Lift Table preference?

I was thinking about picking up a lift table to make engine removal easier. Last time I used a motorcycle lift table, since I already had one handy. I�d like to grab a lift table for the next time. Can you share any recommendations on vendor, brand or capacity that worked well for you in the past?

I got the 1,000 lb capacity lift table from harborfreight. Works like a charm. There ahould be some action shots in my engine rebuild thread.

Thanks, I’ve has good luck with their stuff so far. I’ll check them out. I appreciate the reply.

"I got the 1,000 lb capacity lift table from harborfreight. Works like a charm." I cheaped out and bought the 500lb capacity table (I figured it would be ok with a motor rated at approx 460). While it worked, there were a few instances where it needed help (a floor jack on either side when it was at full bottom - otherwise it wouldn't lift the motor...once it was up about 1/3 of the way, it was fine). Spend the extra $100

Thanks all. 1000 pound it is. Nothing worse than saving a buck or two and then having the tool be not quite right for the job at hand.

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Well, it was $100...! At the time, I was trying to be "responsible" as I was already in about $4k in parts and about $1.5 in tools. In hindsight, I certainly should have spent the extra hundy...

I'm not pointing fingers. Sorry if it came across like that. I used a HF motorcycle lift table the last time I dropped the engine, since I had it handy and the price was $0 additional.

I think the HF lift is like 50% the price of other similar lift tables. My HF one does the job but it has two minor issues that I would like to point out. 1) No mechanical stops. I just use some solid metal bars or sockets to jam the feet on their track to create my own stops. I'm sure you can be creative and make more sophisticated mechanisms. 2) The lift does sag in time but with 1) above it's not a big problem

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^^ That's strange... Mine does have stop "arms" that fold out and jam against the bottom frame - from memory they hold the table at about 2/3rds of max height... I learned to use these after the first time I left the motor on the lift overnight... fortunately, no catastrophic damage

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I believe the stop arms are only on the 500lb model but not the 1,000lb model.

HF 1000 lb (actually rated at 1,100 if I recall correctly) works well. I use it for Porsche and Audi drivetrain dropouts with no problems.

Quick question for this thread. On 996, of dropping the transmission, is it safe to leave engine on its normal engine mounts (loosened) and on the AGA engine support. The one that bolts into the location where rear sway bar bolts. plan to leave it up for a number of weeks while working on transmission. Can it hold the weight or is that a mistake?

Offhand, if you are asking the HFright 1000 lift to hold both engine and trans, sounds like a bad idea. Engine OK, yes. Photos I have seen are folks use a 2nd jack/trans jack to hold trans and then take the trans off the engine. Folks also use an engine hoist thing (like for american motors) to take some of the load off the lift-table. Another photo had 2"-3" straps holding trans from a fitting in ceiling. I have a 5' x 3" steel pipe fitted in rafters to do the same thing like a strap or similar. I use it to hang critters (deer, elk) invited in the garage for "keeping warm and coat/hat removal...." YMMV

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If you want an accurate answer on this I recommend reaching out to AGA�

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Who wants accuracy when you can try, cross your fingers and hope for the best

That's what I got too, really good. I got it when it was on really good sale. It does have stop bars and did not sag overnight. You Tube

Does anyone know the width of the M96. Using a 4 post lift and have 35� clear and wondering if it will fit.

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Width of 996 is listed as 69.5". However, post lifts operate at specific distances according to the lift-swing arms (or whatever they are called). 4-post position may not be as critical as 2-post, like how to open the door, etc, but it will still have some "operating specs" for position of the posts. Another thing to look at is if you are going to use it for any other car, SUV, pick-up or something. Go here for Porsche specs and info. Pretty accurate, some errors here and there. https://www.excellence-mag.com/resources/specs YMMV