Is it worth the money for a sled lift for repairs?
- Thread starter snowmanx
- Start date
Depends...
If you feel you need one, plan to pay a little extra, or build your own - a lot of them are simply junk
Depends if you take your sled into the dealer or do most of your own repairs / mods. I like using a lift so I'm not hunched over (bad back), but I don't use it most of the time - usually use a winch on the rear bumper, (especially if changing a track) or a floor jack in front with a 2x4 to disperse the weight evenly.
If you feel you need one, plan to pay a little extra, or build your own - a lot of them are simply junk
This is what I have & it works great. Just remove the tire vise & drive on & drive off.
Very stable/sturdy/safe.
It takes up shop space, so when not in use I keep it in the pickup stall underneath my truck.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-motorcycle-lift-68892.html
Very stable/sturdy/safe.
It takes up shop space, so when not in use I keep it in the pickup stall underneath my truck.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-motorcycle-lift-68892.html
ABSO-FRIKIN-LUTELY
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My opinion is a resounding no. I build all my sleds from scratch and have never owned a lift. Most of the things you need to do to a sled, a lift makes more difficult anyway. IMO
It is far easier to change tracks, skis, front suspension pieces with the sled tipped to one side or the other than straight up vertically.
The few things you do need the sled flat for; tensioning the track. It is far easier and cheaper hanging from the ceiling than having the damn lift in the way.
My 2 cents
P.S. None of the dealers I knew (before I started building all my sleds from scratch) used a stupid lift either.
I've always ridden Polaris so maybe it's a fat sled thing? IE: Yamaha, Arctic Cat, and Ski Doo?
It is far easier to change tracks, skis, front suspension pieces with the sled tipped to one side or the other than straight up vertically.
The few things you do need the sled flat for; tensioning the track. It is far easier and cheaper hanging from the ceiling than having the damn lift in the way.
My 2 cents
P.S. None of the dealers I knew (before I started building all my sleds from scratch) used a stupid lift either.
I've always ridden Polaris so maybe it's a fat sled thing? IE: Yamaha, Arctic Cat, and Ski Doo?
I use my sled lift constantly. While I agree with LoudHandle that it is much easier to do a track change by hanging the rear of the sled from the ceiling, all else is easier with a lift. I have used it with all brands and I love it. As far as storage, in the summer I put my sled on it in the trailer and lift it up a little so there is no weight on the suspension components. Just MHO.
For the record I do the bulk of a track change with the sled on the left side. Far easier than fighting gravity. IMO
Can't think of a single dealership I have been into that doesn't have LIFTS.
Difference is, most of the dealerships use a FLAT SOLID lift, that is multi-purpose rather than a dedicated sled only lift.
Track change
About the only time I HAVEN'T used my stand.
Love it.
Nyom nyom nyom! Would totally buy again.
This isn't the one I have but this one looks laid out better
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sledez-Snow...ash=item2c7c7ea143:g:8A0AAOSwNSxVT1Ga&vxp=mtr
The front wheels in line will work better with 36" front ends.
About the only time I HAVEN'T used my stand.
Love it.
Nyom nyom nyom! Would totally buy again.
This isn't the one I have but this one looks laid out better
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sledez-Snow...ash=item2c7c7ea143:g:8A0AAOSwNSxVT1Ga&vxp=mtr
The front wheels in line will work better with 36" front ends.
YES! Best $200 I have ever spent on a snowmobile!
I bought the flat lift like most shops use, it's the best $800.00 I ever spent and works with quads, UTV's, bikes and even my riding mower.
I was never comfortable with the cheaper sled lifts but there are some very nice ones for $200 or so. I like the one I bought as I use it all year.
I was never comfortable with the cheaper sled lifts but there are some very nice ones for $200 or so. I like the one I bought as I use it all year.
I bought this same lift and had a machine shop bend some 12" channels to go on each side. THe skis sit on the wings and the track in the middle on th original lift.
It gets the whole sled up in the air to work on instead of bending over all the time.
Maybe at 53 I am just an OLD guy.
But I am here to tell ya.
It is SO much easier sitting on my rolling chair and being able to work at eye level with the sled elevated up in the air.
But I am here to tell ya.
It is SO much easier sitting on my rolling chair and being able to work at eye level with the sled elevated up in the air.
I was under the impression the whole point of buying Yamaha was that you never had to wrench on them.
Lol
I was under the impression the whole point of buying Yamaha was that you never had to wrench on them.
Mods to make then lighter?
Sorry but it was too easy......
http://www.discountramps.com/snowmobile-jack/p/SNO-1508-W/
Bought my dad this lift for his birthday. He said it's very nice and works well.
Bought my dad this lift for his birthday. He said it's very nice and works well.
Yes it is.
