won auction - two post lift...now what?

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I won an local online auction for a used Hofmann MSE 5000 two post lift, good for 11,000 lbs
I bid low so didn't think I would win....but I did! Now what? I don't have a place for it. I don't know the true value. Trade it off? Keep it for when I get a place? Try to sell it for profit?
What should I look for as far as damage. What is needed for mounting the thing. I imagine that a regular pad isn't up to snuff, or is it? Can I mount this outside, as in will the weather affect it safety wise?
Any person knowledgeable about these type lifts please give me some insight.
Thanks,

Richard

 

[bmerr98]

I just looked it up. Is it the one on Kijiji.com that the synchronization is off? I wish I were closer. I'd think about making an offer. I have a 5500lb lift that's good for the Ranger, but not near enough for the Expedition.

That's something you'd definitely want in a shop, not outside. If you got it with a low bid, a modest profit shouldn't be too hard to squeeze out of it. Haven't found any prices for that particular unit yet tho.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It is the one with the synchro off. It uses two 220V 3-phase electric motors that are synchronized together. I haven't seen it yet to determine what that means. Most of the web sites that come up when I search are based in the UK.

Richard

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I don't know how Canada is, but I know that in the US, three phase stuff is usually pretty cheap when you find someone trying to get rid of used stuff. The reason is, three phase power is often hard to come by unless you have commercial ground. Common house wiring is two phase.

 

[kunar]

I don't know how Canada is, but I know that in the US, three phase stuff is usually pretty cheap when you find someone trying to get rid of used stuff. The reason is, three phase power is often hard to come by unless you have commercial ground. Common house wiring is two phase.

Residential wiring is single phase, no such thing as two phase. Not that it really matters, your point is the same.

A static phase converter can be built for fairly cheap (maybe $100 for a 3-5 hp motor) but the problem is that the motor will only run at 80-90% of its 3ph rating. For a lot of stuff that's okay, especially when youre using big, heavy duty commercial stuff in a residential setting. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but somehow they create a phase shift with a series of capacitors. I dont understand that stuff well enough.

 

[Chris_North]

Actually, that's not entirely true. Although as you said, his point remains the same, and 2-phase is so obscure and obsolete it might as well not exist.

I've also seen rotary three phase converters, IIRC they use another motor to convert single phase to three phase, also not sure how. I guess it doesn't matter if you don't have a place for it, like my house...

 

[thewskrs]

I have 2 rotory 3 phase converters I built. My neighbor does also. We run machine shop equipment on them fine and the lift would work on one well. You would need to mount it on a couple of heavy concrete bases. I would think 2-3 foot around and about 3 feet deep. If your soil would permit.You don't need a full pad. Tarps for bad weather untill you get a shed over it. Or sell it and make a few bucks if you don't need it.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The three phase converter idea sounds like something I should look into. Anyone have links?
Thanks,

Richard

 

[kunar]

richard, just hit up google and see what you can find. i dont have a whole lot of first hand experience so i cant point you in any specific direction. rotary converters are definitely a better option, but theyre also much more expensive. its gonna be up to you to weigh the cost vs the benefit. i'd start out googling something like "diy static phase converter"

chris, looked up two phase, youre absolutely right. good reading, always fun learning something new. i stand corrected!

 

[RangerSVT]

Richard, you could always ship it down to me, and whenever you need it, just stop on by, you'll always have a parking place in my shop...lol good score!

SVT

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Residential wiring is single phase, no such thing as two phase. Not that it really matters, your point is the same.

A static phase converter can be built for fairly cheap (maybe $100 for a 3-5 hp motor) but the problem is that the motor will only run at 80-90% of its 3ph rating. For a lot of stuff that's okay, especially when youre using big, heavy duty commercial stuff in a residential setting. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but somehow they create a phase shift with a series of capacitors. I dont understand that stuff well enough.

You are correct on residential being single phase. I was trying to do three or four things at once and had my dog at my elbow wanting attention. Been a crazy couple weeks here, working more than usual but making less than usual for money.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I may be able to trade it for a 18' car hauler, which is something I've wanted for a long time.

 

[thewskrs]

For info on phase converters, go here. phase-a-matic.com. I have an older rotory that is made of only a single phase motor to drive a three phase motor to tap the 3 phase from. It works. But the best is my unit that uses one of the static converters to drive a three phase motor to generate the three phase. My latest is this set up. cost me about 300 to build a unit for 5hp ,as 3 phase motors are dirt cheap. But if you don't need the lift and do need the car hauler, a trade is easier !

 

[4.0B2]

yeah.
a new carhauler can be had for around $1700 for a 16' plus 2' dovetail with LEDs and new tires and ramps (at least they can down here)...

if you need a hauler and not a lift, trade it... if you want the lift, hook it up. Those 3 phase converters can be made. it'd be worth it IMO to have a lift.

 

[pjtoledo]

swapping the 3 phase motor for a single phase is an option, but that usually involves more money.


Perry

just curious, how much to ship it to Ohio?