Best Hard Top Lift?

[SharpWraX]

I've had a number of hard tops in a couple of different sheds. I just noticed the AJOR vendor . They appear to have a good range of possibilities. I had a look at the options and thought I would share my experiences and open up for feedback.

My first lift was the manual hoist. This was quite good but the hard top still bounced a little during the lifting and lowering process. This is okay but when you get close to the Jeep tub a controllable "soft" landing is most desirable.



Second was a Harken Hoist http://www.quadratec.com/products/12020_1000.htm. The Harken is a manual rope system. I found it works well with the option of increasing gearing to lighten the amount of manual lift pull required. You do need a flat roof or beams to screw or bolt hooks into. Big poz is no power needed.


My third lift was as electric hoist that I bought off ebay. Looks similar to the one on the Hoist-Lift vendor site. This has been a bit disappointing as it is not slow enough and really makes the top bounce when you start and stop. Bit stressful when attempting to mount the hard top especially if on your own.



My preference next would be the slow crank set up... just wish I went for this first up!!... unless I could find a cheap electric that had a speed control.

[Green Goblin]

Cool thanks for the info I am looking at doing something soon for the hard top

[Biznbec]

Interesting, but how do you go about attaching the lifting device to the hard top?

[SharpWraX]

Originally Posted by Biznbec

Interesting, but how do you go about attaching the lifting device to the hard top?

There are a number of brands. I reused my Lange frame although did use straps for the Harken. One of my hard tops was a Wild Boar so I had a custom frame made. It is very similar to the Lange in principle.

[Jeeps]

I plan to use something like the Lange t-frame setup but i have purchased one of these to use with it: Friction Hand winch

As you winch the load, you can release the handle without having to secure a lock. Just winch, stop and let go, the friction brake holds the load - crazy but it works. To winch back down, just wind the handle in reverse and if you stop and then let go it still just holds in that position. It's smooth and you can winch slow or fast. Well, that's the idea... i'll let you know how i go...

cheers

[SharpWraX]

Originally Posted by Jeeps

I plan to use something like the Lange t-frame setup but i have purchased one of these to use with it: Friction Hand winch

As you winch the load, you can release the handle without having to secure a lock. Just winch, stop and let go, the friction brake holds the load - crazy but it works. To winch back down, just wind the handle in reverse and if you stop and then let go it still just holds in that position. It's smooth and you can winch slow or fast. Well, that's the idea... i'll let you know how i go...

cheers

Man that looks and sounds great. Post up when it's in action.

[Jeeps]

I had a look at the Hoistlifts.com website and they have a manual setup with one of those friction hand brakes.

cheers