Cheap and Easy Mower Lift

No expensive bulky lift needed. Use this method to save space and money. This is what I have been using for years to do the maintenance on all of my mowers. We all know that garage space is very valuable. Don't waste it with a bulky mower lift.

[@r.gosane7182]

This is exactly what I have been looking for. I can wrap strap around front bumper of my John Deere lawn tractor. I have been using floor jack and stands because I just did not want to bother with the expense/storage of a mower lift. Amazing how useful You Tube can be. Thanks for posting!

[@jameshibbert9813]

Great idea. At age 78, I just changed my blades laying on the garage floor. Your idea will work for me. JLH

[@ronnieschwa2214]

I did mine using 3 inch angle iron, quarter inch thick wall I cut a piece long enough so that it catches three of the ceiling joists so it distributes the weight more evenly and you have more anchoring power from three instead of one Then I just drilled a hole in the angle iron in the middle to secure a shackle that I can hook my lifting chain to

[@Mr-Corey-June]

He will learn why it's wiser to do it that way. I learned not to trust the threads of a lag bolt bearing weight. He's weakened the joist with the holes, then the threads weaken it a little more. If he would have mounted to the side of the joist, the treads are just anchors, and the shaft of the lags hold the weight, but still weaken the joist that cold and heat and weather moisture will cause issues. You did it right by dispersing the weight across 3 joists. Cutting the drywall and putting the angle iron above the joists, then securing the mount hitch with a bolt and angle iron fastened in place. Drywall isn't hard to patch. Then when a kid comes along with his buddies, "Hey lets see how much we can lift" Crack, Crash, "Dad". An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[@gonesideways6621]

I been using this same method for over five years works great.

[@harrymason5032]

Better to be safe 99 times than to die once

[@hasenpfeffer2975]

Great solution that works for different mowers. I have a 60" Exmark and I use a short 2x4 to lift the deck a bit, slide my floor jack under the front of the deck and raise the mower. I then place jack stands under just as you did to support the mower.

[@tomholman2881]

I been doing the same thing for a about 4 years....floor jack - jack stands-floor jack, all rolled under house.

[@michaeldion3004]

I picked one of these up from Harbor Freight last year and do this exact thing. Works great!

[@jrandallmoore]

I was thinking of doing this exact same thing but with a come along. I like your chain hoist idea much better! Thanks!!!

[@tedpuckett2779]

Oh man! I really appreciate the vid. Not a complaint, just a reality, but I do most all my work/repairs alone. I’ve always been concerned about having the mower fall when jacked up. I use Jack stands but being alone if something did happen I’d be stuck until someone decided to come looking for me. This will be my next purchase. HF actually has a no exclusion coupon sale this weekend so timing is great.

[@richardclifton4120]

I have been doing the same thing for a few years also except I lift the mower with a "MANUAL PATIENT LIFT" you would find in a hospital next to a patient who needs to be able to lift themselves out of the bed. The "MANUAL PATIENT LIFT" can be found in estate sales for next to nothing that was in a house occupied by the elderly. The hoist can replace the chains on the arm of the "MANUAL PATIENT LIFT". It can't be as compact to store as yours, but it can be disassembled.

[@GDyer-cl8fl]

I have a steel square tube all the way across my shed which I put a strap around to hang the chainfall from. You are trusting your life to the wood threads of the lag bolts. You should always use jackstands regardless how you lift anything. Never trust your life to a mechanical or hydraulic lifting device.

[@tellfile]

I never thought about using the carport. I have one of those open ones with the wide metal rails across for the roof. I instead use a wooden A frame in the back yard that I used to pull car engines out and now use that with a ratchet hoist to pick my mowers up. I've seen wooden swing sets in people's yards that might serve dual purpose for lifting their mower. They may have to temporarily bolt some leg extensions on it to make the frame taller.

[@pl747]

I do the very same thing but i built a 7 ft tall A frame that comes apart real easy so I can move it anywhere in the back of my pickup. The uprights are inverted T's with a piece of 2 3/8 in inside pieces of 2 7/8 on top of the T's. I also welded grab hooks on the uprights so I can safety tie off with pieces of 1/4 in chains. I can stand mowers straight up if I want. I use the big battery powered impact wrenches to change my blades. I can change blades in 5 minutes easily.

[@jamesweirich2266]

Thank you a bunch, followed your advise. I have a 48" Scag Liberty Z. Purchased 1 ton chain hoist from eBay 48$, 8 ft strap, same tiedown anchor. Used Jack stands also. Works perfect!!! Thanks!

