Hydraulic Lift for RV12

[DonFromTX]

A year or so ago it seems, someone posted modifying a Harbor Freight motorcycle/ATV lift to lift en entire RV12. I bought the lift, but cannot find the thread that described how to modify it for aircraft use. Can anybody help? Below is a photo of the lift that was used, with a 1500 lb capacity, it should do the trick with ease. Hangar got flooded, need to repack and clean all the wheel bearings.
[IMG][/IMG]

[DHeal]

Here's one thread:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...highlight=lift

If I were to do this, I guess I would build a relatively flat wooden cradle that supported the aircraft at the two transverse saw-horse bulkhead positions delineated in the RV-12 service manual -- use some carpeting for skin protection.

To do my wheel work I place a homemade hydraulic jack stand at the wing tiedown bolt and individually lift each wheel. For the nose wheel I use a cheap come-a-long between the tail tiedown ring and a hard-point (or heavy weight) on the hangar floor.

[Mich48041]

Don,
I could not find the post that you are looking for but here are a couple of links to other methods of jacking up the RV-12. I use the two saw horse method.
How to Jack up the RV-12
Lift one gear leg

[DonFromTX]

Thanks Joe, I have the modified saw horses as well, work great. In looking for a way to do it myself, and lift all wheels at once, this sure seems sweet. Just have to carefully figure out how to pad the lift with carpet, and be SURE you put it in the exact right place.

[JohnInReno]

Try this thread:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=154530

[rockwoodrv9]

Don,
I use one to lift my 9A. It works great. What I did was build a wooden box about 12"x12"x24". I cant remember exact measurements but just make the box so you need to lift about 4" and not too wide to hit antennas. I then put a 2" piece of blue foam on top of the box. It is not stable enough to work on the plane while it is in the air, but works great to work on the wheel pants, brakes, or change tire. I dont even use the handle to pump the jack it goes up so easy.

If I were home, I would take a picture. It will take several times to figure out the balance point. I made a mark with a felt pen on mine so I can easily go up again.

Have fun!

[DonFromTX]

thanks John, that was exactly what I was looking for!

Originally Posted by JohnInReno

Try this thread:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=154530

[rockwoodrv9]

Don, they are on sale for $60 bucks!

http://widgets.harborfreight.com/wsw...21&single=true

[DHeal]

Dealing with the presence of the belly-mounted comm antenna will likely be a bit of a challenge.

[DonFromTX]

Thanks, but I bought one long ago, just did not get around to building a box for it.

Originally Posted by rockwoodrv9

Don, they are on sale for $60 bucks!

http://widgets.harborfreight.com/wsw...21&single=true