood 
Also, why buy an big expensive lift. Go old school, and build one of fixed height, out of timber and plyboard, with a big long detachable ramp. It'll take up less space, won't weigh much, and can be easily moved when not in use. Plus you can adapt it as the need arises 

[Smithy]

I have a frame rail lift and love it. I can work on the bike standing up or lift it to a height where I can sit on my stool and work at eye height. Somehow having the bike at a height where I'm comfortable makes me more careful and I'm sure I do a better job.

The only thing I would say is I always tie my bike down to the lift as it's easy to put a bit of oomph on a spanner and over-balance the bike.

Ian

[tommy]

hi xbally i got a bench a few weeks ago and find it fantastic i have back problems and was finding it harder working on my bikes ,i got a clarke cml3 brand new for half price   ,i should have got one years ago cheers tommy

[johnr]

and i find the bench much more practical than just a bike lift because it allows you to do so much more than just lift the bike off the ground, and due to its size, its very very stable.

[xbally]

Hmmmmmm-thank you to all-very positive comments.I will do some more research to decide whether to go for the large or small device.

[dave a]

got the same as tommy for Christmas (I never complain when she spoils me)
best bit of kit ever wouldn't be without it
just wait for the vat free night
dave a

[timbo]

I know some folks  who have used ex hospital adjustable beds for said purpose quite successfully. My only problem, is again, the amount of room they take up.

[Moto63]

Hi Martin, I've got a "large device" oohh eerrr vicar😉😉. Like johnr says you can just park ones bike on it if you're not using it for working on said mosheen, wouldn't be without mine now. They're a bit like cordless screwdrivers, once you've used one you'll be thinking "how did I ever really manage without one" 🏍.
Ps hope you're receiving ok after your little spill
Cheers, Michael

[Smithy]

I know some folks  who have used ex hospital adjustable beds for said purpose quite successfully. My only problem, is again, the amount of room they take up.

Hey Tim don't let the cat out of the bag or my manager will keep a closer eye on the rise and fall bed in our sensory room!

Ian

[timbo]

Hey Michael, I'm still in the dark ages, and use a 'Yankee' screwdriver 

[johnr]

i ordered mine at the october stafford bike show a couple of years back and it was delivered to my door a week or two later, good price and good to support a firm that supports shows like stafford.