I recently bought a 1920s era house. While I love the house, the basement access leaves much to be desired. You can only access the basement via side door, a 90-degree turn, and a rickety flight of stairs.
I’d like a way to replace the 5x5’ entryway with a lift. Need 7’, and a load capacity of at lest 800#.
What’s the cheapest way to do this? I was thinking a box truck liftgate, or possibly a auto lift…used, of course. It also needs to be price-competitive with just knocking a hole in the cellar and installing Bilco doors…or even expanding the coal door condiderably.
Easiest way I think would be a reversable gear reduction motor and heavy chain such as is used on a fork lift. Or you could just buy an old fork lift and use the hydralics off it. Time you get done though, might be easier finding a used man lift with all the parts.
OK, cheaper idea but you need some metal working abilities and a welder. Use a winch witha long control cord of course. Four steel posts. The platform riding on wheels along the four posts such as a carnival ride. You’ll have to work out the details. The only issue is that you need some type of automatic brake or second cable in case the main cable breaks.