[@dennisoneal8505]

Great Idea! I agree, I would never use the regular lawn mower jack lifts, Yes they are right in the way. I use a engine cherry picker lol it will lift the mower all the way off the ground if you wanted to. I lift it high enough so I don't have to lay down under the mower. A tip would be (if you can) go into the attic and increase /strengthen up and bolt the anchor point in solid. Then you would never have to worry about the lag bolts pulling out.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

You should do a video showing your method with the cherry picker. I thought about doing the same thing, that is if you're referring to a "folding crane hoist", but wasn't sure about the logistics, so I haven't pulled the trigger on buying one yet. But then you'd have to store it, so maybe this guy's method is still ideal for me. I agree too about strengthening the anchor point to the joist in the ceiling. Either sister another joist (or two to it, or perhaps add more struts and blocks to the existing framework. Probably lots of ways to skin that cat, and feel safer when hoisting.👍

[@dennisoneal8505]

@@Rick-the-Swift I've thought about making a you tube video. LOL the engine hoist/cherry picker works for me due to I have to work outside and don't have a ceiling rafter to attach to. If I was working inside I would either use a chain hoist like the one your using or the electric cable wench. Good Job!

[@TinMan0555]

Great idea, been doing the same thing for years with my BB Outlaw that weighs 865 lbs.. I would suggest a single modification. Instead of mounting the ceiling hook to a single rafter, I would use a piece of lumber that crosses several rafters to better distribute the weight. 🫡

[@knuckles-3386]

This is my concern ceiling joists are not designed for this purpose unless they are 2by6 which most aren’t spreading the weight between 2or3 rafters would be much better using a piece of 2 inch angle iron but the chain hoist is definitely the easiest way to lift a mower that’s not too heavy thanks for the advice

[@jamessharier7529]

Nice idea, going to harbor freight today to pick everything up. Thanks again

[@DennisFahlstrom]

Good advice. I did most of the same things except I got 2 ceiling hooks, placed them into 2 different ceiling joists and placed a solid chain between the two of them in my pole barn. Then hooking up a 1 ton chain hoist between them I can not only have a good heavier lift point for the big 66” zero turn but I’ve also got the lifting capacity for pulling the motor of either of my vehicles or lifting anything else up to 2000 lbs. I always use floor stands as you did. My neighbor recently used the lifting setup to remove the 850 lb diesel engine from his truck. It’s a lot cheaper than an engine hoist and it’s out of the way like yours when not in use.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Better to connect the joists with a larger member above with a single lifting point. With your method you’re likely to pull those joists together.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

@@Rein_Ciarfella I was going to mention the same thing. Strap a board across 2,3, even 4 or more joists and the load capacity just gets better.👍

[@TAndrew368]

Thanks this will be great. I used to have a fence row tree that had a big limb I used something like this to pressure wash the deck several times a year. Thanks for the video.

[@jamesacker7343]

Several years ago I bought an electric winch and put it on barn door wheels and use a barn door track for removing the top from my Jeep. And it's great for lifting both of my riding lawn mowers.

[@Thrunabulax10]

good idea. i just use a farm jack to one side of the front frame. but indeed, you have to work around it. Hoisting it up with a chain fall would be interesting, especially if i use a big tree branch as the anchor (nice shade)

[@michaelthompson7570]

I made a beam with three 2x12 ,,placed it across the ceiling joiste crossways. Spanned several joists ,,wrapped a hd strap around the beam in the central part of the span,,,cut a hole in the ceiling for the strap ends to hold the chain hoist. Easy to keep an eye on strap wear……

[@davidtoney9933]

If you look long enough on KZbin, you'll find that genius answer you were seeking! Thanks for sharing!!

[@tonycol7074]

Talk about working harder 😂

[@DanRussell-q8s]

That is a really good idea but I think it would be a bit safer to have the jack stands supporting the frame of the mower instead of the deck . I have the kind of lift you are describing and I can lock it into place without the use of jack stands so I can access everything from either side using an air impact to jack it up and using an air impact it does not very long to change blades at all . I guess it is just a matter of whether you want chains hanging from your ceiling all the time or if you want to get a ladder out to remove the hoist when you are finished and climbing a ladder when you need to re-hand the hoist and space . Still a good idea ! Thanks !

[@John-mh6mi]

What a great easy idea. Thank you sir, you have solved a big problem for me. Great video!

