Harbor Freight Electric Hoist Setup

Maintenance setup, using the Harbor Freight 880# Electric Winch.

[@firstname6208]

Bud, run a steel 3/16" cable between the floor joists. Turnbuckle on the far end to get it nice and tight. Before you hang the cable cut 15 links of chain from 30 links of chain ( need individual links). Run the cable thru the chain links. Now loop your extension cord and zip tie the top of each loop to a chain link similar to a shower curtain. Your cord will slide back and forth with the winch whilst staying out of the way and out of the dirt. Works like a champ for me.

[@HandyGuy2016]

Excellent idea!

[@jasonjohnson9403]

@@HandyGuy2016 Hey man, can you send a cpl pics so I can see what your're talking about?

[@myrond3588]

Carabiners work better than chain links

[@firstname6208]

Carabineer several dollars ea, chain link pennies ea.

[@myrond3588]

@@firstname6208 You can buy the small ones in bulk for dirt cheap. Chain cost, time, and you need to cut the chain.

[@JCcanU]

I would of went and got a 4x6x 16' from a Mill and 2 6x6x8' made a beam for lifting . that 2x12 is only hung by nails l no load ratting . lifting 200 pounds could be deadly .

[@HandyGuy2016]

It's screwed in with hangers and 3" deck screws, and 6" lag bolts in the ends. Beams are a great idea though.

[@JCcanU]

I cut the 6x6 to fit a 4x6 into the top it runs to rafter and I can use 4 screws to keep it from twisting or falling over the legs 2x4 brace set on the ground I pull engines 400 pounds . i can remove it as needed . or change the setting .

[@ohsojisub]

Can i have the link where to order the track and rollers?

[@HandyGuy2016]

I'm sorry I don't have a link. There are different options depending on what size and type you want also. I purchased mine on Amazon.

[@ohsojisub]

@@HandyGuy2016 thankyou

[@IaMCdN1]

is this secure on one joist? Would it be stronger if the beam was perpendicular across several joists? The winch can pull 880lbs but can the joist hold that much weight?

[@HandyGuy2016]

I have it pretty secure and it can pick my big mower off the ground which weighs 1200 lbs.

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

I have the same issue using my chain hoist as well. This electric hoist with the slide track is definitely a time saver.

[@gobozo2358]

Put a removable stop at each end to prevent the "trolley" from rolling off. Also, add cross bracing to the joists. This will improve the deck performance and limit twisting of the hoist used with the winch. Keep a maintenance schedule for those trolley bearings. I have seen them fail. A better track mounting method would be to use brackets with bolts that pass through joists.

[@HandyGuy2016]

Thank you for the tips!

[@bethkeane968]

What do you mean by this?

[@roccofilippi1418]

If you have the time please list out what to get and from where please.

[@Boudreaux911]

I just ordered one like this today! Thanks for sharing video!👍

[@Junkboy888]

Nice setup. I like that you can back your trailer under the Deck. That would come in handy. I putting a set up like this in my shed. I can no longer just lift the cast iron Kohler engines out of my Cubs like I use to.

[@roncooke2188]

great interesting video thank you been using one for about 8/9 years for electric bike maintenance and now just bought a second one, saves my back too

[@WillsLawnService]

Where’d you get the track and how did you make the bolt on parts? I’ve been thinking of getting one, I’ve been using a chain hoist for a while now

[@HandyGuy2016]

I ordered the track and rollers on Amazon, but I think Harbor Freight sells it too. I just used some steel angle scraps to marry up the parts.

[@daveyt4802]

Looking for ideas on how to mount these things! I had to cut off that weight because it's just in the way. Saws All....

[@santosguillen4613]

I’m looking a contractor to do a gantry sistem, in my project!!

