Carboy Lift Options

[ForzaItalia]

Hey All,

Was looking to get a cart to help me rack my wine. I was contemplating two models. One is a 500 lb capacity lift cart from harbor freight (max lift 27") and the other is a dirt bike lift with a 300 lb capacity (max lift 36"). I think the 36" one would be better because it will be counter height when fully extended. What do you all think? Does the 500 vs 300 lb capacity really matter? I don't think a full demijohn or carboy gets that heavy.

Thanks!
Ilario

 

[jpsmithny]

Why not just get a pump?

You'll have to lift the carboy onto that anyway so what is the advantage?

 

[littlefootwines]

Hi i would tend to think that 5 gallions would be close to 60 t0 100 lbs depending on it being in glass or plastic. The red lift looks to have a small base and the lift of 36 inches . The other on looks to have the lift of 27 inches and a bigger base.

So based on that i would think as long as you are only doing 1 carboy at a time go with the higher lift remembering it can be unstable at max height. Having used scissor lifts a lot during my time in the work force i do remember them to move a lot at max height would not want to chance losing a carboy of good wine if it was to be bumped and tip.

Shane

 

[Runningwolf]

I got mine over the holidays and never looked back. My only question is why didn't I get it years ago. I love it. The 500lbs is plenty big enough.

 

[vacuumpumpman]

I must say it is a good idea -

But you still have to lift the carboy from the floor onto the lift -

Dan your lift appears to be constructed alot better than others that I have seen here -

 

[Runningwolf]

Steve, I do not use this for 5 or 6 gallon carboys. I use it for blending or racking. I could start a ferment in the large brute container then raise it and siphon out of it after fermentation. Or I could put a 15 gal demi jon on it and siphon carboys into it for blending purposes the raise it and siphon back into smaller carboys. This is the 500lb capacity from Harbor Freight.

 

[Pumpkinman]

Ilario,
Look into the All In One Wine Pump and never lift another carboy! Plus you can not only rack, you can filter, and bottle as well!. I love the AIO, making as much as I do without it would be a pain in the back...and arse!

 

[west_end]

looks like these are on sell again

http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-60730-10041.html#.Uyrh761dV7Q

 

[ForzaItalia]

Thanks for all the feedback! I do have a vacuum pump but thought that this would be handy to have around the basement to help move carboys and fermenters around with ease. I have limited counter space so I was thinking of putting one carboy on a counter and another on the lift (slightly lower then the counter). This will basically extend my work space and when i am done vacuum racking it I can just roll it to its place on the other side of the basement. I was also thinking of using it has a lift for my fermenter. If you see the pic below, I have a valve on the bottom that i installed to rack and return during fermentation and to remove free run wine after fermentation. If I have a lift I can easily lift it to the appropriate height to put a bucket underneath.

 

[wildvines]

All in one pump!


Sent from my iPhone using Wine Making

 

[DoctorCAD]

If only I could get one that would go up and down my stairs!!!!!!!

 

[vacuumpumpman]

If only I could get one that would go up and down my stairs!!!!!!!

I have talked to people who bought a 100 foot roll of hose and used the Allinone or any other vacuum source and make it work -

 

[sour_grapes]

I have talked to people who bought a 100 foot roll of hose and used the Allinone or any other vacuum source and make it work -

FYI: There is a fundamental limit of 34 feet vertical change.

 

[vacuumpumpman]

FYI: There is a fundamental limit of 34 feet vertical change.

That would be going straight up correct ?
He is going from his garage to his basement which is lower in elevation than his garage

How many stories is 34 feet I wonder ?

 

[dralarms]

Thats funny. Lol

 

[sour_grapes]

That would be going straight up correct ?
He is going from his garage to his basement which is lower in elevation than his garage

How many stories is 34 feet I wonder ?

Well, I said "vertical change." It does not have to be straight up, but the total elevation change cannot exceed 34 feet upwards. Realistically, you'd be hard-pressed to exceed, say, 20 feet.

34 feet is about 4 stories in a typical residential setting, or 3 stories commercial.

HTH.

 

[etownmickey]

@RunningWolf I'm so jealous of your work space right now!

 

[Runningwolf]

@RunningWolf I'm so jealous of your work space right now!

Thanks, it took a lot of trips to the salvation army and thrift store to make the room. Having a basement, no kids at home (no idea what happen to all the old toys LOL) and a supportive wife was certainly a good recipe. Plus I'm not a pack rat except for tools.

 

[ForzaItalia]

I just got mine today and love it! Already putting it to use!

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Wine Making mobile app