[@brucepipkin8298]

I have an electric hoist I purchased to remove a camper shell from my pickup which does the same thing only easier. I keep it installed on the ceiling of my garage.

[@kennethwood2089]

Yep! This 80 y/o sure does appreciate this! Thanks!

[@dougdiplacido2406]

Great idea and i am really happy to see you are also working safely with the jacks underneath.

[@surgepro322able]

This is perfect and so very inexpensive! ! And, as you say, easy to store. Thanks!

[@squarebob62]

Thanks the Palm-to-forehead moment.!! I have that same chain hoist somewhere in the shop. I have to admit that I thought about using it a few times, but, You have convinced me. Salute !!!

[@g.r.4853]

I use a Harbor Freight electric wire winch which I also use to lift stuff into the garage attic space. Same Idea, different device.

[@jrodeo96]

I saw someone use the electric hoist once and it looked really jerky. I guess a winch would work as well because they move slower.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

@@jrodeo96 The electric winches are pretty smooth, but they still need electricity to work. I like the hoist idea because you can use a shade tree, swing set, whatever. Not everyone has a garage or the room inside them to tinker with tractors. Mine is full of my wife's gym equipment 😂

[@flashbazbo3932]

Great idea! I have an old HF electric hoist and I built supports in the ceiling of my new shop to do the same, even using the jackstands.

[@TomBrown-n9c]

Good idea and video. I've made the same set up and love it. However, the video was missing the following details that may be helpful. The tie-down that was mentioned looks like it's 1/2 inch, which would have load rating of 3300 lb. The diameters of the two square holes in the tie-down is 1/4" - 3/". For 1/4" lag bolts the general rule is up to 100 pounds per inch of thread. For 3/8" it is 272 pounds per inch of thread. I'm assuming the screws are the same as a bolt. Consider using a washer because of the square holes. Harbor Freight also has 6 ft. slings. Both loops fit into the hook of the hoist. My lawn tractor and deck weighs 1100 lb so two bolts should support half of this weight. The safety factor would be the weight that is transfered to the rear when ii is raised. Finally, consider putting the 6 ton jack stands on concrete blocks if you need additional space for an impact wrench to loosen the blades.

[@kenbudd3]

Looks like great minds think alike , L use the same system I use old v belts and I even use it to raise my bush hog and use an angle grinder to sharpen the blades put jack stands under it.

[@paulzacharias5784]

A good idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@dash8465]

The (required) jack stands are much more in the way than a Jungle Jim type of lift. I just lay on my right side and use my right arm, then left side and left arm, no need to roll all the way underneath… if I have to do that I’ll just pull the deck.

[@doug8718]

The basic idea here is great. Your big blunder is using one ceiling joist to support that much weight. This is VERY dangerous. It made me cringe just watching. This could likely be an accident waiting to happen. Ceiling joists that are not supporting a floor above may not be sized as big as those that do. Plus, that specific joist may have knots, etc, that reduce its capacity. You won't know what the strength is until it comes crashing down. Just because it works doesn't mean it's smart to do. Like you did mention, those mowers can be very heavy....800 lbs hanging on one joist?!!! It'd be much better to put a strong, wide 2x member (or a steel angle, etc) across the top of several of those joists and use either long bolts or threaded rods through it and down to your tie anchor. That way, the heavy load would be supported by several joists.

[@vandyau1]

Have you ever lifted the front of a zero turn? Less than 200 lbs. Also he has jack stands…..

[@mst5632]

All 5’8”, 150 pounds of me lifts the front of my zero turn (Toro Timecutter 4235) by one hand while I slide a block under the front. Lifting less than 100 pounds so I say his truss is plenty strong for this task. He’d be able to see the drywall seams cracking with time if the truss was sagging on him. It certainly would not rapidly fail on him. If he saw cracking he could easily screw a 2x6 into 2 or 3 trusses to spread the load.

[@harrymason5032]

Oh, I see just like a bridge, it works perfect until it comes crashing down

[@markgreenley219]

I've got the foot pedal jack and a bunch hook up in the rafters

[@rung1915]

Finally u come back bro!!!

[@jrodeo96]

Yep, I've been busy lol

[@jude.v25]

Good, common sense solution. Thank you for sharing.

[@alanosborne1947]

Great idea unfortunately I don't have a garage/shop to use a chain fall! 😒😒

[@Rick-the-Swift]

Do you have a tree with a strong horizontal limb, or perhaps a swing set? I've seen people use scrap lumber to build a-frames and beam in the back yard.

