Hello!

Really, I am only interested in the "lifting" parts of the unit.

I am trying to get a list of parts that make up the mast ( really only the guide rollers, chain and cylinder seals ) and the lift hydraulics ( motor, pump, valves ect.) I want to replace any worn parts now and then stock pile any parts that may wear in the future.

My wife is paralyzed from the shoulders down and confined to an electric wheelchair. I need an elevator to get her upstairs.

A commercial unit is $40K! Way out of our price range. I bought this unit for $850 and it was in service till last week. I figure for about $4K, I should be able to build a lift ( about 10% of the cost of buying a unit). We were told we could get a grant for an elevator once the house was done ( building area was small and lent itself to a two story home also it was cheaper to build up than out). Now we are told the grant is only for $5K max. We borrowed to our limit to build the house and don't have $35K more for the elevator.

A hydraulic lift is ideal. Even if lines break or seals fail, it will come down safely ( I will put a limiter on the cylinder in case the line breaks). I runs on batteries so it will work if the power fails. All I need is to put a battery minder on the batteries. It will most likely get use for 2 to 5 minutes per day ( very low service factor). My max load will be 600 lbs ( wife, me and the chair... although I want to set it up so she can use it by herself.. so say 400 lbs).

I am a machinist so the mounting of the mast and fabricating of a car is no problem.

I worked for 10 years as a consultant at Westinghouse Nuclear so I am very aware of the safety concerns of a lifting device ( safety switches, door interlocks, pinch points,....).

I have just never worked on a forklift before ( really the only hydraulics I have done is a log splitter and modifying a machine at Westinghouse... put a proportional valve on a lift with a plc to slow the lift and gently stop the unit rather than a hard "bounce at the end of a lift).

You could also send us a little "warmth" up here in VT... I am stripping this unit outside in sub zero weather. We poured the pad for my new shop but we had to delay putting it up till spring.

Just FYI... here is motor home I modified my wife could travel ( she needs care every 4 hours). You can see the lift I build on it. We are living in it till the house is done ( motor homes are not meant for VT winters).

http://mcsele.shutterfly.com/2299

I appreciate any advice you can give.

Thanks..... Mike