[@johnpyle8027]

I have this hoist sitting on my work bench unopened. I have a truss roof system in my shop and was going to go all the way to the top where the rafters touch to get the most strength. Attaching 3/4" plywood strips about 10" x 8' catching the rafters in two places and two of the angled 2 xs below them. I am thinking of doing this on 2 trusses and running an 1 1/2" or 2" whatever the brackets on the motor will take and spanning two trusses. I didn't really want to crawl around up in there but I know it will burn up the motor before the trusses fail set up like that. After seeing what you did I like having it on a track and at my 10' flat ceiling height. That metal rack screwed in like that and then maybe a few pieces of 1" strap welded to it and catching the trusses all the way to the top should distrubute the weight and be strong enough. I just don't want to get killed and I was taught to never count on fasteners in wood to hold a load and always use a post under a joist to transfer the weight down! I had a friend that didnt believe me so I supported a 4x4 across a half inch bolt and hit it with a sledge hammer and it split like a log!

[@HandyGuy2016]

Better safe than sorry. Sounds solid!

[@byronn.2885]

Good idea. I use my tractor to lift my mowers that don’t have jack points on them but once I get my shop built I definitely want a large hoist in it. I’d love to build a crane way in it but that will be some coin and a car hoist is a higher priority. If only everything didn’t cost a boat load of cash…lol

[@HandyGuy2016]

That is no joke $$$

[@buddudley4141]

Hey Mr. Handy, thanks for the great idea. Actually I'm steeling your engerering and have purchased the track and screws from home depot today. However, before installing I placed the trolly in the track including the deck screw and noticed some friction with the head of the screw. Actually not only did it rub the center, it seems to be rubbing between the wheels of the trolly. Did you encounter this issue? Or even better do you remember the maker of the screw. I know I can modify screw , but if I can find a more proper screw would save me A LOT OF TIME since I'm planning on 20 feet. One more question about how many did you put for the total of 10 feet?

[@HandyGuy2016]

Excellent! I don't remember the manufacturer of the screw, but it did touch also. I just filed a little bit off and good to go. I put a screw in about every 8 inches, which is probably overkill but it works.

[@buddudley4141]

Job completed !!! Very happy !!! Thanks to you !!!

[@ricklovelace5344]

Man thanks a bunch I have a mowing business and was looking for some ideas on how to get the mower in the air without using a floor jack

[@HandyGuy2016]

No problem 👍

[@danielhofer3481]

the screws is how I want to mount mine. I hope the carriages fit like yours does.

[@ronheiden2750]

Key words..."Easier Maintenance" 👍👍

[@HandyGuy2016]

Absolutely

[@idmnstr]

Thanks for the video. I would like to the same setup. I didn't buy anything yet. I am concerned about the "L" brackets. What are the measurements? I know you made yours but I don't have that capability.

[@HandyGuy2016]

They are steel angle 2"x2" sides, 1/4" thick and 1 1/2" wide.

[@dgibbsfl]

How do you manage the fleet angle for even cable wrapping and unwrapping?

[@HandyGuy2016]

Use a little bit of weight for cable tension and guide it back in. Unwrapping takes care of itself if it is wound evenly.

[@larrylass4268]

Thanks for the idea of using #14 x 3" Inch CTX Construction Lag Star Drive Screws. Jake Sales is reporting the shear strength is +2800 lbs and average pull-out strength is 897 lbs on Yellow Pine Wood. My hoist is rated for 880 lbs so below the limits of lag screws.

[@HandyGuy2016]

It's working really well for me so far.

[@larrylass4268]

@@HandyGuy2016 I attached the strut channel for the hoist to a 6x8" hemlock beam using track hangers. KUMGROT make really cool Channel Trolley Track Hangers for Strut Channels. I used the construction lag screws to hold the hangers in place.

[@profound82]

What size bolts did you use to fasten the unistrut/track to the joist?

[@HandyGuy2016]

6" x 1/4" flat head torque screws.

[@profound82]

@@HandyGuy2016 awesome! Thx Guy

[@dontdlay]

I need that suggestions for how/where to get that mounting rod allows you to slide it, please

[@HandyGuy2016]

I purchased the track/channel and rollers on Amazon.

[@JsCrazyCutzLLC]

That's a sweet setup 👍I need that😎

[@HandyGuy2016]

It's nice and cheap!

[@lapiz4azulli]

What screws did you use to hold up the rail strut on the wood? (Specific model please)

[@donsmith9081]

Model code is: Lag Bolt. I suggest 3/8” X 2-1/2 long. Pre-drill wood to prevent splitting.