[@twilson377]

Common sense approach. I like it!

[@jimthompson9824]

Happen to have hook in garage ceiling. I will definitely try this.

[@kebo57]

Nice. We know the chain hoist is rated at 1K lbs, but I just wonder what the max load that ceiling joist would be able to handle? I am sure the tie down anchor has a rating as well. Just as long as you're only lifting one end of a mower that weighs 400 up to about 700 lbs, I don't think there'd be any issues with the ceiling joist coming down. Good job!

[@Rick-the-Swift]

It just depends on the joist(s). If it's tied into a truss, or if it's "sistered" to another joist, or if it's over sized to begin with will all make a difference. Also, the closer to a wall or beam in which the joist is sitting will make a difference, as opposed to anchoring it in the middle of a run. If you are unsure, climb into the attic, or remove some drywall and have a look. I'm sure you can find lots of ways to strengthen the joist's load capacity. Best of luck!

[@andrewhill7071]

Thanks! And great choice of mowers! Badboys rock!!!!!

[@ky42]

Look at that! Great idea!

[@benmoore3092]

you the man! now im adding this to my garage lol

[@straydawg461]

I would shorten the chain by about 8 foot, you don't need all that excess chain on garge floor possibly getting your leg or arm tangled in it.

[@jrodeo96]

I just wrap the excess chain around the pole to keep it out of the way. There is no tangle hazard lol

[@Larry-sf9nb]

Not sure I'd trust the ceiling joist to support a lot of weight it was never designed to support. Maybe if I went up into the shop attic and reinforced that joist, I might feel better about using this method.

[@bradh9380]

Great idea! Thanks for making the video.

[@garyworley5806]

Great idea. Thanks for the tip. I have been using my motorcycle jack but, I run into the problem you was talking about. I have to go from side to side, walking around my jack.

[@bigsonslawncare]

I definitely need this currently using mower Jack but this is my answer!✔️💯💪🏾

[@jimbrant9682]

I use a old swing set . And electric winch off the battery.

[@seanysean6183]

dude...this is perfect

[@davethurston753]

Purrfect. Thanks for the "how to"

[@chetmarcotti4953]

Really nice job for the class in how not to kill yourself lifting a heavy lawnmower. Great idea. And I’m an engineer

[@Fundaykidzz]

Great video .. gonna set it up

[@davidszakacs6888]

I’ve been using a Mo-Jack for years totally safe and easy and not expensive.

[@gleanerman2195]

Get a bigger chain hoist and then use no stands, been doing it for 22 years and done it thousands of times with no issues, tomorrow it will fall on me and die.

[@victorpayne6586]

I think I will do that. Thanks.

[@bobw.991]

Thanks for the good info.

[@shortribslongbow5312]

Funny I use the same thing. Works very well. :o)

[@TylerHankss]

Why does he sound like Hank Hill

[@gleanerman2195]

The best is a shop with a chain hoist.

[@desertfox3860]

Good idea!

[@johnnybird]

great idea!!

[@mathhelpbydan5051]

Love it!

[@heresmytake2782]

nice

[@jbhh79]

Why? I just use my floor jack under the deck, center front. Cheaper, because most already have a floor jack, and faster.

[@jrodeo96]

This setup allows you to lift the mower up higher and have easier access to the blades. A floor jack works, but this makes it a bit easier

[@davidlindon99]

What size of lag bolt did you use for joist?

[@jrodeo96]

I think they were 2" long. I can't remember how wide they were. Just make sure that they are bulky enough to hold the weight and not pull out or break. Don't skimp on the bolts lol

[@tomascastaneda2175]

Perfect i love it very smart

[@spo307]

i use my loader same way

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍. Thank you

[@brenttamatea7578]

good advice thats a great option

[@dougngwenlawson3886]

Don't suggest that people can use a ratchet strap for lifting, they are not rated for that, and very unsafe.

[@jrodeo96]

Right, a standard ratcheting strap wouldn't work for it. It would have to be a heavy duty ratchet strap. Good point.

[@DavidCales-j2p]

Same sinerio as the Jack's that picks up by wheels. Jack stands still in your way. Not impressed.

[@harrymason5032]

That is not a new or ingenious idea, people have been using hoists since they were invented to lift things off the floor

[@Wayneman48]

chock the back wheels also, GENIUS idea

[@jimthompson9824]

Happen to have hook in garage ceiling. I will definitely try this.

