Interesting that you mention there low lift... I actually had a problem finding a "small" unit that lifted this high. I have 9 ft ceilings ( so I can put an overhead track lift in for transferring from the wheelchair to the bed and bath) plus 12 ( well actually 14 with sub floor and flooring) inches of joists. I needed about 10ft 2" of lift. I measured this unit at 10 ft 8".... just enough for my needs.

The "local" forklift service is toyotalift... they seemed very friendly but didn't have the manual for this machine ( they had the service contract for it the factory I got if from but it was a seldom used machine and it looks like they just did the basic battery check, grease and oil a few times a year on it).

I looked up Able Womack.... looks like a huge company. I can give them a try but it has been my experience that most large shops don't like dealing with the "small fry" like myself. I have always been just a one man business and understandably most large shops cater to large factories.

Also, I am not blind to the fact that most companies would not even want to talk with me if explain I am using this as a elevator. Lawyers have scared everyone. When I did work for Westinghouse, they required 10 million minimum insurance. As a one person company, this almost killed me. My insurance typically cost me %20 of my gross profits!

I don't mind taking responsibility for my lift since it will be for personal use only. Even the local inspector didn't care... he said the same thing. If it is commercial or public use it comes under the Fire Marshal. For our own use... you can build what you want. No one but my wife and I will ever ride on it. I will keep it "locked out" when not in use "just in case".

I am hoping that by getting a manual and knowing all the parts I need, I can just order parts from any dealer. They need not know what they are going on... I am sure they will just assume it is for the Raymond lift.

I figure at this point, just asking how to dismantle it and find part numbers and parts, everyone should still be OK. I am not asking for any advice on how to build the elevator... just trying to understand the original forklift.

I actually ran into this problem a few times now try to fix a hoyer lift and a stair lift for an elderly couple. They had no insurance that would cover the repair and could not afford the $100 per hour charge (4 hour minimum) for the local repair guy. In both cases it was a simple problem. They local rep and the factory would not sell me the parts to fix them. For one item I was able to order it when I told them I was a business that installed and repaired medical equipment (sure a machine shop can do that). For the other, they would not sell it to me no mater what... sales and service only through the local rep. I ended up making the part... took less than an hour. I just felt so sorry for this couple and I am sure there is many more like them out there.

Anyway, I got the mast off during a snow storm the other day ( fun).

I just took off what I assumed was a fitting at the back of the cylinder ( badly corroded most likely from battery acid dripping on it at some point in its life).

I see it more that a fitting. can I assume this is some sort of check valve / limiter. I am guessing it lets full flow in one direction ( raising the cylinder ) and yet limits the flow in the other direction ( limiting the speed when lowering the unit). Is this correct?

Again, here is where I need a manual. This unit works but since it is in rough shape, I would like to replace it. I need a part number.

Also, just for my own education, is this a common hydraulic part? Do I need to get it from a fork lift dealer or can I get this part from anyone who sells hydraulic parts?

Thanks so much again..... Mike

Thanks again..... Mike