[@jonesy1929]

Doesn't it rain there? or is that why the ends of the track are open so you can take it off easy?

[@HandyGuy2016]

There is a roof over the deck, so it doesn't get exposed to moisture.

[@ricklovelace5344]

Hey my hoist did not come with the lifting strap I call them and they didn't know anything about the strap

[@HandyGuy2016]

The hangers don't come with it, I had to find them on Amazon

[@ricklovelace5344]

@@HandyGuy2016 thanks for the fast reply im looking at them now

[@raypollard103]

Where can I buy the "L" brackets to attach the hoist to the trolleys?

[@HandyGuy2016]

I made mine from heavy angle iron.

[@ricklovelace5344]

I am having a terrible time getting the rollers to clear the torque screws t30 torture screws the rollers fit so close in the unistrute they hit the screw heads the unistrute is a-1200-hs any help would be appreciated

[@HandyGuy2016]

Maybe take the screws out and file or grind a little where they contact the rollers?

[@ricklovelace5344]

Also the unistrute has such big slots in it you really need to run a washer on them or do what I did and drill a hole in between the slots in the unistrute can you buy deeper unistrute

[@donsmith9081]

@@ricklovelace5344 You can get Unistrut without slots in different depths.

[@robbo398]

Did you pre-drill into joist and if so, what size drill bit?

[@HandyGuy2016]

No I didn't pee drill, but an 1/8" drill bit would work.,

[@ronmorcos135]

Hi do you have a video on how to install the track and trolly and connect it to the hoist

[@HandyGuy2016]

Only what I explained in this video.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

How much weight can that 2x12 hold?

[@HandyGuy2016]

It can hold at least 1000# maybe more.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

@@HandyGuy2016 Can it just be mounted to the joist, no track?

[@HandyGuy2016]

Definitely, the track just gives it some versatility if needed.

[@DIYAudioGuy]

@@HandyGuy2016 I'm looking at their 1300 lb hoist. I've got 24 ft long 2x12s, and it's quite a big span. I'm thinking about making a steel frame that sits on top of the 2x12s, spanning across two of them, maybe as many as four. Then putting some bracing in between the two by 12 so that they don't flex.

[@ralphjennings9064]

What do you think you weight limit is?

[@HandyGuy2016]

I have had up to 1200# on it.

[@howardclem9885]

Very nice setup !

[@HandyGuy2016]

Thank you

[@howardclem9885]

Very nice setup !

[@HandyGuy2016]

Thank you

[@122675sb1]

Can you get the track from harbor freight?

[@HandyGuy2016]

Probably, I ordered it on Amazon, but I think it was from HF

[@funinthesun3414]

What rollers did you use? I want to copy your setup.

[@HandyGuy2016]

UNISTRUT Genuine P2950-EG 4 Wheel... www.amazon.com/dp/B00KN9UA0S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@HandyGuy2016]

Here is the link to the track Genuine Unistrut P1000T 1-5/8" 12... www.amazon.com/dp/B00IA84TWO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@funinthesun3414]

@@HandyGuy2016 Thank you

[@jack0903]

How do you change the wire??

[@Outdoor-Adventures]

what is the heaviest thing you try to lift so far? thanks

[@HandyGuy2016]

My big mower with bagger, lifted completely off the ground almost 2000 pounds.

[@Outdoor-Adventures]

@@HandyGuy2016 2000 or 200 lbs?

[@HandyGuy2016]

@@Outdoor-Adventures 2K

[@Outdoor-Adventures]

@@HandyGuy2016 I’m very impressed for a hoist that rated 880 lbs, thanks

[@HandyGuy2016]

@@Outdoor-Adventures me too, I only did it to test it before use, and I couldn't believe it would do that.

[@marinemomkerry]

I just bought one of these and the cable inside of it just is very loose and keeps getting stuck. I've tried unwinding it completely enrolling it back up with the remote but it doesn't work I can't get it tight enough and it keeps stopping how can I fix this

[@HandyGuy2016]

Are you respooling it with weight? It will need to be a under tension to respool clean and tight.