[@x-man5056]

This is horribly unsafe. You don't have any idea what weight those lag bolts can hold in the ceiling joist under tensile pull. You don't know the amount of weight you are lifting, you have a 'ballpark' idea. Then you are going to lay under it and yank around with wenches under there. NFW I put a floor jack under where you put the hoist hook on the deck and get plenty of room when I slip a short jack stand under there and move the jack. Only do it once a year unless there's a problem. BE SMART. DO NOT CRAWL under this ill conceived contraption, at a minimum, jack stand(s).

[@secondwindmusicproductions]

Very similar to the setup we used in my Dad's shop years ago except we had to make much heavier lifts (like bulldozer engine blocks) so we had an oak 4x4 laying across several ceiling joists. A chain around the midpoint of the 4x4 was led through a hole in the ceiling and hooked to the chain hoist. If you have access to the space above the ceiling, that might be a solution if you need to lift heavier loads.

[@travishall67]

Just added an entry to my calendar to remind me to visit Harbor Freight tomorrow. Thanks for the idea. 🍻

[@Rick-the-Swift]

Thanks for posting this. I was considering the same thing earlier today before I saw this video, as I'd seen others using a chain hoist before, but none of them showed how exactly it was done. I will now be going back to the store and buying that 1 ton hoist. I've already got the other stuff needed. Thanks again friend! 👍

[@PudgyFish47]

Great information. I never thought about how the Mojacks actually block your access to the mower blades, etc. Good job!

[@fogit4668]

Your ceiling joist should be no less than a 2 x 6, 2 x 8 would be better.

[@mikah4051]

Thank you! I was looking for a safe method to accomplish this.

[@larryatwell9734]

Been doing this for a while, works great...

[@silverdragontaylir8252]

I welded(closed eye hook),onto skid plate

[@edwardkawecki8101]

That looks like a headache waiting to happen with the light lags and hardware only secured probably only in a 2x. Better off jacking up and jack stands and blocks or ramps. That setup would be set up for Max lifting 10 lb with a rope pulley but hey it's your head

[@Qspecialman]

That, is a very good idea. As mentioned below, if you look on KZbin you can always solve your problem. Thanks for taking the trouble to make your video. I also have a KZbin channel and I know how much time and effort it takes to make these videos.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

YUP = I use my 2-ton Chain Hoist chained over a reinforced Roof Rafter & my JEEP "Snatch-Um Nylon Strap Like Minds etc Etc ETC Thanks COOP ...

[@anvilsvs]

OK, that works. A 1T chain hoist might be just a touch of overkill, but it will work. I also have an overkill device. A 9000lb lift which is adequate to lift a mower as well as my 1T trucks.

[@buckdangt3343]

I would use a 10’ unistrut locate ceing joists and use lag screws across 4-5 joists and fasten. Next use a 3/8” spring nut at desired location and attach a 3/8” eye bolt to it.

[@michelleguerra5022]

Cool, just saw your first video and it answered my question about manufactura. Cut on my friend. God give us rain.

[@rickyemrick3853]

Just wondering what size the strap is ? How wide and how long it is? Great ideal. Going to go with this ideal. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[@jrodeo96]

The strap is 1.5" wide, 6.5' long, and has a 9" loop at each end.

[@davidlindon99]

I was going to have someone to change out the trans fluid on my 72in spartan mower, but the small engine shops don't have a wide enough trailer to pick it up, so i was going to buy the floor jack from harbor freight. Great idea and does give you alot more room to get under there and I can also ligtvthe rear too if needed

[@jrodeo96]

​@davidlindon99 - I have used this setup to change the hydro oil on both of the standers. I just lift up the back of the mower enough to get a floor jack underneath to support it. You will want to make sure that you have something as a backup support just in case.

[@tomjonas7384]

Good idea that’s what I’m gonna do. I’ve been using a lawnmower jack and it’s a pain with half of the jack under the machine.

[@PastorJ601]

Great! I also use this underneath my shop cover attached to a 4x4 beam under my roof, really helps if you repair a hydro belt, pulleys ect.

[@nperson]

I use a Come a long. Much cheaper and it works almost as well.

[@tattoo62]

I need a sky hook. Cuzz i dont have a ceiling to hook into. Anyone have one ?

[@PainterD54]

A come-a-long works for me with a ceiling hook like that.

[@sluggonotnancy6178]

Nice setup. Thanks for the video.